AWC Received Exemplary Award at National Conference for their Chiller Optimization Project
October 17, 2016Arizona Western College received an Exemplary Practices Award from the Community College Business Officers (CCBO) at their 2016 annual conference in Orlando, Florida for the Chiller Optimization Project. Steve Eckert, AWC Director of Facilities Management, accepted the award on behalf of AWC and also gave an hour long presentation on the project at the conference.
The Chiller Optimization Project came about because the College was experiencing several issues with their chilled water system. AWC had trouble cooling the far end of campus, which resulted in a lot of comfort complaints, forcing them to make manual adjustments. All three chillers were used during the summer months and there was no spare chilled water capacity to support a campus expansion project. Additionally, AWC was experiencing high electricity consumption and inflated peak demand.
In February 2013, AWC was approached by Sodexo Comprehensive Service Solutions Group to discuss a feasibility study as to possible electricity and water usage savings. A study was conducted and it was determined that some significant savings could be realized as well as rebates from the Arizona Public Service utility company. From April 2014 to December 2014, several central plant modifications were made and 39 SmartValves were installed throughout the campus. The Chiller Optimization Project was funded by Sodexo America LLC and Arizona Western College is repaying the project costs over a 10 year period.
The AWC Chiller Optimization Project features three components: to optimize chilled water flow through the entire campus; reduce energy costs; and vastly improve occupant comfort.
The cost savings that AWC has experienced from the project for the 2015-2016 fiscal year:
- Annual utility savings of $250,000
- Utility rebate from Arizona Public Service (APS) of $275,000
- 15% reduction in total campus electricity use
- 600 tons in regained cooling capacity (40%)
Contact:
Steve Eckert
Director of Facilities Management
Arizona Western College
(928) 314-9475
steve.eckert@azwestern.edu