Theater case study - HVAC
An old theater, established over a century ago, encompass a performing arts theater, staff
offices, and intimate spaces for special events. Facing the necessity to replace outdated,
inefficient cooling towers and a chiller system that exclusively served the theater, the
management team sought an innovative HVAC solution to cater comprehensively to the theater
complex.
The facility management team aimed for a versatile system that honored the aesthetics of the
place while fulfilling the theater's requirements for cooling, heating, and dehumidification in both
front and back stage areas. Moreover, the system needed to offer efficient air conditioning for
the event hosting spaces, which had relied on cumbersome and loud portable air conditioners.
Crucially, the new HVAC system needed design flexibility. The historical architecture posed a
significant challenge, making it structurally impractical to install outdoor units on the building's
roof. Hence, the new system had to adapt to fit within the basement, housing the old chiller, and
discreetly around the theater's exterior.
Additionally, considering the fluctuating occupancy levels across the property, the system had to
adeptly condition each area, accommodating a wide spectrum of heat loads while effectively
managing dehumidification, especially in the expansive theater space.
After meticulous review, the project team recommended installing conversion kits combined with
multiple Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) condensing units. VRF technology was chosen for its
exceptional performance in sensible cooling, and its modular design allowed the system to
efficiently cater to diverse spaces in the theater and event areas, adapting to heating and
cooling load variations caused by changing occupancy.
A tailor-made system replaced the outdated chiller structure with the condensing units discreetly
installed on the theater's exterior. These units supplied the AHU conversion kits situated in the
theater's basement. These conversion kits, comprising EEV kits and communication kits,
communicated with coils within the new custom AHUs. This facilitated lowering coil
temperatures effectively for enhanced dehumidification and air conditioning, thereby boosting
overall comfort.
Supermarket case study 1 - Electrical
When a national supermarket chain opted to centralize its operations in a flagship store located
in the bustling commercial district of Atlanta, it set out to create one of the most modern,
comfortable, and visually engaging retail environments in the city. A key element in achieving
this vision was the implementation of LED lighting with adjustable color temperature capabilities,
aimed at enhancing the shopping experience while maintaining high energy efficiency.
To attract and retain loyal customers, the chain selected a 27,000 square-foot retail space in a
high-traffic, Class A commercial complex in the CBD. The supermarket features expansive
ten-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural daylight and offer sweeping
views of the surrounding urban landscape.
Although the store benefits from an open floor plan and generous natural light, certain zones —
including refrigerated sections, inner aisles, and areas shaded by shelving — can experience
inconsistent illumination due to time of day, weather conditions, or layout constraints. To address
this, the supermarket installed an adaptable SSL (Solid-State Lighting) system capable of tuning
light color and quality throughout the store. This system ensures optimal lighting conditions for
both shoppers and staff, all while supporting LEED energy efficiency targets.
In specialty departments such as produce, bakery, and deli, staff can control both the brightness
and color temperature of the lighting fixtures via an integrated system. This flexibility allows the
supermarket to enhance product presentation — for example, making produce appear fresher
or baked goods more appealing — and adjust lighting based on time of day or customer flow.
Distributed switch stations throughout the store offer three customizable presets that can be
adjusted on-site or left at factory defaults. Additionally, lighting zones can be managed
independently, allowing for selective control over different departments or areas of the store.
These controls operate independently of the color tuning system, which can be accessed via
dedicated wall stations.
This lighting transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design and advanced technology can
elevate the retail experience, promote energy efficiency, and reinforce a brand's commitment to
customer comfort and environmental responsibility.
Supermarket case study 2 - Electrical
An upscale supermarket chain with outlets in Tallahassee nearby regions, made the decision to
establish a new store. The CEO was adamant to infuse sustainability into the design, notably
emphasizing daylighting. Although traditional skylights didn’t align with his preferences, he
expressed interest in alternative daylighting technologies. The goal was to introduce abundant
natural light diffused across expansive sections of the store while seamlessly integrating it with
electric lighting.
The supermarket’s management was well-acquainted with similar lighting arrangements, but
their excitement soared upon learning about the availability of a larger diameter option. The
project implemented 28 Units, strategically installed in the store’s roof and integrated with LED
lighting for nocturnal use. Pairing the units with LEDs was a strategic move aimed at maximizing
long-term cost reduction in lighting.
The unexpected benefit of the Solatube units was their near elimination of the necessity for
"temporary construction lighting" during the project's building phases. These systems delivered
ample illumination levels for construction crews to execute interior finishes and enabled
equipment installation teams to equip the store before permanent lighting fixtures were in place.
Despite the significantly delayed delivery of the permanent lighting fixtures, the project was
successfully completed on schedule without the requirement for temporary lighting.
School case study 1 - HVAC and Electrical
When an Alabama county upgraded its aging high school, replacing it with a facility 40 percent
larger, they were pleasantly surprised to witness a significant drop in monthly utility costs—up to
30 percent—largely attributed to the innovative HVAC design of the new school.
The former 178,345-square-foot building, dating back to the 1950s, operated with a four-pipe
boiler/chiller system using fan coil units, tallying an average annual utility expense of
approximately $172,142. The newly constructed adopted a hybrid HVAC design featuring a
geothermal well field powering active chilled beams, along with dual wheel outdoor air
dehumidification systems.
Initially planned as a standard 220-foot, 90-well geothermal field with ground source heat
pumps, the design underwent a transformation to incorporate 400 heat pumps working
alongside 572 active chilled beams and six SEMCO Pinnacle Series dedicated outdoor air
(DOAS) heat recovery systems. Estimated at $48,195 annually based on an electric rate of
$.068/Kwh, the HVAC system demonstrated its prowess within the first four months of operation,
yielding preliminary utility bills $47,500 lower compared to the old building's figures for the same
period.
One of the primary contributors to this efficiency stems from the chilled beam technology, which
reduces air flow by 50 percent compared to conventional forced-air distribution methods. With a
43 F dew point temperature, the system controls humidity efficiently through dual-wheel
dehumidifiers, managing both latent and sensible humidity. Maintaining lower humidity allows
the school to maintain an average set point of 75 F.
The chilled beams, supplied by a water-to-water ground source heat pump (GSHP), remain free
of condensation as they receive semi-neutral, exceptionally dry air from six rooftop DOAS units
(3,700 to 14,500-cfm). In spaces like the cafeteria and gym, not ideal for chilled beams due to
high ceilings, dedicated DOAS units distribute cooling and heating via the GSHP loop.
These DOAS units are equipped with variable-frequency drives, integrated GSHPs, and dew
point discharge control, all seamlessly interfaced with the school’s building automation system.
School case study 2 - Plumbing
Plumbing fixtures might not be the initial consideration for school districts focused on delivering
top-tier education, but they stand as a crucial component in ensuring seamless school
operations. This came to the attention of a top highschool in Florida.
The school recognizes the significance of choosing reliable partners when making decisions
impacting the district.
When the time arrived to upgrade aging fixtures and equipment, the school management aimed
to select plumbing products distinguished by their durability, reliability, and long-lasting
performance.
Following meticulous evaluation the school district opted to commence replacing existing faucet
and flush valve fixtures with sensor-operated flush valves and faucets across five buildings.
The initial installation began in 2015, and currently, around 550 products are operational across
the buildings, with plans for additional installations in remaining buildings over the next two
years.
The hygienic advantages and environmental aspects of the system were decisive factors for the
school management. Utilizing advanced sensor technology, the fixtures' hands-free operation
ensures cleaner restrooms. With increasing regulations focusing on water conservation, facilities
are prioritizing the installation of water-efficient products.
Since the initial installation, the school has observed exceptional performance and significant
financial benefits as the system substantially reduced the district's sewer and water bills by
nearly 50 percent monthly, compared to the previous fixtures.