This thesis has improved Baltazar's methodology for potential energy savings
estimation from retro-commissioning/retrofits measures. Important improvements and
discussions are made on optimization parameters, limits on optimization parameter
values, minimum airflow setting for VAV systems, space load calculation, simulation of
buildings with more than one type of system, AHU shutdown simulation, and air-side
simulation models. A prototype computer tool called the Potential Energy Savings
Estimation (PESE) Toolkit is developed to implement the improved methodology and
used for testing.
The implemented methodology is tested in two retro-commissioned on-campus
buildings with hourly measured consumption data. In the Sanders Corps of Cadets
Center, the optimized profiles of parameter settings in single parameter optimizations
can be explained with engineering principles. It reveals that the improved methodology
is implemented correctly in the tool. The case study on the Coke Building shows that the
improved methodology can be used in buildings with more than one system type.
The methodology is then used to estimate annual potential energy cost savings
for 14 office buildings in Austin, TX with very limited information and utility bills. The
methodology has predicted an average total potential savings of 36% for SDVAV
systems with electric terminal reheat, 22% for SDVAV systems with hot water reheat,
and 25% for DDVAV systems. The estimations are compared with savings predicted in
the Continuous Commissioning assessment report. The results show it may be helpful
to study the correlation by using generalized factors of assessment predicted energy cost
savings to estimated potential energy cost savings. The factors identified in this
application are 0.68, 0.66, and 0.61 for each type of system. It is noted that one should
be cautious in quoting these factors in future projects.
In the future, it would be valuable to study the correlation between measured
savings and estimated potential savings in a large number of buildings with retrocommissioning
measures implemented. Additionally, further testing and modifications
on the PESE Toolkit are necessary to make it a reliable software tool.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/150923 |
| Date | 16 December 2013 |
| Creators | Liu, Jingjing |
| Contributors | Claridge, David E, Culp, Charles, Heffington, Warren |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
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