Energy Performance Optimization for an Office Building located in Guayaquil-Ecuador

Published in: Engineering Innovations for Global Sustainability: Proceedings of the 14th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: July 20-22, 2016
Location of Conference: San Jose, Costa Rica
Authors: Henry Sánchez
Guillermo Soriano
Jorge Erazo
Refereed Paper: #37

Abstract:

This study analyzes the energy situation of the building ""Government Zone of Guayaquil"", and on this basis assesses the potential of energy efficiency criteria to reduce its electric consumption. As a first phase, it is necessary to gather historical data about energy consumption, weather conditions, building plans, characteristics of the building envelope, installed systems, lighting and other heat loads of the air conditioning system. These data are used to develop an energy simulation of the building, which is calibrated using the electric monthly consumption bills and the ASHRAE guideline 14-2002. The results obtained by the simulation of the calibrated model become the energy baseline for this study. Once the baseline is established, the simulation results are evaluated to identify the energy reduction opportunities in the building focusing on the mechanical system of the building. The measures proposed are two: One is to reduce the lift (head pressure) of the chillers, and the other is to implement variable frequency drives on mechanical components of the chilled water plant. Once the energy saving measures are defined; simulations are conducted to evaluate their effects. Improvements in building efficiency are assessed by a comparative analysis of the baseline model and the models of the proposed saving measures. The results indicate that it is possible to reduce up to 26.42% energy consumption when a chiller with a variable frequency drive is used along an adjustment of its outlet temperature. This study serves to illustrate the potential of energy improvements in the operation of office buildings.