As the Director of the Florida State Energy Conservation Assistance
Program, Alexander E. Othmer knows what it takes to make buildings green. He is
a certified Energy Auditor, Environmental Auditor, OSHA Inspector, and Failure
Analyst, and has had more than four decades of experience conducting energy
conservation projects for a broad range of clients, from school districts to the
military.
Q #1: Why did you choose HOBO data loggers as a solution?
One of our duties for the U.S. Department of Energy is to locate applications
where sustainable and renewable energy would be applicable for the end user. The
goal is to turn buildings into green buildings, and we perform analysis for
state and local school districts, the military, private industry, as well as
residential customers.
Q #2: Have HOBO loggers provided you with a new way to analyze data?
We have developed an energy conservation test methodology based on the use of
battery-powered HOBO data loggers, which we use in a variety of applications.
For example, we’ll use data loggers with internal light intensity sensors for
lighting load analysis. We may mount one logger externally and then another on
working surfaces and have them record light data for 48 hours. Then we can
offload the collected data onto a PC and see how much percentage difference
there is between outside sunlight and daylighting entering a building. We can
then use that information to design daylighting systems for the facility. Data
loggers are also used for window load analysis and energy load analysis on air
conditioning systems.
Q #3: How have data loggers improved the way you gather information?
Prior to this data logger testing method, we had to use a truck full of chart
recorders and thermocouples to monitor various components of a building. It was
a real hassle to have to wire a facility, and could take up to 80 man-hours in
certain cases. With data loggers, it may only take two hours.
Our office considers data loggers critical because green buildings computer
simulation software, though effective as a preliminary tool, does not actually
show you how a building is really reacting. Every one of our reports includes a
graph from the actual site, so there’s no question of what the loads were during
the time period. Architects look at these charts in amazement because the
buildings often react differently from what was expected.
|
