Energy Conservation Measures at an Automotive Instructional Facility

Abstract

Energy consumption and costs to operate an automotive technical training facility at Texas State Technical Institute in Waco have been significantly reduced through implementation of several energy conservation measures. This paper reviews building history and recent actions taken to reduce energy consumption and costs. Actual energy and cost savings are reported and compared to original estimates. The conservation measures include group relamping with energy saving lamps, installation of occupancy sensor lighting controls, installation of a low speed chilled water pump, and installation of stand alone energy management systems with central communications capabilities. Energy cost savings have exceeded seventeen thousand dollars per year and potential opportunities for further significant savings still exist. Detailed studies of hourly usage profiles and operating conditions have resulted in a recommendation that thermal storage and time-of-day rates be considered.