s 2014 I2SL Annual Conference - Thompson, Van Geet

Energy Optimization (& Reuse) through Systems Integration

Robert Thompson, PE, SmithGroupJJR, Inc.
Otto Van Geet, PE, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Nearly 40% of the total United States energy consumption in 2012 was consumed by residential and commercial buildings (U.S. Energy Information Administration). While each building is a consumer of energy, they also contain energy resources that are under-utilized or not even considered as energy resources. Most energy reduction efforts focus on the optimization of individual systems in isolation, and rarely step back to look at the building as a whole. Even less frequently does a campus or corporation consider the potential consolidation of programs for a long term energy benefit.

ASHRAE Standard 90.1, for example, requires exhaust energy recovery be provided with a minimum supply airflow based on the climate zone and the percentage of outside air at design conditions. An office and adjacent laboratory space served by independent systems are subject to these requirements, and potentially require minimum 50% effective exhaust energy recovery systems to be in compliance. If these functions were instead combined into a common HVAC system (permitted with laboratories up to bio-safety level 3), the net result is a reduction in first cost as well as an ongoing energy use reduction. The first cost reduction comes from the elimination of the office exhaust energy recovery system. The ongoing energy use reduction comes from the lower volumes of outside air to be conditioned (outside air for people in the office is reused for single-pass ventilation of laboratories).

This same approach may be applied to building programs. Laboratories & Data Centers are some of the largest energy consumers for buildings. Laboratories operate 24/7, and due to their single-pass air requirements must condition of large quantities of outside air. Data centers also operate 24/7, and require continuous cooling for computer equipment. While these functions seem quite different from each other, they can be arranged in a way to complement the energy needs of each. When located in a cooler climate, the cohabitation of these systems results in an overall reduction in energy consumption when appropriately sited and configured. Waste heat from the data center provides heating for laboratory outside air, while outside air provides cooling for the data center systems.

The presenters will walk through the process of climate specific design and the identification of complementary building resources. The identification of resources will then be expanded to building programs. They will then discuss the application of these strategies as applies to the Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), recently named R&D Magazine's 2014 Laboratory of the Year.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the Benefits of Utilizing Hourly Weather Analysis Tools in the Process of Energy Optimization. Hourly weather analysis uses historical weather data to focus energy optimization and recovery efforts. This translates into more effective and targeted approaches to energy reduction based on the particulars of the local climate.
  • Understand & Identify Potential Energy Resources through Systems Integration. Beyond the prescriptive requirements for energy recovery in individual systems, the student will be better prepared to identify complementary energy resources within existing facilities, new buildings, or with the consolidation of building programs.
  • Understand the Process of Energy Optimization through Systems Integration. The student will understand how the development of systems integration occurs, and specifically as it applies to the National Renewable Energy Lab's ESIF facility. Current ESIF energy use and performance will demonstrate the benefits of this process.

Biographies:

Robert Thompson is a Registered Professional Engineer & Chief Mechanical Engineer for Science & Technology. Robert's designs focus on the environmental design specifics that influence the energy & sustainable performance of buildings. His recent work includes National Renewable Energy Laboratory's ESIF & S&TF facilities; JPAC Forensic Identification Facilities, and the Denver Crime Lab. Robert is a member of ASHRAE, and has published articles for the ASHRAE Journal and 7x24 Exchange Magazine.

Otto Van Geet is a Principal Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), most of his work is in the Federal Energy Management Program. Otto has been involved in the design, construction, and operation of energy efficient research facilities such as labs and data centers as well as office and general use facilities. He was one of the founding members of the Labs21, a member of ASHRAE & ASES, a Certified Energy Manager, LEED Accreditied, and has authored many technical papers.

 

Note: I2SL did not edit or revise abstract or biography text. Abstracts and biographies are displayed as submitted by the author(s).