Engineering topics

Sandahl, Linda J.

Publications and source records attributed to Sandahl, Linda J..

4 records

DOE OSTI2023

Very High Efficiency Dedicated Outdoor Air System Field Site Re-Evaluation

The study reported here evaluated the long-term performance of Very High Efficiency (VHE) Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOASs) installed at eight sites that participated in field evaluation studies performed by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) from 2015 through 2020. The study compared the energy performance of the systems in 2021-2022 to the findings of the original evaluation. It also evaluated the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) as perceived by occupants and building operator feedback before and after the system conversion. The findings of the study are important for building owners and managers who are considering adopting VHE DOASs. The study found that the systems: (1) consistently saved energy over the long term, (2) improved occupant comfort, and (3) received positive feedback from building operators. All of the sites had similar or improved energy savings over the pre-conversion system compared to the original evaluation savings, and only one site had a small reduction in energy savings. The sites averaged 48 percent whole site energy savings compared to the pre-conversion system. The continued energy performance of these sites provides strong evidence that the energy savings achieved by VHE DOAS retrofits will be sustained long term. The study also investigated the changes in occupant comfort resulting from the VHE DOAS retrofit. Responses to a survey sent to the sites’ occupants revealed that the conversion resulted in a better indoor environment for the occupants. Most respondents reported that their satisfaction increased, and dissatisfaction decreased post-conversion. Overall occupants were 43 percent more satisfied and 30 percent less dissatisfied post-conversion compared to pre-conversion. The study's findings suggest that a VHE DOAS can be a solution to improve the energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and increase occupant comfort in buildings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2020

The Role of Competitions in Speeding Energy-Efficient Technology Development and Adoption

This conference paper, which will be submitted for publication in the 2020 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, describes competition approaches used by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Office (BTO) and other government agencies to encourage the development and adoption of innovative new energy-efficient, high-performing products while spurring external competition to maximize limited resources. The competition model helps to disrupt traditional thinking and introduce, expand, and evolve what’s possible within limited resource conditions. DOE BTO has sponsored technology competitions, including campaigns, challenges, prizes, and technology procurements to speed the uptake of more efficient refrigerators, clothes washers, air conditioners, and many types of highly efficient lighting technologies, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode LED-based home and office luminaires, replacement lamps, and street lighting. In this paper, we will draw upon the technology competition frameworks employed by DOE BTO to support ongoing research and development efforts to illustrate the differences between the approaches and to identify which type is likely to be the most effective in a given technology status and market context. We’ll also share examples of the various technology competition types and results. A question-and-answer table helps readers compare and contrast the four competition types. The paper concludes with a summary of lessons learned from past DOE BTO competitions. The paper will be available in the ACEEE 2020 Summer Study proceedings and a related presentation will be given at the conference.

U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Of↗

DOE OSTI2020

Integrated and Advanced Lighting Controls: The Next Frontier in Energy Savings?

Lighting energy use has significantly declined as a portion of overall building energy usage due largely to the uptake of more efficient light-emitting diode technology. Although the per unit cost of lighting controls has declined, the installation and use of lighting controls are low and the installation and use of advanced controls are abysmally low. Increased use of advanced and connected lighting controls, and the ability to integrate lighting with other building systems (e.g., heat and air, plug loads, miscellaneous loads) that make the building “smarter,” offer the potential for additional energy savings. Studies into the performance of new, advanced lighting control technologies in commercial buildings have generated new findings. Although each field evaluation has interesting results individually, an analysis of their collective findings across a spectrum of commercial building types will help establish the current state of the technology and implications related to market readiness. This paper will analyze results from available field evaluation studies (recently completed as well as ongoing) of retrofit sites and share findings and insights including: • The amount of energy savings that may be expected from these systems. • Cost effectiveness, monetization, and cost points of these systems. • Ideal characteristics of these systems the most viable. • Lessons learned from the installation, commissioning, and occupant response of these systems. The results will support Department of Energy research investments and help inform efficiency programs of the potential of these emerging technologies and how they may fit within the clean energy future.

Myer, Michael↗

DOE OSTI2020

Federal Energy Management Program’s Technical Resilience Navigator: Communications Plan

The Federal Energy Management Program is working to develop a standard, agency-neutral energy and water technical resilience navigator (TRN) to assist federal agencies with their resilience planning efforts, building on agency-expressed needs. The TRN Communications Plan defines how the project team and FEMP will generate awareness of the TRN, recruit validators, encourage its use across federal agencies, increase awareness among various audiences, and solicit user feedback on its usefulness including suggestions for improvement. In support of this purpose, the communications plan characterizes the key audiences, messages, communications channels, and activities needed to help ensure success. The role of communications is to define strategy and ensure leadership and consistency in messaging, writing, outreach, media relations, editing, and design related to the TRN.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗