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Building as an Energy System Modern buildings are complex structures; there are significant interactions among the various systems of which they are comprised. The energy auditor needs to look holistically at the building when recommending efficiency measures to ensure that these energy interactions are taken into account. Among the interactions that need to be considered are the following: A lighting retrofit from incandescent to LED lighting, because of the improved efficiency, will reduce the internal heat gain of the building; therefore, in the cooling season, the cooling system will experience a decreased load. Because the AC system not only cools, but dehumidifies the building, the same lighting retrofit could result in an over-designed cooling . Sustainable Cooling Strategy plant to operate less frequently to maintain temperature, thereby causing humidity to increase. Building envelope improvements such as increased insulation and reduced infiltration will have similar effects as noted on cooling plant. The reduced infiltration could require an increase in fresh air supply (thereby fan energy) in order to maintain occupant comfort and meet indoor air quality standards. |
