Energy-modeling is the virtual or computerized simulation of a building/complex that focuses on energy consumption, utility bills, and life cycle costs of various energy related items such as air conditioning, lights, and hot water. It is also used to evaluate the payback of green energy solutions like solar panels/photovoltaics, wind turbines, and high efficiency appliances. To understand energy modeling, it’s important to understand building simulation:
Building simulation is the process of using a computer to build a virtual replica of a building. In layman’s terms, the building is built in pieces on a computer and a simulation is performed taking that building through the weather of an entire year. In a way, building simulation is a way to quantitatively predict the future and thus has considerable value. Building simulation is commonly divided into two categories: Load Design, and Energy-Analysis. The common phrase for building simulation when energy is involved is Energy-modeling
Load Design is used to determine:
- Air conditioning loads (amount of cooling/heating energy needed by a space/system/building)
- Volumetric air flow requirements (amount of air needed to cool/heat space)
- Equipment capacities (since equipment may condition multiple spaces)
- Supply Temperatures
- Hydronic Plant capacities (worst case simultaneous load)
- Compare and contrast different options for heating and cooling a space
Energy-Analysis or Energy-modeling is used to:
- Predict the monthly energy consumption and bills
- Predict the annual energy cost
- Annual CO2 emmissions
- Compare and contrast different efficiency options
- Determine life cycle payback on various options
Who benefits from Energy-modeling?
- Engineers (no more giant spreadsheets!)
- Manufacturers (Quantitatively prove that your product saves money in X amount of time)
- Building Owners (Get the most bang for your buck up front)
- Building Tenants (lowered monthly bills)
- The Environment (one can determine the options to use the least energy and have the least emissions)
- MANY MORE BENEFITS
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