CopperTree Analytics partnered with a government contractor to deliver building analytics services for a modern community center in Houston, Texas. The state-of-the-art, three-story structure spans approximately 70,000 square feet and is set within a 38-acre park. It features a pool, library, skate park, fitness center, soccer field, baseball field, and courts for tennis and basketball. Beyond serving as a hub for community activities, this facility is slated to house several government departments, making its operational success critical.
CopperTree Analytics faced several challenges during the project:
- Pre-Operational Constraints: The building had just completed construction and was not yet operational, making it difficult to assess certain systems.
- Data Gaps: The absence of empirical data from the client limited the ability to verify collected information, adding complexity to the analysis.
Despite these challenges, CopperTree Analytics leveraged engineering expertise and documentation to uncover potential improvements that could save money before the building began full-time operations.
1. Optimizing Free Cooling
The analysis revealed that improper configuration of the outside air dampers in some Air Handling Units (AHUs) led to inefficiencies.
- Key Finding: The outside air dampers were open at high percentages during AHU operation, causing discharge air temperatures to fall below the setpoint even with closed chilled water valves.
- Proposed Solution: Reconfigure the dampers based on the specific needs of the areas served by the AHUs. Conduct field inspections to ensure proper commissioning of the dampers for efficient free cooling.
Impact: Failure to address this issue could lead to unnecessary heating system activation, increased maintenance costs, and reduced occupant comfort. Proper adjustments are estimated to save over CAD 30,000 annually.
2. Analyzing Chiller Operations Under Lockout Temperature
Another issue involved chiller systems operating below the lockout temperature threshold of 59°F, despite no demand for cooling.
- Key Finding: Chillers were running even when cooling valves on the associated AHUs were fully closed, indicating wasted energy.
- Proposed Solution: Collaborate with the client’s team to examine the chiller systems’ programming. If necessary, reprogram the chiller plant sequence to align with actual cooling demand and outdoor air temperature.
Impact: Left unresolved, this issue could cost the client nearly CAD 20,300 annually.
CopperTree’s analysis provided actionable insights that enabled the government contractor to optimize building operations before opening:
- Improved AHU performance by addressing free cooling inefficiencies.
- Identified programming changes for chiller systems to enhance energy efficiency.
- Estimated annual savings of over CAD 50,000 through targeted system optimizations.
This case study highlights how building analytics can uncover energy-saving opportunities, even in newly constructed facilities. Effective management of free cooling and chiller operations is essential for achieving energy efficiency while maintaining comfort.
As the Houston community center transitions to full operation, further refinements will likely present additional opportunities to optimize energy use and reduce costs. CopperTree’s proactive approach ensures that this facility will serve its community effectively while operating sustainably.
