Guidelines for Evaluating Energy Analysis Software
Abstract
Design criteria documents used by Army designers require than an energy analysis of buildings be performed during the design process. However, designers are are given little guidance either on modeling buildings of energy analysis or on using computer programs to perform the analysis. This report describes methods designers can use to evaluate energy related software used for whole building energy analysis and proves an Energy Analysis Calculation Tool Worksheet to use during evaluation. The suitability of an energy analysis program depends to a large extent on the intended use. Rather than using a separate program for each application, it may be better to learn a very detailed program that will be suitable for all applications. Agreement between programs during evaluation does not guarantee agreement with real data. The program's successful solution of a simple problem may not be a good indicator of its ability to give similar accuracy for a complex problem. Energy Analysis is the process of estimating energy requirements and fuel consumption of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, electrical, and other consuming systems for either short or long terms of operation. Three common elements associated with building energy analysis are the calculation of: (l) space load, (2) secondary equipment load, and (3) primary equipment energy requirements. Here, secondary refers to the equipment that distributes the heating, cooling, or ventilating medium to the conditioned spaces, while primary refers to the central plant equipment that converts fuel or electric energy to the heating or cooling effect. (kr)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA214171
Entities
People
- Linda Lawrie
- William Bahnfleth
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory