Seeing is supposed to be believing.
“Complicated computer models are less accurate than simple ones. A study sponsored by the Energy Trust of Oregon compared the accuracy of four energy software programs. Surprisingly, Michael Blasnik’s Simple spreadsheet proved to be more accurate than models that required far more inputs.”
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/energy-modeling-isnt-very-accurate
February has been a cold month, we have good third party documented statistics for the month that give us insight into how well we are doing. This is for the entire Burnside Boardwalk building, all 31 units, all 17500 sq.ft. We have put temperature and humidity sensors in all the rooms and CTs on all of the circuits.
Energy Used – to heat Burnside Boardwalk in the month of February
| AVERAGE Room Temperature | 73.25 F |
| AVERAGE Humidity | 42.50 |
| TOTAL energy used in the MONTH of Feb | 1,493 KWH /Mo |
| AVERAGE energy used per DAY | 53.3 KWH /Dy |
| AVERAGE energy used per HOUR | 2.21 KWH /Hr |
| AVERAGE energy AS HEAT used per HOUR | 7,580 BTUs /Hr |
Heat Pump Cycles – with average unit temperature of 72-73 degrees.
| Outside Temperature Range in Farenheit | Heat Pump Cycle Hours On / Hours Off | |
| Very cold | 18 – 30 | 1 hr / 1 hr |
| Cold | 30 – 40 | 1 hr / 2 hrs |
| Chilly | 40 – 50 | 1 hr / 6 Hrs |
| Mild | 50 < | off |
When the heat pump is operating
| Circulating Pump Volume | 15 GPM |
| Temperature Raise | 5 F |
| Heat Pump Output (15 x 5 x 8.4 x 60) | 37,800 BTUs |
| Circulating Pump Energy Used | 2.11 KWH |
| Heat Pump Energy Used | 2.09 KWH |
| TOTAL Energy Used | 4.2 KWH |
| COP | 4.17 |
Models are rife with errors and the more inputs the more likely that the model is wrong. Energy Trust of Oregon has a paper out that a spread sheet is as accurate or more accurate than a complicated model. In this case the actual numbers should be the overriding data set. The quest for net zero has been diluted by solar arrays and outside purchases that make the best superfluous.
Our quest is to have the lowest EUI of any residential building, below 6 with most of that usage from uncontrollable “miscellaneous” equipment. When put onto the array, Burnside Boardwalk will produce 3 times more energy than it uses.
