RETROFIT: ENERGY ASSESMENT PROGRAM: WHAT IS THERMAL ENERGY REPLACEMENT?

 
 

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The patented PACE® System uses the unique heating design concept of Thermal Energy Replacement"" to control perimeter heat. Thermal Energy Replacement is the continuous matching of heating system output to the instantaneous heat loss of the building envelope. The heat is delivered just inside the perimeter walls by baseboard convectors or radiant panels. The ratio of active heater length to lineal feet of perimeter wall should be 60 percent or higher for optimum performance. In practice, all PACE applications to date have utilized electric heat due to its precise controllability.

The process of continuous matching produces a steady-state thermal balance which differs fundamentally from conventional heating cycles. The balance point is 6 to 12 degrees lower than a typical thermostatic setting, yet the steadystate condition yields superior comfort. This apparent contradiction has been explained by independent research on occupant comfort. A small degree of heat loss from the occupant to the perimeter wall actually improves comfort, providing that the rate of heat loss stays constant. Thermal Energy Replacement satisfies this condition.

The tower balance point at which Thermal Energy Replacement operates represents a reduction of 25 to 50 percent in heat output as compared to the conventional thermostatic response. PACE control also allows fine tuning of the balance point and system response to match the building's actual heat loss characteristics, virtually eliminating control error as a factor in total consumption.

General: The PACE Perimeter Heat Control System operates on the concept of Thermal Energy Replacement'", defined as the continuous matching of heat output to the building envelope's instantaneous heat loss.

The PACE System calculates the instantaneous heat loss and expresses it as a percentage of the installed heating capacity.

 

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The heat output is the base signal at outdoor temperature (t), times the installed capacity, or

when multiplied by the time, h, the product is kilowatt hours for the period. HEAT LOSS AND HEAT OUTPUT ARE ONE AND THE SAME CALCULATION, which accounts for the accuracy of both the PACE control and the weatherbased energy consumption projection. The only exceptions are: (a) weather variation from 10-year average; (b) wind effect, which increases PACE output slightly; and (c) solar effect, which decreases PACE output in proportion to solar gain per exposure.

Energy Assessment Program: The above formula establishes the cumulative heat output for a given period. Because ventilation and infiltration loads usually are met by internal heat gains, the calculated envelope loss may be regarded as the building's minimum heat energy requirement. An Energy Assessment Report may be ordered from General Electronic Enterprises, Inc. for any planned or existing building.

The Energy Assessment Program is not a design program for heating, air conditioning or building envelope systems. General Electronic Enterprises, Inc. accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the load data, consumption analysis or economic analysis; or for the suitability of the building's mechanical systems or building envelope design for the PACE concept or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall General Electronic Enterprises, Inc. be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.

Notwithstanding the above disclaimers, the methodology for PACE consumption is known to be an accurate weather-based computation using typical calibration for a variety of building types and mechanical systems. Comparisons with other systems use standard ASHRAE degree-day methodology for operating cost estimation.

 


 

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