Chapter 12 – Energy conservation measures

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the energy conservation measures. It has three primary objectives. First it introduces some basic ideas about energy conservation. The purpose of energy conservation is to use less energy. This is accomplished by various methods, including recycling energy where useful. Energy conservation should be part of the entire life cycle of a building. Thus, it should be a consideration during the initial conception of a building, through its construction, during the operation and maintenance of the building throughout its life, and even in deconstruction. The chapter introduces ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings1 (Standard 90.1). This standard, produced cooperatively by ASHRAE and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, is becoming the minimum standard for new buildings in the United States. There are four ways in which HVAC systems can be designed to use less energy. It explains energy conservation and some basic ways of thinking about it and outlines the contents of Standard 90.1. The equipment and operation of the heat wheel, heat pipe, and runaround methods of heat recovery are described along with the process of evaporative cooling. The chapter also emphasizes and explains the significance of building pressure.