Evaluate potential water sources, including stored rainwater, for use with evaporative condensers. Systematically test influential water quality parameters (calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, pH, and hardness) on the formation of scale in bench-scale evaporative condensers. Construct and test a model...

Investigate problems and assess the feasibility of proposed solutions for distribution and sales of HVAC energy efficiency products. Observe and interview key stakeholders involved, including decision-makers and facilities personnel. Develop specifications and best practices for creating a market...

Develop and refine a new building energy simulation tool that will allow users to estimate the annual savings that can be achieved from certain climate appropriate solutions. Develop and validate performance of evaporative pre-cooling of condenser air and outside air with this simulation tool....

Southern California Edison (SCE) is teaming up with EPRI and a large production homebuilder to design, build and monitor a new ZNE residential community in Fontana, CA. SCE will act as the project's lead on emerging DSM technologies, battery storage integration, electrical grid optimization and...

This project is a small-scale field evaluation at two hotels in SCE territory of the HVAC energy savings of a phase change material (PCM) product. The PCM will be incorporated into artwork and other interior...

In 2013, ASHRAE Standard Project Committee (SPC) 207P was formed to develop a nationally-recognized laboratory method of test for Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) technologies pertaining to commercial packaged rooftop unit (RTU) air-conditioning equipment. The purpose of the standard is to...

Lighting in parking lots and garages increases the visibility and sense of security for its users. The recommended light levels in parking lots and garages are included in the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Recommended Practice (RP) – 20 document. In the latest version of this document...

DX HVAC units are very often used in standalone retail, education, restaurant, and small to medium size office buildings. Among other reasons, small DX HVAC units have this market dominance in small and medium commercial buildings because they require little site-specific design, can be dropped...

Air conditioning loads drive peak demand and contribute to overall electric power consumption in California. In the summer, cooling loads are highest in the middle of the day when air conditioners are the least efficient. Rejecting waste heat from an air conditioner to a swimming pool rather than...

According to a study by the California Energy Commission (CEC), the agricultural sector accounts for 79 percent of California’s water use, which corresponds to 4 percent (over 10 GWh annually) of the state’s electricity use (CEC, 2005). One potential strategy for reducing agricultural...