Energy Modeling  

Education Type: 
On-Demand
Duration: 
1.5 Hours
Prerequisites: 

None

FEMP IACET: 
0.2 CEU
Sponsored by: 

DOE Federal Energy Management Program - FEMP

This Energy Exchange recorded session* explores various energy modeling tools, technologies, and best practices. It discusses basic and advanced modeling techniques for existing buildings using popular tools such as building simulation software, spreadsheet analysis, and computational fluid dynamics. This session also demonstrates the pros and cons of different tools and models and how to apply best practices.

Instructors

Ramin Rezaei, CFD Analyst, Southland Industries  

Ramin optimizes designs through CFD modeling, collaborates with the engineering staff to ensure each design meets specific environment standards, and advises teams about how CFD can further benefit projects within various market segments. Since joining the industry in 2014, Ramin utilized his extensive knowledge to predict failure scenarios and reduce costs. He relies on his experience with CFD and fluid mechanics to optimize heating and cooling requirements within mission critical and healthcare facilities. Ramin received his master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo. He has his engineering in training certificate and is actively involved in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers.

William Sommer, MS, CEM, REP, Project Manager, Sain Engineering Associates  

William (Bill) joined Sain Engineering Associates, Inc., as project manager following a 23-year career in the U.S. Navy. Bill spearheads the company's initiatives in energy modeling and simulation and in research and development of technology solutions supporting the company's energy information management business line. He also leads various projects in sustainable design, performs energy assessments, and develops solutions to reduce existing energy and water usage. Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in physical oceanography from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in meteorology and physical oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School. He earned additional graduate certificates in systems analysis and defense energy systems, also from the Naval Postgraduate School. Professional accreditations include Certified Energy Manager, Renewable Energy Professional, and LEED Green Associate.

David Goldwasser, Researcher IV–Software Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory  

David has been a software developer for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Buildings and Thermal Systems center since 2009. He is a developer on the OpenStudio team, which includes feature and code development, testing, analysis, documentation, support, and outreach. His work has focused on the development of zero energy design guides, articulation tools to support analysis of neighborhood and district scale modeling, and the development of workflows for fault detection diagnostics through OpenStudio measures. David has a bachelor and master's degree in Architecture from Tulane University, and a Master of Construction Management from Washington University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the design and construction industry and is a LEED accredited professional. He provides a unique insight into architectural workflows related to energy modeling and high-performance building design.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will understand:

  • The different types of energy models and their applications;
  • How energy modeling can help optimize facilities and enhance the performance of facilities;
  • The advantages and disadvantages for some of the popular energy modeling tools in use today; and
  • How energy models have been used to optimize facility performance.

*The session featured in this on–demand course was recorded on August 21, 2018, at the 2018 Energy
Exchange held in Cleveland, Ohio (Track 8, Session 2).

Federal Agencies and Facility Criteria: