Model-Based Recommissioning Analysis of a Campus Building

Buildings in the United States consume around 40% of our nation’s energy, about twice as much as automobiles. About one half of this energy is consumed by the heating and cooling systems (HVAC). By reducing the energy consumption of the building we will not only reduce the energy cost, but also consume fewer natural resources. With the United States facing high energy prices due to increase dependence of natural resources, which are used to operate buildings, it is important to reduce the unnecessary energy consumption in buildings. In the campus building in this study, the HVAC equipment is managed and controlled inefficiently. In order to correct the inefficiency, the thermodynamics of the building must be better understood. An energy model of the building will be made to understand the thermodynamics, and how occupants, weather, and equipment influence the performance of the building.  Through simulations we will test alternative control strategies to help reduce the energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort. The analysis will be focused on the components responsible for controlling the building’s temperature. We are hoping that changing the control strategy for the HVAC and it will lead to 10-20% energy reduction.