H&H - Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates

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http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/2886

The Proceedings of the Hot & Humid Symposium are housed in this collection.

This Symposium provides an opportunity to exchange information on technologies, strategies, and programs to improve the efficiency of building systems in hot and humid climates.

The conference program consists of technical presentations and discussions, highlighted by a vision-building plenary session, informative luncheon speakers, and technical sessions with top researchers and practitioners.

Click HERE to view the Hot and Humid Proceedings Catalog.

For more information, please go to the Hot and Humid website: http://www.hothumidsymposium.org

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 660

League City Intermediate School - A Study in Energy Efficient Design
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Longserre, J. T.; Ahrens, L.; Houston Lighting & Power Co.
For many design professionals, standardization of design and engineering strategies has become a key element in the construction of institutional facilities. Conservation features, such as innovative building design, and energy efficient electrical and mechanical systems are often considered "extras". An increase in these "extras" can mean an increase in budget, leaving the energy conscious customer with the responsibility of weighing additional investment against possible future savings. This paper is an account of the design features of a southwest Texas school project in which energy conservation was an integral, not an "extra", design factor. The result was an aesthetically pleasing, energy savings institutional facility, built within a standard budget.
Demand Control Utilizing Energy Management Systems - Report of Field Tests
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Russell, B. D.; Heller, R. P.; Perry, L. W.; Texas A&M University; MICON Engineering, Inc.
Energy Management systems and particularly demand controllers are becoming more popular as commercial and light industrial operations attempt to reduce their electrical usage and demand. Numerous techniques are used to control energy use and demand and many manufacturers are offering equipment. This study attempts to characterize and quantify the effects of various control philosophies used in these equipments. Monitoring and control equipment has been installed in commercial facilities with results used in this study. Individual loads have been characterized by their demand contribution and run times. Load profiles and demand histories for various facilities have been used to analyze several energy control philosophies. The results from pre and post control situations are herein presented by using the collected field data. It has been found that facilities which appear quite similar may vary in load characteristics such that the same control philosophies may not produce the same result in demand limiting or energy savings. Specifically, the proper energy management philosophy depends not only on the operation of the facility, but also on the characteristics of the individual loads which may be controlled. This paper gives comments concerning scheduling control concepts and demand limiting philosophy. Special recommendations are made regarding demand control techniques.
System Optimization - The Global Approach to HVAC Control
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Thielman, D. E.; The Trane Company
System Optimization is a new approach to HVAC control as implemented by Energy Management Control Systems. System Optimization is defined as electronic building control strategies which treat a building's HVAC components as a complete energy-efficient and coordinated system. Trends in the development of HVAC control strategies are briefly discussed. An example which differentiates between conventional and System Optimization approaches is used to illustrate this new approach. The example discusses aspects of cooling season operation for a typical HVAC system. The paper concludes with four basic principles of System Optimization which are essential for effective control of a building environment.
Designing for Energy Conservation - The Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital
(Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1984) Wiernik, L. B.; Ranzau, P. A.; ; Houston Lighting & Power Company
The concept of designing for energy conservation has long been a concern of Houston Lighting & Power (HL&P), culminating in the development of a local energy conservation design award competition in 1980. This competition sponsored by HL&P and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), strives to increase interest and provide incentive for energy conscious building design among the building community. The success and importance of this competition has been recognized by the Texas Society of Architects who will pattern a state wide competition after this one. Judges evaluate the building entries on architectural design, competitive cost of utilized materials and effective energy conservation techniques. A building that is attractive, energy efficient and economically constructed has the winning combination. This paper details the design concepts of a 1984 Grand Award winner, the Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, in the Fourth Annual Energy Conservation Design Award Competition.
Energy Management Experience in Public Schools
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) McClure, J. D.; Estes, McClure & Associates Inc.
Public schools have a continuing dilemma of escalating energy costs, deferred maintenance, and enrollment shift. Schools have experienced difficulty in dealing with budgeting and subsequent control of maintenance and operating costs. It is essential that schools carefully plan their energy use and cost just as they plan any other resource. This paper discusses experience obtained in assisting Texas Public Schools in using energy more efficiently. Energy management planning and typical energy conservation measures implemented are discussed.
Selection, Sizing, and Testing of Stream Traps in Commercial Buildings
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Armer, A.; Risko, J. R.; Spirax Sarco, Incorporated
For maximum effectiveness in steam systems, steam traps should have operating characteristics which closely match the requirements of the applications for which they are used. A trap which holds back condensate until it is subcooled and some of the sensible heat has been utilized is unsuitable where the need is to get maximum output from an exchanger by discharging condensate as soon as it forms. Equally, a trap discharging condensate at steam temperature can exacerbate flash steam problems in cases where surplus heat exchange area exists and a subcooling trap might be more suitable. In all cases, undersized traps simply cannot drain condensate from the steam equipment at the required rate, while oversized traps which cost more will usually wear faster and begin leaking expensive steam. This emphasizes the need for carefully selecting trap sizes that are properly engineered for maximum system efficiency. And, of course, the ability of a trap to cope with varying loads and to discharge noncondensible gases is often important. The recommended procedure is to first select the trap type which has performance capabilities that satisfy specific application needs, and then to choose a size which handles the condensate load without any unnecessary excess capacity. The Selection Guide, Table 1, is not comprehensive but helps in many applications where no unusual operating conditions or severe corrosion problems exist. Choosing the correct trap size then implies estimating the steam consumption rate, which of course equals the condensate load. Sometimes the load has already been measured, or the rated output of the steam equipment is known or can be obtained from the original manufacturer. In other cases, an estimate must be made and a Table o f Load Formulas will help although it, too, cannot be comprehensive. After making the best possible estimate of the load, a safety factor is applied. This allows for any inaccuracies in the estimating, for increased condensation rates at start-up, and for lower than anticipated pressure differentials across the trap.
Energy Study of City Hall Building: Port Arthur, Texas 1980-1981
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Andrews, J. A.; C. R. Villarreal Engineering, Inc.
As may be noted by the title, this is a detailed study of the energy consumption of this building. It deals in the real world of actual energy utilization and it concludes with a "How To" approach to reduce and/or control the amount of energy used, commensurate with the practicality of the day to day operation of the structure. It also recognizes the absolute need to respect the fact that the most important aspect of any recommended changes is how they will affect the occupants of the building in their working conditions, as well as their health and safety.
Economic Analysis of Home Heating and Cooling
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Wagers, H. L.; Geothermal, Inc.
Over the last eleven years Houston Lighting & Power has raised utility rates an average of 17% per year. Over the last 3 1/2 years the utility rates have doubled. According to Houston City Magazine, Houstonians can expect future raises of 20-25% annually due to required construction of new utility plants to accommodate Houston's future growth. Utility costs could, and in many cases do, exceed the monthly mortgage payment. This has caused all to become concerned with what can be done to lower the utility bill for homes. In a typical Gulf Coast home approximately 50% of household utility costs are due to the air conditioning system, another 15-20% of utility costs are attributed to hot water heating. The remaining items in the home including lights, toaster, washer, dryer, etc. are relatively minor compared to these two "energy gulpers". Reducing air conditioning and hot water heating costs are therefore the two items on which homeowners should concentrate.
The Value of the EWIT Computer Program in Identifying Economically Viable Retrofit Options for Existing Commercial Buildings
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Andrews, W. M.; University of Colorado at Denver
The Energy What If Tool (EWIT) program developed by the New Mexico firm of Area. Inc., offers architects and environmental designers a new and viable means to model the energy performance of their building designs while in the schematic phase by means of a personal computer. Previously the only way that such data could be obtained was by purchasing time on mainframe systems to run such programs as BLAST or DOE II. EWIT, however, is a program designed specifically to be run on the IBM personal computer; a machine well within the means financially of even the most modest office. The program yields data proven accurate to within 80-90% of the aforementioned BLAST and DOE II mainframe programs. The purpose of this research effort is to investigate EWIT's potential as a tool for evaluating retrofit options for existing commercial buildings. To achieve this goal two case buildings in the Denver area were analyzed by means of the EWIT program. The first building is a one story structure of 10,000 square feet in floor area while the second is a hi-rise office building of almost a million square feet. The goal of the project is to produce a documented procedure for utilizing EWIT in retrofit applications and in the process develop VISICALC financial templates that can be integrated with the output from EWIT which would provide a comparative economic basis where the merits or shortcomings of various retrofit options can be quickly determined. While the above two case studies were conducted, space limitations would allow only the findings for the smaller structure (day care center) to be published in these proceedings. However, this case study does present a comprehensive picture of the EWIT retrofit analysis and its potential to architects and designers.
A Study of the Electrical Energy Usage Patterns of a Texas Dairy
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Schneider, K. C.; Pollard, K. W.; Texas Power & Light Company; Texas A&M University
A one-year study was done on a modern dairy operation located in Hopkins County, Texas to determine the load patterns and total energy use of the major electrical loads in the dairy. It was found that the vacuum pumps for the milking machines consumed the most energy, followed by the water heater and milk coolers. Consumption for water heating and milk cooling was found to vary seasonally. Peak demands for the dairy occurred at 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. throughout the year during the morning and afternoon milkings. The morning peak occurred two hours prior to Texas Power & Light Company's winter peak hour, and the evening peak is coincident with TP&L's summer peak hour. It was estimated that a savings of approximately 33% on water heating kWh was attained through a waste heat recovery system connected to the milk coolers. The water heating load was found to have the highest load factor coincident with TP&L's summer peak of any of the loads monitored.
Utility Cost Analysis
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Horn, S.; Time Energy Systems, Inc.
One of the first steps in setting up an energy management program in a commercial building is determining operating costs per energy consuming system through a utility cost analysis. This paper illustrates utility cost analysis methods used to determine estimated energy costs by function in a sample commercial facility. Two approaches are used to determine energy utilization and to project calculated energy consumption. Additional analysis of the utility rate structure is necessary before an estimate of operating costs per energy consuming system can be made. With this, it is possible to identify energy conservation opportunities and develop strategies to control energy waste.
A Research Into a New Method of Refrigeration Charging and the Effects of Improper Charging
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Houcek, J.; Thedford, M.; The Houcek Company; Texas Power & Light Company
The purpose of this report is to provide the results of research evaluating a new method of air conditioning charging and the effects of improper charging. The method is the visual accumulator-charger device. The report identifies seven presently known charging techniques and compares them to the method tested, as well as its accuracy of charging. A research on improper charging compared to the efficiency changes as a result of overcharge and undercharge conditions is the second part of the report. The visual accumulator-charger device proved to be a practical field charging technique for air conditioning systems and demonstrated an accuracy over a temperature range of 70°F to 100°F. It was also demonstrated that the improperly charged unit was dramatically affected.
Application of an Energy Management System to a Distribution Center
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Warnick, T.; C & F Engineering, Inc.
Capital outlays for energy management must be economically attractive to warrant an expenditure. An energy management system has one of the most economic returns for an investment decision, if applied effectively. The Quaker Oats Company installed such a System in its Dallas Distribution Center. In one year the electric bills were reduced by a total of $17,668.91. Electric consumption (KWH) was reduced by thirty-one percent, electrical demand (KW) was reduced by thirty-six percent while plant operations expanded. This paper discusses the control strategies employed by the energy management system and provided the resultant savings that was obtained from the first year of operation.
The DOE Slide Rule: An Energy Conservation Estimating Tool for Homebuilders
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Winter, S.; Tuluca, A.; Steven Winter Associates, Inc.
How much insulation should be placed in the ceiling of a home? Which furnace is the best investment? Is reflective glazing a marketable option? The DOE slide rules and accompanying guides are designed to help answer such questions by providing a way to measure the impact on home energy use of a variety of energy conservation options. The whole kit is designed to be accurate and easy to use. It provides guidance on energy efficient construction practices, and a means to quantify them by using the slide rules. An economic analysis is also suggested. The work aims at transferring high level research to non-technical users: homeowners, builders and lenders.
Optimization of Chilled Water Systems
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Gidwani, B. N.; Roy F. Weston, Inc.
Chilled water systems are one of the major energy consumers in industrial, commercial, and institutional complexes. The centralization of chilled water systems has considerable advantages, namely: simplified controls, the installed capacity is reduced due to diversity, consolidated maintenance and operation, etc. With chilled water systems, the following areas present potential energy and cost savings: Chilled Water Reset Condenser Water Reset Sequencing of the Chillers Chilled Water Storage Variable Chilled Water Pumping In this paper the feasibility aspect of each of the above items will be discussed.
Design of Control Systems for HVAC Applications
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Smith, A. L.; Climate Controls Inc.
The design and application of temperature control systems on a commercial building will bring the question to mind: Should the system be Pneumatic? Should it be Electronic? There is concern as to which system will be more appropriate to a certain project. With cost, maintenance, performance, dependability, and the cost of energy as a main concern of owners, the temperature control system has become an important part of efficient utilization of energy. Application of temperature control systems to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems has become an integral part of energy management. The first phase of the program will address the problem of selection of a type of system that will be cost and energy efficient, with a minimum maintenance program. One area to be covered will be the technician and his ability to service the temperature control systems, in addition to information on the schools and technical training. The availability of trained and experienced service technicians creates a major problem for remote towns and communities. Control systems are integrated to energy management systems. Without proper maintenance the energy savings will not perform at their design level. A sub-topic on up-to-date temperature control systems with retrofit needs will he included in the presentation.
The Influence of Residential Solar Water Heating on Electric Utility Demand
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Vliet, G. C.; Askey, J. L.; The University of Texas at Austin
Similar sets of residences in Austin, Texas with electric water heaters and solar water heaters with electric back-up were monitored during 1982 to determine their instantaneous electric demands, the purpose being to determine the influence of residential solar water heating on electric utility demand. The electric demand of solar water hears was found to be approximately 0.39 kW lass than conventional electric water heaters during the late late afternoon, early evening period in the summer months when the Austin utility experiences its peak demand. The annual load factor would be only very slightly reduced if there were a major penetration of solar water heaters in the all electric housing sector. Thus solar water heating represents beneficial load management for utilities experiencing summer peaks.
Auxiliary Cooling Loads in Passively Cooled Buildings: An Experimental Research Study
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Fairey, P.; Vieira, R.; Chandra, S.; Kerestecioglu, A.; Kalaghchy, S.; Florida Solar Energy Center
Currently accepted methods of passive cooling offset only sensible building loads. In the warm, humid southeastern gulf coast climates the latent building load can comprise 35% of the building load in the typical residence. As the sensible load on residences in these climates is reduced or offset by passive cooling techniques, this latent cooling load percentage increases rapidly. In such residences the auxiliary cooling load cannot be effectively met by conventional cooling equipment . The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) is examining the auxiliary cooling requirements of residences in warm, humid climates. The study addresses both the thermal and moisture response of buildings. A total of eight wall systems, three frame wall types and five concrete block wall types are under test at the FSEC Passive Cooling Laboratory (PCL) in Cape Canaveral. Moisture studies involve examination of the absorption and desorption rates of building materials and furnishings and the development of improved moisture migration modeling techniques for inclusion in building energy analysis programs. TARP (Thermal Analysis Research program), developed at NBS by George Walton, and FLOAD, by FCHART Software, have been chosen as the analysis programs with which cooling examined.
A Gas-Fired Heat Pipe Zone Heater
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Winn, C. B.; Burns, P.; Guire, J.; Colorado State University
A gas-fired vented zone heater has recently been developed by the Altar Corporation for Colorado State University (CSU) under a Gas Research Institute (GRI) contract. The unit war developed for auxiliary heating applications in passive solar buildings. An early prototype was tested at Altas and operated as expected. The final model was shipped to CSU in December 1983 for testing in the REPEAT Facility at CSU. A heat pipe extends through the wall to the outside of the building. It has a modest water charge which can freeze repeatedly with no damage, since the heat pips is only partially filled. Firing efficiency at 4,000 Btu/b (1.17 kW thermal) is approximately 80%. The unit features a 3 foot by 3 foot radiator mounted inside the room to be heated, and is thermostatically controlled. Ignition is accomplished with an electronic sparker (pilot). The radiator typically operates at 150-180°F (65-82°C), and has been operated at between 2,000 and 5,000 Btu/h (0.6-1.47 kW). Results of testing the vented heat pipe zone heater at CSU arm presented. Also, a method for determining the optimal combination of zone heater, passive solar heating and energy conservation measures has been developed. Nomographs have been developed that may be used by a building designer to determine the optimal combination of zone heater size, passive solar system size, and energy conservation measures for given types of passive solar heating systems in selected locations. A representative nomograph is presented along with a design example.
Electrical Demand Control
(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 1984) Eppelheimer, D. M.; The Trane Company
Almost every building owner or manager is interested in controlling electrical costs. Since the HVAC system is a large user of electricity, this article will discuss what can be done in the HVAC system to influence parts of the utility bill.

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