Energy Performance Measurement and Simulation Modeling of Tactical Soft-Wall Shelters
Abstract
Two soft-wall tactical shelters, Airbeam Series 32 and Utilis TM 60, were set up at an outdoor test facility in Champaign, IL. Each was instrumented to record energy-loss measurements during a heating and cooling season, and a standard tracer-gas technique was used to measure infiltration. These data, and thermal load assumptions for a command-operations shelter, were used as inputs to develop and calibrate shelter simulation models using the Department of Energy s EnergyPlus modeling platform. Simulations were run to validate the calibrated models, and then a series of other simulations was run using climate data from eight U.S. climate zones and a locale in Kuwait. These simulations included the application of energy-conservation accessories such as shade flies and radiant heat barriers materials. Simulation results indicate that using either type of radiant barrier provided the best performance in cold climates; and the combination of both barriers provided the best performance in the hot climates. The shade fly provided the least savings in all simulated climates except for Panama City, FL, where it provided the highest savings. With limitations explained in the report, the models provide a useful technology for identifying energy performance trends and making comparisons between the two modeled shelters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA621105
Entities
People
- Ashok Kumar
- Ed Hancock
- Eric Bonnema
- Greg Barker
- Michael Deru
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center