Use of Labs21 Tools and Monitoring Systems in Exploring Energy Savings Opportunities in Laboratories, A Case Study

Rod Mahdavi, PE, LBNL

Use of central monitoring and control system to benchmark, assess energy use, and implement energy conservation measures in laboratories, a case study Laboratories consume significant amounts of energy. Just by conditioning and moving air typically exchanged 8-12 times an hour with 100% outside air, a high level of energy is used. Utilizing the Monitoring and control system several energy efficiency measures can be safely implemented. For this case study, a benchmark is established, the savings due to already implemented energy conservation measures (ECMs) were identified, and the study further estimated the impact of implementation of additional ECMs on energy use compared to the benchmarked values. What makes this laboratory innovative is the installation of an extensive monitoring and control system along with installation of VFDs on all motors including supply fans and exhaust fans. In addition fume hood sash monitoring system and an independent room environment control system that could adjust the ventilation according to the actual environmental needs were installed. Controlling hood exhaust locally and room air flow and temperature control on zone by zone basis produces an opportunity to reduce exhaust and supply air flow resulting in significant energy savings. As a result, reheat energy use will be reduced as well. Optimization of energy use by different systems was possible by use of extensive monitoring system that integrated control of those systems. Benchmarking at each level and for each end use provided the opportunity to discover more opportunities and measure the achievements.

Biography:

Rod Mahdavi, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Phone: 510-495-2259 Mr. Mahdavi is a program manager in the Environmental Energy Technology Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). He has worked extensively in the design of high tech facilities and data centers, semiconductor facilities, clean rooms, laboratories and health care buildings. He has been a facility engineer for a pharmaceutical company and executed projects for saving energy in the laboratories and vivaria. During last three years he has assessed energy use in more than 25 major data centers and laboratories. He is a LEED® accredited professional. He holds a masters degree in mechanical engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

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