PNNL

Abstract

The Focus on Energy (Focus)/Apartment & Condo Efficiency Services program identified the multifamily sector as both underserved and a difficult market to reach for energy efficiency services. In response, the Focus Apartment program manager asked Battelle to research and evaluate novel energy efficiency programs and technologies. One area that Battelle recommended evaluating was a Resource Efficient Laundry (REL) room concept. The goal of the REL program was to verify, through in situ demonstration, the performance of Energy Star® coin-operated clothes washers, matching clothes dryers, efficient room lighting and controls, and efficient and properly sized water-heating technologies for multifamily laundry room operations. This demonstration was important since multifamily owners/operators are generally not early adopters of new technology (Currie, Parker, and Elliott 1998) To meet the program goals, Battelle designed and implemented a research agenda that included baseline metering of nine conventional washers and dryers, room lighting, and standard-efficiency 120-gallon electric water heaters in three laundry rooms. Baseline metering was followed with replacement of the conventional washers/dryers, lighting and water heating equipment with efficient (and properly sized) equipment. All energy and water inputs of the baseline and efficient equipment were end-use metered.