Energy Efficiency Analysis Skill

This skill provides specialized knowledge for building energy analysis and optimization projects.

Core Capabilities

Energy Modeling

• EnergyPlus simulation setup and analysis
• OpenStudio model development
• Weather data integration and selection
• HVAC system modeling strategies

Code Compliance

• ASHRAE 90.1 performance path analysis
• IECC commercial compliance verification
• Energy cost budget calculations
• Baseline model development

Performance Analysis

• Energy use intensity (EUI) calculations
• Peak demand analysis and optimization
• Load profile evaluation
• Equipment efficiency assessments

Available Scripts

• scripts/energyplus_postprocess.py: Post-process EnergyPlus outputs
• scripts/ashrae_compliance.py: ASHRAE 90.1 compliance calculations
• scripts/eui_calculator.py: Building EUI analysis

Reference Materials

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eferences/ashrae_standards.md: Key ASHRAE standard requirements

eferences/energyplus_tips.md: EnergyPlus modeling best practices

eferences/iecc_requirements.md: IECC compliance procedures

Asset Templates

• ssets/compliance_report_template.docx: Standard compliance report format
• ssets/energy_model_checklist.xlsx: QA/QC checklist for models

Usage Examples

• "Analyze this EnergyPlus model for ASHRAE 90.1 compliance"
• "Calculate the energy savings from this efficiency measure"
• "Generate a code compliance report for this building"
• "Optimize the HVAC system sizing for this model"

Cost Analysis Tools

NPV Analysis Email Generator

Purpose: Generate lifecycle cost analysis summaries for energy efficiency measures and design alternatives

Location: scripts/npv_analysis_email_generator.py

Documentation: `docs/TOOL_SECC_NPV_Email_Generator.md`

When to Use:

• Comparing energy efficiency measure costs vs. savings over lifecycle
• Evaluating HVAC system alternatives (baseline vs. high-efficiency)
• Generating cost comparison reports for LEED energy models
• Creating stakeholder-ready summaries of first costs and NPV

Common Workflow:

1. Run energy models for baseline and alternatives
2. Extract annual energy costs from simulation results
3. Input costs into NPV spreadsheet (Assumptions, Upfront_Costs, Cashflows_XNPV sheets)
4. Recalculate formulas if needed
5. Generate formatted summary:

   python scripts/npv_analysis_email_generator.py "path/to/NPV_Analysis.xlsx" \
     -o "path/to/Summary.xlsx" \
     -p "Project Name"
   

Output:

• Excel summary with color-coded cost comparisons
• Highlights lowest lifecycle cost option
• Ready for client presentations and stakeholder communication

Integration:

• Use xlsx skill to edit NPV spreadsheet and recalculate formulas
• Use work-command-center to track NPV summary as deliverable
• Use diagnosing-energy-models for HVAC alternative modeling

Example Use Cases:

• "Compare lifecycle costs of GSHP vs. conventional HVAC"
• "Generate NPV summary for LEED cost-benefit analysis"
• "Create stakeholder report showing first cost vs. 25-year savings"