The University wanted to take advantage of significant operating cost reductions offered by their utility supplier if the school’s peak-period electrical demand could be reduced. The utility company was seeking ways to reduce its own need to use stand-by electrical power generating equipment during highest peak demand times (Noon to 8PM). The University asked Kinsman & Associates to find a solution to the problem. Our engineers analyzed school usage patterns, designed a unique “thermal energy storage” (TES) system, and supervised its installation. The utility company paid a substantial portion of the cost of designing and installing the new system, which is operating so effectively that it paid for itself in less than five years, and is providing on-going cost savings.

In subsequent projects, as part of a major mechanical and electrical upgrade on the campus, Kinsman and Associates undertook the design of upgraded heating and cooling systems in the central plant. Two large boilers were removed and replaced with higher efficiency boilers. A high efficiency chiller with a variable speed compressor was added, the thermal energy storage (TES) system was expanded, and the two existing cooling towers were replaced with one multiple cell tower with variable speed fans. The condenser water pumps were installed with variable frequency drives.

Concurrent with the central plant upgrade, the existing campus chiller water loop was replaced with a more efficient design that will be controlled by the campus energy management system (EMS). Our engineers designed the loop, valves, pumps, variable frequency drives and controls, and specified the noncorrosive piping. A civil engineering firm designed and specified the direct burial method for the piping. Our engineers also analyzed and designed HVAC renovation work in Catherine Hall.