Services

Energy Modeling and Efficiency Design

Throughout my career I have used Energy Modeling as a tool for selecting the best system type for a given project as well as optimizing the design to best align with the clients goals. The projects have ranged from commercial to industrial facilities to campus wide mechanical systems to process specific heat recovery.

I follow a detailed (4) step approach to execute the energy model or efficiency design.

• Design Basis
  • The first, and most critical step, is to define the parameters and objectives of the project. To achieve this I interview the client to identify the major components and constraints. This is important because every project is unique with a range of objectives and importance. Common objectives include: payback, energy reduction, emission reduction, first cost and maintainability. The design basis becomes a living document that is updated throughout the project until completion. This allows all stakeholders to agree and sets a clear path to a successful project.
• Preliminary Assessment (Simple Box)
  • A preliminary assessment is useful in quickly and efficiently narrowing design options. During the early-design phase I consider a wide range of solutions using a simplified model to identify which options are worth evaluating with a detailed analysis. Ultimately, this saves everyone time without arbitrarily eliminating options that may be worthwhile.
  • Preliminary analysis is becoming more detailed than ever before due to advancement in computation and generative AI. I’ve written extensively and developed unique tools to improve efficiency when conducting early-stage analysis. I leverage Revit geometry export functions, EnergyPlus and custom AI tools (like EnergyPlus Guru) and machine learning techniques like multi-objective evolutionary algorithms to provide informative results early on.
• Detailed Analysis
  • A detailed analysis expands upon the work done for the preliminary analysis. This is where I fine-tune the model and provide detailed energy, emissions and cost findings.
• Optimization
  • Optimization is the final and most thorough step. During this stage I will fine tune the design to best align with project objectives. Optimization includes equipment sizing, pipe sizing and/or equipment selection.
    • For examples of optimization in Industrial and Commercial applications refer to my publications.

AI tools for

Engineering

and Construction

AI technology is accelerating at an incredible pace and will fundamentally change how everyone does work. I’ve worked extensively with AI tools while pursuing my Ph.D. and integrated it into my daily workflows. Every engineering, architectural and construction firm should integrate AI into their business to avoid falling behind. I specialize in identifying and applying AI tools to improve your business. This can be selecting third-party tools are tools developed specifically for your business.

Here are a few examples of how AI can help your business:

• Custom AI chatbots tailored to your data and resources. Here are a few use cases:
  • Quickly answer code questions
    • Open-source AI can be trained to focus on your documentation to provide an in-house expert
    • For a demonstration check out our building code AI here: https://aibuildingcode.com/
  • AI trained on your companies documentation
    • AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are powerful and have been trained on internet data
    • The data missing from the training set is your companies data
    • I can develop secure, local or hosted, AI that has been trained on your information to answer questions specific to your company
  • Rapidly develop project cost estimates using historical data
• Assessment of your workflow to identify commercially available tools that can help
  • Every day there are advancements in tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. I actively follow AI new so that I can recommend current tools to improve your business workflow
• Development of custom AI tools specifically for your business
  • 2024 is going to be the year of the AI agent. An AI agent is an AI that completes tasks.

Design-Assist

At L&L Engineering, we specialize in providing cutting-edge energy modeling and energy efficiency designs, filling a crucial niche for design-build contractors. Our expertise enables us to create sustainable, cost-effective solutions that enhance the value and performance of your projects. By partnering with us, you can offer your clients advanced energy efficiency options without the need for in-house specialists. Let us help you stand out in the competitive market by integrating our innovative energy solutions into your project portfolio.

Energy Audits

Energy cost can account for up to 20% of a factory or building operating costs. L&L engineering can help identify the largest energy users and provide creative solutions to reduce energy consumption. Further we will research and suggest rebates and tax incentives to offset costs.

L&L engineering can also conduct audits prior to any construction taking place by reviewing plans early in the design. The early in design that efficiency is considered the easier to reduce future operating costs.

Energy Star Certifications

L&L Engineering offers a specialized service for building owners looking to achieve or maintain their ENERGY STAR certification. Our team conducts thorough annual reviews, ensuring that your building not only meets but exceeds the standards set by ENERGY STAR. By partnering with us, you’re not just securing a certification; you’re enhancing your building’s energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. Let L&L Engineering be the key to showcasing your building’s energy excellence and sustainability year after year.