Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Intended for practical application, this book provides a guide for reducing energy consumption in those buildings that were constructed when the cost of construction, not the cost of operation, was of primary concern. Now that the "Golden Age of Energy" is over, the heating, lighting, and ventilation systems of these buildings must be adapted to present and future economic circumstances. Landsberg and Stewart approach the problem of reducing energy consumption in these buildings by providing users of this book with solutions ranging from simple measures that cost nothing to complex modifications that must be given a cost-benefit analysis. The appendixes define energy basics for those who have little or no engineering background; evaluate alternative energy systems; and analyze the basic economic decisions of making changes in a building's energy consumption. The sample forms used for energy audits of buildings in New York State that can be adapted for use in other states and for private buildings are also included.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Introduction Section I. Why are we in an energy crisis? Future availability and cost of energy In light of the present energy situation, what can be done to reduce building energy consumption? Where to begin Instructions for compilation of Annual Energy Use Profile What is an energy audit? Classes of energy audits Conducting the energy audit: some common-sense tips for walk-through inspections Section II. Overview: Where does the energy go? A. The building structure Interior surfaces Exterior surfaces Transmission Calculation of heat gain or loss per square foot Calculation of heat gain or loss for a surface Infiltration Energy loss/gain from infiltration The psychrometric chart Determination of infiltration CFM Solar radiation Solar gain through windows Stratification B. Building energy systems HVAC systems The laws of thermodynamics HVAC energy consumption Heat gain - miscellaneous equipment Lighting system People Building Zones Perimeter zones Interior zones Ventilation Lighting Domestic hot water Efficiency of domestic hot water system Elevators Miscellaneous equipment Phase balancing C. Human factors Business hours Entering and exiting the building HVAC controls and thermostats Windows and shades Lighting Demand charges Janitorial services Cafeteria Distribution of occupants Section III. Advanced energy auditing techniques Establishing energy consumption guidelines The energy reduction program Who should perform an energy audit? What type of energy audit? Using a computer model The on-site inspection What to bring to an on-site inspection What to look for during an on-site inspection Energy conservation options Preliminary analysis of retrofit options Section IV. Using energy audits for design/operation modifications: energy and economics Economic Analysis Phase I: A simplified economic analysis adapted to hand calculations Phase II: Computerized energy and economic analysis; description of computer programs and relative costs Computer inputs A. Geography and weather verification B. The building system C. Economic A computer based economic analysis Section V. Retrofit guidelines Priorities vs. budgetary restrictions Energy conservation as an ongoing program A final note References Appendix A. Energy Basics (1) Glossary of terms (2) Unit conversions (3) Degree day data for the United States (4) Description of HVAC systems (5) Insulating values for materials and sample wall sections (6) Graphics for use in estimating energy consumption Appendix B. Alternate Energy Systems (1) Solar energy systems (a) Active solar systems (b) Passive solar systems (c) Solar electricity generation (2) Wind energy systems (3) Total energy systems (4) Storage systems (a) Storing "heat" or "cool" Liquid storage Rock storage (b) Using changes of phase to store energy (c) Producing electricity and storing it in batteries (d) Potential energy storage (e) Kinetic energy storage (f) Chemical energy storage Appendix C. Energy Reclamation Systems (1) Rotary heat exchangers (2) Air to air heat exchangers (3) Air water heat pumps (4) Refrigeration recovery systems (5) Run-around systems (6) Heat pipes (7) Shell and tube heat exchangers (8) Double bundle condenser systems (9) Light recovery systems (10) Methane generators Appendix D. Control Systems for Energy Conservation (1) Demand limiting (2) Load shedding (3) Enthalpy controls (4) Temperature controls (5) Lighting controls (6) Other uses of control systems Appendix E. Life Cycle Costing and Comparative Economics (1) Value analysis (2) Life cycle costing (3) Zero base budgeting Appendix F. Energy Audit Forms and Methodology Energy audit report instruction Energy audit report