The document discusses a mobile application for building energy retrofits and HVAC field work. It describes key features of the app including collecting field data, integrating with mapping apps, automatic photo management, and presenting a Home Energy Score to homeowners. The app is designed for professionals to use on smartphones and tablets for tasks like data entry, navigation, and scheduling across different devices. It aims to standardize data collection and facilitate large-scale home assessments.
The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency to strengthen the economy and improve the environment. CEE provides engineering services to analyze existing public buildings and implement recommissioning processes to optimize building systems and reduce energy usage. Case studies presented showed recommissioning projects for an office building, hospital, and middle school that achieved energy savings between 11-30% with paybacks of 1.2-3 years. A state public buildings energy efficiency program worked across multiple utility territories and identified common energy savings opportunities through recommissioning of over 30,000 square feet of public building space.
This document discusses CenterPoint Energy's energy efficiency programs and working with trade allies. Some key points:
- CenterPoint Energy delivers natural gas to customers in 6 states and has energy efficiency programs in 3 states. They have worked with trade allies in Minnesota since 1992 and are developing trade ally networks in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
- Trade allies include HVAC dealers, plumbers, insulation contractors, and mechanical contractors who contribute over 90% of residential rebates and over 230,000 therms in savings. This helps trade allies increase profits and customer satisfaction.
- The document outlines CenterPoint Energy's 2010-2012 residential and commercial/industrial energy efficiency program offerings and rebates. It provides an example of significant reb
The document describes miScore, a mobile app designed for home energy assessors to conduct Home Energy Score assessments in the field using a smartphone or tablet. The app was designed for professionals conducting over 1,000 home visits per year. It allows for offline data collection, integrated photo capture and mapping, and a one-page data summary view. Data is synced with a cloud repository and the app returns a Home Energy Score label upon completion. The schedule outlines beta release following DOE certification, with free use through the HEScore national launch pilot period.
Information on levels of secondhand smoke measured simultaneously in the smoking and nonsmoking section of bars and restaurants in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, presented at the 2011 Indoor Air conference.
For more info, read an interview with CEE's Dave Bohac and Martha Hewett:
http://mncee.org/Innovation-Exchange/ie/November-2012/IAQ-and-Energy-Efficiency--Part-2/?utm_source=slideshare&utm_medium=slideshare&utm_campaign=slideshare
This document summarizes a field study comparing tank and tankless water heaters. It provides an overview of the study objectives and methodology, which involved monitoring 10 sites with 25 water heaters over 16 months. The document then discusses the key differences between tank and tankless water heaters as well as issues related to hot water quality, installation considerations, efficiency and savings, occupant satisfaction, and impact on gas distribution systems.
This webinar presentation summarized the development and use of the CEE Home Energy Efficiency Index. The index provides homeowners with a score from 1-100 that evaluates the energy efficiency of their home and identifies high impact areas for upgrades. Over 400 homes have been scored in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The score has been well received by homeowners and identifies clear priorities for energy savings. Next steps include expanding the program, tracking upgrades completed, and refinements to the scoring methodology.
This document summarizes the experiences and lessons learned from the One-Stop Efficiency Shop program in increasing small business energy efficiency. Over 12 years, the program saved 82 MW and 303,000 MWh through 8,100 participants. The program employed best practices like incentives and financing but found that audits did not guarantee implementation. To improve, the program rethought lead generation, staffing, vendor relationships, and software to better qualify leads, train staff in sales, engage vendors, and support the sales process.
The document discusses a mobile application for building energy retrofits and HVAC field work. It describes key features of the app including collecting field data, integrating with mapping apps, automatic photo management, and presenting a Home Energy Score to homeowners. The app is designed for professionals to use on smartphones and tablets for tasks like data entry, navigation, and scheduling across different devices. It aims to standardize data collection and facilitate large-scale home assessments.
The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency to strengthen the economy and improve the environment. CEE provides engineering services to analyze existing public buildings and implement recommissioning processes to optimize building systems and reduce energy usage. Case studies presented showed recommissioning projects for an office building, hospital, and middle school that achieved energy savings between 11-30% with paybacks of 1.2-3 years. A state public buildings energy efficiency program worked across multiple utility territories and identified common energy savings opportunities through recommissioning of over 30,000 square feet of public building space.
This document discusses CenterPoint Energy's energy efficiency programs and working with trade allies. Some key points:
- CenterPoint Energy delivers natural gas to customers in 6 states and has energy efficiency programs in 3 states. They have worked with trade allies in Minnesota since 1992 and are developing trade ally networks in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
- Trade allies include HVAC dealers, plumbers, insulation contractors, and mechanical contractors who contribute over 90% of residential rebates and over 230,000 therms in savings. This helps trade allies increase profits and customer satisfaction.
- The document outlines CenterPoint Energy's 2010-2012 residential and commercial/industrial energy efficiency program offerings and rebates. It provides an example of significant reb
The document describes miScore, a mobile app designed for home energy assessors to conduct Home Energy Score assessments in the field using a smartphone or tablet. The app was designed for professionals conducting over 1,000 home visits per year. It allows for offline data collection, integrated photo capture and mapping, and a one-page data summary view. Data is synced with a cloud repository and the app returns a Home Energy Score label upon completion. The schedule outlines beta release following DOE certification, with free use through the HEScore national launch pilot period.
Information on levels of secondhand smoke measured simultaneously in the smoking and nonsmoking section of bars and restaurants in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, presented at the 2011 Indoor Air conference.
For more info, read an interview with CEE's Dave Bohac and Martha Hewett:
http://mncee.org/Innovation-Exchange/ie/November-2012/IAQ-and-Energy-Efficiency--Part-2/?utm_source=slideshare&utm_medium=slideshare&utm_campaign=slideshare
This document summarizes a field study comparing tank and tankless water heaters. It provides an overview of the study objectives and methodology, which involved monitoring 10 sites with 25 water heaters over 16 months. The document then discusses the key differences between tank and tankless water heaters as well as issues related to hot water quality, installation considerations, efficiency and savings, occupant satisfaction, and impact on gas distribution systems.
This webinar presentation summarized the development and use of the CEE Home Energy Efficiency Index. The index provides homeowners with a score from 1-100 that evaluates the energy efficiency of their home and identifies high impact areas for upgrades. Over 400 homes have been scored in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The score has been well received by homeowners and identifies clear priorities for energy savings. Next steps include expanding the program, tracking upgrades completed, and refinements to the scoring methodology.
This document summarizes the experiences and lessons learned from the One-Stop Efficiency Shop program in increasing small business energy efficiency. Over 12 years, the program saved 82 MW and 303,000 MWh through 8,100 participants. The program employed best practices like incentives and financing but found that audits did not guarantee implementation. To improve, the program rethought lead generation, staffing, vendor relationships, and software to better qualify leads, train staff in sales, engage vendors, and support the sales process.
Jenny Edwards explains how Demand Side Management programs benefit ratepayers by keeping costs down overall, allowing customers to save on the energy they do use as well as the energy they don’t.
The document discusses the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership, a partnership between the City of Minneapolis and local utilities to deliver clean energy. It summarizes that the partnership was formed in 2014 through franchise agreements and a clean energy coordination agreement. It aims to jointly plan and prioritize clean energy activities through a decision-making structure that includes a partnership board, planning team, and advisory committee. The work plan developed focuses on initiatives for residential, multifamily, commercial and city sectors. The partnership looks to export innovations to other utility territories and continues working to meet the city's climate action goals through coordinated efforts.
Engagement Coordinator Megan Hoye gave a presentation on CEE's research projects to the American Institute of Architects Minnesota's, Committee on the Environment.
The document summarizes the results of Minnesota's Existing Building Commissioning Program, which investigated 227 state government buildings containing nearly 19 million square feet. Key findings include that specialized training and provider certification would benefit commissioning programs, investigations identified an average of over 4 measures per building with average site energy savings of 2.1 kBtu/ft2yr, and implementation of measures resulted in a program-wide savings of 7.2%. Quality assurance improved outcomes for customers but identified a need for more consistent, high-quality work from commissioning providers.
This document discusses procedures for testing forced air HVAC systems to ensure quality installation and optimal performance. Key tests described are measuring total external static pressure (TESP) and air flow in cubic feet per minute (CFM). High or unbalanced static pressure can reduce efficiency and comfort, while insufficient air flow impacts humidity control, indoor air quality, and system function. The document provides examples of how to measure TESP and CFM using tools like manometers, static probes, and hot wire anemometers. Identifying issues like restrictive filters or ductwork through testing can lead to solutions that improve a system's efficiency and owner's experience.
This was a presentation that Tom Spielman and I did at the NESEA’s Building Energy 12 conference held in Boston MA in March 2012. We used iPads and an Apple TV to do this presentation. A Verizon 4G MiFi unit was used to create the wifi network. We demoed apps directly off the iPads using AirPlay mirroring on the Apple TV.
This document summarizes the key findings of a study estimating the external health and environmental costs of electricity generation in Minnesota. The study finds that the total annual costs are $2.454 billion, with a range of $1.041 to $3.562 billion. Nearly 94% of the costs are from coal-fired power plants, which account for 58% of Minnesota's electricity. The costs per kilowatt hour of electricity generated are 4.6 cents for all sources and 6.8 cents for coal specifically. These estimates are significantly higher than those used previously by Minnesota regulators.
This document provides an overview of energy efficiency programs and performance in Minnesota. It discusses the state's longstanding commitment to energy efficiency and recognition for its work. Key points include utilities achieving savings of over 120 million kWh and 2 million MCF in 2010. Program costs per kWh and MCF saved have declined. New guidance was also provided for low-income multifamily buildings and customers using delivered fuels. Looking ahead, the state aims to continue cost-effective energy efficiency programs that validate savings and reinforce efficiency as a resource.
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 aims to increase energy efficiency and security in the United States. Key provisions include increased fuel economy standards, a renewable fuel standard, and new appliance and lighting efficiency standards. The lighting standards phase in between 2011-2014 and require more efficient incandescent and fluorescent lamps. The standards do not ban incandescent lamps but set minimum efficiency levels. Utility programs must now use more stringent EISA baselines to calculate energy savings from efficient lighting upgrades.
Presentation will highlighting CEE's project to assess the energy savings potential of tankless hot water heaters. CEE’s research staff installed the heaters in Minnesota homes to collect real-world system efficiency and energy data. They also surveyed homeowners to determine water heater performance and understand residential hot water use. This field research project provided valuable data and analysis of tankless water heater performance in actual homes, which helped develop new water heating test standards.
The document summarizes a pilot conservation program between the City of Buffalo Municipal Electric Department, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources, the Weidt Group, and Affordable Energy Solutions. The program involves customer participation, benchmarking buildings, energy audits, prioritizing efficiency corrections, and follow up meetings. It also provides a list of conservation resources for participants, including organizations, websites, and contacts.
This document provides information on a pilot program to improve commercial energy code compliance in Minnesota. It discusses trends in other states' commercial energy code support programs and the issues addressed by the Minnesota pilot. The pilot uses two approaches - one for small, prescriptive projects and one for large, complex projects. It involves partner cities, provides tools and guidance to project teams, and evaluates the energy savings and benefits. The goal is to establish an effective precedent for commercial energy code support in Minnesota.
Joe Plummer of the MN Division of Energy Resources and Jeff Haase of Great River Energy will provide background information about the platform, who it benefits, and the goals and requirements for utility use.
This study measured secondhand smoke (SHS) transfer between units in multi-unit housing in Minnesota. Chamber tests showed that the ratio of ultraviolet-absorbing particulate matter and black carbon concentrations ((UVPM-BC)/UVPM) can distinguish tobacco smoke from other sources. Field tests in three connected units found higher SHS exposure and nicotine/3-Ethenylpyridine levels in the smoker's unit and non-smoking unit above. Larger monitoring of 65 non-smoking units in smoking buildings found higher average SHS events and exposure than in smoke-free buildings. The study developed a method to identify SHS transfer between housing units.
This document summarizes Dave Bohac's presentation on energy-efficiency options for residential water heating. It discusses various water heating technologies including natural gas storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, hybrid water heaters, electric storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. It provides information on the efficiency and performance of different options as well as factors to consider like installation challenges, safety, and cost effectiveness. The document also outlines new developments in water heating standards and regulations taking effect in 2015.
The energy required to heat and cool outdoor air and infiltration air is a significant fraction of thermal loads. This project has developed diagnostic procedures to identify air leaks and methods to calculate the savings from air sealing large commercial and institutional buildings. Envelope air sealing could significantly reduce large building energy consumption, but no systematic research has identified the most cost-effective strategies for Minnesota buildings.
This document summarizes lessons learned from installing combi systems in over 200 homes. Key points include:
- Proper installation is important, including venting, mixing valves, condensate pumps, and sizing. Optimization can improve efficiency.
- Occupants may experience changes to water delivery temperatures and air delivery with longer heating cycles at lower temperatures.
- Field studies found energy savings of 13-16% compared to standard equipment when systems were properly optimized and verified.
- Future opportunities include more integrated control systems to further reduce energy use through set point optimization and modulation. Ensuring proper sizing, installation, and training of contractors is also important to achieve expected performance and savings.
Leaders from MN’s Division of Energy Resources, the MN Pollution Control Agency, and the energy sector discuss regional solutions to cut emissions from existing power plants.
A regulatory framework that that better aligns how utilities earn revenue with customer demands and public policy goals.
Given at National Symposium on Market Transformation on April 21st, 2015.
The document summarizes results from air leakage tests on 387 commercial and institutional buildings in the United States. Key findings include:
- The average air leakage was 0.72 cubic feet per minute per square foot (cfm/ft2) at 75 Pascals of pressure.
- Buildings with effective air barriers were on average 70% tighter than those without.
- Modeling showed that reducing leakage from a typical level of 4 times the US Army Corps standard to a target 40% below the standard could significantly reduce air infiltration and energy use in buildings.
- Additional research on taller buildings is still needed to establish appropriate testing methods and better understand leakage patterns.
The document summarizes a field study of 8 cold-climate air-source heat pumps (ccASHPs) installed in Minnesota homes. It found that the ccASHPs performed as expected for heating, with annual COPs lower than ratings due to auxiliary heat use. Flex fuel ccASHPs could heat below 5°F while all-electric systems could heat below -13°F. Installations of ccASHPs showed potential for 40-60% reductions in site energy use, emissions and costs compared to propane or electric resistance heating. The study demonstrated ccASHPs can provide beneficial electrification in Minnesota.
This document summarizes research on cold-climate air-source heat pumps conducted in Minnesota homes. Eight heat pumps were monitored, including six ducted whole-home systems and two ductless mini-split systems. The heat pumps performed well down to 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit for ducted systems and below -13F for ductless. Annual COPs were 1.2-2.1, providing energy savings of 40-60% compared to electric resistance or propane heating. Paybacks were estimated at 6 years or less when paired with replacing an existing heating or cooling system. Further research is needed to optimize controls and expand applications to multifamily buildings.
Jenny Edwards explains how Demand Side Management programs benefit ratepayers by keeping costs down overall, allowing customers to save on the energy they do use as well as the energy they don’t.
The document discusses the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership, a partnership between the City of Minneapolis and local utilities to deliver clean energy. It summarizes that the partnership was formed in 2014 through franchise agreements and a clean energy coordination agreement. It aims to jointly plan and prioritize clean energy activities through a decision-making structure that includes a partnership board, planning team, and advisory committee. The work plan developed focuses on initiatives for residential, multifamily, commercial and city sectors. The partnership looks to export innovations to other utility territories and continues working to meet the city's climate action goals through coordinated efforts.
Engagement Coordinator Megan Hoye gave a presentation on CEE's research projects to the American Institute of Architects Minnesota's, Committee on the Environment.
The document summarizes the results of Minnesota's Existing Building Commissioning Program, which investigated 227 state government buildings containing nearly 19 million square feet. Key findings include that specialized training and provider certification would benefit commissioning programs, investigations identified an average of over 4 measures per building with average site energy savings of 2.1 kBtu/ft2yr, and implementation of measures resulted in a program-wide savings of 7.2%. Quality assurance improved outcomes for customers but identified a need for more consistent, high-quality work from commissioning providers.
This document discusses procedures for testing forced air HVAC systems to ensure quality installation and optimal performance. Key tests described are measuring total external static pressure (TESP) and air flow in cubic feet per minute (CFM). High or unbalanced static pressure can reduce efficiency and comfort, while insufficient air flow impacts humidity control, indoor air quality, and system function. The document provides examples of how to measure TESP and CFM using tools like manometers, static probes, and hot wire anemometers. Identifying issues like restrictive filters or ductwork through testing can lead to solutions that improve a system's efficiency and owner's experience.
This was a presentation that Tom Spielman and I did at the NESEA’s Building Energy 12 conference held in Boston MA in March 2012. We used iPads and an Apple TV to do this presentation. A Verizon 4G MiFi unit was used to create the wifi network. We demoed apps directly off the iPads using AirPlay mirroring on the Apple TV.
This document summarizes the key findings of a study estimating the external health and environmental costs of electricity generation in Minnesota. The study finds that the total annual costs are $2.454 billion, with a range of $1.041 to $3.562 billion. Nearly 94% of the costs are from coal-fired power plants, which account for 58% of Minnesota's electricity. The costs per kilowatt hour of electricity generated are 4.6 cents for all sources and 6.8 cents for coal specifically. These estimates are significantly higher than those used previously by Minnesota regulators.
This document provides an overview of energy efficiency programs and performance in Minnesota. It discusses the state's longstanding commitment to energy efficiency and recognition for its work. Key points include utilities achieving savings of over 120 million kWh and 2 million MCF in 2010. Program costs per kWh and MCF saved have declined. New guidance was also provided for low-income multifamily buildings and customers using delivered fuels. Looking ahead, the state aims to continue cost-effective energy efficiency programs that validate savings and reinforce efficiency as a resource.
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 aims to increase energy efficiency and security in the United States. Key provisions include increased fuel economy standards, a renewable fuel standard, and new appliance and lighting efficiency standards. The lighting standards phase in between 2011-2014 and require more efficient incandescent and fluorescent lamps. The standards do not ban incandescent lamps but set minimum efficiency levels. Utility programs must now use more stringent EISA baselines to calculate energy savings from efficient lighting upgrades.
Presentation will highlighting CEE's project to assess the energy savings potential of tankless hot water heaters. CEE’s research staff installed the heaters in Minnesota homes to collect real-world system efficiency and energy data. They also surveyed homeowners to determine water heater performance and understand residential hot water use. This field research project provided valuable data and analysis of tankless water heater performance in actual homes, which helped develop new water heating test standards.
The document summarizes a pilot conservation program between the City of Buffalo Municipal Electric Department, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources, the Weidt Group, and Affordable Energy Solutions. The program involves customer participation, benchmarking buildings, energy audits, prioritizing efficiency corrections, and follow up meetings. It also provides a list of conservation resources for participants, including organizations, websites, and contacts.
This document provides information on a pilot program to improve commercial energy code compliance in Minnesota. It discusses trends in other states' commercial energy code support programs and the issues addressed by the Minnesota pilot. The pilot uses two approaches - one for small, prescriptive projects and one for large, complex projects. It involves partner cities, provides tools and guidance to project teams, and evaluates the energy savings and benefits. The goal is to establish an effective precedent for commercial energy code support in Minnesota.
Joe Plummer of the MN Division of Energy Resources and Jeff Haase of Great River Energy will provide background information about the platform, who it benefits, and the goals and requirements for utility use.
This study measured secondhand smoke (SHS) transfer between units in multi-unit housing in Minnesota. Chamber tests showed that the ratio of ultraviolet-absorbing particulate matter and black carbon concentrations ((UVPM-BC)/UVPM) can distinguish tobacco smoke from other sources. Field tests in three connected units found higher SHS exposure and nicotine/3-Ethenylpyridine levels in the smoker's unit and non-smoking unit above. Larger monitoring of 65 non-smoking units in smoking buildings found higher average SHS events and exposure than in smoke-free buildings. The study developed a method to identify SHS transfer between housing units.
This document summarizes Dave Bohac's presentation on energy-efficiency options for residential water heating. It discusses various water heating technologies including natural gas storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, hybrid water heaters, electric storage water heaters, tankless water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. It provides information on the efficiency and performance of different options as well as factors to consider like installation challenges, safety, and cost effectiveness. The document also outlines new developments in water heating standards and regulations taking effect in 2015.
The energy required to heat and cool outdoor air and infiltration air is a significant fraction of thermal loads. This project has developed diagnostic procedures to identify air leaks and methods to calculate the savings from air sealing large commercial and institutional buildings. Envelope air sealing could significantly reduce large building energy consumption, but no systematic research has identified the most cost-effective strategies for Minnesota buildings.
This document summarizes lessons learned from installing combi systems in over 200 homes. Key points include:
- Proper installation is important, including venting, mixing valves, condensate pumps, and sizing. Optimization can improve efficiency.
- Occupants may experience changes to water delivery temperatures and air delivery with longer heating cycles at lower temperatures.
- Field studies found energy savings of 13-16% compared to standard equipment when systems were properly optimized and verified.
- Future opportunities include more integrated control systems to further reduce energy use through set point optimization and modulation. Ensuring proper sizing, installation, and training of contractors is also important to achieve expected performance and savings.
Leaders from MN’s Division of Energy Resources, the MN Pollution Control Agency, and the energy sector discuss regional solutions to cut emissions from existing power plants.
A regulatory framework that that better aligns how utilities earn revenue with customer demands and public policy goals.
Given at National Symposium on Market Transformation on April 21st, 2015.
The document summarizes results from air leakage tests on 387 commercial and institutional buildings in the United States. Key findings include:
- The average air leakage was 0.72 cubic feet per minute per square foot (cfm/ft2) at 75 Pascals of pressure.
- Buildings with effective air barriers were on average 70% tighter than those without.
- Modeling showed that reducing leakage from a typical level of 4 times the US Army Corps standard to a target 40% below the standard could significantly reduce air infiltration and energy use in buildings.
- Additional research on taller buildings is still needed to establish appropriate testing methods and better understand leakage patterns.
The document summarizes a field study of 8 cold-climate air-source heat pumps (ccASHPs) installed in Minnesota homes. It found that the ccASHPs performed as expected for heating, with annual COPs lower than ratings due to auxiliary heat use. Flex fuel ccASHPs could heat below 5°F while all-electric systems could heat below -13°F. Installations of ccASHPs showed potential for 40-60% reductions in site energy use, emissions and costs compared to propane or electric resistance heating. The study demonstrated ccASHPs can provide beneficial electrification in Minnesota.
This document summarizes research on cold-climate air-source heat pumps conducted in Minnesota homes. Eight heat pumps were monitored, including six ducted whole-home systems and two ductless mini-split systems. The heat pumps performed well down to 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit for ducted systems and below -13F for ductless. Annual COPs were 1.2-2.1, providing energy savings of 40-60% compared to electric resistance or propane heating. Paybacks were estimated at 6 years or less when paired with replacing an existing heating or cooling system. Further research is needed to optimize controls and expand applications to multifamily buildings.
The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) provided information to the House Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Committee. CEE takes a data-driven, community-based, and consumer-focused approach to reducing energy waste through programs, services, policy work, and technical research. CEE has award-winning efficiency programs across Minnesota that have saved customers over $7.3 million annually in one representative's district. CEE advocates for legislative initiatives that integrate efficient fuel switching, demand response, and a clean energy first approach into Minnesota's conservation programs.
The document discusses achieving a healthy low-carbon economy in Minnesota. It identifies three keys: maximizing energy efficiency, decarbonizing electricity supply by retiring coal and other high-carbon plants, and strategic electrification of parts of the economy like transportation and buildings. Maximizing efficiency can save significant amounts of energy and avoid infrastructure costs. Decarbonizing electricity supply is critical as over 95% of the state's power sector emissions come from plants that will retire in the next 20 years. Strategic electrification technologies like heat pumps, electric vehicles, and buses can reduce emissions if deployed in a way that reduces energy use and costs and does not excessively increase peak demand.
This document summarizes a field study of 8 cold-climate air-source heat pumps (ccASHPs) installed in Minnesota homes. 6 units were ducted whole-home systems while 2 were ductless mini-splits. Instrumentation monitored performance of the heat pumps and backup systems. Results found ducted units could provide heat down to 5-10°F while ductless units operated below -13°F. Ducted flexible fuel ccASHPs improved annual COP to 1.3 and reduced propane use by 60% compared to condensing furnaces. Ductless ccASHPs achieved annual COPs of 2.1, reducing energy and costs by 55% versus electric resistance heat. The study concluded
This document summarizes research on the cost effectiveness of condensing boilers. Field research was conducted on existing condensing boilers, which found average efficiencies of 90%. Retrocommissioning actions like lowering supply temperatures and adjusting reset curves improved efficiencies by 1-3%. On average, condensing boilers provided 13% annual savings over standard boilers. The average price difference of $2,300 between condensing and standard boilers means condensing boilers have a simple 25-year payback and are cost effective over the lifetime of the unit, with a path to a 10-year payback.
This document summarizes the results of a pilot program that provided commercial energy code compliance services through plan review and design team support. The program worked with cities and design teams on several commercial building projects. It found that targeted tools and building-specific assistance helped capture energy savings cost-effectively. Providing support to city reviewers also had more success recruiting participants with lower marketing costs. Overall, the pilot demonstrated significant potential for energy savings through improved commercial building energy code compliance.
Leveraging existing home inspections at time-of-sale to promote energy upgrades. Presentation given at ACEEE 2018 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
Here are some key considerations for utility EV charging programs based on the discussion:
- A single network provider can simplify program administration and enable integrated demand response capabilities across different charging locations and hardware options. However, it may limit customer choice.
- Make-ready incentives and rebates with multiple qualified network providers gives more customer choice but makes demand response coordination challenging if networks are not interoperable.
- Utility ownership of charging infrastructure allows more direct control over demand response but may require larger upfront investment compared to make-ready incentives.
- Analyzing customized charging data from a single network can provide valuable insights for utilities to better understand customer needs and charging behaviors.
This document summarizes the results of a field study evaluating the performance of transport membrane humidifiers (TMHs) retrofitted to standard efficiency furnaces. The study found that TMHs increased furnace efficiency by 9% for space heating and humidification by adding over 10,500 BTUs per hour. TMHs also improved indoor humidity levels during cold weather without risk of over-humidification. Total installed costs for TMHs were estimated between $1,400-$1,900 with payback periods of 3.9-17.3 years depending on location and energy savings from both heating and humidification. The document concludes that TMHs are a cost-effective alternative to upgrading older furnaces but challenges remain in commercializing the
This document summarizes research on automated house sealing using aerosolized sealants. Key points:
- Air sealing homes can reduce energy use by 30% by reducing air leakage. Aerosol sealing provides an effective way to thoroughly seal homes.
- Field tests with builders showed aerosol sealing reliably achieved tightness standards, reducing leakage by 54-95% in new construction and 39-88% in existing homes.
- Two sealing options were evaluated: sealing after or before insulation. Both reduced leakage by 70-75% but sealing before insulation allowed sealing of more areas.
- The research aims to integrate aerosol sealing into standard construction practices to lower costs and improve performance of home tight
This webinar summarized a research project that evaluated the effectiveness of demand control recirculation systems in commercial hot water applications. Demand control systems use sensors and controls to reduce hot water recirculation pump runtime when hot water is not being used. The project monitored 6 sites before and after installing demand control systems. On average, the systems reduced thermal energy use by 14-18% and pump electricity use by 70-96%, saving $125-1356 per year depending on the site. The simple payback for the control systems was 1-2 years for larger sites and 10-20 years for smaller sites.
Energy Fit Homes is a certificate program administered by the Center for Energy and Environment, designed specifically for existing homes in Minnesota and is focused exclusively on energy efficient upgrades that are cost-effective to the homeowner.
The presentation includes background information on building science and the benefits of Energy Fit Homes for both homeowners and Realtors®. Real estate professionals who attended the presentation received the tools needed to start integrating the program into their Realtor® client services.
This webinar discussed research into optimizing the operation of indoor public pool facilities in Minnesota to save energy. The research characterized over 2,000 indoor pools statewide, conducted in-depth evaluations at 6 sites, and identified key savings opportunities. Statewide, HVAC control upgrades had the largest potential savings. Operational improvements like adjusting temperature and humidity setpoints and installing pool covers could also significantly reduce energy use. The webinar provided recommendations for utility programs and introduced guides developed for pool operators and recommissioning providers.
There’s growing awareness that perhaps the only practical pathway to achieving Minnesota’s deep decarbonization goal is through a combination of steps.
Research lead discusses how new generation air source heat pumps perform in Minnesota’s colder climate, how to best integrate air source heat pumps into utility efficiency programs, and how this new technology has the potential to create new business opportunities in the building and design world.
Research identifying common issues affecting the effectiveness of Energy Recovery Ventilation in Minnesota buildings and developing a protocol to optimize their performance.
Webinar sharing report findings including aerosol sealing cost-effectiveness in multifamily buildings and recommendations on how utilities and contractors can take advantage of this new sealing application.