Abstract

EnergyPlus is an energy simulation tool which models heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other energy flows in buildings. It is based on the popular features of BLAST and DOE-2. Though EnergyPlus is more advanced than DOE-2, it comes with a drawback of larger simulation runtime. A decrease in the simulation runtime of EnergyPlus would increase the usability of the software. In this paper, a concept has been proposed which uses data parallelization to speed up EnergyPlus simulation. Data parallelization is a form of parallelization for computing across multiple processors or multiple computers in a cluster, run under a suitable environment. Data parallelism focuses on distributing the data across different parallel computing nodes by breaking it into smaller chunks, each of which is processed on by the same function, running in parallel on different cores/machines. In the proposed concept, this is …

Abstract

This paper explores the area of creating smart spaces using mobile Internet devices to develop intelligent classrooms. We propose a suite of applications that leverage the recent progress made in the domains of mobile computers and information access, resulting in a richer classroom experience where knowledge is dispensed with greater efficiency while also making it possible to access it efficiently from the Internet as well as peers. We attempt to achieve this by introducing novel means of classroom teaching and management and an intelligent information access system while harnessing the computational capabilities of mobile Internet devices. Though the current work is still in progress, this paper elaborates on our attempts in reducing the gap between technological progress in various domains and the existing pedagogy.

Abstract

The method of calibrated simulation has been used to estimate the energy savings by application of cool roof for the building of Satyam Learning Centre (SLC) at Hyderabad (India). Energy simulation model of the building was created using ‘DesignBuilder v. 1.95’and the building was monitored for few months. Mismatch between the simulation results and actual energy consumption has been reduced to obtain the calibrated model of the building using the method suggested in IPMVP Option-D. The calibrated model is then used to predict energy saving from the cool roof; the annual cooling energy savings were 19.4 kWh/m2. This saving corresponds to 9% reduction in annual air conditioning load and 5% reduction in overall annual energy consumption. Cost/benefit analysis for cool roof at SLC showed a 2.4 year financial payback period.

Abstract

Cool roof is one of the important strategies of energy savings in the tropical climate especially for low rise buildings. Standardization of the possible energy savings for a measure like cool roof would be quite difficult due to availability of various technologies and materials, as well as due to difference in building forms and climatic conditions. This paper talks about the development of an online tool for estimating energy saving through cool roof strategy using Energy Plus v4 as the backend simulation engine. Energy savings are calculated through simulating two identical buildings with different roof reflectivity values. Using this tool, simulations are run for the base case roof reflectivity of 0.3 and proposed case roof reflectivity of 0.75 for various major cities in India for a single floor, daytime use building. An average saving of 6.2% in cooling energy and 2.4% in total energy consumption was obtained using this tool.

Abstract

The method of calibrated simulation has been used to estimate the energy savings by application of cool roof for the building of Satyam Learning Centre (SLC) at Hyderabad

Abstract

This paper reports the development of an IR learning remote which when attached to occupancy sensors can switch off air conditioners during unoccupied durations and thereby save energy. This IR learning remote acts as an interface between occupancy sensor and AC by transmitting the control signal of occupancy sensor to the AC, by sending appropriate IR command. Generally, window and split air conditioners cannot be connected to BMS and regular occupancy sensors with relays designed for smaller loads. Such ACs’ can be controlled by occupancy sensors with the help of the IR remote developed in this work. As this system does not need any wiring and uses IR signals to control AC, the system can also be used for retrofit applications. This paper describes the development of the IR learning remote and the energy savings observed during the experiment. Further, energy simulations performed using EnergyPlus show that for a typical office with two hours of unoccupied duration during 8.5 office hours in a day, savings of 20% in air conditioning and 23.5% in lighting can be achieved in composite climate by switching OFF the AC and lights when the room is unoccupied. The percentage savings in air conditioning energy consumption is less than that of lighting even when both the AC and the lights are switched off for the same duration is due to the fact that AC has to remove the heat that comes into the space during the unoccupied duration. Simple pay back of this device is about two months.

Abstract

A multiple film based daylight control system for window has been developed to maintain the illuminance level at task plane. The developed system consists of three films with a visual transmittivity (Tvis) range of 0.159-0.015 and a 2x55W dimmable compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) fixture. The system works on the principle of feedback control, which records the changes in light intensity with the help of photosensor placed on the ceiling and facing the task plane and accordingly adjusts the film-position as well as the control voltage of dimmable CFL to maintain the task plane illuminance within a tolerance of-10%,+ 20% of setpoint. Optimized use of solar illuminance saves energy used for the task lighting for the period from 8: 00 to 19: 00, which was found to be about 70%. The paper describes the design, implementation of the proposed system and the preliminary results for task light illuminance and energy savings achieved in laboratory setup.