An energy performance evaluation methodology for individual office building with dynamic energy benchmarks using limited information

A rational and reliable energy benchmark is useful for understanding and enhancing building performance while most buildings cannot provide sufficient information for a detailed energy assessment. This work presents a systematic methodology of developing dynamic energy benchmarks for individual office building with very limited information. Simultaneously, an energy consumption rating (ECR) system is established to provide vertical energy assessment for individual office building in a short time span, i.e. hourly. Based on the data produced by DOE prototype large office building model performed in the EnergyPlus environment, this study is conducted in three steps: (1) Step 1: Data preparation; (2) Step 2: Development of the dynamic energy benchmarks; and (3) Step 3: Evaluation of the dynamic energy benchmarks and ECR system. Based on the decision tree analysis, the system energy consumption is classified into eight patterns by few commonly accessible weather and time variables, i.e. outdoor dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, day type and time type. Then, four energy benchmarks are developed according to four energy consumption patterns on weekdays. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed dynamic energy benchmarks, it is used to evaluate the building energy performance on September, October and November, respectively. Besides, comparative analysis is conducted between the energy baseline (i.e. the same benchmark is used for all energy consumption patterns) and proposed dynamic energy benchmarks. Accordingly, the hourly ECRs were calculated using energy baseline and proposed dynamic energy benchmarks, respectively. Results showed that the energy baseline can be improved by using the proposed dynamic energy benchmarks. And the proposed method is capable of evaluating the energy performance of information poor office buildings.