Mechanical System Goals

We implement energy saving measures that made possible building energy  usage of 20%-50% less than a code baseline building. These techniques  have been carefully engineered to allow the entire building and  occupants to function together in a cohesive, comfortable, and  sustainable manner. Some of the mechanical system techniques we have  used for this project include:  

• Use of variable speed drives on system motors to reduce energy use at a low load conditions.  
• Use of solid state speed controls on small fans and two speed  motors to allow reduced operation when peak performance is not required.   
• Use of C02 sensors to reduce the outside air quantity to match actual space needs, saving energy to heat and cool the air.  
• Use of night purge cycles to allow cool evening air (or early morning) air to pre-cool the building mass.  
• Oversized economizer systems to allow outside air for cooling  (in addition to natural ventilation) at higher outdoor air temperatures.   
• Higher temperature difference on heating and cooling hydronic  systems to reduce the quantity of pumped water, saving energy and  initial costs for distribution systems and equipment.  
• Use of two-way control valves which shut-off system flows and  allow pump variable speed drives to throttle back system pumps and  reduce energy usage.  
• Use of transferred air for make-up air to exhausted areas  saving on equipment use and having to heat or cool large quantities of  outside  
• Correct sizing of equipment and equipment motors for peak efficiency (i.e. not oversized).  
• Inter-tie of space occupancy sensors to HVAC equipment to reduce outside air to space when they are not occupied.  
• High efficiency chillers and boilers.   
• High efficiency motors with power factor correction capacitors  
• Control schemes that include optimum start/stop, reset of system supply temperatures, proportional-integral control.  
• Use of radiant heat to allow lower indoor air temperatures and reduced heat loss/gain.  
• Reduce (or eliminate) cooling and coordinate use with natural ventilation systems.  
• Document expected energy performances and compare with actual  on an on-going basis to ensure proper operation at building occupancy,  and continued efficient performance throughout the life of the building.