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How would I find typical HVAC types in buildings?

asked 2015-08-04 09:23:46 -0600

FrontierAssoc104's avatar

updated 2015-08-04 09:30:54 -0600

I am looking to switch out several HVAC system types from DOE commercial reference buildings with 'typical' HVAC systems specific to that buidling type. For example, The reference building for a Warehouse utilizes packaged AC as default (coded into the original IDFs), but I would like to separately model a Warehouse using a heat pump system. How would I find out what a typical heat pump system in a Warehouse is comprised of? Is there a good reference for various building type - HVAC type combinations? I realize this probably varies with climate zone.

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answered 2015-08-04 10:23:50 -0600

updated 2015-08-04 10:26:13 -0600

The Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey is probably your best bet. Take a look at the spreadsheets under "End-use equipment". There you will find a breakdown of how often each equipment type is used in different types of buildings. For example:

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This is helpful, but more general than what I was looking for. Ideally, and I'm not sure there is something comprehensive like this, there would be a similar chart for only Heat Pumps or Chilled Water Systems to breakdown how often specific types of each (e.g. air-source heat pump, water-source heat pump, etc.) would be used per building type. Something on the next level of specificity.

FrontierAssoc104's avatar FrontierAssoc104  ( 2015-08-04 12:29:34 -0600 )edit
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answered 2015-08-05 06:29:14 -0600

The Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey that Neal suggested actually includes questions that provide a lot more detail. To get the raw data see:

http://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/data/2012/index.cfm?view=microdata

Unfortunately, it is a lot of work to process the data yourself.

Another source of related information is the DOE Buildings Energy Data Book:

http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/default.aspx

It does not have exactly what you are looking for but related information that might be useful.

If you are willing to not use a national survey, the Commercial Building Stock Assessment performed by the NEEA covering Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington State shows some details:

http://neea.org/resource-center/regional-data-resources/commercial-building-stock-assessment

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Appendix A Figure A.5.4.

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Appendix A Figure A.5.10

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Asked: 2015-08-04 09:23:46 -0600

Seen: 240 times

Last updated: Aug 05 '15