Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) Demonstration Project. Final report
This research measured the energy savings associated with installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on one-pipe low-pressure steam systems in New York City multifamily buildings. There were three primary objectives: to determine whether fuel consumption was lower in buildings using TRVs; to determine if occupants would accept the TRVs; and to determine if overheating in apartments could be eliminated using TRVs. Eight buildings, ranging in size from 15 to 26 apartments, were monitored for three years. Each building was audited to determine fuel history and quick-payback energy conservation measures. The project covered three phases; phase-1 consisted of installing low-cost energy conservation measures such as pipe insulation, air vents and burner tune-tips; determining each building`s baseline energy use, and recording baseline apartment temperatures. TRV installations occurred in phases 2 and 3. In phase-2, TRVs were installed in half the apartments in four buildings. In phase-3, TRVs were installed in the remainder of the apartments. Experimental results were conclusive. Buildings with overheated apartments achieved energy savings through the installation of TRVs. The authors research shows an average reduction of 9.45% in space heating energy use occurred with partial installation of TRVs, and savings of 15.5% were achieved after full installation. Buildings with the highest average apartment temperatures during the base year showed the greatest energy savings. Simple payback, based on an installed price of $50 per TRV, averaged 3.1 years.
- Research Organization:
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Albany, NY (United States); EME Group, New York, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Albany, NY (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 119941
- Report Number(s):
- NYSERDA-95-14; ON: TI96001674; TRN: AHC29527%%84
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Sep 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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