Energy-Environment-Economics' projects have come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and range from relatively simple to extremely complex. Yet they all share one common characteristic: they were all performing poorly from a comfort or energy consumption, usually both, standpoint. Comfort issues can manifest themselves in many ways. Humidity control issues in Data Rooms and indoor air quality issues in Hospitals, for example, are emblematic of performance deficiencies and can result in debilitating outages or be the difference between life or death.

Obviously not every project has such high stakes, but depending on your particular circumstances a deficient HVAC system is costing you money in more ways than just operating costs. The relationship between well-operated HVAC systems and worker productivity is well documented and is obvious to even the most casual observer. Achieving the exacting balance between comfort and efficiency is a complex process and is unique to each and every facility because every facility is unique.

The projects discussed here are representative of the challenges that plague most if not all HVAC systems, and include design, EMS, commissioning, installation and maintenance deficiencies to varying degrees. The processes we have used to achieve these dramatic end results has been constant, and we believe are the only means by which to achieve true energy efficiency

• Detailed analysis of the HVAC system to identify all deficiencies, develop corrective solutions, and develop optimization strategies. Budget costs are generated and potential impacts on energy consumption provided at this time
• The scope of work is developed, construction documents prepared during this phase. The documents can be used to solicit bidders, but it is advantageous to negotiate with known, qualified contractors to ensure usually critical schedules are met
• After installation, Commissioning and Test & Balance activities are conducted. These results provide substantial insight into the system’s operational minutia that is used to fine-tune the EMS during the final phase of the project
• The OptimissioningSM of the system involves developing sequences of operations, testing, and evaluating the system’s response under as many conditions as possible. It is an iterative and time-consuming process we use to optimize critical setpoints, implement reset schedules, and identify just how far we can push the envelope. This is when the goal of maximum efficiency with no sacrifice in comfort is achieved.

Many times this process actually adds heating or cooling loads to the facility, as there are usually zone loads that are not being satisfied. There are always maintenance issues that when corrected may also add to the loads, all of which increase energy consumption. Even so, the results are undeniable: a correctly designed, controlled and operated HVAC system will meet all requirements and will operate at much lower costs than an under-performing system.

Please take the time to review these projects and imagine the possibilities.