Project Description: MITRE 3 HVAC System and Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) Evaluation
Client: MITRE
McLean, VA
Facts:
- Size: 220,000 square feet
- Project Type: Building Performance Modeling and ECM Evaluation
Goals of the Evaluation:
- Improve the redundancy and capacity of electrical and mechanical systems
- Reduce energy usage of existing mechanical systems
- Address operational issues and optimize the operation of existing mechanical systems
- Construct a computerized energy model to simulate energy savings associated with retrofits and upgrades
The MITRE 3 building is one of three buildings on the campus and accommodates approximately 1,000 people. The building houses offices, computer labs, and server rooms for research and development. MITRE tasked Williams Notaro with evaluating the HVAC and electrical systems, including the development of a computerized building energy model to support the analysis of upgrade options or Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) for each system. A summarized scope of work is as follows:
- Evaluated the chilled water system to increase capacity, improve redundancy, and reduce energy consumption. Multiple options to upgrade the chiller, and piping distribution were proposed.
- Evaluated the HVAC heating system to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy usage. Multiple options for VAV box upgrades were proposed.
- Evaluated the outside air and exhaust systems to address building pressurization issues and reduce energy consumption. Retrofits included optimization of control sequences.
- Evaluated the electrical system to improve critical power redundancy by eliminating single points of failure. Retrofit options to support the proposed mechanical upgrades and ECMs, as well as future capacity, were developed.
As of 2011, MITRE has implemented several ECM’s and upgrades including a VAV box retrofit, optimization of the outside air and exhaust systems, and a chilled water system variable flow conversion.
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