Efficient energy modeling : a low carbon source energy assessment of proposed building interconnections based on emerging market modeling tools

Abstract

Building energy consumption studies based on whole building energy consumption modeling (Energy Modeling) are not widely applied for performance planning and assessment. The origins of energy modeling as a design resource extend back almost 50 years, but recent developments in computing power and international attention to green house gas emission reduction has brought the benefits of energy modeling to the forefront of building designers, managers, and policy makers. The research herein provides a two-fold benefit to the Montana State University and energy modeling communities by providing energy assessment information and proving the efficacy of modern energy modeling tools currently under development. The procedure followed in this research proves that effective energy modeling can be completed with a significant reduction in the time resource required by harnessing the new energy modeling tools and methods. The University also gains ownership of valuable assessment tools for future application towards energy upgrades, building maintenance, and capital expenditure decisions. Features employed in this research include photographic based model development, model calibration, and proposed system component assessment. The University, based on its need for information about the carbon footprint of campus buildings, commissioned this research through Facilities Services. Modeling results support an overall reduction of campus building related green house gas emissions and prove that emerging energy modeling tools can significantly reduce the time spent on accurate model development.