Energy Engineering Services

Energy efficiency scoping studies

In a scoping study we can do a brief investigation of all of the major end uses in a facility or focus on systems of particular interest. We will prepare recommendations, including cost and savings estimates, for all potentially feasible energy conservation measures.

Investment-grade energy audits

We perform comprehensive investment-grade energy audits for commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities. In an investment-grade audit, kW Engineering will conduct an in-depth investigation of the facility, leaving no stone unturned. We will take the necessary measurements and spend the time on site to thoroughly understand the systems at hand. In this way, investments in energy efficiency are based on solid information and accurate estimates of project costs and savings.

Simulation and modeling

We have a variety of tools to call upon to provide engineering analyses for energy-efficiency improvements. Our team has estimated energy savings for a wide variety of projects and building types using DOE-2 building simulation software. We also have depth in our experience with energy simulation software, having written TRNSYS simulations and new component models for commercial buildings and solar energy applications. For many energy engineering analyses spreadsheet-based models such as bin simulations relying on ASHRAE T.C. 4.7 methods can be used.

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Building energy tune-ups /
recommissioning

Most facilities are not operating as efficiently as they could be. Even well-maintained facilities often have problems that waste energy, cause comfort complaints, and lead to premature equipment failure. kW Engineering can perform a tune-up that focuses on energy savings that can be achieved with little or no capital investment. Past tune-ups have saved building owners up to 20% of annual electricity consumption.

Measurement
and verification (M&V)
of energy savings

kW Engineering provides complete measurement and verification services in support of performance contracts or other projects where proven energy savings are required. We have performed short and long-term monitoring at numerous facilities and are well versed in the leading M&V protocols including the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) and the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) application of the protocol.

Third party review of
performance contracting

kW Engineering provides technical assistance to facility owners and managers throughout the performance contracting process. We review proposals and savings analyses, verify installed conservation measures, perform field measurements to verify performance, and review project measurement and verification reports.

Utility-sponsored standard
performance contracts (SPCs)

Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric now offer the SPC as their primary incentive for energy-saving projects. Unlike conventional utility rebate programs, the SPC program pays only for proven energy savings. The program requires substantial analysis to justify incentives prior to installation and two years of post-installation measurement and verification. kW Engineering provides these services in a cost-effective manner so the incentive to the end user is not over-burdened with engineering overhead.

Architectural and mechanical design review

kW Engineering evaluates design options in new buildings and retrofit projects and can help select the option with the lowest overall cost of ownership. We can model different building envelope or mechanical system alternatives to determine the energy savings or penalties associated with each option. We can also provide project cost estimates and life-cycle cost analyses so that options are compared on an equal footing.

• [For an objective view on the design review process see what FEMP says]

Energy efficiency research

We have conducted a diverse selection of energy-efficiency research projects. They include investigations of emerging technologies, energy management systems in commercial buildings, and parametric building simulations to assess the cost effectiveness of the building envelope requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1. We can provide any of our core services, in addition to well-written technical reports, in support of research objectives.