IHBE Faculty Research

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Browsing IHBE Faculty Research by Author "Bjornson, Dana"

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    Design and Evaluation of Energy-Efficient Modular Classroom Structures, Phase II
    (Center for Housing Innovation, University of Oregon, 1997) Brown, G. Z.; Bjornson, Dana; Briscoe, John; Fremouw, Sean; Kline, Jeff; Kumar, Pawan; Larocque, Paul; Northcutt, Dale; Wang, Zhunqin
    We are developing innovations to enable modular builders to improve the energy performance of their classrooms with a minimum increase in first cost. The Modern Building Systems' (MBS) classroom building conforms to the stringent Oregon and Washington energy codes, and at $18/S.F. (FOB the factory) it is at the low end of the cost range for modular classrooms. We are investigating daylighting, cross-ventilation, solar preheat of ventilation air, electric lighting controls, and down-sizing HV AC systems. The work described in this paper is from the second phase of the project. In the first phase we redesigned the basic modular classroom to include energy efficiency features tailored to five distinct climates. Energy savings ranged from 6% to 49% with an average of 23%. Paybacks ranged from 1.3 yrs to 23.8 yrs, an average of 12.1. The initial work in Phase II (which added two more climates) has been to refine the designs for each of the seven climates and reduce payback periods. In Phase II the number of baseline buildings was expanded by simulating buildings that would be typical of those produced by MBS for each of the seven locations/climates. A number of parametric simulations were performed for each energy strategy. Additionally we refined our previous algorithm for a solar ventilation air wall preheater and developed an algorithm for a roof preheater configuration. These algorithms were coded as functions in DOE 2. lE. We were aiming for occupant comfort as well as energy savings. We performed computer analyses to verify adequate illumination on vertical surfaces and acceptable glare levels when using daylighting. We also used computational fluid dynamics software to determine air distribution from crossventilation and used the resulting interior wind speeds to calculate occupant comfort and allowable outside air temperatures for cross-ventilation. To choose the final mix of energy strategies, we developed a method to compare incremental costs versus energy savings for all strategies at once. The results of parametric energy simulations were graphed against detailed cost information. This allowed us not only to easily see which broad strategies were most cost effective but also to choose the best configurations of the strategy. Final results were obtained by simulating the strategies chosen from the cost/energy graphs. In some cases adjustments were made in the chosen strategies since the final performance is not readily predictable from parametrics of many systems.
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    Energy Efficient Industrialized Housing Research Program: Summary FY 1996 Research Activities
    (Center for Housing Innovation, University of Oregon, 1996-06) Bjornson, Dana; Brown, G. Z.; Dorsett, Erik; Kline, Jeff; Fremouw, Sean; Northcutt, Dale; Schneider, Marshall; Sloot, Marc; Raney, Marie; Sekiguchi, Tomoko; Beal, David; Chandra, Subrato; Downing, Andrew; Rudd, Armin; McIlvaine, Janet; Armacost, Robert; Gawlik, Tom; Malek, Mag; Mullens, Mike; Rheborg, Mats
    This report summarizes research results from March 1996 to February 1997 for the Energy Efficient Industrialized Housing Research Program.
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    Energy Efficient Industrialized Housing Research Program: Summary FY 1996 Research Activities
    (Institute for Health in the Built Environment, University of Oregon, 1996) Bjornson, Dana; Brown, G.Z.; Dorsett, Erik; Kline, Jeff; Fremouw, Sean; Northcutt, Dale; Schneider, Marshall; Sloot, Marc; Raney, Marie; Sekiguchi, Tomoko; Beal, David; Chandra, Subrato; Downing, Andrew; Rudd, Armin; McIlvaine, Janet; Armacost, Robert; Gawlik, Tom; Malek, Mag; Mullens, Mike; Rheborg, Mats
    This report summarizes research results from March 1996 to February 1997 for the Energy Efficient Industrialized Housing Research Program. One of our research focuses was stressed skin insulating core (SSIC) panel construction. SSIC panels, which carry their loads entirely through their skins, are of interest because they eliminate thermal bridging caused by studs and they easily form airtight construction reducing air infiltration. We completed three projects with SSIC panels - an entry-level house design for nonprofit developers, a new floor and foundation system, and a study of alternative skins for the panels.
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    On-Grade Panel Floor System Report #2
    (Center for Housing Innovation, University of Oregon, 1997-09) Bjornson, Dana; Briscoe, John; Brown, G. Z.; Dorsett, Eric; Kline, Jeff; Powell, Josh; Schneider, Marshall; Sloot, Marc; Wang, Zhunqin