Presentation Title:
Rethinking Rooftops: Where the Real RTU Savings Are
Track B: Energy Services and Emerging Technologies
Session B3: HVAC & Heat Pump Technologies
Day 2 - March 12, 2026 2:00 pm
Speaker(s):
Abstract:
| Packaged rooftop units (RTUs) are widely used in commercial HVAC systems, with newer high-efficiency models promising energy savings. However, efficiency is often measured narrowly—focused mainly on cooling performance—without fully accounting for real-world impacts across different climates, building types, and configurations. This study uses the EnergyPlus-based Modelkit Flannel (“Modelkit”) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of RTU energy-efficiency measures. Researchers modeled over 3,300 scenarios spanning seven commercial building types, eleven U.S. climate zones, four RTU system types, and fifteen efficiency measures—evaluated both individually and in combination. Results challenge industry norms: the commonly promoted “efficient cooling” upgrade delivered the lowest national HVAC energy savings. In contrast, the greatest savings came from bundled strategies, heat pump RTU replacements, and adding energy recovery ventilation (ERV) to gas RTUs. These findings highlight the need to assess whole-system performance rather than focusing on single features. The research offers practical insights for energy managers, engineers, and HVAC professionals. By leveraging extensive modeling, it identifies which technologies and combinations deliver the most energy and cost savings, supporting smarter upgrades and more effective efficiency programs. |