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Title: Effects of atmospheric variability on energy utilization and conservation. [Space heating energy demand modeling; Program HEATLOAD]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7334746· OSTI ID:7334746

Research conducted between 1 July 1975 and 31 October 1976 is reported. A ''physical-adaptive'' model of the space-conditioning demand for energy and its response to changes in weather regimes was developed. This model includes parameters pertaining to engineering factors of building construction, to weather-related factors, and to socio-economic factors. Preliminary testing of several components of the model on the city of Greeley, Colorado, yielded most encouraging results. Other components, especially those pertaining to socio-economic factors, are still under development. Expansion of model applications to different types of structures and larger regions is presently underway. A CRT-display model for energy demand within the conterminous United States also has passed preliminary tests. A major effort was expended to obtain disaggregated data on energy use from utility companies throughout the United States. The study of atmospheric variability revealed that the 22- to 26-day vacillation in the potential and kinetic energy modes of the Northern Hemisphere is related to the behavior of the planetary long-waves, and that the midwinter dip in zonal available potential energy is reflected in the development of blocking highs. Attempts to classify weather patterns over the eastern and central United States have proceeded satisfactorily to the point where testing of our method for longer time periods appears desirable.

Research Organization:
Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins (USA). Dept. of Atmospheric Science
Sponsoring Organization:
US Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-S-02-1340
OSTI ID:
7334746
Report Number(s):
COO-1340-52
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English