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After 30 years, the steam driven
chiller plant in this 1 million square foot building had reached the end
of its useful life. The existing system had been designed in the 1960's
when energy was inexpensive. Efficiencies for the system were extremely
low and operating costs were therefore very high. With the rising costs
of energy, the Owner was determined to find a method to reduce operating
costs while replacing the plant.
A new gas fired chiller plant was
designed for the building, including an interruptible rate gas service.
This new plant has provided reduced operating costs and increased
reliability for the building. In addition, the reduction in steam
consumption in the building has enabled the Owner to de-commission one
of the building boilers thereby saving on additional yearly maintenance.
The new chiller plant consisted of
1600 tons of "York" gas fired chillers, new condenser and
chilled water pumps and new motor control centers. Steam piping was
removed and new chilled water and condenser water piping was installed
to connect the new chillers to the existing piping systems. Direct
digital controls were installed to provide an improved level of control
for the operating personnel.
With a capital cost investment of almost 1.5 million dollars, the installation of this plant represented a substantial investment for the building Owner. However, despite the rising costs of energy over the past several years the Owner has been able to stabilize the building energy costs and payback his investment through reduced operating costs.