Holistic HVAC?

Central plant chilled-water systems are expensive to operate. Depending on the climate and HVAC configuration, these air and equipment cooling systems can consume over 30% of the energy needed to run a building. Traditionally, plant and facilities managers considered HVAC systems in terms of component capabilities, especially in terms of operating costs. Today, most managers also consider an HVAC system's environmental impact. But what about the environment in which HVAC components operate?

Some HVAC suppliers, such as Johnson Controls, are encouraging their customers to take a "holistic approach". That mindset, explains Joseph Walicki, vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls in North America, applies not only to "plant design and operations," but to return on investment (ROI). Operating costs and environmental impact are still important to consider, too, but central plan optimization (CPO) is more than the sum of its parts.

According to the company's website, new system-level automation software will enable customers to achieve "persistent peak performance and energy savings in central plants in both new construction and existing building. The new Johnson Controls product, CPO 10, is designed to select the "most efficient" combination of chillers, cooling towers, and pumps to meet the building cooling load. Energy savings can reach as high as 15%.

Do you plan to take a more "holistic approach" when you purchase HVAC products?

Source: Johnson Controls