Case Studies & Articles

Following are sample performance and summary reports and brief descriptions of articles and presentations that we think may be of interest to building owners and operators. To view the entire article or presentation click on the title. We would welcome your feedback on the ideas presented here. We also invite you to view other industry links.

IMPROVING EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE, REDUCING ENERGY COSTS
(Presented at NFMT 2007) Our goal is to provide building managers and operators with a methodology for evaluating the performance of their existing equipment , and to provide justification for renovating and upgrading systems through improved environmental quality and reduced operating costs. Click here (will open a new window)

IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HVAC SYSTEMS IN NEW BUILDINGS
(Presented at NFMT 2004)
One of the most difficult challenges facing facility managers and building operators is the transitioning of a new building from the construction process to the building operations group. This is especially true of the HVAC systems, but techniques applied throughout the process can help the transition from construction to operations. In this presentation you’ll experience the design and installation of HVAC systems from the perspective of the operations and facility management teams from a recently completed headquarters office project in the Northeast. A review of the construction process from initial design concepts through the installation and warranty period. This presentation includes a case study reviewing the operating data as well as problems identified and recommendations made to improve overall HVAC system effectiveness. Click here (will open a new window)

APPLYING SIX SIGMA PRINCIPLES TO HVAC PERFORMANCE (Presented at NFMT 2003)
Learn how the Six Sigma approach, an analytical method comprised of specific steps aimed at achieving near perfect results, can be applied to improve the design, operation and efficiency of HVAC systems. This Powerpoint presentation provides a review of the parameters that define effective HVAC systems and includes a case study that outlines the steps to achieving superior performance. Click here

SATISFACTION THROUGH SIX SIGMA (Reprint from Engineered Systems, March 2003)
Originally developed for Motorola's production line, the Six Sigma approach translates to one message for all facilities: Before throwing money at new HVAC equipment, take steps to understand precisely what is going on in the current systems and how it is failing to meet goals. More thorough evaluation using measurable parameters can lead to smarter solutions through wiser spending, or sometimes simply through better practices. Click here

SAMPLE PERFORMANCE REPORT
A Performance Report is the first step to identifying sub par HVAC performance and can be used to develop a strategy for improving HVAC system effectiveness. E3 Designs generates these reports to verify the operation of the mechanical systems over a complete range of operating conditions. Attached are sample performance graphs for various types of mechanical components. Click here

SAMPLE ANNUAL SUMMARY REPORT
The Annual Summary Report is created to develop a benchmark of operations for each of the major HVAC components. It is a compilation of data collected over the year, and includes suggestions for system improvements identified during the building operator training workshops. The executive summary of a recent report is included here. Click here

DETERMINING HVAC LIFE-CYCLE COSTS (Presented at NFMT 2002)
Life-cycle costing - the most widely recommended method for determining the overall economic impact of HVAC systems -takes into account all associated expenditures over the useful life of a system. Consequently, the biggest problem facing facility managers is one of estimating the true costs for each life cycle compo­nent. In this presentation, given to the 2002 NFMT Conference, we discuss efforts currently under way to gather and summarize life cycle data as it pertains to installed costs, operating costs, maintenance costs and service life. Click here

LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
E3 Designs was hired to perform an assessment of the mechanical systems in eight schools. The scope of the project included a site survey to evaluate HVAC components, a review of available historical information , and the identification of any operational problems. The goals of this project included a complete life cycle analysis of the HVAC systems: operating efficiency, maintenance requirements, remaining useful life, and an estimate of replacement costs. Click here

AN INTRODUCTION TO TRENDING
For many of us with a touch of gray in our hair, (or for that matter, a touch of hair on our heads), HVAC control systems were traditionally made up of electro-mechanical or pneumatic components. With the advent of distributed microprocessor-based controllers, critical operating information is now accessible. Click here

CHILLER PLANT OPTIMIZATION
A manufacturing facility was looking for a way to reduce chiller plant operating costs. A chiller plant optimization program was initiated including the application of variable speed drives on condenser water pumps and cooling tower fans, and the installation of flat plate heat exchangers to reduce winter cooling loads. Click here

OPTIMIZING THE OPERATION OF HVAC SYSTEMS THROUGH TRENDING
HVAC energy use is one of the largest variable loads on our nation's electrical utility system. The application of microprocessor-based controllers on mechanical equipment provides data to use in optimizing the operation of these systems. Click here

COMMISSIONING NEW AND EXISTING FACILITIES: THE ENERGY MANAGER'S CRITICAL ROLE
Commissioning provides energy managers with the opportunity for a last look at systems so that problems can be addressed and systems can be improved upon before the initial start-up if needed. Click here

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR AGING CHILLER PLANT
Replacing a chiller plant is often one of the largest end of useful life expenditures facing building owners. There are many factors to consider when determining when to replace an aging chiller plant. Property managers should consider using a life-cycle analysis as a decision-making tool. lick here

BENCHMARKING: THE FIRST STEP IN REDUCING UTILITY COSTS
With the increased application of microprocessor based controllers on mechanical equipment, additional operating information has become available to use in optimizing the operation of these systems. Benchmarking of system operation and energy use is the first step in the process of optimizing the operation of a building's HVAC systems. Click here