3640 -- A Method to Account for Energy Conservation Measure Interactions PDF

States that the incorrect handling of energy conservation measures (ECM) interactions was one of the commonest errors encountered in the technical review of more than 100 energy analyses. Defines ECM interaction as the difference between the sum of individual effects and the total combined effect of ECMs on building energy use. The neglect or miscalculation of ECM interaction is shown to have a significant impact on the calculated energy savings and thus on project recommendations. Explains the concept of ECM interaction and proposes a procedure that accounts for interaction. States the method will yield the combination of ECMs that will provide the maximum life-cycle savings for a given period of analysis. States the added complexity is compensated by the increased usefulness and reliability of the analysis.

KEYWORDS: Energy conservation, calculating, cost in use, analysis, reliability.