Western Michigan, KALAMAZOO, MI
VALUE DELIVERED
Expert planning assistance; more precise, flexible and efficient HVAC control; increased technology integration; improved building comfort; lower operating costs; ongoing economies, efficiencies and investment returns; continuing support.
OBJECTIVES
Improve energy efficiency in 65 buildings across the campus, consisting of 7-million square feet of space.
SOLUTIONS
ECS Midwest professionals and campus facilities officials worked together to develop a plan for achieving major energy savings by upgrading the school’s HVAC systems and controls. ECS Midwest then self-performed the full scope of work, including the installation of sophisticated energy management systems that automate and optimize control of the new technologies.
In the process, ECS Midwest technicians used a variety of industry standard protocols, including LonWorks, BACnet, wireless Ethernet and others, to integrate Invensys Network 8000 and I/A Series building automation technologies with devices from Trane, Phoenix, Lakewood, DanFoss, York and Cisco.
The project also involved converting HVAC systems in many buildings to variable air volume (VAV) devices that reduce energy demands while improving zone control. In addition, the company installed new electric and steam utility meters across the campus, enabling the client to control its energy consumption more precisely. Though most of the initial activities have been completed, ECS Midwest continues to provide the university with ongoing support to help maximize the school’s return on its investment.