Abstract
This paper presents the analysis of energy performance of single-family detached homes in three U.S. climates, in order to determine energy-efficiency measures for minimizing the loads and sizing requirements of renewable energy systems that are essential for its offgrid, off-pipe (i.e., utility-independent) operation. The analysis used a DOE-2.1e simulation model of a 2000/2001 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) standard house as a base case in three climate locations:
Minneapolis, MN, Atlanta, GA, and Phoenix, AZ. This selection of measures and determination of loads for renewable energy systems were accomplished by analyzing the energy use using DOE-2.1e simulations and heating/cooling load components using the Manual J Average Load Procedure. The analysis showed several aspects of building energy performance during different times of the year in terms of available energy resources that are critical for the sizing, utilization, and cost effectiveness of renewable energy systems.
