Tuesday, 28 June 2016: 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Renewable Energy Systems and Net Zero Buildings
Chair:
Frank Mills, Low Carbon Design Consultants
Technical Committee: 09.08 Large Building Air-Conditioning Applications
Sponsor: 6.09, 8.03 and 6.02
Combining a high capacity factor renewable heat source, thermal storage and absorption cooling expands Near-Net-Zero building and district energy opportunities. Woody biomass offers solar-derived heat on demand; implemented together, these three technologies assure comfort, with savings in power consumption, cost and emissions. Engineers add resilience potential by adapting thermal systems to support safe occupancy during and after disruptive events, like wide-area weather caused grid failure and disrupted delivery of petroleum based fuels for emergency generators and HVAC. Functional buildings data illustrates qualitative and economic value opportunities for efficient, low impact daily operation and resilience in the face of adversity.
1 Role of Thermal Storage in Solving Emissions and Building Overheat Problems with Wood-Fired HVAC
 |
Khaled A. Yousef, P.E., Pyramid Energy Engineering Services, PLLC |
This session presents up-to-date theory and tools important in specifying low emissions high efficiency bio-thermal HVAC systems. Hydronic distribution incorporating advanced heat storage technology and digital firing control stabilizes combustion, eliminates excess cycling, and prevents low-fire air emissions without overheating occupied spaces. Principles apply to all types of solid biomass fuel. Woody biomass is an inexpensive, widely available and renewable heat source. By learning about equipment and processes already in commercial service engineers will be able to specify wood-fired HVAC systems without the risks, delays and extra cost of “re-inventing"
2 Renewable Heat On-Demand: A Clean Source That's Too Valuable to Waste
 |
John Karakash, Resource Professionals Group |
Sustainable renewability of woody biomass fuel is reviewed, in the context of energy uses with the greatest thermal use efficiency and local sourcing potential. Biothermal heat and cooling systems enabling Near-Net-Zero status implement advanced equipment, technologies and methods commercially applied with success around the world, but underutilized in North America. Topics covered: fuel (quantification, preventing known handling problems, and source sustainability) and factors enhancing economic and environmental potential: (non-electric cooling driven by renewable heat, low-cost tools to evaluate single and multi-building opportunities and optimizing thermal capacity to reduce capital cost.
3 The Proof Is in the Performance: Experiences and Data from Real-World Facilities
 |
Jürgen Scharfe, P.E., JS Energie & Beratung GmbH |
Operating history is the most reliable tool for evaluating whether good ideas really worked in practice. This segment provides that background for risk sensitive building energy designers considering the value potential and best practices to follow in specifying these emerging technologies. Results data is presented for facilities employing biothermal HVAC as commercial practice. Functional reliability, convenience, compliance with air quality rules, electricity consumption, peak demand effects, economic performance compared with predictions and occupant satisfaction are addressed. Efforts that were employed to build awareness about the advanced systems and increase their market penetration will be described.