Energy Conservation Measure Analysis and Load Study at Berea College

Project Summary

Berea College
Berea, Kentucky

Project Type:
Energy Conservation Potential Analysis and Campus-Wide Load Study

Size:
Eleven buildings encompassing 575,000 square feet; results expanded to total building population, totaling 1.3 million square feet

Project Details

Architectural Energy Corporation performed detailed energy audits of eleven campus buildings, encompassing 575,000 square feet of conditioned space. These buildings receive chilled water and steam from the campus heating and cooling system, and include academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, laboratories, a hospital, a hotel, and various support buildings. Short-term monitoring and energy modeling were used to evaluate potential energy savings from system upgrades and control changes. Retrofit baselines were developed and used to estimate campus-wide loads to be served by the new central utility plant. Annual energy savings for the eleven buildings analyzed in detail were estimated at $453,040, accounting for a 28% reduction in existing annual energy costs.

Project Highlights

Walk-through audits performed, including as-built plan and document review, facility personnel and occupant interviews. Data loggers installed and short-term monitored data analyzed to assess system operation and potential energy saving opportunities.

DOE2.2 building energy simulation models developed for energy end-use analysis and energy conservation measure savings estimates at each building. Building types included academic, residence halls, athletic facilities, laboratories, a hospital, a hotel, and various support buildings. Retrofit baselines used to develop load shapes for entire campus, which were in turn used to help size the new central utility plant.Energy conservation measures recommended included:

Lighting fixture retrofits and controls
Window retrofits
Roof replacements and insulation upgrades
HVAC replacement
Controls upgrades
HVAC scheduling and optimum start / stop
Waterside economizing
Loop temperature reset schedules
Supply air temperature reset schedules
Heat pump retrocommissioning
VFDs on cooling tower fans
Water loop conversions to variable-flow
VAV conversions
Economizer repair and optimized operation
Demand controlled ventilation
Efficient dormitory refrigerators