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Field evaluations in the time of COVID-19: overcoming unexpected challenges when testing occupied buildings.

Number: 3551

Author(s) : HENDRON R., SIMONSON R.

Summary

This paper discusses challenges that were overcome during the evaluation of eleven emerging energy efficiency and electrification technologies in 61 occupied homes and businesses as part of a community-based utility program in Northern California. All technologies were commercially available but underutilized due to insufficient market awareness or lack of demonstrated energy savings in retrofit applications. These technologies included ducted mini-split heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps with radiant ceiling panel or fan-coil distribution, grid-interactive heat pump water heaters, aerosol envelope sealing, phase change materials (in both commercial and residential applications), tubular daylighting devices, induction cooktops, heat recovery dishmachines, and night ventilation cooling.
Each of these projects included a field test component to quantify energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and measure durability. Many challenges were encountered and addressed along the way. Most significant was the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic during the program, severely complicating the analysis of energy savings because of the impact on usage patterns for both residential and commercial buildings. In some cases, accurate energy savings estimates were not possible. This paper documents the range of solutions developed by the project team to overcome these challenges and maximize the knowledge gained from the program. Lessons learned from the program may help future researchers avoid pitfalls and ensure backup options are available when evaluating emerging technologies in occupied buildings.

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Pages: 10 p.

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  • Original title: Field evaluations in the time of COVID-19: overcoming unexpected challenges when testing occupied buildings.
  • Record ID : 30032913
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Figures, economy
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 8th International High Performance Buildings Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/15

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