A Practical Integration Approach and Whole Building Energy Simulation of Three Energy Efficient Building Technologies

Rising energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption dictates a need for significantly improved building energy performance. Three technologies that have potential to save energy and improve sustainability of buildings are dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), radiant heating and cooling systems and tighter building envelopes. Although individually applying innovative technologies may incrementally improve building energy performance, more significant payoffs are realized when compatible technologies are integrated into an optimized system. Fortunately, DOAS, radiant heating and cooling systems and improved building envelopes are highly compatible. To investigate the energy savings potential of these three technologies, whole building energy simulations were performed for a barracks facility and an administration facility in 15 U.S. climate zones and 16 international locations. The baseline facilities were assumed to be existing buildings with VAV HVAC systems (admin facilities) and packaged HVAC systems (barracks facilities). The energy simulations were adjusted for each location for optimal energy and humidity control performance. The results show that the upgraded facilities realized total building energy savings between 20% and 40% and improved humidity control when compared to baseline building performance.