5/8/20 Thesis Defense: Devashis Shrestha

Title: “Energy Audit and Modeling of High Energy-consuming Buildings in the University of Maryland.” 

Date/Time: Friday May 8, 2020; 3-5pm

Committee Members:  

Dr. Michael Ohadi (Chair),

Dr. Yunho Hwang,

Dr. Bao Yang

Abstract: The goal of this thesis project is to analyze and optimize energy usage in the Biopsychology building and Gossett Football House building. Both buildings are located on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. The process of energy audit and modeling was applied to both buildings to render them more energy-efficient and sustainable. The first step of the project included a comprehensive study of the buildings including the HVAC systems and other loads, followed by energy consumption analysis which led to the detection of various issues. The second step was to model the energy system of the building and analyze it to optimize the energy consumption of the building. Several benchmarking methods were also analyzed to evaluate building performance. Using the developed 3D model, the performances of the buildings were simulated to determine various Energy Conservation Measures. The Energy Conservation Measures were detected, researched in detail, and simulated to evaluate the possible savings in energy and utilities. Projected savings of $99,920 and 3,843.3 MMBtu per annum were projected for the two buildings. In addition to the energy savings, a total of 511.3 MT per annum COemission reductions and 787,290-gal water savings were estimated, which can both contribute to the Campus sustainability goals.