Development and Evaluation of an Energy Assessment Process Using Virtual Reality Technology

The US Department of Energy's Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) conduct energy assessments to increase energy efficiency of small- and medium-sized industrial facilities and commercial buildings. However, it is not always possible to have all the necessary experts on-site, leading to lost potential ideas and recommendations. In addition, new energy assessment team members should attend as many assessments as possible to gain experience, but scheduling conflicts may prevent them from attending all. Virtual Reality (VR) could potentially address these issues, but no studies have been conducted on its use for energy assessments. This research aims to develop a virtual energy assessment process for industrial and commercial buildings and evaluate, based on participants' feedback, how well the use of the technology mimics a real-world environment. Virtual environments are created using an infrared scanning device, and participants are trained in how to use VR and conduct energy assessments. Results from participant surveys suggest that VR environments closely mimic real-world environments and can be used for learning and training in energy assessments.