Value Delivered
EMCOR Services LT Mechanical, a division of EMCOR Services Aircond, provided comprehensive HVAC, building automation, and energy services that helped Optima Engineering achieve a highly-effective showcase for their own Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) expertise.
Our HVAC solutions significantly reduced energy consumption and heating/cooling costs, and offered improved protection for their data center servers. Unique controls reduced air flow and fan horsepower, which optimized overall system operation and performance. We also performed independent building control system testing and balancing.
Ultimately, our work contributed to Optima Engineering’s building being the first in the Charlotte, NC area to earn LEED Platinum certification for commercial interiors.
Initial performance figures showed the building’s operating efficiencies exceeded American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ Standard 90.1 by more than 15 percent.
Client Objectives
Optima Engineering needed HVAC and building automation solutions that would accommodate their business growth and highlight the firm’s sustainable design capabilities.
Solutions
To support Optima’s LEED Platinum objectives, EMCOR Services LT Mechanical installed an array of high-efficiency HVAC technologies to minimize the amount of outdoor air needed to properly ventilate the firm’s 16,000-square-foot space. We achieved this by adjusting the HVAC system to meet demand as measured by occupancy and CO2 levels. To implement this strategy, we installed:
- 67.5 tons of rooftop variable air volume (VAV) units with a 100 percent economizer and power exhaust
- Variable frequency drive-equipped supply and exhaust fans
- Outside air flow monitoring
- CO2 sensors
- 18 VAV boxes with controls
- Direct digital control system to optimize operation and performance
- Terminal units to provide temperature-based, zone-by-zone control
In addition, EMCOR Services LT Mechanical equipped Optima Engineering’s data room with an energy-efficient HVAC system to maintain safe temperatures for their servers and other information technologies.
Finally, we commissioned the building automation system. This involved calibrating sensors, testing control sequences, evaluating power quality, and conducting a number of other evaluations and adjustments.
Client Background
Optima Engineering is a multi-disciplined, professional engineering firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, lighting, sustainable design, and commissioning services.