Successful Implementation of Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Chicago Downtown Building
OnPeak Energy has successfully implemented a recommissioning and chiller replacement project in Chicago. The OnPeak Energy team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the building's control environment and central chiller plant and proposed adding additional functionality to improve building performance and reduce energy consumption.
The project involved upgrading the building automation system by removing the old Carrier Comfort system and installing a new Niagara-4 system with BACNet-compatible field controllers for six main air handling units (AHUs), a cooling plant, a boiler, and a domestic hot water system. The team also added floor lighting and exhaust fan control and implemented energy efficiency measures, including the installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs) on AHU fans, condenser water pumps, and interior booster coil heating pumps. Additionally, OnPeak Energy replaced the old burner with new ones and installed a new linkage-less control system, VFDs for burner motors, and an O2 trimming sensor/control package.
The original economics of this project were impressive, with expected electricity savings of 1,737,010 kWh and gas savings of 49,158 therms. However, after running the building with the new solution, the building has been able to beat these estimations by over 130%. To date, the property has reduced its energy consumption by 2.9 MWh.
In addition to upgrading the building automation system, OnPeak Energy is currently upgrading the aging chiller plant. Working with Carrier Corporation, the team designed a solution that includes a new 19XRV 1100-ton chiller and a 30XW 400-ton heat recovery chiller to replace one of the existing chillers. This upgrade, which is in its closing stages, will greatly improve efficiency and extend the cooling system's lifespan.
OnPeak Energy is thrilled to have been able to work with the property team on this project, and they look forward to continuing to help businesses achieve their energy efficiency goals.