John Simatovich, VALPARAISO, IN
VALUE DELIVERED
$221,945 in annual operating, maintenance, and energy savings over 15 years; increased HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) control and reliability; improved building air quality and comfort; reduced classroom background noise.
OBJECTIVES
To improve comfort and air quality, while increasing energy efficiency.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Seeking a company with advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) expertise, leading-edge building automation system (BAS) capabilities, and extensive K-12 schools experience, this client chose ECS Midwest to deliver a significant system upgrade. The upgrade required replacing the facility’s mechanical, electrical, and direct digital control systems with new, more energy-efficient technologies. In addition, the company installed central air-conditioning to improve building comfort and indoor air quality.
To meet classroom HVAC needs, ECS Midwest installed two-pipe vertical unit ventilators, including face-and-bypass dampers for temperature and humidity control. The company also replaced the existing boilers with two new condensing boilers. By using low-temperature hot water, ECS Midwest maximized boiler efficiency. In addition, the company provided and installed a packaged air-cooled chiller with a dedicated electrical service. This not only powers the chiller, but also gives the facility more electrical capacity for future technology and other implementations.
SOLUTIONS
To increase facility control and improve energy efficiency, ECS Midwest put in a new Andover BAS system. It included an Andover Cyberstation Graphical User Interface for operating Andover controllers installed on the HVAC equipment. Each of these automated pieces of equipment has its own graphics.
Furthermore, the system has been enhanced with Andover Web Client software that interfaces with the school’s intranet. Pneumatic controls on the air-handling units were replaced with Andover BAS controllers and peripheral devices, including electronic valves and actuators, space and duct sensors, and low-limit thermostats. A space carbon dioxide sensor operates a variable frequency drive that has been coordinated with the outside/relief dampers to maintain appropriate space temperature and carbon dioxide levels.
BACKGROUND
Union Township School Corporation is located in Valparaiso, Indiana, in Porter County. The district serves approximately 1,650 students.