Modeling can increase energy efficiency

Today’s advanced tools enable facilities teams and their energy-industry partners to use net present value (NPV)-based cost analysis, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.

"Compared with the simple payback view of return on investment, NPV provides a more realistic picture of the total savings that energy conservation measures will generate over a hospital building’s decades-long occupied life. The total lifecycle approach is a critical element of the high-performance hospital concept," the article said.

Sophisticated algorithms can model the impact a range of mechanical equipment options and advanced technologies such as thermal storage, heat recovery, geothermal and cogeneration. the article said.

The software can also predict the impact on energy costs by choosing different energy types, utility providers and rate options. 

Particularly valuable is the software’s ability to simulate control strategies to identify no-cost or low-cost energy conservation measures that can be implemented by reprogramming the hospital’s building automation system, according to the article. 

Modeling software also can generate reports that make it easy for users to compare multiple alternatives. The reports also can be used to demonstrate compliance with ASHRAE and other standards and LEED guidelines.

Read the article.