Energy Analysis of the Texas Capitol Restoration

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology and results of a detailed energy analysis of the Texas Capitol Restoration. The purpose of this analysis was two-fold: 1) to determine the projected energy cost savings of a series of design alternatives for the Capitol Restoration, and 2) to calibrate the simulation model of the Capitol in its prerestored condition (in September 1991) using monitored energy use data from the Texas LoanSTAR program. The Capitol in its proposed restored condition was simulated using the DOE-2 building energy analysis computer program with long-term Austin weather data to project the annual energy use, peak electric demand, and annual energy cost. Then a series of 13 energy efficient design altematives was simulated. The results were compared to those of the base case to determine the projected annual energy and energy cost savings for each measure, and for combinations of several of the measures. Finally, the paper documents the calibration of the DOE-2 model for the Capitol in its prerestored condition, using monitored hourly whole-building electric data (excluding heating and cooling energy).