Rooftop HVAC system offers optimum energy efficiency
The Parkview Medical Office Building is a 48,000 ft{sup 2} (4,460 m{sup 2}) office building located on the campus of St. Vincent infirmary Medical Center. Owned by a limited partnership of 16 physicians, the building was constructed in 1979. Prior to the recent renovation, the building's HVAC system was a constant volume electric reheat type. The primary components of the system were six rooftop air conditioning units of 120 tons (422 kW) total capacity and approximately 162 electric resistance duct heaters (approximately 450 kW total capacity). In early 1989, a comprehensive study of the building's HVAC system was initiated because of excessive energy costs and operational problems. A comparison of Parkview's energy costs with 30 similar office buildings in Little Rock had been very disturbing. The comparison revealed that Parkview's annual energy cost per square foot were more than twice the survey average and 58% higher than the highest building in the survey. It was clear that significant energy cost, savings had to be achieved. This paper reports that the study identified numerous deficiencies and recommended a complete renovation of the building's HVAC system. The study also indicated that the project's cost could be easily financed by its resultant energy cost savings. The study recommendation was accepted and final project design was begun.
- OSTI ID:
- 5582098
- Journal Information:
- ASHRAE Journal (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: ASHRAE Journal (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers); (United States) Vol. 34:3; ISSN 0001-2491; ISSN ASHRA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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