I have a commerical customer who is wanting a control system, but he is wanting me to give him some kind of enegry analysis to see how long it will take to pay for itself. He gave me all eletric and gas bill for the last six months. I went to the facility and got all the hvac equipment data along with FLA data for each unit and the btu for all the furnaces. They have several split systems with twin furnaces for the most part. What is the best way to come up with a figure to tell tem that a control system will save them money by setting a agressive setback during unoccuppied periods and so on. Any input is greatly appreciated
You have about half of the info you need. Start with at least a year of utility bills and in order to properly do an energy benchmark you need to do an analysis on the building by recording a multitude of measurements over a period of several days. You can give a rough estimate based on the info you have, but it would be rough at best. You do not want the customer to come back a year later when they dont hit the marks you gave them. Are you going to consider their lighting loads as well, chances are they want to know how to save energy in all aspects and not just hvac. PM me and I can give some more insight.
How are the units being controlled now? You need to also know the building occupancy schedules. Any outside air? What about domestic hot water and reciric pumps?
Lighting loads with motion detectors linked to units serving the areas are another good method.
Just trying to throw more ideas out there...
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If this were my customer I would hire (or recommend someone for him to hire) an energy consultant to do a complete audit of his building energy usage and give him an estimated payback. I wouldn't try it myself because there are many variables that one must consider and there are companies that do that sort of thing for a living.
I have a software program that will estimate payback for installing a VFD on a cooling tower, ahu, pump etc, but there's a lot more to consider for the entire building.
If this were my customer I would hire (or recommend someone for him to hire) an energy consultant to do a complete audit of his building energy usage and give him an estimated payback. I wouldn't try it myself because there are many variables that one must consider and there are companies that do that sort of thing for a living.
I have a software program that will estimate payback for installing a VFD on a cooling tower, ahu, pump etc, but there's a lot more to consider for the entire building.
There are companies that will perform the audits free of charge..
Contact the local electric utility, they will have someone and will want to be involved.
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