Predicting the performance of radiant technologies in attics: Reducing the discrepancies between attic specific and whole-building energy models

Journal Article · Thu Mar 29 00:00:00 EDT 2018 · Energy and Buildings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2018.03.054· OSTI ID:1457121

Fontanini, Anthony D. ^[1]; Castro Aguilar, Jose L. ^[2]; Mitchell, Matt S. ^[3]; Kosny, Jan ^[2]; Merket, Noel ^[4]; DeGraw, Jason W. ^[4]; Lee, Edwin ^[4]

---

1. Building Envelope and Materials Group, Boston, MA (United States); National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
2. Building Envelope and Materials Group, Boston, MA (United States)
3. Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK (United States)
4. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

The use of radiant technology in attics aims to reduce the radiation component of heat transfer between the attic floor and roof decks, gables, and eaves. Recently, it has been shown that EnergyPlus underestimates the savings using radiant technologies in attic spaces. The aim of this study is to understand why EnergyPlus underestimates the performance of radiant technologies and provide a solution strategy that works within the current capabilities of EnergyPlus. The analysis uses three attic energy models as a baseline for comparison for EnergyPlus. Potential reasons for the discrepancies between the attic specific energy models and EnergyPlus are isolated and individually tested. A solution strategy is proposed using the Energy Management System (EMS) capabilities within EnergyPlus. This solution strategy produces similar results to the other attic specific energy models. This paper shows that the current capabilities of EnergyPlus are sufficient to simulate radiant technologies in attics. The methodology showcased in this paper serves as a guide for engineers and researchers who would like to predict the performance radiant technology in attics using the whole building energy software, EnergyPlus.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1457121
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1548518
• Report Number(s): NREL/JA-5500-70220
• Journal Information: Energy and Buildings, Vol. 169, Issue C; ISSN 0378-7788
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
radiant technologies
attics
EnergyPlus