[Bldg-sim] Estimating Energy Consumption Using Spreadsheets

John Forester jforester at dmiinc.com
Mon Feb 22 14:21:23 PST 2010


Hi Dan,

 

I believe the approach you may be looking for information on is called Bin
Analysis or Modified Bin Analysis.  With this approach, you can use
spreadsheets to estimate energy use based on the number of hours each year
an area spends within a temperature bin.  Correlations between
weather-dependent loads (ventilation CFM, CHW loads, HW loads) can be
estimated, or better yet, calibrated using building trends or metered data.

 

More complex bin models can include detailed envelope calculations,
occupancy and internal load diversity schedules, and regressions that
estimate chiller, heat rejection, fan and pump energy based on part-load
performance data obtained from manufacturers or metered data (existing
buildings) and good engineering judgement.  In my experiences, it isn't
uncommon to have an 'occupied' and 'unoccupied' bin model for the same
project.

 

You may be able to find some ASHRAE literature on the topic on the internet
or through libraries.  Unfortunately, I don't have any examples at hand that
I can provide to you for your review.

 

John

 

John T. Forester, LEED AP BD+C
Demand Management Institute
35 Walnut Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: 781 431 1100 x14
Fax: 781 431 1109
email: jforester at dmiinc.com <mailto:jforester at dmiinc.comweb> 
web: www.dmiinc.com <http://www.dmiinc.com/> 

 

From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Daniel Croisant
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 4:50 PM
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Bldg-sim] Estimating Energy Consumption Using Spreadsheets

 

Hello,

 

I've "grown-up" in the time when energy modeling programs always existed.
I'm curious if anyone that has been in the business for awhile has any
experience using spreadsheets to estimate a building's energy consumption,
and if so, would you be so kind as to share them with me?  I'm not looking
to use it on any projects and would not try to hold anyone liable for any
results.  I'm just curious as to how people tackled the issue of estimating
energy usage, other than degree days, before the popularization of DOE and
other energy modeling programs.  Plus I think it would just be fun to play
around with what other people have used. 

 

Thank you in advance,

Dan Croisant

Mechanical Design Engineer | LEED AP

Direct  262.522.4414  

 

I B C ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC. 

N8 W22195 Johnson Drive, Suite 180                  

Waukesha, Wisconsin  53186 

T 262.549.1190  : :  F  262.549.1620  

 

 <blocked::http://www.ibcengineering.com> www.ibcengineering.com

 

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