Real time model-based energy diagnostics in buildings

Building energy systems often consume 20% more energy than is necessary due to system deviation from the design intent. Identifying the root causes of energy waste in buildings can be challenging largely because energy flows are generally invisible. To help address this challenge, we present a model-based, whole building energy diagnostics and performance monitoring system. The proposed system will continuously acquire performance measurements of HVAC, lighting and plug equipment usage and compare these measurements in real time to a reference EnergyPlus model that represents the design intent. A proof-of-concept case study will be discussed in this paper.