A Comparative Analysis of Predicting Energy Savings from Energy Service Projects
Abstract
Implementation of energy service projects continue to increase as building
owners are faced with higher utility bills, rigorous environmental regulations, and
shrinking capital allocation for such projects. Different techniques and guidelines are
available to select and quantify energy service projects. These methods range from
various Technical reference manuals (TRMs) developed by state agencies in conjunction
with energy consultants to standard protocols developed by energy professional
organizations. All of these methods require gathering or estimating representative input
variables, with various approaches to data collection that vary from stipulation to
measurement-based values. The methods to quantify the savings range widely from
engineering algorithms to as-built calibrated whole-building energy simulation models.
In this study, a comparison is made between the engineering algorithms
supported by many TRMs and a more accurate as-built calibrated whole-building energy
simulation model. The methods to performing the comparison included identifying
industry methods through literature reviews, expert interviews, a desk audit of a typical
utility assessment report, and constructing an as-built calibrated whole-building energy
simulation model of a well-instrumented, large office building near the Texas A&M
University campus. Lighting and lighting control energy conservation measures (ECMs)
were selected to demonstrate the methodology. As part of the process of constructing
the simulation model, a data collection protocol was also created. The data collection
protocol included gathering building and site specific information including sub-hourly
measured energy consumption data and measured climatic data for the baseline year.
The study results showed that the industry methods of quantifying the total
energy savings for lighting and lighting control ECMs were consistently under-reporting
the savings as compared to the calibrated as-built whole-building energy simulation
model. In particular, the breakdown of savings was inconsistent between the various
industry methods that are currently in use. The differences were perceived to be location
specific and weather driven and also included agreements with the local utility
companies to quantify the demand savings. Finally, the study results also indicated that
the current industry methods could be significantly improved by measuring the
occupancy schedule and indoor temperature.
Subject
Energy Service ProjectsCitation
Kim, Amy A (2014). A Comparative Analysis of Predicting Energy Savings from Energy Service Projects. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /152649.