Simulating energy efficiency in laboratory buildings

Abstract

<p>Today's laboratory buildings are large consumers of energy. The ventilation requirements of these buildings mandate that large quantities of outside air be brought into the building. The advent of air-to-air heat recovery systems has been proven to significantly decrease the energy input needed to condition outside air. This project is a detailed energy simulation of a laboratory building on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Using Trane TRACE 700 software, a detailed model of the building was created, and energy efficient measures were simulated. These simulations include the proper control of outside air flow rates, the installation of enthalpy wheels, and recovery of heat from fume hood exhaust. With each simulation, detailed energy and cost savings numbers were tabulated. It was found that through these simulations, a total of 15 percent energy savings could be achieved.</p>