Energy Services

System Optimization Studies

Central utility systems operations account for a large portion of any facility’s operating cost.  Optimization of central utility systems to maximize energy efficiency is becoming more and more critical in today’s environment of high energy and fuel costs.
 
CRC Engineering provides system optimization studies which provide their clients with a review of the existing systems and identification of measures to optimize operations of the existing systems to realize energy cost savings opportunities.  Oftentimes, a small modification to an existing system can pay dividends in energy savings. 
 
At the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex, the Partners of CRC projected an annual energy savings of over $300,000 by implementing minor modifications to the existing systems. At South Nassau Communities Hospital, a chilled water systems optimization study was provided to improve system temperature differential and improve system pumping with minor system modifications.  The Partners at CRC have saved clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by implementing minor modifications to existing systems.
 
Master Planning
 
CRC Engineering provides master plan studies for central utility systems.  Master planning of a central utility system includes planning for existing, near future and ultimate future build-out.  Having a Master Plan document that provides a road map for the growth of the central utility systems is a valuable tool that the facility can use to manage the growth of the facility in a cost effective manner.  At the University of Vermont, a site utility master plan was provided that the facility uses to plan system expansion.
 
Energy Modeling and System Configuration Studies
 
CRC Engineering provides energy modeling and system configuration studies for clients who may be planning for a new central utility system or the next phase of system expansion or equipment replacement.
 
While energy modeling programs are commercially available (DOE-2, YorkWorks, Trane Trace, HAP, etc.), CRC Engineering finds that building customized models tailored specifically for each facility offers the most flexibility.  Inputs typically include local weather data, heating, cooling and power load profiles, utility rate structures, energy escalation rates and equipment design and part load performance information.
 
The energy model can be based on a bin analysis, hourly analysis or monthly analysis, depending upon the needs of the project.  At New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical Center, an energy model and system configuration study was provided for the installation of a 4000 ton chiller, taking into account the future Cogeneration system installation.
 
Use of an energy model to determine the optimum configuration of a plant or plant expansion provides powerful backup to a life cycle cost analysis and other payback analysis.  The Partners of CRC Engineering provided an energy model and basis of design report for the Port Authority of NY & NJ for the World Trade Center Central Chiller plant.
 
Hydraulic Modeling and Hydraulic System Studies
 
Time and time again, CRC encounters systems in which hydraulic problems are hampering the efficient operation of the system.  Each time an addition is made to the central system, the effect on the overall system hydraulics must be taken into account.  Oftentimes, this is neglected or overlooked by the designers of the addition or modification to the system.
 
CRC Engineering provides comprehensive hydraulic modeling services and studies to optimize existing systems or plan for new additions to systems.  We are familiar with commercially available hydraulic modeling software packages and also provide customized spreadsheets to summarize the results of the model and assist in the analysis of the hydraulic model output.  At Foxwoods Resort-Casino, the Partners of CRC provided a hydraulic study of the chilled water systems and recommended implementation of modifications to the existing system that were projected to save over $700,000 in energy costs.  At Yale University, hydraulic models were built that provide the basis for much of the planning for expansion of the central chilled water site distribution systems across the campus.