The statements of the IPMVP Volume III regarding Option D leave considerable room for interpretation. For example, Section 4.5.5 states, "parameters that change daily or hourly may warrant continuous metering." Individual task lights are an example of a modeled energy use that would likely change on an hourly basis. However, on average the task lighting may remain relatively stable when viewed at a whole building level. The term "may" is subject to interpretation by reviewers since some may interpret it to be a requirement, i.e., "shall", while others merely a suggestion. Additionally, the IPVMP does not stipulate at what level the continuous metering shall be installed. Our project is an office building that receives electricity, chilled water, and steam from a campus central energy plant. In anticipation of utilizing Option D of the IPVMP, our project plans to meter energy and water end use as follows: - Domestic water meter measuring flow in gallons per minute - Steam flow meter for building heating and domestic hot water measuring in pounds per hour - Chiller water flow meter measuring building cooling demand in gallons per minute and temperature change, i.e., BTU meter - Individual air handling unit VFDs measuring motor speed, motor current, output voltage and output frequency - Power meters at the main switchgear measuring volts, amperes, watts, volt-amperes, VARS, kilowatt-hours VAR-hours, demand kilowatts, power factor, frequency and harmonic distortion - Power meters at the distribution panelboards on each floor measuring volt, amperes, watts, volt-amperes, VARS, demand kilowatts and power factor Our project does not plan to individually meter any of the following energy end uses: - Lighting panels (lighting control system will monitor operating hours) - Task lighting - Process energy (office equipment, elevators, etc.) - Constant speed pump motors (DDC system will monitor runtime) Does this metering plan appear to meet the intent and requirements of the IPVMP Volume III and EA Credit 5? If not, what modifications are required to comply with the intent of the credit?
The applicant is requesting guidance for determining the extent of individually metering needed to provide the necessary feedback for calibrating their as-built energy model (IPMVP Vol. III, Option D). Based on the description provided, it is not possible to make a determination if the metering plan fully satisfies the intent and requirements of IPVMP Volume III. While it appears that many of the end-uses and systems are sub-metered and the information will be necessary for calibrating the energy model, it should be noted that it is not necessary to sub-meter everything. Assess the level of metering to do the calibration. Since the task lighting is highly variable and a direct product of occupancy, as opposed to scheduled operations, it would be acceptable that the task lighting anticipated energy use be stipulated, as offered in IPMVP Vol. III Section 4.5.3. For EAc5 compliance, the M&V plan should address the methods and approaches that seem most appropriate for measuring and verifying energy use under IPMVP Option D. Applicable internationally.