Taking modeling software for a test-drive is the only way to get familiar with the software. I tested three houses in EnergyPlus, each identical in terms of construction, orientation, occupancy, set points, etc. The weather locations are Boston, Sacramento, and San Jose, California. Basic parameters were:
• 60 by 40 ft. footprint
• Wall system: 2-by-4 wood frame, with wood siding, drywall and R-13 fiberglass insulation
• Glazing equally distributed on each facade
• Attic with R-38 fiberglass insulation
• Concrete slab-on-grade
This round of simulations focused on reducing electrical cooling energy, so the model was done for May through September. For each house/location, I added the following variations (cases):
Case 1—Base: Air-conditioning
Case 2—Base + small whole-house fan
Case 3—Base + small whole-house fan + phase-change material
Case 4—Base + large whole-house fan
Case 5—Base + large whole-house brushless, permanent- magnet motor fan + phase-change material
For the phase change material (PCM) scenarios, I used PCM embedded in the drywall for exterior walls and ceilings (see “Phase Change Materials” sidebar).
