Microsoft Receives Remarkable ROI from Retro-Commissioning
Annual Cost Savings
$130,000
Verified Annual Savings
19% electricity reduction 10% natural gas reduction
Annual Energy Savings Identified
750,000 kWh (verified savings exceeded this) 35,000 therms
Utility Incentives Identified
$85,000
Category
Energy Management, Featured, High Tech, Retro-CommissioningAbout This Project
Retro-Commissioning (RCx) Results in Huge Energy Savings at High Tech Campus
Initially skeptical, the staff at Microsoft’s Silicon Valley campus realized the value of retro-commissioning immediately following implementation, stating:
This is a good project, we should have done it 5 years ago.
Site’s Implementation Team Critical to Success with HVAC Controls
kW Engineering 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.
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. Hats off to our friends at Taylor Engineering for their excellent work on this project.
High Tech Campus Retro-Commissioning Energy Efficiency Measures
- 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
Learn more about our retro-commissioning energy efficiency consulting services.