SuperCharging Standardized Asset Data with EnergyPlus

The SuperCharging Standardized Asset Data with EnergyPlus project leverages DOE Building Energy Modeling investments to provide credentialed EnergyPlus based calculations, or “Standardized Simulations”, to utilities and other energy efficiency program administrators. These transparently documented calculations are extended to bring other sources of value to these efficiency programs 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. The OpenStudio framework is used to generate EnergyPlus models that provide time and location dependent impacts for comprehensive packages of building improvements including advanced technology such as cold climate heat pumps, smart thermostats, batteries and solar photovoltaics. The adoption of these calculations into regulated energy efficiency programs has been facilitated by the Phase I development of a partially automated “Validation Framework” that reduces the cost of validation and improves regulator confidence. This framework was used to submit and obtain approval for a Residential Retrofit Standardized Simulation by regulators in New York State. The standardized data model was introduced into programs in two other states. An integrated design load calculation, the “Equivalent Block Load”, was developed and validated against industry standards. Phase II of SuperCharging Standardized Asset Data using EnergyPlus expands on the success in credentialing an EnergyPlus based Residential Retrofit Standardized Simulation in regulated energy efficiency programs in New York and the development and adoption of the Home Energy Score based Standardized Data Model. Phase II funding will support adding technologies Solar PV and Batteries to the Standardized Simulation, the development of a Multifamily Retrofit Standardized Simulation, the development of a credentialing approach to adding smart thermostats to the technology packages supported by the Standardized Simulation. PSD will also customize and commercialize a “CompassPlus” version of its program management software, extended to further leverage the OpenStudio and EnergyPlus results and deliver Home Energy Scores. Phase II will also support adoption of the methods in three more states. The Phase II effort is supported by a diverse range of significant national market actors. These include the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority NYSERDA, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ACEEE, E4TheFuture national energy efficiency advocacy, Mitsubishi Electric heat pump manufacturer, Knauf Insulation insulation manufacturer, Eversource Energy regional utility, Honeywell Corporation energy efficiency program implementor, Vermont Energy Investment Company program implementer and evaluation consultant, Copper Labs usage data acquisition partner, and Energy Futures Group consulting and program design.