An analysis of low cost, energy efficient housing for low-income residents of hot and humid climates (Texas)

The purpose of this research is to develop methods that will enable the reduction of owning and operating costs of low-income housing in the hot-humid climates of the U.S. The objectives include investigating various scenarios that will enable the implementation of cost-effective construction of low-income housing using volunteer labor. The research uses a case study approach where a base-line energy use is established using a comparative Princeton Score Keeping Method (PRISM) analysis and measurements from a case study house. A prototype house is then simulated with the DOE-2 building simulation program, and the energy savings calculated by comparing simulated energy and water conservation design measures (E&WCDMs) with the calibrated baseline energy simulation. The cost and maintenance of the house are analyzed with the real costs of construction of a case study house in Bryan/College Station, Texas.; To accomplish the objectives of the research the following tasks are performed: (1) Develop a monthly baseline using a PRISM analysis of 28 Habitat houses in Bryan/College Station, Texas. (2) Use various sensors to instrument and measure 15-minute energy use and environmental data from the case study house. (3) Develop a detailed, calibrated building energy simulation model of the case study house using a specially modified version of the DOE 2.1e building energy simulation program. (4) Determine the costs of a case study Habitat house using volunteer labor. (5) Determine the best selection of energy and water conservation design measures (E&WCDMs) that take into account Habitat's volunteer labor and low-interest mortgage rates. (6) Use a calibrated building energy simulation model to evaluate the E&WCDMs to determine the projected energy use. (7) Minimize the life-cycle costs using the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) annualized life-cycle cost method.; In summary, the research aims to help reduce the costs of a Habitat house by carefully selecting and analyzing energy and water reducing design options that can be installed cost effectively by volunteer labor.