Interior of a district energy plant's chilled water pumps.

A preliminary study of the change in water temperature (ΔT)  within the chilled water loop on campus revealed several buildings that were operating outside of expected parameters, with consistently low temperature differential and excessive chilled water flow. Strategies for reducing flow into the buildings included changing the computer program parameters, settings and sequences to reduce excessive water pumping conditions. A preliminary test building (Love # 144) was identified in December 2013, and a similar project was implemented to reduce the chilled water consumption. The test building project costs totaled $14,700 and the work completed resulted in approximately $18,000 savings per year. These savings are based on a 200-300% improvement in ΔT and pump motor savings of 25%. This next stage of the project allows implementation of a similar program in three additional buildings on campus. These projects support an overall resiliency goal to lower the pumping demand on the campus chilled water distribution system. 

Start Date
Project Category
Mechanical
Project Type
Distribution
Project Amount
$75,000
Estimated Annual Savings
$35,000
Simple Payback Period
2.1 years
Funds Requested
$75,000
Improvements
Reduced delta T chilled water consumption to building
Decreased pumping demand on the Campus chilled water distribution system
Scope Items
Measure the temperature difference between the coil entering water (supply) and leaving water (return)-Delta T (ΔT)
Implement strategies for reducing flow into the buildings
Change the computer program parameters, settings, and sequences to flow