RTF Quarterly Newsletter: Quarter No. 55 January - March 2024
- June 17, 2024
- Chad Madron
The RTF kicked off 2024 with a busy (and icy) first quarter with the majority of work focused on advancing opportunities beyond the unit energy savings measures. In particular, the RTF focused on work around the modeling tools used, lessons learned from analysis of a new regional data set, and discussing efficiency opportunities for electric vehicles.
Have additional questions or learn more about the RTF? Check out our frequently updated website or contact Laura Thomas, RTF Manager.
Non-Measure Work
Commercial EnergyPlus Model Alignment
In January, the RTF reviewed the recent work to align two more of the RTF’s commercial models, for multifamily and restaurants. Cadeo Group supported the RTF last year in fixing the models, identifying billing data, and completing the alignment of the models. At the January RTF Meeting, Cadeo shared the results of that work with the RTF.
Efficient Electric Vehicles Market Characterization
In 2023, the RTF contracted with Apex Analytics and Rolling Energy Resources (RER) to provide a characterization of the electric vehicle (EV) market. The intention of this project was to gain a deeper understanding of the EV market to determine if there was an efficiency difference between vehicles within the same class, as well as if there was sufficient data for the development of a unit energy savings measure. At the February meeting, Apex and RER presented to the RTF the results of this work. The presentation reviewed the current testing metrics, available data, efficiency potential, demand response, and much more. Based on the results of the study, it seems unlikely that a measure will be developed this year, but RTF staff noted that a memo would be available for review and this topic would be added to an upcoming meeting agenda for further discussion on next steps.
Home Energy Metering Study Analysis and Lessons Learned
In aligning the RTF’s residential modeling tool, RTF analysts had an opportunity to work closely with NEEA’s Home Energy Metering Study (HEMS) data last year. In March, the lessons learned from that analysis were shared with the RTF, including insights into using the metered data and areas of consideration for future analysis. The analysis also identified continued issues with heat pump heated homes using electric backup resistance. The RTF discussed areas of potential future analysis using the HEMS data, some of which the analyst team will complete, but also opportunities for others in the region to consider.
Subcommittee Roundup
To support the region in using the RTF’s modeling tools, a Modeling Subcommittee was convened to provide a series of detailed trainings on the RTF’s commercial and residential building modeling tools. There was a total of six trainings that covered topics including: EnergyPlus Overview, introduction to the Residential Energy Efficiency and Demand Response tool, and introduction to Modelkit. All trainings were recorded and available on the Supporting Documents page (training section): https://rtf.nwcouncil.org/work-products/supporting-documents/.
Informed by the outcome of February’s Implementers Group meeting, the Air Source Heat Pumps Subcommittee provided feedback on the technical details of potential measures for residential centrally ducted air source heat pump conversions from electric forced air furnaces. They also examined potential new measure options, including requiring installation without electric resistance backup heat. Subcommittee members discussed proper sizing of a heat pump without electric resistance backup heat, minimum duct requirements for heat pumps, minimum home weatherization criteria, and the use of the new residential modeling tool to explore the boundaries of applicability of such a measure in the regional housing stock.
The Implementers Group met again in March to review upcoming and recent RTF activity. The group also reflected on a past deep dive session on heat pumps and considered other topics that could benefit from a detailed exploration.
Measure Updates Approved in Q1
- Extended the Sunset Date to September 30, 2024, for Residential Central Air Conditioners UES.
- The Sunset Date for Residential Refrigerators and Freezers was also extended to March 31, 2024.
- Extended the Sunset Date to March 31, 2025, for the Commercial Connected Thermostats UES.
- Adopted the updates to the Potato/Onion Shed Variable Frequency Drive measure as presented and used costs from the VSD measure for unites below or equal to 50HP, updated the savings shape to flat over the course of the day, kept the category at Small Saver, kept the status at Active, and set the sunset date to October 31, 2026.
- Adopted the Residential Refrigerators and Freezers UES as presented and kept the category at proven, kept the status at active, set the sunset date to March 31, 2027
Upcoming at the RTF
The RTF will turn its attention to the following:
April
- Display Case Lighting
- Commercial Timers on Water Coolers
- Residential Gas Water Heaters
- Rack Ovens
- Air Source Heat Pumps Plan and Next Steps
May
- New Measure Scan Results
- Electric Vehicles Discussion
- Combination Ovens
- Convection Ovens
June
- Hot Food Holding Cabinets
- Floating Head Pressure Controls for Single Compressor Systems