Customer Load Characterization
Electric and gas utilities and energy service companies require detailed information and data on how and when customers use energy. This information assists in load forecasting, rate design, and customer service program planning. Information on the characteristics and energy consumption of a facility is developed from on-site surveys, performance monitoring of selected energy systems and detailed computer simulation of building energy performance.
Performance Contracting Assistance
AEC provides a variety of services during the life cycle of an energy performance contracting project. These services may include baselining existing energy consumption and costs, identifying cost-effective improvements, diagnosing operation and maintenance problems during the life of a contract and measuring and verifying the savings achieved by the installed energy efficiency measures. AEC's MicroDataLogger data acquisition system and ENFORMA software are used in many of the performance contracting service applications.
DSM Program Evaluation
AEC provides technical services to support the evaluation of electric utility demand-side management (DSM) programs. Program evaluation services are provided to quantify the actual energy savings resulting from the operation of DSM programs, which form the basis of utility cost recovery for DSM investments.
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| Foodservice R&D
Foodservice research involves the analysis and demonstration of gas and electro-technologies in foodservice facilities. Research areas include electric and gas cooking equipment, commercial kitchen ventilation and HVAC and lighting systems. AEC operates a fully-equipped commercial kitchen ventilation (CKV) and foodservice laboratory on behalf of the utility industry and foodservice equipment manufacturers. This research facility is utilized in the design and construction of restaurant demonstration projects, which showcase emerging foodservice electro-technologies.
Diagnostic and Commissioning Services
Building diagnostic testing is the application of specialized software and hardware tools to gather and analyze building performance data in order to improve energy performance, occupancy comfort and the indoor environmental quality of buildings. AEC assists building owners and managers to analyze energy use patterns, diagnose operational and maintenance issues in mechanical and electrical systems, and commission new building energy systems. The goal of this service is to satisfy the needs of building occupants while minimizing energy operating costs.
Building Science/Technology Assessments
AEC provides contract research and development services in a variety of building science research areas, including daylighting systems, energy-efficient mechanical systems, renewable energy systems and indoor environmental quality. AEC has evaluated over 100 energy efficiency technologies, including high efficiency lighting and HVAC systems, core daylighting systems, foodservice equipment, phase change storage materials, active and passive solar energy systems, and photovoltaic pumping and power systems. |
