Help with understanding different Baseline Systems and efficiency of one over the other

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Hello All,

I am an Architect by training with my masters in Sustainable Buildings. I have been doing energy simulations for the past 2 years. During this progression of doing energy simulations, I have tried to acquire as much knowledge as possible with respect to Building thermodynamics, psychometrics, HVAC, ASHRAE etc. However, I still need to enhance my quest for this knowledge far beyond.

I have struggled quite a bit to understand difference between different baseline systems in ASHRAE 90.1 Appedix G. ASHRAE do mentions what each system is, however doesn't explain its working. I wanted to know if there is any material which explains these systems in details and importantly why and how one system is efficient over the other.

I would be grateful if someone can share some info on the same.

Thanks in advance.

Anup

Anup Rathi2's picture
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Joined: 2013-07-20
Reputation: 0

Anup,

In case you haven't done this already, the first thing I would do is take a
look at the 'Definitions' chapter in 90.1 for short descriptions of the
terminology.

Trane publishes educational material which explains the different system
types clearly and with a fair amount of detail. The material is purely
educational.there is no sales pitch attached, which is refreshing. You can
purchase a number of booklets on various topics. The booklet most relevant
to your needs right now would probably be the "Introduction to HVAC Systems"
booklet, which is part of the Air Conditioning Clinic set. Here is a link
to all of the booklets:

http://www.trane.com/COMMERCIAL/DNA/View.aspx?i=446

I hope this helps,

Christian

Christian Kaltreider's picture
Joined: 2011-09-30
Reputation: 1

Hi Anup,

You can check out the DOE 2.2 Manual (Page 102) where you have simple
illustrations and explanation.

http://doe2.com/download/DOE-22/DOE22Vol1-Basics.pdf

After reading that you will be able to correlate those with the Baseline
systems. This is a quick guide only.

Also ASHRAE 90.1 users manual should be your friend. Lots of useful info
for a beginner.

There are lots of other resources like the Trane and ASHRAE that have in
depth courses or study material if you want to dive in deeper.

good luck

Regards
Ramya Shivkumar

r s's picture
r s
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Joined: 2013-07-02
Reputation: 2

Anup,

In case you haven't done this already, the first thing I would do is take a
look at the 'Definitions' chapter in 90.1 for short descriptions of the
terminology.

Trane publishes educational material which explains the different system
types clearly and with a fair amount of detail. The material is purely
educational.there is no sales pitch attached, which is refreshing. You can
purchase a number of booklets on various topics. The booklet most relevant
to your needs right now would probably be the "Introduction to HVAC Systems"
booklet, which is part of the Air Conditioning Clinic set. Here is a link
to all of the booklets:

http://www.trane.com/COMMERCIAL/DNA/View.aspx?i=446

I hope this helps,

Christian

Christian Kaltreider's picture
Joined: 2011-09-30
Reputation: 1

Hi Anup,

You can check out the DOE 2.2 Manual (Page 102) where you have simple
illustrations and explanation.

http://doe2.com/download/DOE-22/DOE22Vol1-Basics.pdf

After reading that you will be able to correlate those with the Baseline
systems. This is a quick guide only.

Also ASHRAE 90.1 users manual should be your friend. Lots of useful info
for a beginner.

There are lots of other resources like the Trane and ASHRAE that have in
depth courses or study material if you want to dive in deeper.

good luck

Regards
Ramya Shivkumar

r s's picture
r s
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Joined: 2013-07-02
Reputation: 2

Hi Anup,

The best answer to this is probably to have experience in designing the systems and a background in engineering. Without that, the ASHRAE Systems and Equipment handbook is pretty good ? i.e. it tells you how everything works together and gives an outline of the physical principles behind each system. It definitely assumes you know the basics, but it sounds like you?ve done some of the groundwork already, so you should be ok.

Edwin Wealend

Wealend, Edwin's picture
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Joined: 2013-02-18
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When I read this question the first time, it seemed to me that Anup
Rathi was asking "Why are the particular specific baseline systems
chosen for the various specific building types?" This is a much
different question than what was answered.

In my opinion, the baseline systems were decided by committee, with much
discussion and compromise, and so they are a bit controversial. I know
that I have many times wondered why a certain building type has a
certain baseline system, since it is much different from what I am
designing. I also admit that this, for me, is more about the California
Title-24 Energy Code baseline / standard systems, but I think that the
same principles apply.

Not being in the room when those baseline system types were decided, I
cannot say why they were picked, but we are stuck with them!

Robert Wichert P.Eng. LEED AP BD&C

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