ASHRAE Journal - January 2014 - 66

COLUMN ENERGY MODELING
allocating proper probability
distributions to each item based
on the studied data. Probability
distribution should express how
the construction material, HVAC
equipment, lighting, appliances,
and sensors' possible selected
occurrences are expected to be
distributed inside the tolerance
margin of each item. Probability
distributions such as uniform,
normal, and lognormal are a few
samples of probability distributions
that should be assigned to
each uncertain input value based
on the collected data. This is probably
the most critical and also most
demanding part of this procedure.
The next step is work that really
* Illustrative graphs and photos
This second edition of Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits provides a reference
guide for building owners, managers, and government entities on what to expect from an
audit, establishes guidelines for levels of audit efforts, and introduces good procedures for
energy auditors.
This edition has been expanded to include updated guidance on energy auditing methods and
new and useful reference materials. Features of this edition include:
* Widely cited definitions of standard audit levels used in the industry
* Energy auditing best practices that professionals can apply in their field work
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PCBEA Cover.indd 1
falls on the shoulders of the software
developers. What software
developers need to add to their
current commercial deterministic
simulation programs is the capability
to randomly select each input
from its probability distribution
curve, then stay on the selected
curve throughout the full (one)
run of the simulation, and generate
the (one) output, based on
random selection of all the input
components.
Simulation should be repeated
based on different random selections
from the library collection
(usually between 80 to 500 times),
and the probability distribution of
the output shall be generated based
on the results of all the performed
simulations. That depicts the possible
range and its percentages of
occurrences of the final output or
the building energy consumption
(cost). Such approaches in statistics
are known as the Monte Carlo
Simulation, or Latin Hypercube
Sampling, which are common sampling
simulation methods.
* Spreadsheet templates to assist in basic analysis as well as forms suitable for field
collection of detailed commercial building data, available in the appendices and online
* Key information on conducting effective energy audits that lead to actionable
audit reports
In addition, this book discusses how to build a successful team, analytical methods,
successful approaches to site visits, incorporating on-site measurements, economic evaluation
of measures, and how to organize an energy audit report that promotes action on the part
of building owners and managers.
ISBN 978-1-936504-09-1
9 781936 504091
Product code: 90450
7/12
References
1. Clarke, J.A., P.P. Yaneske, A.A. Pinney.
1990. "The Harmonisation of Thermal
Properties of Building Materials." BRE
Publication; BEPAC Research Report.
http://tinyurl.com/2b7q5bm.
66
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