Open AccessEnergy Implications of Retrofitting Retail Sector Rooftop Units with Stepped-Speed and Variable-Speed Functionality
Author(s) -
Daniel Studer,
Rachel Romero,
L. Herrmann,
Kyle Benne
Publication year - 2012
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/1039790
Subject(s) - retrofitting , measure (data warehouse) , energy (signal processing) , variable (mathematics) , efficient energy use , environmental science , computer science , engineering , automotive engineering , business , electrical engineering , mathematics , structural engineering , mathematical analysis , statistics , database
Commercial retailers understand that retrofitting constant-speed RTU fan motors with stepped- or variable-speed alternatives could save significant energy in most U.S. climate zones. However, they lack supporting data, both real-world and simulation based, on the cost effectiveness and climate zone-specific energy savings associated with this measure. Thus, building managers and engineers have been unable to present a compelling business case for fan motor upgrades to upper management. This study uses whole-building energy simulation to estimate the energy impact of this type of measure so retailers can determine its economic feasibility