Engineering topics

Lubliner, Michael

Publications and source records attributed to Lubliner, Michael.

4 records

DOE OSTI2024

Building Science Advisor (BSA): A Tool to Assist in the Design and Education of Durable Envelopes

The moisture durability of a building envelope component can be difficult to predict. It depends on the materials used, the location in the assembly, the macro- and microclimate of the building, the air tightness of the interior environment and construction quality. Modern building codes require more insulation and tighter construction but provide little guidance about how to ensure these energy-efficient assemblies are designed and built to retain moisture durability. Furthermore, as new products are introduced to the market, builders are increasingly uncertain about the long-term durability of their building envelope designs. As building envelopes get tighter and better insulated, moisture management is key to a durable and high-performing wall assembly.

Desjarlais, Andre↗

DOE OSTI2022

Smart, Connected Manufactured Housing Solutions through High-Performance Design. Final CRADA report

This report focuses on HVAC, domestic hot water, and miscellaneous electric loads via voluntary opportunities that may arise from partnerships with utilities, as well as future US Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR and DOE Zero Energy Ready Manufactured Home programs. Phase I of this project has begun the technical dialogue toward developing an implementation plan among DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Clayton Manufactured Homes, and US Department of Housing and Urban Development Code manufactured housing stakeholders. These activities have focused on delivering high-performance design through integration of technology. Project tasks include the following: Identifying baseline energy analysis resources opportunities from a variety of DOE and utility stakeholders; Developing a smart home and business solution by leveraging existing utility programs working with Smart Homes Partners resources such as ACE IoT Solutions, Google Nest, and Ecobee; Developing improved smarter ventilation systems with industry ventilation partners such as the Madison Group; Developing improved building science QA/QC testing equipment with manufacturers such as The Energy Conservatory, and supporting other feasible concepts vetted under DOE’s Advanced Buildings Collaborative with Slipstream, reinventing HVAC in manufactured housing; and, Developing smart home short- and long-term viable technical solutions in coordination with Clayton Manufactured Homes in new and/or revitalized community scales for future Phase II prototype demonstrations, which may include design (and perhaps construction) of single-section homes targeting rental property developers and multi-section homes targeting low- to middle-income affordable housing community developers Given the ongoing US Department of Energy (DOE) rulemaking activities, baseline energy analysis assessments of envelope prescriptive and Uo (i.e., the overall thermal energy efficiency of the home in British thermal units per square foot of exterior heat loss/gain surfaces) measures were removed from the scope of Phase I of this project.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2020

Characterization of Mechanical Ventilation Systems in New US Homes: What types of systems are out there and are they functioning as intended?

As the airtightness of homes improves to meet energy efficiency goals, it becomes more important for mechanical ventilation systems to help maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor air environment. ASHRAE Standard 62.2 provides national guidance for mechanical ventilation system design and installation, however adoption of those guidelines into local building codes has occurred at different rates. Once provisions for mechanical ventilation are adopted in a local code, are mechanical ventilation systems properly designed, installed, commissioned and operated according to code or above code program requirements? Is there a need for further industry and homeowner education to ensure systems function as intended? This paper presents results from field studies that include characterization of mechanical ventilation systems in over 150 new homes in CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, OR, and SC built between 2011 and 2018. In each of the study homes, airflow of local (kitchen, bathrooms) and whole-house ventilation were measured. Occupant usage of the mechanical ventilation systems were monitored for one week in each home. Installed performance is compared to inferred design intent. The paper also includes homeowner perceptions about, and interactions with, the installed mechanical ventilation systems.

Martin, Eric↗

DOE OSTI2020

Residential Ventilation Systems

US homes are increasingly being provided with mechanical ventilation systems that are intended to comply with ASHRAE Standard 62.2. As mechanical ventilation is becoming more prevalent, the industry is gaining knowledge about measured installed performance of mechanical ventilation systems and guidance on how to avoid problem installations. Feedback from industry and research studies has led to several key improvements to the ASHRAE standard giving ventilation system designers more flexibility and providing more energy efficient ventilation solutions. This article summarizes some of the key advances in residential ventilation as well as the results of field investigations of residential ventilation system commissioning and operation/maintenance issues, much of which is from the USDOE Building America program.

Lubliner, Michael↗