High Tech Campus Realizes Remarkable ROI Through Retro-Commissioning
Nearly 20% Energy Savings at High Tech Campus
Initially skeptical, the staff at Microsoft’s Silicon Valley campus realized the value of retro-commissioning immediately.
$130,000
Annual Cost Savings
19%
Annual Electric Savings
10%
Annual Gas Savings
$85,000
Utility Incentives Identified
Retro-Commissioning on Campus
Any skepticism dissolved instantly among Microsoft Silicon Valley campus site staff after seeing project results first hand with staff stating:
Summary
We performed retro-commissioning at Microsoft’s high tech campus in Silicon Valley under PG&E’s “Core” Retro-commissioning (RCx) program.
One of the key measures we identified was limiting the off-hours use of air handlers. While critical areas need to be conditioned, we greatly reduced the equipment required for conditioning needs.
With the site staff’s help, we reduced the nighttime loads dramatically.
Energy Efficiency Measures
- Fume hood standby airflow reduction
- Scheduled half of air handlers off overnight, even with 24-7 lab loads
- Trim and respond controls sequences on all air handlers (Supply air temperature and discharge pressure)
- Improved chiller water controls
Identified Energy Savings
750,000 kWh (verified savings exceeded this)
35,000 therms.
Additional Measures
Additional energy saving measures included supply air temperature and discharge pressure controls.
Our team used trim and respond sequences adapted from ASHRAE’s Research Project 1455 to optimize temperature and pressure response minimizing energy use while maintaining critical, tight set-point zone control.
ZNE/C study tasks
- architectural drawing review of the new expansion and other site documents,
- reviewed plans and community input with Town personnel,
- developed an energy model using EnergyPlus software with OpenStudio to estimate energy consumption, and
- calculated the potential for on-site clean solar PV generation.
Ready to Achieve Your Energy Goals?
Schedule a free consultation to help gain clarity around your main challenges and how to solve them. kW Engineering can help turn your biggest challenges into results.
