The Henry Bellmon Center (HBRC at Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus now features integrated air and energy management technology that adds even more intelligence to the high-tech building.
OSU, in partnership with Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI), installed a series of air flow management systems that ventilate labs and common areas of the research facility with fresh air based on occupancy and air quality levels instead of constant air exchanges which waste energy and may be unnecessary.
These technologies are expected to save more than $5.1 million dollars over the next 20 years and reduce carbon emission levels equivalent to the impact that would be felt if: 7,492 pine trees were planted, 81,000 barrels of oil were not burned, or the energy consumption of 2,990 Oklahoma residences was eliminated.
“OSU is committed to a wise use of resources in the best interest of all its stakeholders. These HBRC technologies are part of OSU’s award-winning energy management program and support the quality of its research environment,” said Dennis Byford, OSU Energy Manager for the HBRC.
OSU has saved more than $31 million in energy costs since being the first universities in the country to launch a comprehensive behavior-based energy conservation program in 2007. OSU partnered with alum Bill Spears’ energy education company, Cenergistic.
For the Henry Bellmon Research Center initiative, Johnson Controls installed the Aircuity OptiNet Facility Monitoring System (Aircuity), Zone Presence Sensors (ZPS), and a Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) System. The Aircuity system continuously samples air particles and adjusts the ventilation of fresh air to meet research industry regulations for lab air quality. When lab spaces are not being used, the system decreases the amount of air exchanges to save energy and reduce costs.
The ZPS are installed on the lab fume hoods to monitor occupancy levels, adjust exhaust levels, and trigger alarms if fume hoods are left open for too long. The DCV System detects the number of people using common areas by measuring carbon dioxide levels in the air and adjusts the HVAC systems accordingly to maintain air quality without wasting energy. A cloud-based air analysis and energy usage dashboard allows lab personnel and facility managers to monitor the areas and immediately respond to any concerns.
“This project isn’t about one new piece of equipment. These three technologies are integrated to work together around the clock to maintain HBRC’s facilities. Personnel work in a quality environment and energy savings contribute to the university’s commitment to its stakeholders,” said Josh Wilkins, JCI Higher Education Account Executive.
OSU has been partnering with JCI since 2010 on comprehensive energy efficiency programs in a series of projects on which JCI guarantees the contracted energy savings. Cost of upgrades to campus lighting systems, roofs, windows, and HVAC technologies are paid for through energy and utility savings over the term of these projects.
