<h3>Learning Objectives</h3> <ul> <li>Understand the purpose and applications of building energy modeling (BEM)</li> <li>Distinguish between design-phase and compliance energy modeling</li> <li>Identify key stakeholders and their modeling needs</li> <li>Recognize industry-standard simulation engines and tools</li> </ul>
<h3>What is Building Energy Modeling?</h3> <p>Building Energy Modeling (BEM) is the process of using computer-based simulation to predict a building's energy consumption. Unlike peak load calculations that determine equipment sizing, energy modeling simulates building performance over an entire year (8,760 hours) to estimate annual energy use, utility costs, and carbon emissions.</p>
<h3>Applications of Energy Modeling</h3> <table class="table table-bordered"> <tr><th>Application</th><th>Purpose</th><th>Typical Accuracy</th></tr> <tr><td>Code Compliance</td><td>Demonstrate building meets energy code (Title 24, ASHRAE 90.1)</td><td>+/- 15-20%</td></tr> <tr><td>Design Optimization</td><td>Compare HVAC system alternatives, envelope options</td><td>Relative comparison</td></tr> <tr><td>Green Building Certification</td><td>LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge credits</td><td>+/- 15-25%</td></tr> <tr><td>Utility Incentives</td><td>Qualify for rebates based on energy savings</td><td>+/- 10-20%</td></tr> <tr><td>Financial Analysis</td><td>Life-cycle cost analysis, ROI calculations</td><td>+/- 20-30%</td></tr> <tr><td>Operational Benchmarking</td><td>Compare actual vs. predicted performance</td><td>Calibrated: +/- 5-10%</td></tr> </table>
<h3>Simulation Engines</h3> <p><strong>EnergyPlus</strong> - DOE flagship simulation engine, used by most professional tools. Performs detailed heat balance calculations with sub-hourly timesteps. Free and open-source.</p> <p><strong>DOE-2.2</strong> - Legacy engine still used by eQUEST and some Title 24 compliance tools. Uses weighting factors instead of heat balance.</p> <p><strong>TRACE 700/3D Plus</strong> - Trane commercial tool combining load calculations and energy analysis.</p> <p><strong>HAP (Carrier)</strong> - Carrier Hourly Analysis Program for loads and energy.</p>
<h3>Energy Modeling vs. Load Calculations</h3> <table class="table table-bordered"> <tr><th>Aspect</th><th>Load Calculations</th><th>Energy Modeling</th></tr> <tr><td>Time Period</td><td>Design day (peak conditions)</td><td>8,760 hours (full year)</td></tr> <tr><td>Purpose</td><td>Equipment sizing</td><td>Annual energy/cost prediction</td></tr> <tr><td>Weather Data</td><td>Design conditions (0.4%, 1%, 2%)</td><td>TMY (Typical Meteorological Year)</td></tr> <tr><td>Output</td><td>BTU/hr, CFM, tons</td><td>kWh, therms, $/year, kBTU/SF</td></tr> <tr><td>Schedules</td><td>Assumed full occupancy</td><td>Hourly occupancy, lighting, equipment profiles</td></tr> </table>
<h3>Key Terminology</h3> <ul> <li><strong>EUI (Energy Use Intensity)</strong> - Annual energy per square foot (kBTU/SF/yr). Primary metric for comparing building performance.</li> <li><strong>Source Energy</strong> - Total energy including generation and transmission losses. Electric multiplier typically 2.5-3.0x site energy.</li> <li><strong>Site Energy</strong> - Energy consumed at the building meter.</li> <li><strong>Baseline Building</strong> - Reference building meeting minimum code requirements for comparison.</li> <li><strong>Proposed Building</strong> - The actual design being evaluated.</li> </ul>