Publication Date

5-2018

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

10-30-2017

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Biomechanical Engineering

Major Advisor

John F. Gardner, Ph.D.

Advisor

Donald Plumlee, Ph.D.

Advisor

Ralph S. Budwig, Ph.D.

Advisor

Jinchao Yuan, Ph.D.

Advisor

Aykut Satici, Ph.D.

Abstract

Model order reduction can help reduce the time and monetary constraints associated with building commissioning and significantly decrease overall building energy consumption through virtual commissioning. This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of using reduced order models to simulate the overall building energy consumption, and to estimate the energy savings from control-based commissioning recommendations.

A case study building was modeled using a ‘Lumped RC’ thermal model with three thermal resistances and capacitances (3R3C) for the building interior and a 2R1C model describing the building foundation. Due to energy consumption being dependent on building systems, this model was coupled with a simplified HVAC model to translate indoor zone temperature predictions into total annual energy consumption. The coupled reduced order model (ROM) model was compared to an identical model constructed in EnergyPlus, and it was determined that a reduced order model was capable of predicting annual energy consumption.

The case study building lacked thermostat setbacks during periods the building was unoccupied, and the ROM was used to predict the energy savings associated with updating the controller. It was found that approximately 104,000 kWh of potential energy savings could be realized if the thermostat had properly programed temperature setbacks during times the building is unoccupied.

DOI

10.18122/td/1411/boisestate

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