EnergyModelQC

Karpman Consulting designed and developed EnergyModelQC.com, a web-based platform that streamlines building energy model development, quality control, and review workflows. The application provides approved users with specialized tools supporting eQUEST/DOE-2, EnergyPlus, and IESVE workflows.

Primary features include:

• Browser-based editors for DOE-2 INP and EnergyPlus IDF files, with structured object navigation and editing.

• Floor-plan and 3D visualization tools for reviewing model geometry and performing visual assignment workflows.

• Bulk editing of constructions, schedules, HVAC systems, zone assignments, and hourly reports to reduce repetitive model setup.

• Integration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s SIMcheck Ruleset Checking Tool to evaluate RPD files and present standards-based quality-control results.

• Project workspaces with folders, role-based sharing, and submission workflows for model review.

• Tools for comparing EnergyPlus models, including annual energy use, design loads, and HVAC performance.

• Interactive charting for reviewing hourly simulation results.

• Engineering utilities for generating infiltration inputs, calculating thermal-bridging impacts, modeling slabs on grade, and creating custom schedules.

• Conversion of eQUEST, EnergyPlus, and IESVE output reports into organized Excel workbooks for faster review and analysis.

• An ENERGY STAR workflow for approved rater accounts that supports project configuration, submission-package assembly, document-completeness checks, program-version validation, and secure file transmission for review.

EnergyModelQC replaces disconnected spreadsheets, desktop utilities, and manual procedures with accessible, repeatable workflows. Karpman Consulting continues to expand the platform as energy-modeling standards and program requirements evolve.

New Jersey Clean Energy Program Database

Karpman Consulting designed, implemented, maintains, and administers the database for New Jersey Clean Energy Commercial and Industrial incentive programs (NJCEP). Upwards of 25 case managers from across the country utilize the database each day, adding to the over 12,000 projects and $50 million paid incentives currently catalogued.

From the receipt of a project application to the reporting of results to New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the database plays an integral part in the administration of the program. Primary features include:

• Simple interface to track fundamental project information, such as the involved companies, utility accounts, building location, and comprehensive details of the funded measures.

• Important milestones for each project, starting from the receipt of application to the post-construction inspections and incentive payment.

• Import incentives and energy savings for individual projects into the database from Excel worksheet to eliminate redundant data entry.

• Quality control is automated through use of a Project Inspector tool, which insures that all required data is entered and valid before a project or incentive can be approved.

• Letters to customers for common events, such as project approval or scheduling an inspection, are generated with one click from Microsoft Word templates and are pre-populated with the project information merged from the database.

• Invoices for the program implementation services are generated through administrative interface, which also allows users with administrative access privileges to authorize incentives for individual projects.

• Electronic data exchange is utilized to interface with an external database managed by the program coordinator.

• Extensive reporting capability, in both stylized pdf and CSV format.

As NJCEP has added programs, the database has evolved to meet its requirements. Users can now track and invoice for 12 distinct program types, each with different incentive structures and program requirements. As aid from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act starts to flow into the energy efficiency sector, new database features allow NJCEP to meet the strict reporting requirements imposed by the federal government. It now has the capability to track the funding source of each incentive and estimate the number of jobs created by stimulus funds. As the NJ Clean Energy program continues to grow, Karpman Consulting expands and customizes the database to adapt to its ever-changing needs.

TREAT

Karpman Consulting led development and design of award winning TREAT software, a modeling tool used primarily for modeling residential buildings. TREAT combines energy modeling and utility bill calibration in one software package, and won the prestigious R&D 100 award.