Ridgecrest Delivers a Win/Win for Energy
Reduction and
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
THE PROBLEM
As a relatively new full-service regional hospital, St. Marks was surprised so find itself wrestling with a serious above the ceiling condensation issue throughout the facility. This wasn't a problem a new facility should have. Another problem they felt they should not have was inefficiency. After all, they had just purchased and installed a state-of-the-art fully automated HVAC system.
THE SOLUTION
As part of their initial assessment of the facility
for energy savings potential, Ridgecrest identified
pressurization and inadequate humidity control
as the root cause of the chronic condensation.
Resolution of the problem would require increasing
outside air intake and more energy intensive
dehumidification for the entire facility.
Ridgecrest took on the challenge of addressing the condensation issue while simultaneously reducing overall energy use of the facility.
A few examples of the numerous non-capital energy reduction opportunities uncovered by our thorough analysis of the entire operation include:
- Non-optimal fixed set points on air and water temperature and AHU static pressures
- Chiller plant control sequencing causing high part load kW/ton
- Lack of zone level scheduling
- Over-conditioning of vacant areas and mechanical spaces
Detailed solutions for these issues and many more were developed, approved by the St. Mark's team and implemented by Ridgecrest.
THE RESULTS
After a successful two month period of phased implementation, the facility saved significant amounts of energy and was operating more reliably and comfortably than ever.
Ridgecrest's non-capital shared savings approach allowed St. Mark's to quickly put a serious IAQ concern behind them and immediately begin enjoying years of lower operating costs, and happier, healthier patients and employees.
Testimonial
"It has been great working with Ridgecrest and especially with Jim McAdam. His extensive knowledge of building dynamics has led us to a substantial savings in both electricity and gas consumption. Jim, with the help of our controls contractor, has vastly improved the graphic controls of our building automation. That makes my job easier as all building readings are now at my fingertips. Jim has also projected gas consumption for the year. This saves St. Mark's money, as we are not over buying blocks of gas and selling them back at a loss. I couldn't be happier with Ridgecrest and look forward to continuing efforts to lessen our cost but more importantly to lessen our impact on the environment." – Mel Burgess, Director, Maintenance and Facilities |
