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I am your optimisation guide.

Author(s) : State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage 2017

Type of monograph: Guide/Handbook

Summary

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contributes significantly to business energy use and operating costs, typically consuming the largest proportion of energy in commercial buildings. In a commercial building, HVAC electricity consumption can typically account for around 40 per cent of total building consumption and around 70 per cent of base building electricity consumption (DCCEE Guide to Best Practice Maintenance & Operation of HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency). Unlike other more costly energy-efficiency strategies such as plant upgrades, improving the performance of HVAC via control systems (i.e. optimisation or building tuning) can provide immediate reductions in energy use and energy costs. The returns on investment are often able to be measured in months, not years and additional benefits can include: • enhanced occupant comfort • improved reliability of systems • reduced ongoing maintenance costs • improved building performance, as recognised in rating schemes such as National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and Green Star. Optimisation of controls is a cost-effective way to improve the efficiency and performance of HVAC systems, both in older and modern buildings. This guide has been compiled to assist those involved in facilities management, building operation and systems maintenance. This guide outlines 20 HVAC optimisation strategies and how they can be applied. These strategies can save up to 50 per cent of total HVAC energy use, or up to 80 per cent of energy use in individual HVAC components. HVAC optimisation is sometimes as simple as changing control algorithms, altering control schedules and set points, and carrying out minor mechanical repairs and alterations to existing equipment and systems. To achieve the benefits of optimised controls, it is essential for building owners and facility managers to see optimisation as an investment rather than a cost, while directing building operators and service providers to include controls optimisation within their responsibilities and key performance indicators (KPIs). Energy savings unlocked by HVAC optimisation activities can potentially generate revenue using the NSW Energy Savings Scheme. By undertaking measurement and verification, savings can be demonstrated and Energy Saving Certificates (ESCs) can be generated and sold to offset the costs of the optimisation or to facilitate future energy-efficiency interventions. Unlike other more costly energy-efficiency strategies such as plant upgrades, improving the performance of HVAC via control systems can provide immediate reductions in your energy use and energy costs.

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Details

  • Original title: I am your optimisation guide.
  • Record ID : 30025443
  • Languages: English
  • Publication: Office of Environment and Heritage - Australia/Australia
  • Publication date: 2015/07
  • ISBN: 978 1 74359 990 1

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