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ASHRAE
Technical Committee 4.7 - Energy Calculations
FAQ Page
Welcome to our
frequently asked questions page. The FAQ presented here attempts to
answer common questions about the work of TC 4.7. In addition, the TC has
prepared a Technical Bulletin aimed at answering some technical questions
regarding estimating building energy usage.
Section 1: General questions about TC
4.7
1.1
What are the aims and scope of TC4.7?
1.2 How is TC 4.7 organized?
1.3 What is the scope of the Simulation and Component
models Subcommittee?
1.4 What is the scope of the Inverse methods
Subcommittee?
1.5 What is the scope of the Applications Subcommittee?
1.6 What is the scope of the handbook subcommittee?
1.7 What standards is TC4.7 responsible for?
1.8 How can I contribute to TC 4.7?
1.1 What are the aims and scope of TC4.7?
ASHRAE's Technical Committee 4.7 'Energy Calculations'
is concerned with identifying, evaluating, developing, and recommending
procedures for calculating energy performance of buildings. Accordingly,
TC 4.7 procures research projects, organizes program events, prepares
handbook information and is responsible for standards relating to energy
calculation.
1.2 How is TC 4.7 organized?
TC 4.7 is organized as a main committee with four
subcommittees. The three topical subcommittees are Applications, Inverse
methods, and Simulation and Component Models. In addition, a handbook
subcommittee prepares and updates the Energy Estimating and Modeling
Methods of the Handbook of Fundamentals. Research, Programs, and
Standards are handled by each of the topical subcommittees, with all
activities coordinated by one member of the committee.
1.3 What is the scope of the Simulation and Component
models Subcommittee?
The Simulation and Component Models subcommittee is
concerned with the development of deterministic models, algorithms, and
computational frameworks for energy calculations. This includes models of
both building heat transfer, and HVAC plant/equipment.
Deterministic models are the basis of what are normally thought of as
'energy calculation programs' and also 'component' and 'equation' based
simulation programs. Such models are commonly used in the 'forward' mode
- performance is the output of the model given boundary conditions and
model parameters. The input data and parameters of such models can come
from design data and historical weather data, but can also come from
measurements and a calibration process.
1.4 What is the scope of the Data-driven Modeling
Subcommittee?
The Data-driven Modeling subcommittee is concerned
with development of models, algorithms and computational frameworks for
energy calculations that use existing (historical) building energy consumption
data.
Such models and algorithms are used to analyze the energy impact of
retrofits to existing buildings and in support of energy management
decisions. These models can be thought of as working in 'backwards' mode
and use historical data and fewer estimated parameters. They are aimed at
modeling 'as built' energy performance.
1.5 What is the scope of the Applications
Subcommittee?
The Applications subcommittee is concerned with the
application of both deterministic and inverse methods to the following
activities:
1.
Design of new buildings and systems
2.
Assessing the energy impact of design retrofits
3.
Supporting energy management decisions
4.
In support of energy codes (e.g. ASHRAE standard 90.1).
1.6 What is the scope of the Handbook Subcommittee?
The Handbook subcommittee is concerned with developing
and maintaining material that appears in the ASHRAE handbooks relating to
energy calculation. The subcommittee works with handbook subcommittees of
other TCs and the special publications department of ASHRAE in preparing
the handbook material on a regular handbook update cycle. TC 4.7 is
currently responsible for the 'Energy Estimation and Modeling Methods'
chapter in the 'Fundamentals' Handbook.
1.7 What standards is TC4.7 responsible for?
TC 4.7 is responsible for the following standards:
·
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2001: Standard
Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer
Programs. This standard now has its own standing standards
project committee (SSPC 140).
1.8 How can I contribute to TC 4.7?
TC 4.7 meets at ASHRAEs semi-annual meetings. The
meetings are open for anybody to attend - ASHRAE members, non-members and
visitors. The committee (and other interested parties) also communicate
using an email list. All of the work of the committee is done on a
voluntary basis. You do not have to be a formal member of the committee
to volunteer for anything although some activities, such as project
evaluation subcommittees require meeting attendance for participation.
ASHRAE keeps a roster of the committees voting members and corresponding
members. If you want to be a corresponding member you can fill in a card
at the summer meeting when the roster is updated.
You do not have to be a formal member of the committee to be on a
subcommittee. The subcommittees are often looking for volunteers to
organize program events and prepare research project proposals (RTARs and
Work statements). If you are interested in working on a research proposal
you are encouraged to find one or more other people involved with the
relevant subcommittee to work with.
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