Super Charging Standardized Asset Data with EnergyPlus

Lead Performer: Performance Systems Development of NY, LLC -  Ithaca, NY
DOE Total Funding: $999,671
Project Term:  August 2021 – August 2023
Funding Type: SBIR Phase 2   

Project Objective

Phase 2 will generate EnergyPlus models that adjust for time and location and incorporate cold climate heat pumps, smart thermostats, batteries, and solar photovoltaics into comprehensive building improvement packages. The adoption of these calculations into regulated energy-efficiency programs stems from a framework developed in Phase 1 that reduced the cost of validation and was approved by the state of New York for a residential retrofit standardized simulation.

Phase 2 adds value to efficiency programs by including asset ratings (Home Energy Score and Asset Score), design load calculations, and real-time feedback on building performance. The calculation infrastructure leverages the data models supported by the Department of Energy, including the Home Energy Score data model, HPXML and BuildingSync.

PROJECT IMPACT

NYSERDA has estimated that the current cost for a participating contractor to sell, submit, and obtain approval for a whole house project is roughly $1,600 per job, or three times the cost of selling for the typical HVAC contractor. This project will address the cost of customer acquisition barrier for whole house programs, with a goal of a 50% reduction of the cost of submission and approval when asset score data is available.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Megan Plog
Lead Performer: Greg Thomas