Past Research
Towards Quantifying Energy Saving Strategies inBig-Box Retail Stores: A Case Study in Ontario (Canada) (external link, opens in new window) by Russell Richman and Robert Simpson* , 2016
This research focuses on energy-related initiatives implemented by one big-box retail chain in Canada. Through analysis of energy reduction strategies, the study compares the energy performance of two stores (an original store and its replacement store) adjacent to each other at the same location. One of which operated with conventional design features and the other operated with energy-reducing upgrades. The results of this research conclude that the store constructed with advanced technological solutions outperformed the original store in terms of energy-use intensity by 44%. The main energy reductions were achieved through alternative electrical strategies (primarily lighting) (39%) and alternative space heating strategies (61%). The research also reveals that premium costs related to the advanced technologies were effective choices.
Large-scale Building Simulation Using Cloud Computing for Lifecycle Energy Consumption (external link, opens in new window) by Richman, R.C., Zirnhelt*, H., Fix, S.*, 2014
The use of whole building simulation is increasing to support the design process. Often it is desirable to evaluate many scenarios, however the simulation time involved presents a significant barrier. Simulationists are forced to reduce the number of scenarios evaluated to meet time constraints. With cloud computing, simulationists can significantly reduce the total simulation time by allocating portions of the simulations to multiple processor cores. The benefit of cloud computing is demonstrated through a case study project, which computes the lifecycle energy consumption (LEC) of 1 080 000 single detached home design scenarios in Toronto, for a budget of CAN$2400. Code was written using Python to couple EnergyPlus and ATHENA IE to modify input files, process results and calculate LEC. The results of this study suggest that utilizing cloud computing to simulate large scenario studies represents an efficient method that is beginning to surface in mainstream building simulation.
A High Level Method to Disaggregate Electricity for Cluster-Metered Buildings (external link, opens in new window) by Nicholas So* and Russell Richman, 2016
Many large institutions do not have a means to gauge electricity consumption for their campus building portfolios. The installation of utility meters is typically outside of the institution's budget. A multiple linear regression approach to estimating consumption for academic buildings is an ideal tool that balances performance and utility. Using 80 buildings from Toronto Metropolitan University (Toronto) and the University of Toronto, significant building characteristics were identified that showed a strong linear relationship with electricity consumption. Four equations were created to represent the diversity in size of academic buildings on both campuses. Tested using cross-validation, the coefficient of variation of the RMSE for all models was 33%, with a range of error between 20% and 43%. The models were highly successful at predicting high-level electricity consumption at Toronto Metropolitan University with an average error of 14.8% for five building clusters. Using metered data from each cluster, raw estimates for individual buildings were adjusted to improve accuracy.
Life cycle cost optimization of passive energyefficiency improvements in a Toronto house (external link, opens in new window) by Matthew Tokarik* and Russell Richman, 2016
This research presents a multi-objective optimization analysis of an existing house to evaluate the as-built performance and inform future design decisions. Optimization was performed by coupling a genetic algorithm to a building simulation engine, and varying passive conservation parameters to minimize life cycle cost and improve performance simultaneously. A case study house was used as the optimization reference building, where the building energy model was calibrated against utility bills, indoor air temperature, and spot measurements to replicate in-situ behavior. The results identified 42 more cost effective, Pareto optimal, design solutions for the case study house. Optimal results were largely influenced by upfront construction costs, especially for glazing packages. The study also showed that energy savings of 33% relative to local building code minimum requirements were justified economically at the point of minimum life cycle cost via passive energy efficiency measures alone.
A process for developing deep energy retrofitstrategies for single-family housing typologies: Three Toronto case studies (external link, opens in new window) by Denver Jermyn* and Russell Richman, 2016
Energy consumption of existing single-family homes in cold climate urban centers needs to be reduced. This research presents a process for developing and analyzing retrofit strategies for specific housing archetypes using Toronto (Canada) as a case study. The process was applied to three Toronto urban archetypes with two separate energy intensity goals for heating and cooling: (1) 75 kWh/m2 and (2) Passive House EnerPHit estimated equivalency. Building data was collected through field study and calibrated baseline energy models (EnergyPlus) were created. Retrofit strategies were identified and costs were estimated in consultancy with several experienced Toronto-based retrofit contractors. The process utilized a Brute Force method for retrofit selection considering the cost/benefit of each strategy. Furnace and select building envelope parameters were shown to be priorities while windows were not. Energy use reductions of 64–67% and 88–89% from a baseline were achieved when meeting the 75 kWh/m2 and EnerPHit equivalency targets, respectively. The capital costs of $30,000–$80,000 to achieve the retrofit targets are likely to be prohibitive for homeowners, suggesting that a government funded program is necessary to achieve deep energy retrofits of this nature and to ensure early adoption leading to widespread market growth
Towards development of a standard methodology for testing field performance of residential greywater reuse systems: Casestudy of a greywater reuse system installed in 22 homes in Southern Ontario(Canada) (external link, opens in new window) by Madeleine Craig* and Russell Richman, 2017
Using shower wastewater to flush toilets decreases the potable water demand of residential buildings, reducing pressure on existing water supplies. ‘Off- the-shelf’ greywater reuse systems intended for single-family residential dwellings have recently become commercially available, but have variable field performance. A standard field testing methodology was developed and applied to a greywater reuse system installed in 22 homes in Southern Ontario. Performance was quantified by measuring the water balance, water quality, energy consumption, durability, maintenance requirements, installation process, economics and user satisfaction with the system. The tested system was found to save, on average, 40.9 litres per household per day, occasionally meet water quality guidelines and generally have less maintenance and durability issues than previous generations, resulting in satisfied users. However, due to low water rates and high capital costs, there is a need for government subsidization of these systems which will ultimately reduce pressure placed on centralized water infrastructure.
An Investigation into the Hygrothermal Performance of a Mineral Wool Based Externally Insulated Enclosure in a Cold Climate (external link, opens in new window) by Mark Flynn* and Russell Richman, 2017
A high RSI enclosure has been developed for use in low energy buildings in cold climates and utilizes high density mineral wool outboard of typical wood frame construction. This study investigated both the in-situ thermal resistance and hygrothermal performance of the proposed enclosure approach. The in-situ data has been used to calibrate 3d thermal models and 1d transient hygrothermal models. The in-situ testing indicated a clear-wall RSI value of 8.96 m2K/W for the north wall and 10.97 m2K/W for the south wall, a change of -3.4% and +17.5% from expected nominal. Thermal modelling indicated the metal fasteners reduced the thermal resistance by 7% to 24% depending on the fastener and stud configuration. The calibrated hygrothermal simulations assessed the performance of the proposed enclosure, and a split-insulation variant, in several cold climates. The results indicate acceptable performance in all locations except for the split-insulation case located in an extremely cold climate.
A Pilot Neighborhood Study Towards Establishing a Benchmark for Reducing Electromagnetic Field Levels Within Single Family Residential Dwellings (external link, opens in new window) by Richman, R.C., Munroe*, J., Siddiqui, Y.* , 2014
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) permeate the built environment in different forms and come from a number of sources including electrical wiring and devices, wireless communication, ‘energy-efficient’ lighting, and appliances. It can be present in the indoor environment directly from indoor sources, or can be transmitted through building materials from outside sources. Scientists have identified it as an indoor environmental pollutant or toxin that has ubiquitously plagued developed nations causing a variety of adverse health effects such as sick-building syndrome symptoms, asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, electro-hypersensitivity (EHS), behavior disorders, and more. There is currently no international consensus on guidelines and exposure limits. This paper presents the results of 29 EMF field audits in single family residential dwellings located within an urban neighborhood in Toronto (Canada). The following EMF spectra were evaluated: radio frequency, power frequency electric fields, power frequency magnetic fields and high frequency voltage transients. The field audits were conducted in order to provide initial baseline statistics to be used in future studies and in order to be compared to a low-cost EMF reduction design incorporated within the Renovation2050 research house — located within the test neighborhood. The results show the low-cost reduction strategy to be effective, on average reducing exposure by 80% for high-intensity EMF metrics. Research of this nature has not been conducted with relation to the built environment and can be used to spark an industry movement to design for low-exposure to EMF in a residential context.
Hygrothermal performance of hempcrete for Ontario (Canada) buildings (external link, opens in new window) by Ujwal Dhakal*, Umberto Berardi, Mark Gorgolewski, and Russell Richman, 2017
Hempcrete is a bio-aggregate based composite material used for building envelopes which typically consists of hemp shiv (hurd), lime binder and water. Hempcrete has several distinct advantages including low thermal conductivity, effective moisture buffering, and high sound absorption, while having a high carbon sequestration “index”. This work investigates the impact of mix proportions on hempcrete properties and the hygrothermal performance of two proposed hempcrete wall assemblies for Ontario, Canada. The experimental results highlight the significant influence of the binder on the density and thermal conductivity of the final material. Thermal conductivity measurements ranged from 0.074 to 0.103 W/mK. Finally, hygrothermal analysis demonstrated that when using hempcrete in the Canadian climate a rain screen wall system is more suitable than a mass wall.
Structural and Durability Analysis of a Novel Re-Roofing Concept. Engineering Structures and Technologies (external link, opens in new window) by Russell Richman, Evan Bentz, Denver Jermyn* and Chung Chang, 2017
Metal roof decks in long-span light steel structures can become damaged and obsolete by corrosion should the roofing system become compromised. Re-roofing is conducted by either removing and replacing damaged areas (resulting in suspension of interior operations and lost revenue) or installing new decking directly over the damaged areas which can transfer corrosion to the new deck. This research conducts structural and durability analyses on a novel proposed re-roofing concept that installs a new metal roof deck over the existing deck by using a proprietary deck strap resulting in no interruption of interior processes. Preliminary structural analysis shows the proposed concept to be applicable to generic conditions around Southern Ontario. Recommendations for project specific structural analysis are made. Durability analysis demonstrates that the proposed concept system improves hygrothermal performance of the roof assembly in all cases except when insulation in the existing roof assembly is saturated. Saturated insulation should be removed prior to installing the re-roofing system.
Incorporating Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)Heat Pump Systems in Whole Building Energy Simulation – Detailed Case StudyUsing Measured Data (external link, opens in new window) by Cassandra Kani-Sanchez* and Russell Richman, 2017
This paper presents results of energy consumption analysis conducted on a medium sized high performance office/institutional building utilizing VRF Heat Pump Systems with heat recovery as the primary heating and cooling strategy in the cold climate of south western Ontario (Canada). The objective of this research was to contribute towards optimizing the design of VRF heat pump (with heat recovery) based buildings through case study data and simulation showing various design optimization scenarios. EnergyPlus was used to create a building energy model reaching ASHRAE hourly calibration limits for zone temperatures (NMBE value of −6.8% and CV(RMSE) value of 17.2%). The results show the importance of integrated system design in minimizing energy consumption through correct sizing of equipment and optimizing VRF heat recovery; this is demonstrated by an overall energy savings of 16% by realistic reconfiguration and increasing the part-load ratio parameter of outdoor units. Appropriate sizing of outdoor units showed an effective savings of 29% space conditioning energy. The results highlight the importance of thoughtful design when utilizing VRF heat pumps as the primary heating and cooling method.
Towards harmonizing the NFRC and CEN window performance simulation methods (external link, opens in new window) by Ebanks, P.*, Richman, R., 2019
Studies have found that the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) methods produce different U-values for the same window resulting in confusion when comparing products. A comparative evaluation of the NFRC and CEN U-value calculation methods was conducted for North American residential high-performance window products with focus on the most influential parameters in determining the whole window U-value for high-performance windows. Using two-dimensional conduction simulation software, four North American high-performance frame types with double, triple, and quad glazing combinations were simulated and calculated according to the NFRC and CEN standard methods. Overall, the trend showed that for the specific window combinations of this study, the higher the performance of the insulated glazing unit (IGU), the lesser the differences in the whole window U-value of both methods. The results showed an overall difference of 1 to 11% in whole window U-value when using the NFRC and CEN standards, lower than other studies. Generally, the NFRC standard resulted in the lower U-value for each case. Recommendations for harmonization of the two standards include aligning boundary conditions, frame cavity models, and material conductivities.
Thermal Performance Impacts of GDDC Vented EIFS Assembles in the cold Climate of Southern Ontatio (external link, opens in new window) by K. Khaled*, R. Richman., 2020
One of the key improvements in EIFS/ETICS is the addition of geometrically-defined drainage cavities at the rear of the continuous insulation layer to allow water that has penetrated the outer EIFS lamina to drain out by gravity to the exterior; and to provide an opportunity for enhancing the convective drying ability of the wall assembly by introducing air flow and moisture exchange between the cavities and the exterior environment. EIFS assemblies with such cavities can be either vented or ventilated depending on the vents size, location and distribution. The integration of these cavities has raised questions regarding their impacts on the thermal performance of wall assemblies constructed of EIFS with such cavities. The principal objective of this research was to evaluate the reduction in the whole-assembly's effective thermal resistance due to the use of vented EIFS in lieu of face-sealed EIFS. Thermal numerical simulations were conducted on models that were validated against experimental results of full-scale field tests conducted in the cold climate of southern Ontario. Reductions in the thermal resistances of vented EIFS assemblies were observed in the range of 1.4–5.3% and 0.1–4.6% for south and north facing walls, respectively. Reducing the spacing between the cavities further reduced the thermal resistances due to increased ventilation. It was also found that the thermal resistances of the lightly and medium insulated south-facing EIFS were lower than their northern counterparts, mainly due to the thermal storage ability of the construction materials. However, heavily insulated EIFS reduces this flux of heat and eventually the south-facing walls' thermal resistances overcome their northern counterparts.