Texas A&M University – Energy Systems Laboratory

The Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) is a division of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station and a member of the Texas A&M University System. The ESL is also affiliated with the Energy Systems Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (5 faculty), as well as 3 faculty from the Departments of Architecture and Construction Science in the College of Architecture and has been in existence since 1985.

The Lab focuses on energy efficiency-related research, building Continuous Commissioning,and quantifying emissions reduction, and has a total annual income for external research and testing exceeding $4.5 million. Some specialized areas are:

• Metering and modeling energy use in buildings
• Optimization of heating, ventilation, and cooling systems in buildings and central power plants, known as Continuous Commissioning
• Modeling and analysis of data collected, including calibrated simulation and measurement and verification of photovoltaic solar installations
• Energy code and above code training and compliance software development

Senate Bill 5, in 2001, assigned ESL an important role in the implementation of state energy standards and assistance with calculation of emissions reduction benefits from energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative.