Microcomputer Energy Analysis Studies of Selected Building Types in a Hot, Humid Climatic Zone

Abstract

The DOE-2 building energy analysis computer program has been used in both the design and analysis of new or retrofitted buildings. The combination of ease of use, economy, and the capability of producing a comprehensive thermal analysis has made this tool valuable to the design professional. Recent developments in the microcomputer area make it possible to employ hourly building energy analysis computer models, such a s DOE-2, that were once available only through use of mainframe computers, A microcomputer version of the DOE-2 model is currently available for the study of design and analysis simulations of many building types. Several characteristic buildings emphasizing variations in housing, office/commercial, and school types are being studied. These building types form typical low-scale buildings that are found throughout the region. The discovery of the effects of shape, orientation , mass, and other architectonic elements on energy conservation form a major concern of the survey. A DOE-2 program version adapted for use on a microcomputer demonstrating similar modeling capabilities to the mainframe version is the primary analytical tool used in this study. DOE-2 simulates the heating and cooling loads and the energy consumed by both the primary plant and secondary HVAC energy sources.