Análisis de la aplicación de normativa NEC-HS-EE mediante el uso del software “Energy plus” para la optimización de recursos energéticos en los Edificios de la Facultad de Ingeniería Civil y Mecánica de la Universidad Técnica de Ambato

Abstract

This research analyzes the energy performance of the Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering buildings at the Technical University of Ambato through the application of the Ecuadorian regulation NEC-HS-EE and the EnergyPlus simulation software. The objective is to identify opportunities for optimizing energy resources and to propose strategies that enhance institutional energy efficiency. The study responds to the increasing demand for electricity in university facilities, where daily academic activities rely heavily on lighting, electronic equipment, and adequate thermal comfort. This research arises from the need to analyze electrical energy consumption in university buildings and to propose strategies aimed at its reduction. Educational facilities typically exhibit sustained energy demand due to the intensive use of lighting systems, electronic equipment, and the requirement to maintain adequate thermal comfort conditions for academic activities. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach, supported by digital modeling, thermoenergetic simulation, and normative comparison. In the initial stage, a comparative analysis was carried out between the Ecuadorian regulation NEC-HS-EE and international standards, particularly ISO 50001, in order to identify differences in evaluation criteria and methodological approaches related to energy efficiency in educational buildings. Subsequently, a physical survey of the two case-study buildings was performed, complemented by the collection of climatic, constructive, lighting, and operational data. Based on this information, three-dimensional models were developed in Revit and later processed using SketchUp and OpenStudio to generate the input files required by the EnergyPlus simulation engine. The energy simulations considered five scenarios: application of the NEC-HS-EE requirements, implementation of the ISO 50001 framework, replacement of conventional luminaires with LED technology, incorporation of lighting systems with sensors, and installation of photovoltaic panels. For each scenario, detailed configurations of internal loads, occupancy patterns, lighting, infiltration rates, and equipment use were defined, allowing for the assessment of the annual energy performance of the buildings. The results revealed significant variations in electrical consumption depending on the strategy applied. In particular, scenarios incorporating efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and occupancy sensors, demonstrated substantial reductions in lighting- related energy demand, whereas the integration of photovoltaic systems exhibited the greatest potential for decreasing net electricity consumption by supplying part of the building’s energy requirements. The comparative assessment of the evaluated strategies indicates that the NEC-HS-EE provides an appropriate baseline for energy-efficient building design; however, its impact can be enhanced through the implementation of additional measures, including intelligent lighting control and onsite renewable energy generation. Moreover, ISO 50001 contributes a structured energy management framework that supports continuous monitoring and ongoing improvement of institutional energy performance. Finally, based on the simulation outcomes, a strategic plan was developed to enhance the energy efficiency of the analyzed faculty buildings. This plan proposes short-, medium-, and long-term interventions, including lighting system modernization, operational management based on actual occupancy patterns, thermal envelope optimization, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. The progressive implementation of these measures would enable reductions in operational costs, improvements in thermal comfort conditions, and the promotion of an institutional culture aligned with sustainability principles.