HVAC/Energy Management

HVAC accounts for 34 percent of energy used on site and 31 percent of primary energy use

In commercial buildings, space heating, cooling, and ventilation account for 34 percent of energy used on site and 31 percent of primary energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The Green Proving Ground program selected multiple innovative HVAC technologies to investigate their usefulness, effectiveness, and applicability across the GSA portfolio.

Preliminary Technology Assessments

Central Plant Optimization Strategy, 2012 >

This central plant control technology is designed to optimize energy use in chilled water systems. To reduce energy consumption, chillers, cooling towers, and associated pumps are operated as a single system. In combination with the necessary Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) equipment, this technology applies a control algorithm to maintain optimal differential system pressure, reducing pumping energy and equipment runtime.

Wireless Pneumatic Thermostat, 2012 >

The Wireless Pneumatic Thermostat provides standard pneumatic thermostats with networked Direct Digital Control (DDC) functionality. Wireless Pneumatic Thermostats can operate as a stand-alone system or integrate with an existing Building Automation System.