Changing Detailed Description

Of course, we would like to be able to specify engineering parameters -- things like the insulation value of the windows or the efficiency rating of the heating plant.

The "Detailed Information" page allows you to enter this level of information, as well as to specify the kind of HVAC or refrigeration involved.

This page has two columns for building parameters -- the base case building and the comparison building. The cells in white show the parameters the model is using -- so you always have a record of exactly what the model assumptions are. If you haven't entered specific values, the model uses default values based on the type of building and business you selected as the "Building Description".

These parameters are easy to change. When you enter data into the yellow cells, the model changes to use the new values. By changing the parameters for the comparison, you can easily see the results of energy conservation measures.

Among the physical parameters that you can change are the usual descriptors that one would expect for a simulation model. For example, the overall "U" value of the walls or the percentage that is glazing. However, since EZ Sim is a simple model, these parameters are entered just once as the average for the entire building. (A scratchpad worksheet is included to help with computing the averages.)

The HVAC system, heating and cooling plant are selected with pull-down menus for the system type. The types include HVAC that is constant volume (CV), variable volume (VAV) or advanced digital controls. The heating plant types include gas, heat pump, ground source heat pump or even heat pumps on a circulating water loop.

Refrigeration can be a large energy use in supermarkets and groceries. We allow you to conduct a simple inventory of the cooler cases -- just pace off the lineal feet of each type of cooler case in order to estimate the refrigeration loads.

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