Analysis of Improved Fenestration for Code-Compliant Residential Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates

This thesis presents an analysis of energy efficient residential windows in hot and humid climates. To accomplish this analysis, the use of accurate simulation tools such as DOE-2.1e is required, which incorporates the results from the WINDOW-5.2 simulation program to assess accurate fenestration performance. The thesis also investigates the use of optimal glazing types, which, for future applications, could be specified in the code to reduce annual net energy consumption to zero. Results show that combinations of low-E and double pane, clear-glazed windows, which are optimally shaded according to orientation are the best solution for lowering both annual energy consumption and peak electricity loads. The study also concludes that the method used to model fenestration in the simulation program plays an important role in accurately determining the effectiveness of the glazing option used. In this particular study, the use of the WINDOW-5.2 program is highly recommended especially for high performance windows (i.e., low-E glazing). Finally, a discussion on the incorporation of super high performance windows (i.e., super low-E, ultra low-E and dynamic / switchable glazing) into the IECC code concludes that these types of glazing strategies can reduce annual net energy use of the window to zero. Future work identified by this thesis includes a more extensive examination of the passive solar potential of high performance fenestration, and an examination of the appropriate methods for specifying these properties in future versions of the IECC code. This implies that future specifications for fenestration in the IECC code could aim for zero net annual energy consumption levels from residential fenestration

Analysis of Improved Fenestration for Code-Compliant Residential Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates

This thesis presents an analysis of energy efficient residential windows in hot and humid climates. To accomplish this analysis, the use of accurate simulation tools such as DOE-2.1e is required, which incorporates the results from the WINDOW-5.2 simulation program to assess accurate fenestration performance. The thesis also investigates the use of optimal glazing types, which, for future applications, could be specified in the code to reduce annual net energy consumption to zero. Results show that combinations of low-E and double pane, clear-glazed windows, which are optimally shaded according to orientation are the best solution for lowering both annual energy consumption and peak electricity loads. The study also concludes that the method used to model fenestration in the simulation program plays an important role in accurately determining the effectiveness of the glazing option used. In this particular study, the use of the WINDOW-5.2 program is highly recommended especially for high performance windows (i.e., low-E glazing). Finally, a discussion on the incorporation of super high performance windows (i.e., super low-E, ultra low-E and dynamic / switchable glazing) into the IECC code concludes that these types of glazing strategies can reduce annual net energy use of the window to zero. Future work identified by this thesis includes a more extensive examination of the passive solar potential of high performance fenestration, and an examination of the appropriate methods for specifying these properties in future versions of the IECC code. This implies that future specifications for fenestration in the IECC code could aim for zero net annual energy consumption levels from residential fenestration

An Analysis of Energy Consumption in Grocery Stores in a Hot and Humid Climate

The intent of this study was to investigate the efficient use of energy by developing an energy efficient grocery store combined with cogeneration. This study demonstrated the potential to reduce the energy use in buildings, by implementing a decentralized source of energy generation that allowed for the use of a portion of the energy generated to be shared across building boundaries. This study considered a high energy use building such as a grocery store to be a part of a residential community, which could potentially participate in the sharing of energy across building boundaries. To better utilize energy resources the study proposed the implementation of a cogeneration facility to supply energy primarily to the store. Surplus energy generated by this cogeneration system was then shared with the requirements of the surrounding residential community. Finally, in order to better account for energy consumption of these buildings both site and source energy was considered. The study focused on hot and humid climates. This study was presented in two parts: Analyzing conventional grocery store systems to determine the maximum savings possible; and examining the option of co-generation systems to provide power to grocery stores and a portion of the community in order to reduce source energy use for the grocery store and a portion of the surrounding community. Source energy savings were in the range of 47% to 54% depending on the energy efficiency measures selected and the cogeneration configuration determined in the grocery store. Economic payback periods in the range of 4 to 7 years (time until zero net present value) were observed. The selection of appropriate options was narrowed down to two options that utilized more thermal energy within the boundaries of the store and generated more amount of surplus energy to be absorbed by the neighboring residential buildings

A Comparison of the Stringency of the 2001 IECC Versus the 2009 IECC and 2009 IRC

This report documents the differences between the 2001 IECC , 2009 IECC and 2009 IRC. The three codes are compared using the climate zones proposed by the 2009 IECC for the State of Texas. The comparison is carried out using the same code-compliant simulation with input variables that reflect differences between the three codes

A Comparison of the Stringency of the 2001 IECC Versus the 2009 IECC and 2009 IRC

This report documents the differences between the 2001 IECC , 2009 IECC and 2009 IRC. The three codes are compared using the climate zones proposed by the 2009 IECC for the State of Texas. The comparison is carried out using the same code-compliant simulation with input variables that reflect differences between the three codes

A Pan-India, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Study of Healthcare Practitioners in India Regarding Immunomodulatory Role of Vitamin D Supplementation in COVID-19

Introduction: Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects and vitamin D deficiency has been associated with autoimmune responses and increased risk of infections. Vitamin D-mediated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory responses play an effective role in the prevention of various respiratory tract infections including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Aims and objective: To evaluate the therapeutic role of vitamin D via immunomodulation in COVID-19 through a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study of pan India healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to arrive at a common consensus statement regarding dosage and duration of vitamin D for immune-modulatory function. Methods: A pan-India, online, questionnaire-based, KAP survey was conducted on vitamin D and its role in immunomodulation in COVID-19 from April 2021 to January 2022 followed by polling obtained from 2,338 HCPs through round table meetings (RTMs). Results: Approximately 64% of HCPs considered the use of vitamin D in COVID-19 patients for various reasons including prevention of illness, reduced ICU stay, reduction in morbidity and mortality along with decrease in the levels of inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients. For the dosage regime, 47% of HCPs preferred vitamin D 60,000 IUweekly while 45% of HCPs preferred both 60,000 IU weekly and 2,000 IU daily dose for boosting immune system in their patients. Conclusion: The panel agreed that vitamin D levels of 40 ng/mL and above appear to confer better immune-protective response to several infections including COVID-19