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Energy Conservation Analysis
Abstract
There are many building simulation programs on the
market that calculate the annual energy use for a
facility. These programs are difficult to for use in
energy conservation projects. The designer must run a
complete simulation for each intended design or
systems modification. This can be time consuming
and expensive.
This report describes a program that performs an
energy analysis in a way that is much more convenient
for the energy analyst. Several common conservation
projects are featured in the program: tinting glass,
single-to-double pane conversion, adding roof
insulation, savings from landscape features, external
wall shading and reduction in outside air. Each of
these are evaluated in a separate building load
subroutine.
The program computes and displays the annual load
profile for each of these components of the envelope. It
can then calculate the exact savings possible, for
example, by modifying south-facing window, or by
planting fast-growing shade trees to the west of the
building. This is to permit the user to focus limited
funds on specific projects.
The analysis takes into account geographic location,
ambient temperature and latitude. It also permits the
user to modify these parameters to conform to unique
local conditions. The software will rotate a building as
well, to discern the effect on loads of a change in
building orientation.
Another feature is the ability to separate the building load by specific elements. Each screen used to input glass, roof, wall or floor data also gives a reading on the load attributed to that particular element alone, (e.g. each individual wall, window or roof section) converted into annual energy use. This is useful to the designer as it gives a relative perspective on the building load, of changes in insulation, glass area or wall color.
The program is complete with help screens, pull-down menus, input help and range constraints on data entry. It also has a full range of data editing review and print-out features.
Citation
Clark, W. H. (1994). Energy Conservation Analysis. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6624.