You are here

Projects Updates for Energy Models for Campus Facilities

Search tips:
  • This form will search for words in the title OR the description. If you would like to search for the same term(s) across both the title and description, enter the same search term(s) in both fields.
  • This form will search for any of the words you enter in a field, not the exact phrase you enter. If you would like to search for an exact phrase, put double quotes (") around the phrase. For example, if you search for Bike Path you will get results containing either the word Bike OR the word Path, but if you search for "Bike Path" you will get results containing the exact phrase Bike Path.

  1. review of progress and plans for FY23

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Professor Yun Yi, Tom Keller, Kelly Jo Hoffmann, and Morgan White met to review the progress on the Energy Models for Campus Facilities project.

    The Energy models were created for these facilities by an Architecture class:

    • 0154 – Personnel Services Bldg. – Packaged chiller, steam perimeter heat, constant volume fan-coil units.
    • 1528 – African Am. Cultural Ctr. – VAV.
    • 0209 – Speech and Hearing – AHUs replaced recently and a small/medium sized building. VAV.
    • 0075 – Children’s Research Ctr. - AHUs replaced recently and a small/medium sized building. Constant volume re-heat.

    There were two model types created for each facility, and a pdf report. Dr. Yi has sent us the energy models, and he will send us the pdf reports. We can share those with the Energy iCAP Team, UES, and put them into the FIR records.

    Dr. Yi will meet with Tom to review the energy model details and provide access to the energy modeling software for us to review the actual native files.

    We will proceed with doing this again, so how do we identify the buildings to do? Criteria? We would prefer many smaller buildings over a few larger buildings.  Energy modeling software is also not sophisticated enough for Here are some potential options:

    1. RIPE Greenhouse
    2. Transportation Building
    3. Architecture Building
    4. TBH
    5. LER
    6. Lincoln Hall
    7. Fred Turner Student Services Building
    8. Harker Hall
    9. ACES Library

    Yun will review this list, and talk with F&S again to finalize the building selection for this coming year. Then we need to provide drawings, via FIR. Yun will identify a TA for the class, and potentially the summer as well. Yun will find a TA to replace Fizza Hassan, since she graduated.

  2. Energy Model for Children's Research Center

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    The following email chain describes Professor Yi requesting energy data and building layout.

    Professor Yi also notes a student's report on the Children's Research Center Building (which is attached below).

     

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From: Yi, Yun Kyu

    Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2022 10:34 AM

    To: White, Morgan

    Cc: Keller, Thomas Jeffery; Villanti, Joe

    Subject: Re: energy data request

     

    Hi All,

     

    Hope you had a nice break. I like to update you on building modeling.

    We have four Energyplus (DesignBuilder) models that I can share with you.

     

    I had to review the model made by students to make sure they are close to the actual building.

    Currently, I am adding detailed HVAC systems to the model that can be more realistic.

     

    Would you like to get access to the file? I can share the folder with you all. Also, would you like to discuss the next step?

    Here is one of a report done by a student. 

     

     

    Best

    Yun

     

     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Oct 19, 2021, at 9:06 PM, Yi, Yun Kyu wrote:

     

    Hi Morgan,

     

    Thanks to your help, today my class was able to site visit the new Campus Instructional Facility building and new Mech. building.

    Here is a photo of today's visit. Students learned a lot today and I got great feedback today.

     

    Also, I like to discuss some findings from initial energy modeling.

    The BNAACC building is one of the buildings that we are analyzing the energy consumption data. While we compare meter data to energy consumption from simulation results. We observed that the electricity meter is projecting energy consumption exponentially higher than what an average building of such size should be consuming.

     

    I am not sure this building is still in calibration on meter data or something but I will advise having the meter checked. If you need I can send you some of our findings or talk further on this.

     

     

    Best

    Yun

     

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Aug 12, 2021, at 11:53 AM, Yi, Yun Kyu wrote:

     

    Hi Morgan,

     

    It will be good to get basic drawings like floor plans, elevations, and more specific drawings like HVAC schedule, zoning, section detail, etc.

     

    Many thanks

    Yun

     

     

     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From: White, Morgan

    Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 10:19 PM

    To: Yi, Yun Kyu

    Cc: Keller, Thomas Jeffery; Villanti, Joe

    Subject: RE: energy data request

     

    Hi Yun,

     

    I need to know what building documents you are seeking.  What specifically do you want to see?

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

     

    ======================================

    MORGAN B. WHITE

    Associate Director of F&S for Sustainability

     Facilities & Services | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

     

     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From: Yi, Yun Kyu

    Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 12:48 PM

    To: White, Morgan

    Cc: Keller, Thomas Jeffery; Villanti, Joe

    Subject: Re: energy data request

     

    Hi Marge

     

    I am wondering if we can get these buildings' documents before the semester starts.

    I can ask TA to go over the documents and select documents that need for the class.

    So that we can reduce the number of documents to get approval.

     

    Also, I send an email related to meter data. 

    The Excel file doesn’t have units, could you help me what units were used for the meters.

     

     

    Many thanks

    Yun

     

     

     

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Jul 28, 2021, at 1:42 PM, White, Morgan wrote:

     

    Hi Yun,

    Please see attached files. 

    Thanks!

    Morgan 

    -----------

    F&S Sustainability

    iCAP Working Group co-chair

    iSEE Liaison and SSC advisor

     

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Begin forwarded message:

    From: "Ewing, Anthony James"

    Date: July 27, 2021 at 9:13:46 AM CDT

    To: "White, Morgan"

    Cc: "Spurlock, Anthony T"

    Subject: RE: energy data request

    

    Hi Morgan –

     

    Attached is the data you’ve requested.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Anthony

     

     

    ANTHONY EWING

    Utilities and Energy Services 

    Facilities and Services

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

     

     

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

    From: Spurlock, Anthony T

    Sent: Monday, July 26, 2021 3:48 PM

    To: Ewing, Anthony James

    Subject: FW: energy data request

     

    Could you handle this data request?  Thanks

     

    Regards,

     

    Anthony Spurlock

    Associate Director of Budget Resources Planning

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

    Facilities and Services - Utilities & Energy Services Division

     

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

    From: Spurlock, Anthony T 

    Sent: Tuesday, July 6, 2021 4:27 PM

    To: White, Morgan

    Cc: Yi, Yun Kyu; Roman, Robert Raymond; Keller, Thomas Jeffery; Villanti, Joe; Anthony James Ewing

    Subject: RE: energy data request

     

    Morgan,

     

    End of July should not be a problem.

     

    Regards,

     

    Tony

     

    ANTHONY SPURLOCK, CPA

    Associate Director of UES, Budget Resources Planning 

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

    Facilities and Services 

    Utilities & Energy Services Division (UES)

     

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

    From: White, Morgan 

    Sent: Tuesday, July 6, 2021 1:41 PM

    To: Spurlock, Anthony T

    Cc: Yi, Yun Kyu; Roman, Robert Raymond; Keller, Thomas Jeffery; Villanti, Joe

    Subject: energy data request

     

    Hi Tony,

     

    We need to provide historical energy data to Professor Yi for his work with us this fall to create building energy models for selected buildings on campus, in his Architecture class.

     

    Can you please have someone on your team provide monthly energy data for the following buildings for the last five years, FY20 to FY16?  Also, if hourly data is available, please provide hourly data for these same buildings for the one year of FY19.

     

    ·       Personnel Services Building

    ·       Speech and Hearing Building

    ·       Children’s Research Center

    ·       Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center.

     

    I have created a folder for the related files in Box, which you can access at https://uofi.box.com/s/uc18bm30ysb6fxk7q0e0iwy3hnav99lq.  We would appreciate receiving this information by the end of July, if possible.

     

    Thank you,

    Morgan

     

    ======================================

    MORGAN B. WHITE

    Associate Director of F&S for Sustainability

    Facilities & Services | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

     

     

    Attached Files: 

  3. Request for Historical Energy Data

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Morgan White is requesting historical energy data for Professor Yi in order to create building energy models for selected buildings on campus. Specifically monthly energy data is needed for the last five years, FY20 to FY16. Hourly data for these same buildings are needed for the one year of FY19. The buildings are: 

    - Personnel Services Building 

    - Speech and Hearing Building

    - Children's Research Center

    - Brute Nesbitt African American Cultural Center 

    Additionally, requests for basic drawings like floor plans, elevations, as well as more specific drawings like HVAC schedule, zoning section detail etc. were made.

    The link where this data can be accessed is: https://uofi.box.com/s/uc18bm30ysb6fxk7q0e0iwy3hnav99lq

    Professor Yun observed that the Brute Nesbitt African American Cultural Center's electricity meter is projecting energy consumptions exponentially higher than what an average building should be consuming (potentially due to the building being in calibration on meter data).

  4. Energy Model Files

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    I looked at 6-buildings and we received two (2) native energy files. We did get four (4) PDF energy model files.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Tom

     

    Thomas J. Keller, PE,

    CxA, LEED-AP-BD+C

    Mechanical Engineer

     

    Engineering & Construction Services
    Facilities and Services

  5. met with F&S and teachers

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Professor Yun Yi, TA Fiz Hassan, and F&S staff members Tom Keller, Joe Villanti and Morgan White met to review the options for building drawings for the potential Energy Model buildings. Fiz will meet with Morgan and Beth Leitz on 8/26 to learn more about the drawings available.

  6. Buildings Selected for Fall 2021 class

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Dr. Yun Yi, Morgan White, Tom Keller, and Joe Villanti met on Zoom to select the buildings for the Architecture fall 2021 class.  The buildings selected are:

    • 0154 – Personnel Services Bldg. – Packaged chiller, steam perimeter heat, constant volume fan-coil units.
    • 1528 – African Am. Cultural Ctr. – VAV.
    • 0209 – Speech and Hearing – AHUs replaced recently and a small/medium sized building. VAV.
    • 0075 – Children’s Research Ctr. - AHUs replaced recently and a small/medium sized building. Constant volume re-heat.

    Morgan will reach out to UES for energy data and check with UIPD for building documents request process.

     

  7. Introductory meeting with Dr. Yun Yi and F&S contacts

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Dr. Yi, Joe Villanti, Tom Keller, and Morgan White met on 5-25-2021 to kickoff this collaboration for developing Energy Models for campus facilities.  The Agenda included:

    1. Introductions - Yun teaches a grad level Architecture class.
    2. Review of Energy005 recommendation and project goals: a) gain knowledge about campus building energy performance compared to projections, b) expose students to energy modeling using campus as a living lab, c) identify buildings that are wildly energy intensive and should be prioritized for energy conservation initiatives, d) consider potential improvements to Facilities Standards, e) create energy models for campus buildings and find areas to improve.
    3. Discussion of modeling options: a) most intensive would be to calibrate an energy model using an existing model and known energy use, b) creating a building energy projection for a new building based on design drawings, c) build a baseline energy model using ASHRAE 90.1
    4. Consideration of building options for this coming fall semester: well-known buildings like ECE, new buildings like BNAAC, older buildings. Tom could look at a few categories and make some suggested buildings to consider.
    5. Software options: a) Trane Trace is the F&S standard, but it is not specifically required, b) e-quest, c) others - based on consultants preferred format.
    6. Next steps: Tom and Joe send building list to recommend for first round. Yun will review them and request additional info for the buildings he is interested in working with this year. Morgan will introduce Damon McFall to this team, and Rizwan Uddin for the Masters in Energy Systems. Morgan will send the Siebel Center for Design video introduction.
    7. Potential additional support: Could F&S fund an RA for the fall semester?  Yun will send Morgan and email with a request including costs.  Also, Tom is happy to support the class as a guest lecturer, and support throughout the semester. Could SEDAC provide additional support? Could some MEP, Materials Engienering students, etc. get added to the process?

     

  8. Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance - Successful

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy iCAP Team Recommendations Summary
    Energy iCAP Team
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Morgan White, Associate Director for F&S for Sustainability, responded to Dr. Ximing Cai and the Energy iCAP Team on behalf of Dr. Attalla and F&S, with the following email:

    Hello Ximing, iWG, and Energy iCAP Team,

    Thank you for the recommendation to work with Dr. Yun Yi and his students to develop energy models for campus facilities.  We are pleased to implement this recommendation, as submitted to us. 

    As contacts for Dr. Yi, we have identified Tom Keller and Joe Villanti from the Engineering Quality Assurance, Design Review, team at F&S.  I will send a separate email to introduce them to Dr. Yi, and we will provide periodic updates, on the iCAP Portal at https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project/energy-models-campus-facilities.

    Thank you,

    Morgan

    (sent on behalf of Dr. Attalla and the F&S team)

    ====================

    See transmittal of Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance here.
    See iWG assessment of Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance here. 
    See recommendation and submittal of Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance here.

    For future updates on this effort, visit Energy Models for Campus Facilities.

  9. Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance - Transmitted

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy iCAP Team Recommendations Summary
    Energy iCAP Team
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Following the completion of iWG assessment for Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance, the recommendation was transmitted to Dr. Mohamed Attalla on April 15, 2021. 

    See iWG assessment of Energy005 attached. 
    See iCAP Team recommendation of Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance.

    Attached Files: 

  10. Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance - Submitted

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy iCAP Team Recommendations Summary
    Energy iCAP Team
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    The Energy iCAP team made the following recommendation on 2/11/21. The Energy005 Modeling for Energy Code Compliance recommendation is attached. 

    The aim of this recommendation is to ensure compliance of current and recent projects with State of Illinois Energy Codes and Facilities Standards

    1. F&S will identify a contractor—which may be a student group or include a student group—capable of creating 25 models of building whole energy use in campus buildings. F&S will contract to provide electronic files so they can be run on a common platform such as Trane700, Energyplus, eQuest, DOE-2 or BLAST. Preference will be given to contractors who make maximum use of student effort.
    2. F&S will identify five buildings completed recently but prior to 2019 for which breakdown meter energy use data is available, and five campus buildings currently under construction. F&S may identify buildings for which the required requested model energy files are available, at a cost saving on the project.
    3. The contractor – in collaboration with a student group -- will complete for each of the ten buildings
      1. a model file of the building which follows the Energy Code prescriptive requirements (baseline energy model) in use at the time of construction in order to determine an Energy Cost Budget, (10 files)
      2. a model file of the building as constructed (10 files), and
      3. a determination of the level of compliance with Energy Codes and Facilities Standards in terms of design and construction.
    4. For the five already-completed buildings, the contractor will calibrate the as-constructed model to fit the measured energy consumption data, using historical weather data. The calibrated model (5 files) should replicate actual energy use for a minimum of one year within 5% on a monthly basis and within 20% on a daily basis.
    5. If energy modeling files are available in project files on a common platform listed above, and may be distributed, then this may be considered one of the deliverables, and the work need not be redone, at a cost saving for the project.
    6. The contractor will provide a final report that describes the level of compliance in the ten buildings with the State of Illinois Energy Code (in use at the time of design and construction, as applicable) and Facilities Standards. The energy model files will be made available publicly, and primarily to students and faculty in engineering and architecture for their study.
    Attached Files: 

  11. equipment installed

    Associated Project(s): 
    Geothermal at Gable Home
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    The geothermal heat pump is now installed at the Gable Home, at the Energy Farm. Professor Yun Yi will create an energy model, and Mark Taylor said, "I can work with one of my RA’s to draw up the system in a 3D model for use in presentations and papers."

    The model is the “QE0930.” 

    Attached Files: 

  12. Energy Models for SDC, MEB, Freer, ISRH

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    The Energy Models for the following building projects are attached:

    • U16015 - Siebel Design Center [1517]
    • U12262 – MEB [0112]
    • U15043 – Freer [0064]
    • U12054 - ISRH Dining [0275]
    Attached Files: