Compact and easy-to-install Infinite R PCM
While Insolcorp's Infinite R has proven efficacy in multiple case studies, each building uses different envelope components to respond to occupancy use, site orientation, and geographical weather patterns.
So, how do you know if Infinite R works in your business space to reduce HVAC usage, save electricity and heating costs, quantify and incorporate High-Thermal Performance Products or solar, and earn a financial return? Is it worth the risk and hassle? These answers emerge after detailed energy and financial modeling of the space in collaboration with WinWerks and its consultants from NRGsim, Brummitt Energy, and Glumac Engineers.
Addressing energy savings from Infinite R starts with understanding the building's generated loads from people, lights and equipment, building envelope characteristics, and surrounding climate. Then, choose a modeling path.
- Prescriptive path: All components of the building meet the minimum standards specified. Any surface that has thermal mass, or phase change material that has a heat capacity "HC" of more than 5 BTU/ft2-°F, can be categorized under the ASHRAE 90.1 Mass Wall Option. This results in a higher U-value (more transmittance allowance) and a lower R-value (less resistance required) for insulation. Depending upon the climate zone, the higher U-value can result in reduced costs from eliminating contiguous outbound insulation, envelope choices, and HVAC capacity.
- Performance path: Use building energy simulation software to model and compare the baseline building vs. the proposed Infinite R PCM alternate, both meeting ASHRAE 90.1 specifications. This provides the designer with an opportunity to optimize any design elements like windows, insulation, roofs, and HVAC below prescriptive code levels provided that the "proposed" design consumes less energy than the "baseline". Since phase change materials generally provide more energy savings per dollar invested than other technologies, the performance path provides exceptional opportunities to reduce construction costs while designing high energy efficient buildings.
Infinite R PCM Modeling Software and analysis showcasing the cost-benefit analyses.
WinWerks' Economic Model determines if Infinite R meets the owner's financial hurdle rates. Thorough modeling includes projections of kWh costs, therms, and other life-cycle components. These all come together in several tables and graphs to show cost-benefit analyses including IRR, ROI, Savings to Investment Ratios (SIR), simple payback, NOI, and Present Value of the income stream. In this way, owners can verify Infinite R's value based upon the financial projections, modeled specifically to their building or space under consideration.
Overall, Building Modeling lowers risk of decision making, maintains schedules, and yields better performing buildings.
Please visit: WinWerksIPD.com to find out more about how investing in Infinite R Phase Change Material can lower your energy costs while maintaining a comfortable building temperature.