BUILDING SOLUTION - SAVE ENERGY AND EARN LEED POINTS

Overview

HVAC and lighting represent over 60% of the energy load of a typical office building (HVAC about 40%, and lighting from 20-25%). In a modern building built today, a number of proven energy management strategies are deployed to significantly optimize energy use in both HVAC (e.g. night setbacks, occupancy override) and lighting (e.g. daylight harvesting). Implementing these strategies require modern Direct Digital Controls (DDC) for HVAC and addressable fixtures for lighting. LEED points are awarded for the energy savings delivered as well as the continuous commissioning capability which comes with digital controls.


The Challenge

Unfortunately, the majority of office buildings in use today were built over 15 years ago, which means that they do not have modern HVAC and lighting controls. In fact, most use pneumatic (compressed air) HVAC controls, and simple lighting circuits with few or no zones.

Retrofitting these buildings involve opening up walls and ceilings, potentially exposing harmful substances such as asbestos, and require replacing HVAC actuators and lighting fixtures, and running new wires. The initial cost is high, the disruption to occupants often unacceptable, and the payback period is usually five years or more. As a result, retrofits have not been very popular. In fact, over 50 billion sq-ft of commercial building space today still use legacy HVAC and lighting controls, and cannot take advantage of modern energy management strategies.


The Cypress Envirosystems Solution

The patent-pending Wireless Pneumatic Thermostat solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install retrofit solution for existing pneumatic HVAC thermostats. It can be installed in minutes without opening up walls or ceilings, and cost 80% less than a conventional DDC retrofit. It enables zone level temperature setpoint policies, night and weekend setbacks, occupancy override, optimal start/stop, and automated continuous commissioning. As a result, the WPT delivers 10-20% savings in HVAC energy consumption, and qualifies for 6-8 LEED points associated with continuous commissioning and building automation.



Similarly, the Adura Lightpoint System provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install retrofit solution for existing lighting fixtures. It allows for wireless control of individual luminaires without changing out fixtures or ballasts. Up to 50% energy savings can be achieved via daylight harvesting, smart scheduling, occupancy sensing, task specific lighting and demand response.


Case Studies

The Wireless Pneumatic Thermostat pays back in less than 18 months in most cases. It also qualifies for utility incentives in many states, which will reduce the payback time even further. The Adura Lightpoint System pays back in approximately three years and may qualify for utility energy rebates as well.

Santa Clara County Energy Savings Case Study Addendum (Jan 2010)

Wireless Lighting Controls Make Retrofits Practical - California Energy Commission (Sept 2008)