ABSTRACT
The International Mechanical Code is published by the International Code Council through governmental consensus process and is updated on a 3-year cycle to include the most current technology and safest heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) practices. Internationally, code officials recognize the need for an energy conservation code addressing the design of energy-efficient building envelopes and installation of energy-efficient mechanical, lighting, and power systems through requirements emphasizing performance. HVAC system components are typically located on the roof outdoors, on the ground outdoors, in mechanical equipment rooms indoors, and within ceiling cavities indoors. Ceiling cavity space should not be used to house any HVAC equipment except for terminal units or small fan coil units. Building energy modeling (BEM) is physics-based software simulation of building energy use. A BEM program takes as input a description of a building including geometry, construction materials, and lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, water heating, and renewable generation system configurations, component efficiencies, and control strategies.
