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As noted earlier, control-system changes are among the most popular
retrofits. The improved
technology of current DDC systems provides
improved control of the system, which can increase
tenant comfort as
well as save energy. Most of these systems also can provide the
information
required to bill tenants for after-hours energy consumption.
Many of the manufacturers provide this
type of equipment, which will
provide similar savings in individual or multi-unit applications.
In addition, the DDC system can provide information about the
building and the system - a service
that will allow the maintenance
staff to check on conditions without going all over the building.
If
there is a complaint, the temperature in the area and the operation of
the equipment can be
checked immediately. However, consistent monitoring
of the equipment is still important to identify
potential problems
before they affect tenants.
Environmental concerns
HVAC system retrofits can affect local environmental concerns,
principally indoor air quality (IAQ),
as well as global concerns such as
ozone depletion and global warming.
Most studies have found that the majority of IAQ problems are
related to HVAC systems with
inadequate air flow, poor maintenance, and
insufficient outside air flow. When the HVAC system is
identified as the
cause of a problem, a system retrofit may be required to solve the
problem.
Ozone depletion, one of today's most talked-about globalenvironmental concerns, has been traced in
part to HVAC systems that usechlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)
refrigerants.While there currently is no requirement to remove or modify thisequipment, increased
costs of these refrigerants and regulations aimedat reducing emissions are encouraging many
managers to consider thesechanges.
Older chillers can be retrofitted to utilize replacement
refrigerants that are more ozone friendly.
HCFC-123 is the current
choice to replace CFC-11, while HFC-134a (hydrofluorocarbon) is
the
current choice to replace CFC-12. HCFC-123 is an interim solution, and
is currently scheduled
to be phased out starting in 2010.
There is no compelling reason to retrofit a chiller with a new
refrigerant unless major work is to be
done on the unit. On the other
hand, it may be more cost effective to replace the equipment if it
is
old and near the end of its useful life.
Reciprocating chillers and direct-expansion systems generally
utilize HCFC-22, which also is
scheduled to be phased out starting in
2010. Several alternative replacement refrigerants are
currently
undergoing testing, but no manufacturer has yet settled on a
replacement.
Global warming also is becoming a concern, and agreements may be
adopted to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions by reducing the burning of
fossil fuels. Refrigerants have a direct global-warming
impact, as well
as an indirect impact because of the energy their systems consume. Thus,
any
overall system efficiency improvement also will reduce carbon
dioxide emissions.
There are several choices for new or replacement chillers.
Centrifugal and rotary screw chillers
utilizing HCFC-123 or HCFC-22 are
available from several manufacturers.
Another option is to utilize double-effect absorption chillers,
either steam or gas-fired. These units
use water and lithium bromide and
have no ozone-depletion or global-warming potential. The
double-effect
absorbers are much more efficient than the old-fashioned single-effect
absorbers.
How to proceed
Before any retrofit work begins, managers must ensure that the
system is operating as effectively as
possible. This means that all of
the components, including the controls, must perform their
intended
function. If this is not done, changes may be made that are not
necessary or that may not
produce the expected results.
Testing and balancing of the system should be included as part of
any major retrofit project. In
addition, managers should allow time in
the engineer's contract to review and participate in the
start-up
of the changes. This will help ensure that the system will function as
intended.
Because HVAC retrofits can be very complicated, owners and property
managers must look to
outside sources for help in designing a retrofit
and evaluating its benefits.
One place to start may be a local utility company. Many have
programs that evaluate individual
systems and make general suggestions,
which can serve as a basis for deciding whether or not to
proceed
further. The utility also may have programs to help with the cost of an
engineering study of
the system or the cost of the retrofit. They also
may be able to provide a list of contractors or
engineers who can offer
further advice.
The building's HVAC contractor, who already is familiar with
the system, may be able to suggest
possible changes, as well.
The third place to look is a consulting engineer who is familiar
with operating systems. However,
the retrofit process must start with a
thorough evaluation of the existing system, a service which
many
engineers are not equipped to provide. Many large HVAC contractors have
engineers on staff
or work with engineers who are familiar with
retrofitting systems.
Whatever course is chosen, managers should take care to have in
place a comprehensive strategy
for their retrofit. Making changes one at
a time without an overall master Plan may cause more
problems than it
solves and may defeat the intended purpose of improving the reliability
and/or
efficiency of the system. Once the master plan is in place, the
actual work may be done in stages, as
funding or time permits.
Conclusion
HVAC retrofits are generally undertaken to boost a system's
cost or energy efficiency. Any retrofit
should take both of these
factors, as well as environmental concerns, into account. Doing
otherwise
would be short-sighted and may not be in the best interests of
the building.
Because of the complexity and range of choices in an HVAC retrofit,
the owner and/or manager
should look to a contractor or engineer who is
experienced in working with and retrofitting existing
systems.
An HVAC-system retrofit generally offers improved energy efficiency
and reduced operating costs,
as well as improved tenant comfort and
satisfaction. Greater attention to ozone depletion and global
warming
may also be used in marketing an "environmentally friendly"
building.
Jon R. Haviland, P.E., C.E.M., is president of Criterium-Haviland
Engineers, a consulting firm that
provides expertise on mechanical
systems, control systems, and energy efficiency for commercial
and
industrial facilities. Mr. Haviland has 20 years of experience in
facility engineering and
management, including 10 years as director of
energy and engineering for the consolidated
facilities group that served
the May California and Robinson's department stores in Los Angeles.
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