August 13, 2016
Report

Optimization of Variable Speed Chiller Plants: Frank M. Johnson Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Montgomery, Alabama

Abstract

This report is divided into five sections. The first section describes the background and opportunity for the Control Optimization System for Chiller Plant technology to reduce space cooling energy consumption at U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) facilities with centrifugal chiller plants containing multiple water-cooled chillers. The second section discusses the new technology, how it may reduce energy consumption, and introduces the demonstration location. The third section provides a detailed description of the demonstration facility and the configuration of the technology at the demonstration facility. The third section also provides a detailed overview of the approach used to assess the performance of the technology and how the chiller plant was monitored. The fourth section presents the results of the monitoring activity, documents performance and resulting energy savings, and presents the results of a life-cycle cost analysis. The fourth section also presents additional opportunities to further improve the performance of the chiller plant with control optimization, based on observations and lessons learned. The final section draws conclusions from the demonstration results and projects how GSA may best benefit from the technology’s targeted deployment.

Published: August 13, 2016

Citation

Underhill R.M., J.C. Hail, D.D. Hatley, and M.A. Myer. 2016. Optimization of Variable Speed Chiller Plants: Frank M. Johnson Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Montgomery, Alabama. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.