Results for “Retrofitting” — Page 13

DOE OSTI2019

Vacuum Sanitation Energy Efficiency Retrofits Project

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is a non-profit Tribal health organization designed to meet the unique health needs of Alaska Native and American Indian people living in Alaska. In partnership with communities and health organizations across the state, ANTHC provides health services to over 175,000 Alaska Native and American Indian people. Part of ANTHC’s mission includes ensuring that Native Alaskan communities have access to clean and safe water and sewer services. ANTHC works with communities to provide safe drinking water and healthy wastewater services that directly supports the health of Alaska Native people. To ensure water and sewer facilities operate sustainably, ANTHC Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative (ARUC) and Tribal Utility Support (TUS) programs provide operations and maintenance services on rural sanitation facilities. A key component of many water and sanitation systems in rural Alaskan villages is the vacuum sewer system, which is typically installed in places where the topography is primarily flat, and the elevation differential is not enough for a gravity powered sewer system to function without freezing during the winter. The vacuum sewer system is also the most costly and energy intensive form of sewer system, due to many factors including: large horsepower vacuum pumps needed for operation, potential for frequent vacuum leaks which increase the pump’s run-times, manpower needed to maintain pipe grade throughout the system, and the amount of heat needed to be added to the above ground pipes to keep them from freezing. The Vacuum Sanitation Energy Efficiency Retrofits Project implemented strategies to reduce the operating costs for vacuum sewer systems located in the remote Alaskan communities of Alakanuk, Kotlik, and Noorvik. A variety of deep energy efficiency retrofits were installed to reduce the amount of diesel fuel and electricity required to operate these systems which use large amounts of energy to pump, heat, and collect sewage from the community.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2019

Retrofit of Blown Attic Insulation in Existing HUD-Code Manufactured Homes: Needs Assessment Report

This needs assessment was conducted by the Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program and Building Science Corporation (BSC), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Building Technologies Office. The primary goal of this research was to identify moisture durability, energy savings, and savings-to-investment ratio (SIR) research needs related to the retrofit of attic insulation in the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Specifically, manufactured homes that comply with building codes established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) built after 1976 and sited in colder climates. This project assessed current practice of WAP insulation and/or roof venting solutions that improve attic insulation energy savings and durability. WSU and BSC conducted outreach to stakeholders via email, phone, one-on-one interviews, and group meetings designed to inquire about relevant issues that they may have observed. Needs assessment feedback was provided from stakeholders involved with attic insulation retrofits in existing HUD-code manufactured housing in the colder climates of the United States. The list of more than 50 stakeholders who provided input into this needs assessment is provided in Appendix A.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2019

Retrofit of Blown Attic Insulation in Existing HUD-Code Manufactured Homes: Needs Assessment Report

This needs assessment was conducted by the Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program and Building Science Corporation (BSC), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Building Technologies Office. The primary goal of this research was to identify moisture durability, energy savings, and savings-to-investment ratio (SIR) research needs related to the retrofit of attic insulation in the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Specifically, manufactured homes that comply with building codes established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) built after 1976 and sited in colder climates. This project assessed current practice of WAP insulation and/or roof venting solutions that improve attic insulation energy savings and durability. WSU and BSC conducted outreach to stakeholders via email, phone, one-on-one interviews, and group meetings designed to inquire about relevant issues that they may have observed. Needs assessment feedback was provided from stakeholders involved with attic insulation retrofits in existing HUD-code manufactured housing in the colder climates of the United States. The list of more than 50 stakeholders who provided input into this needs assessment is provided in Appendix A.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2019

On the Path to Energy Independence and a Clean Power Future – LED Lighting Retrofit and Solar Power Generation for the CTUIR Science and Engineering Laboratory and Public Transit Center (Rev.1)

This project supports the goals of the Energy Policy for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) through the implementation of an energy efficiency measure (LED lighting retrofit) and construction of a fixed rack (stationary) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) array energy generation system. The project objective was to eliminate the net demand for grid-based utility energy at two tribal facilities: the CTUIR Field Station and the Public Transit Center (consisting of bus barn and maintenance shop buildings). A total of 332 lighting fixtures were retrofitted with high efficiency LEDs at the three buildings within the project scope. The solar PV array constructed adjacent to the Field Station (46330 Timine Way, Pendleton, OR 97801) has a nameplate capacity of 97.98 kW DC . The project was managed by staff from the CTUIR Energy & Environmental Sciences Program within the Department of Natural Resources and the final budget was $\$ $288,206. Data was collected during a 12 month monitoring period following construction of the aptly named Ántukš–Tín̓qapapt Solar PV Array and assessed to determine project results. During this time, the solar PV system generated 125,580 kWh of energy according to SolrenView solar PV system monitoring service. In contrast, the total realized utility energy and cost savings due to the project were estimated by comparing 24 months of consecutive utility billing data. Results of this comparison indicate that grid-based utility energy demand was reduced by 121,280 kWh, or roughly 80% of the total electricity consumed by both facilities. The cost savings associated with this energy demand reduction were $\$ $11,104 and a payback period of 5.7 years was estimated for recovering the CTUIR’s investment. However, it should be noted that these figures are not representative of the savings that could be obtained under normal, error-free (i.e. faultless) conditions. Several undesirable events occurred during the 12 month monitoring and evaluation period, the effects of which were quantified using available data so that results under a “Faultless Scenario” could be estimated. Annual energy and cost savings estimated for the Faultless Scenario were approximately 166,289 kWh and $\$ $15,225, respectively. These figures should prove to be more representative of the long-term average annual results achieved in response to the project and suggest a payback period closer to 4.5 years for the CTUIR.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2021

Advancing insulation retrofits from flexible inexpensive lucid materials (AIR FILMs) for single-pane windows

This project focused on Advancing Insulation Retrofits from Flexible Inexpensive Lucid Materials (AIR FILMs) for Single-Pane Windows. The team developed innovative porous materials that can improve the energy efficiency of existing single-pane windows in commercial and residential buildings in two technical product categories: (1) retrofits that can be applied onto existing windowpanes and (2) manufactured windowpanes that can be installed into the existing window sash.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2022

Colorado Residential Retrofit Energy District (CoRRED) Phase I: Final Modeling Results

Electrification of buildings and transportation coupled with increased deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) has been identified as a key step toward meeting emissions reduction goals across the U.S. Examples of pilot projects that feature innovative, 'smart' electric neighborhoods are largely focused on new construction projects, but there is a need to address the millions of existing homes so that they too may accommodate cleaner yet variable energy production in ways that benefit both the utility grid and the homes' residents. The Colorado Residential Retrofit Energy District (CoRRED) project used building and grid co-simulation tools to model an advanced energy district demonstration in an existing residential neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, and explored how existing building and utility infrastructures can be enhanced with combinations of traditional energy-efficiency retrofit measures and integration of solar panels and other DER technologies to provide better affordability and reliability. We analyzed which packages of DERs most reliably enable demand flexibility in response to a time-of-use (TOU) rate. Our results clearly indicate that incorporating DERs into efficient electrification produces much bigger utility bill savings on an annual basis than efficient electrification without DERs. While electrifying a neighborhood will increase the maximum load, batteries and solar panels can reduce load during peak hours so that the community can be a net producer during peak periods. A remaining challenge is to overcome first cost barriers to implementing energy-efficiency and DER technologies, as modest utility bill savings require long payback periods that are not practical for most homeowners.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2019

Retrofit Winglets for Wind Turbines

The benefits of using winglets on wind turbines has been well documented. However, adding winglets to wind turbine blades leads to significant increases in blade root bending moments, requiring expensive structural reinforcement with cost and weight drawbacks. A unique design philosophy for retrofitting winglets on existing wind turbines is presented. These retrofit winglets offer an increase in power produced without the need for structural reinforcement. Predicted performance and cost benefits are illustrated via a study using the NREL 5MW reference wind turbine. The addition of winglets resulted in a 2.45% increase in Coefficient of Power (Cp) and 1.69% increase in Annual Energy Production (AEP).

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Public Housing: A Tailored Approach to Energy Retrofits - Raleigh

More than 1 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-supported public housing units provide rental housing for eligible low-income families across the country. These units range from scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments. In this project, the Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions Collaborative (ARIES) worked with two public housing authorities (PHAs) to develop packages of energy efficiency retrofit measures the PHAs can cost-effectively implement with their own staffs in the normal course of housing operations at the time when units are refurbished between occupancies. ARIES conducted a survey of PHAs to assess their receptiveness to this concept and the applicability of the concept to PHA units. The results of the survey, to which more than 100 PHAs responded, support the proposed approach. The project consisted of a field evaluation in which energy audits were performed on a sample of PHA units at two housing authorities. Energy efficiency turnover protocols were developed for typical units, the protocol was implemented by PHA staff, and the effectiveness of the protocol was quantified through field testing and modeling. The energy efficiency turnover protocols emphasized air infiltration reduction, duct sealing, and measures that improve equipment efficiency. In the 10 housing units in which ARIES documented implementation, reductions in average air leakage of 16%-20% and duct leakage of 38% were obtained. Total source energy consumption savings was estimated at 6%-10% based on Building Energy Optimization modeling with a simple payback of 1.7-2.2 years. Implementation challenges were encountered, mainly related to required operational changes and budgetary constraints. Lack of complete training and inadequate quality control can prevent PHAs from effectively retrofitting units to their full potential. Nevertheless, despite these hurdles, simple improvements, such as caulking and sealing penetrations, windows, and doors; sealing duct boots; and adding pipe insulation into a standardized turnover protocol can feasibly be accomplished by PHA staff at low or no cost. At typical housing unit turnover rates, these measures could impact hundreds of thousands of units per year nationally. Islip Housing Authority - Single Story Typical home - Raleigh, NC Raleigh Housing Authority - 2 story typical home in Raleigh housing authority - Terrace Park

air filtration↗

DOE OSTI2014

Pilot Demonstration of Phased Retrofits in Florida Homes (Fact Sheet)

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and Florida Power and Light are pursuing a collaborative energy research/utility partnership to retrofit a large number of homes using a phased approach. The project is creating detailed data on the energy and economic performance of two levels of home retrofit - simple and deep. Acting as a pilot, this project is expected to provide the information necessary to significantly reduce energy use through much larger community-scale projects in collaboration with utilities, program administrators and other market leader stakeholders.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2015

Walmart - Saving Energy, Saving Money Through Comprehensive Retrofits, Commercial Building Energy Efficiency (Fact Sheet); Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)

Walmart partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2009 to develop and demonstrate energy retrofits for existing buildings. The goal was to reduce energy consumption by at least 30% versus ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007, as part of DOE's Commercial Building Partnerships (CBP) Program. The project presented here, the retrofit of a 213,000 square foot store in Centennial, Colorado, withefficiency measures across multiple building systems, is part of Walmart's ongoing environmental sustainability program, which originated in 2005.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2015

Retrofit Gloveport Cover and Security Device

The world of glovebox work in the areas of science and manufacturing is in a consistent state of flux due to the inherent nature of changing missions. These rapidly changing work environments result in almost continuous regulatory changes within the codes and standards in order to maintain worker and environmental safety. Gloveboxes designed and manufactured prior to these regulations are not easy to update or retrofit to accommodate new requirements. In order to meet the challenge of retrofitting gloveboxes to the meet the requirements, the following solutions have been developed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2013

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Bay Ridge Gardens - Mixed Humid Affordable Multifamily Housing Deep Energy Retrofit, Annapolis, Maryland

Under this project, the BA-PIRC research team evaluated the installation, measured performance, and cost-effectiveness of efficiency upgrade measures for a tenant-in-place deep energy retrofit at the Bay Ridge multifamily development in Annapolis, Maryland. The design and construction phase of the Bay Ridge project was completed in August 2012. This case study summarizes system commissioning, short-term test results, utility bill data analysis, and analysis of real-time data collected over a one-year period after the retrofit was complete.

BA-PIRC↗

DOE OSTI2013

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Evaluation of a Multifamily Retrofit in Climate Zone 5, Boulder, Colorado

In 2009, a 37-unit apartment complex located in Boulder, Colorado, underwent an energy retrofit to comply with Boulder SmartRegs Ordinance, a mandate that requires all rental properties to meet certain energy efficiency standards by 2018. The Consortium of Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB), a U.S. Department of Energy Building America team, worked with city planners and building owners to evaluate this program and recently completed a case study evaluating the effectiveness of a collection of retrofit measures.

apartments↗

DOE OSTI2014

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pilot Demonstration of Phased Retrofits in Florida Homes - Central and South Florida Homes

In this pilot project, the Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction and Florida Power and Light are collaborating to retrofit a large number of homes using a phased approach to both simple and deep retrofits. This project will provide the information necessary to significantly reduce energy use through larger community-scale projects in collaboration with utilities, program administrators and other market leader stakeholders.

BA-PIRC↗

DOE OSTI2016

Building America Case Study: Retrofitting Garden-Style Apartments, Brooklyn, New York

This research effort sought to achieve a solution package that yields energy savings greater than 30 percent over the pre-existing conditions in a minimally intrusive multifamily retrofit project. The Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) partnered with L+M Development Partners, Inc. on a Mitchell-Lama Housing Program project, Marcus Garvey Village, in Brooklyn, NY (Climate Zone 4A). The Mitchell-Lama Housing Program is a form of housing subsidy in the state of New York that provides affordable rental and cooperative housing to moderate- and middle-income families. Marcus Garvey Village was founded in 1975 and contains 625 residential units (ranging from studios to 5-bedroom units) in thirty-two 4-story garden-style apartment structures built with concrete and faced in light brown brick. The single largest challenge for implementation of energy conservation measures at Marcus Garvey was working within occupied spaces. Measures are being implemented in phases to minimize disruption. As of August 2015, the retrofit work is over 50 percent complete. The wall insulation, sealing of the through wall AC vent, and installation of new oil-filled electric baseboards with advanced controls are conducted at one time, limiting disruption to the living room space. In a similar fashion, the kitchen work is done, then the bathroom. The final selection of energy conservation measures is projected to save 26.5 percent in source energy with a cost just under $3.7 million and utility bill savings of nearly $480,000 (of an average $1.8 million annual utility cost for the development).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2016

Building America Case Study: Retrofitting Garden-Style Apartments, Brooklyn, New York

This research effort sought to achieve a solution package that yields energy savings greater than 30 percent over the pre-existing conditions in a minimally intrusive multifamily retrofit project. The Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) partnered with L+M Development Partners, Inc. on a Mitchell-Lama Housing Program project, Marcus Garvey Village, in Brooklyn, NY (Climate Zone 4A). The Mitchell-Lama Housing Program is a form of housing subsidy in the state of New York that provides affordable rental and cooperative housing to moderate- and middle-income families. Marcus Garvey Village was founded in 1975 and contains 625 residential units (ranging from studios to 5-bedroom units) in thirty-two 4-story garden-style apartment structures built with concrete and faced in light brown brick. The single largest challenge for implementation of energy conservation measures at Marcus Garvey was working within occupied spaces. Measures are being implemented in phases to minimize disruption. As of August 2015, the retrofit work is over 50 percent complete. The wall insulation, sealing of the through wall AC vent, and installation of new oil-filled electric baseboards with advanced controls are conducted at one time, limiting disruption to the living room space. In a similar fashion, the kitchen work is done, then the bathroom. The final selection of energy conservation measures is projected to save 26.5 percent in source energy with a cost just under $3.7 million and utility bill savings of nearly $480,000 (of an average $1.8 million annual utility cost for the development).

affordable housing↗

DOE OSTI2017

What Fleets Need to Know About Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversions, Retrofits, and Repowers

Many fleet managers have opted to incorporate alternative fuels and advanced vehicles into their lineup. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer a variety of choices, and there are additional options offered by aftermarket companies. There are also a myriad of ways that existing vehicles can be modified to utilize alternative fuels and other advanced technologies. Vehicle conversions and retrofit packages, along with engine repower options, can offer an ideal way to lower vehicle operating costs. This can result in long term return on investment, in addition to helping fleet managers achieve emissions and environmental goals. This report summarizes the various factors to consider when pursuing a conversion, retrofit, or repower option.

alternative fuel vehicle, afv, conversion, retrofi↗

DOE OSTI2020

In situ characterization of the biological performance of a Francis turbine retrofitted with a modular guide vane

There are two strategies to lower overall project costs to an extent that will make many potential sustainable hydropower sites economically viable: (1) design standardized/modular components; (2) use advanced tools to reduce environmental evaluation costs. In this study an autonomous sensor device (Sensor Fish) was used to study a Francis turbine retrofitted with a modular guide vane. The median nadir pressures measured were 74.7, 66.6, and 56.6 kPaA for 90-, 190-, and 380-kW operating conditions respectively. These nadir pressures were compared to other Francis turbines studied using Sensor Fish and were found to be within the same range. The proportion of Sensor Fish releases with severe acceleration events (acceleration = 95G) was also investigated. The proportion ranged from 73 to 80% (runner region), 50 to 64% (guide vane region), and 9 to 28% (draft tube region), which was within the range of the other turbines used for comparison. The Sensor Fish testing that was conducted at Hurley Dam demonstrates that the modular guide vane that was retrofitted to the existing Francis turbine is potentially a suitable replacement that can provide biological performance similar to the guide vane used with other existing Francis turbines, but with the benefit of reduced fabrication costs.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗