What's New
1998 Archives
Contents
- EETD Helps Put Some Air in California's Energy Standards
- Energy Efficiency as an Insurance Loss-Prevention Strategy
- Spectrally Selective Low-E Detector Reassures Builders
- Gasoline Additive Examined
- Better and More Efficient Lighting for Post Office Workers
November 1998
September 1998
August 1998
May 1998
EETD Helps Puts Some Air in California's Energy Standards
EETD researchers have contributed a series of findings to the new Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) used in Title 24, California's building code. The ACM, the primary design method for new homes, allows designers trade-offs to achieve levels of energy efficiency in flexible ways.
The research shows that lower duct efficiency defaults provide incentives within the standard for designers to provide a more efficient duct system. As a result of LBNL research that measured duct-sealant longevity, the new ACM does not allow thermal distribution credit if duct tape is used as the primary sealant.
An important barrier to increased duct or envelope tightness levels had been the concern that indoor air quality could be compromised at the expense of energy efficiency. To assure minimum ventilation rates in buildings, Division researchers worked with the California Energy Commission to incorporate ASHRAE Standard 62-89 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) into the code in an energy-efficient manner.
More information can be obtained by contacting Max Sherman, (510) 486-4022.
Energy Efficiency as an Insurance Loss-Prevention Strategy
LBNL's insurance initiative has released several new reports: an inventory of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies from nine national laboratories that help prevent insurance losses, a review of insurance industry concerns pertaining to indoor air-quality problems, a report on ultraviolet water disinfection for U.S. natural disaster recovery situations, and a case study-carried out in collaboration with Arkwright Mutual Insurance Co. and Boston Edison-of how fire safety was enhanced when halogen torchiere light fixtures were replaced with energy-efficient alternatives at Northeastern University.
For more information, contact Evan Mills, (510) 486-6784 or visit the web site.
Spectrally Selective Low-E Detector Reassures Builders
With DOE and CIEE co-support, researchers Dariush Arasteh, Brent Griffith, Chad Goudey, Christian Kohler, and Daniel Turner developed a prototype of a simple hand-held detector to determine the coating (none, regular low-e, or spectrally selective low-e) on a double-glazed window. An infrared light-emitting diode and phototransistor measure reflectance in the near-infrared portion of the solar spectrum (where coating technologies have significantly different reflectances, which can't be detected by the human eye). One of three LEDs then illuminates, indicating which of the coatings is present.
The detector was recently tested by consultants at ConSol Inc. of Stockton, California, who were involved in several tract developments where spectrally selective low-e windows were specified to meet the California energy code or ENERGY STAR® homes criteria.
More information may be obtained by contacting Dariush Arasteh, (510) 486-6844.
Gasoline Additive Examined
EETD researcher Don Lucas participated in a recent multivolume University of California study of the gasoline additive MTBE. Along with fellow researchers Bob Sawyer and Cathy Koshland, Lucas studied the effects of MTBE on air emissions from vehicles. The study, "Health and Environmental Assessment of MTBE," was delivered to the Governor and the California legislature in November 1998. The full text and other downloadable documents pertaining to MTBE are available on the Web.
For more information, contact Don Lucas, (510) 486-7002.
Better and More Efficient Lighting for Post Office Workers
Working with the U.S. Postal Service, EETD researchers have developed an integrated, energy-efficient task-lighting system for individual mail-sorting stations. The new system features smaller fixtures with new optics, fluorescent lamps, and electronic ballasts mounted in a high-efficiency fixture that sends 80 percent of the light to the work surface. Each workstation is controlled by an occupancy sensor. The improved lighting system reduces lighting energy costs by 30 percent. A prototype of the system is installed in the Rodeo, California, Post Office. Based on the findings of pilot projects, the Postal Service is planning to incorporate the beneficial aspects of this project into future facility designs.
For more information, contact Michael Siminovitch, (510) 486-5863.
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November 1998
Energy Efficient Windows Collaborative
The Efficient Windows web site is sponsored by the Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Windows and Glazings Program and the participation of industry members. This web site provides unbiased information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use. EWC members have made a commitment to manufacture and promote energy-efficient windows. Take a look to learn more!
For more information, contact Dariush Arasteh, (510) 486-6844 or visit the web site.
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September 1998
Energy-Efficient Torchiere Light Fixtures
The Lighting Systems Research Group is conducting ongoing research developing safe, energy efficient alternatives to the ubiquitous halogen torchiere by employing various novel light sources in the torchiere fixture. One of our most successful designs is the CFL torchiere which recent won the "Best of What's New" Grand Prize Award for Home Technology from Popular Science magazine. The CFL torchiere produces 25% more lumens than 300W halogen torchieres, while using 1/5 the energy and operating 5000F cooler.
For more information, contact Michael Siminovitch, (510) 486-5863 or visit the web site.
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August 1998
Native American Renewable Energy Education Project (NAREEP)
NAREEP is a DOE-funded joint project of Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley that provides technical assistance to Native American reservations in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Its purpose is to respond to the desire of Native Americans for cost-effective, culturally appropriate, environmentally benign energy services for tribal community needs and economic development. NAREEP's ultimate goal is to help tribal communities control their own energy future.
For more information, contact John Busch, (510) 486-7279.
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May 1998
Leaking Electricity in Japan
How do the Japanese view leaking electricity? Find out what this poster says!
For more information, contact Alan Meier, (510) 486-4740.
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