Here is another simple, effective energy upgrade that will not only save you significant energy costs (if done right), but will also result in other benefits. As discussed last month, one of your biggest users of energy is cooling. Moving heat from a relatively cool place, such as an office or a data center, to a hotter place (the outside) goes against the norms of physics, and, therefore, requires energy. A study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (https://publications.lbl.gov/islandora/object/ir%3A158674) found that upgrading fans and adding fan speed controls significantly reduces a facility’s electrical energy usage and reduces average and peak electric demand. In this day and age of many utilities around the country encouraging users to reduce their peak electricity demand, any way to do this will result in major cost savings. Many utilities now require large users to pay for peak demand, as well as usage, making reducing demand on weekdays during the 2 to 6 pm period a major cost savings.
The study focused on the cooling of a data center, which often needs cooling performed 24/7. What ways can energy efficiency be improved? The facility used for this initiative was a 135,000 square foot data center in El Segundo, Calif. The project focused on replacing constant speed scroll fans with electronically commutated motor (ECM) variable speed fans of a more efficient design and deploying an energy management system to control fan speeds and air handler output.
Deployment of the control’s software system resulted in a 66% drop in cooling energy usage, freeing stranded capacity while simultaneously expanding reserve cooling capacity. Varying the fan speed based on actual space needs in time and utilizing software to control it fairly accurately is a large energy saver compared to old style fans set at the same speed at all times.
In addition, the software saved the facility 2.9 million kWh annually and provided a pictorial view of the heat profile in the room, identifying and addressing “warm spots”. Not only is this a significant energy saver (identifying “warm spots” and addressing them), but it leads to better worker comfort and productivity.
Potentially overcooling a data center or other location to reduce cooling during the peak period in the summertime by adjusting fan speed (but still utilizing cooling if needed) can save a facility much costs.
CCES has the experts to help you evaluate new technologies and approaches to maximize savings not only in energy usage, but in peak demand shaving, as well, to maximize your financial gains. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or karell@CCESworld.com.