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NRG 111 Residential/Light Commercial Energy Analysis

This course explores how a building's design affects its energy use. Topics include building shell analysis and auditing, building services and utilities, air leak testing, the study and auditing of residential and light commercial energy use, lighting, and the use of diagnostic equipment to conduct detailed energy assessments following Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards. Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index and Energy Star audit standards are used as resource material.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: (MAT 152 or higher) and NRG 101

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

NRG 111 Residential/Light Commercial Energy Analysis

Campus Location

  • Dover

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: (MAT 152 or higher) and NRG 101

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

1 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course explores how a building's design affects its energy use. Topics include building shell analysis and auditing, building services and utilities, air leak testing, the study and auditing of residential and light commercial energy use, lighting, and the use of diagnostic equipment to conduct detailed energy assessments following Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards. Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index and Energy Star audit standards are used as resource material.

Additional Materials

Scientific calculator, Notebook

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Engage in professional behavior. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 5)
  2. Conduct energy audits in residential and/or light commercial buildings to analyze energy efficiency and building health and safety.(CCC 1, 2, 4, 6; PGC NRG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7  PGC SOL 1,2,3,4,5)
  3. Analyze data related to construction materials that make up thermal and vapor barriers (and their proper alignment) in existing residential and light commercial buildings with consideration given to indoor air quality.(CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC NRG  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; PGC SOL 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  4. Use tools required by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) (blower door, duct-blaster, IR camera, manometer, pressure pans, humidistat, psychrometer, and/or utility meters) for gathering and diagnosing information in the completion of an energy audit and recommend efficiency and health/safety improvements.  (CCC 2, 3, 5, 6; PGC NRG 1, 2, 4, 5; SOL 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  5. Identify combustion appliance zones, use combustion evaluation equipment (combustion test kits, CO monitors, and gas leak detectors), and evaluate the safe and efficient operation of fossil fueled heating equipment and appliances. (CCC 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC NRG 1, 2, 3, 4; SOL 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Engage in professional behavior.
    1. Demonstrate punctuality when attending class, participating in off-site projects, and submitting assignments.
    2. Communicate using industry-appropriate language in presentations, reports, and homework.
    3. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior when working with others.
  2. Conduct energy audits in residential and/or light commercial buildings to analyze energy efficiency and building health and safety.
    1. Analyze insulation, infiltration, combustion appliance zones, and energy consumption in a residential and/or light commercial building.
    2. Distinguish between proper and improper approaches to lighting, insulation, infiltration, air sealing, stack effect, combustion appliance zones, and energy efficient design.
    3. Describe an energy audit's purpose.
    4. Demonstrate accurate interpretation of utility bills.
    5. Recommend behavioral and technological modifications necessary to improve energy efficiency.
    6. Employ basic electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical skill sets as they apply to energy use and savings in buildings.
    7. Relate principles of psychrometrics to comfort and energy efficient practices and design.
    8. Consider appliance efficiency, including washer, dryer, refrigerator, heater/furnace, and/or air conditioning equipment.
    9. Recall differences between various energy efficiency standards.
    10. Prepare and present an energy audit report.
  3. Analyze data related to construction materials that make up thermal and vapor barriers (and their proper alignment) in existing residential and light commercial buildings with consideration given to indoor air quality.
    1. Compare air and thermal barrier systems found in existing residential and light commercial buildings, and explain their relationship to energy consumption.
    2. Identify sources of indoor air contaminants in existing residential and/or light commercial buildings.
    3. Recommend appropriate measures for improving air quality in existing residential and/or light commercial buildings.
    4. Compare the interrelation of U-factors and R-factors (insulation, wall and floor materials, windows, and doors), and explain what effect changing either of these values has on a building's overall energy performance.
    5. Identify and compare various materials used for insulation and their appropriate applications.
  4. Use tools required by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) (blower door, duct-blaster, IR camera, manometer, pressure pans, humidistat, psychrometer, and/or utility meters) for gathering and diagnosing information in the completion of an energy audit and recommend efficiency and health/safety improvements. 
    1. Demonstrate the proper use of tools required by the BPI.
    2. Use safe operation methods during audits.
    3. Identify proper tool calibration processes.
    4. Analyze data (infrared imagery, carbon monoxide measurements, pressure readings, humidity readings, gas levels, and meter information) gathered from a building audit, and recommend measures to correct inefficiencies and health and safety problems.
    5. Describe levels of response required in the event of unsafe findings during the testing process.
    6. Demonstrate appropriate methods of setting up combustion appliance zones for testing.
  5. Identify combustion appliance zones, use combustion evaluation equipment (combustion test kits, CO monitors, and gas leak detectors), and evaluate the safe and efficient operation of fossil fueled heating equipment and appliances.
    1. Define combustion appliance zone.
    2. Demonstrate and justify appropriate methods of setting up combustion appliance zones for testing.
    3. Recommend and implement proper testing of combustion appliances through the use of combustion efficiency test kits.
    4. Identify different types of combustion appliances, the potential hazards that may be encountered, and the proper method of testing each type of device.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: 2 Exams, Equally Weighted

30%

Summative Projects: Energy Audit, Report, Presentation

30%

Formative (quizzes, labs, homeworks)

40%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

Energy Management

  1. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on building lighting systems operation and energy consumption.
  2. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems operation and energy consumption.
  3. Calculate, analyze, and verify the energy use of buildings based upon the interaction of energy consuming building systems.
  4. Evaluate residential buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
  5. Evaluate commercial buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
  6. Prepare and present technical errors.
  7. Analyze the economic, environmental, and business implications of potential energy measures.

Renewable Energy Solar

  1. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on building lighting systems operation and energy consumption.
  2. Calculate, analyze, and verify the energy use of buildings based upon the interaction of energy consuming building systems.
  3. Evaluate residential buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
  4. Prepare and present technical reports.
  5. Analyze the economic, environmental, and business implications of potential energy measures.
  6. Perform preliminary and in depth site and customer suitability evaluation of potential applications for solar use.
  7. Design and calculate the output of an optimal site-specific array by deriving panel configuration and specifying components.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal