California State University, Channel Islands
OP-8: Building Energy Consumption

California State University Channel Islands uses virtual timers in the Building Automation System (BAS) to control hours of operation. A BAS is a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices, designed to monitor and control mechanical and lighting systems in a building. The timer can schedule normally occupied time periods, temporary occupancy periods and also “off-schedule” time periods for holidays. During the off-schedule periods, building heating and ventilation will not run unless the temperature for the spaces reaches lower and higher temperature limits. The net result uses less energy and is more effective in maintaining correct temperatures during the occupied time periods.

California State University Channel Islands has LED light fixtures that illuminate the exterior columns along Santa Cruz Village that face the South Quad, and light the signature Bell Tower. We are also testing the use of LED light fixtures in a few offices with the desire to use them in classrooms, offices and conference rooms across campus.

California State University Channel Islands (CI) has two evaluation programs in place for interior and exterior lighting control. Some classrooms, offices, and hallways have lights that are equipped with an occupancy sensor to turn off lights when the space is unoccupied. In addition, spaces that provide sufficient daylight, photosensors, were installed to turn off lights when daylight provided sufficient levels of light. Renovated buildings are also equipped with lighting control systems. The lighting control panels are networked to a lighting control server, which provides the campus control over all lights connected within the network. The lighting control panels communicate with the campus energy management system, in which, provide the lighting control panels with a signal to change to a new control program tailored for an energy demand response. Exterior lights are powered through relay panels, which are controlled by photosensors and astronomic time clocks. The new exterior light panels are able to communicate with the campus energy management as well. Luminaries are connect to staggered circuits, giving the campus the option to reduce lighting levels and energy used during periods of low activity, while still maintain uniform lighting throughout a given area.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CO-GENERATION FACILITY The CI Power PlantFacility is a combined cycle co-generation plant. The Facility consists of an aircraft derivative gas turbine generator (the General Electric LM-2500), an unfired heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), an extraction/condensing steam turbine generator, and auxiliary equipment. The LM-2500 gas turbine is equipped with an evaporative cooler to reduce inlet air temperature and increase plant electrical output. It normally operates at maximum continuous rated power, burning 215.2 to 223.8 million Btu per hour (lower heating value (LHV)) of natural gas to drive a generator which produces 21,489 to 22,381 KW of electric power during the six Time Of Use periods established by the Southern California Edison Co. (SCE). Water injection is used to reduce NOx emissions to 42 parts per million dry volume-referenced at 15% 02 (ppmdv). The gas turbine exhaust is directed to the HRSG to produce intermediate and high pressure steam. NOx emissions will be further reduced to 9 ppmdv through the use of a selective catalytic reduction, SCR, unit located in the HRSG. The high pressure steam (890 psig, 830°F) along with the intermediate pressure steam (250 psig, saturated) will be directed through the extraction steam turbine to generate additional electricity (approx. 6,500 to 7,000 KWe). As required, 150 psig saturated steam will be extracted from the steam turbine to supply 125 psig steam to the University Campus and 10-12 psig steam will be extracted to run the cogeneration facility's deaerator. The remainder of the steam will be routed completely through the steam turbine, exiting at sub-atmospheric conditions. This exhaust steam will be condensed using an air cooled condenser and routed to the deaerator along with makeup water and Campus condensate return to complete the steam cycle. Based on the anticipated steam flow rates supplied to the CSH, the Facility will generate 27,162 to 27,921 KW net electric capacity. The system is expected to operate for 6,875 hours per year based on 129 hours of scheduled outages, 258 hours of unscheduled outages (system availability of 95%), and 1,498 hours of scheduled full curtailment due to SCE operations dispatching.

California State University Channel Islands (CI) controls its use of energy and greenhouse gases by the use of a web-based building management system. It is comprised of a network of communication devices and building controllers located throughout each building and mechanical space. The function of these controls is to schedule the occupied times, operational set points, and temperatures for the lighting /ventilation systems. The campus is able to co-ordinate the time of use (schedule) of the buildings with our customers for the general class times and periods of use. This way the lights and HVAC systems will be off when nobody is home! This system uses some of the latest technology using a centralized web-based server. This server is the central access to all of the buildings from anywhere there is internet access. This allows adjustment to the system from home without relying on someone driving out to the campus. This creates better customer support and uses no fuel. This system automatically collects data in the form of trend logs for system diagnostics and analysis of energy usage. This system also has built in programmable logic that responds to the ambient outside air condition to allow the use of “free cooling” when possible. This creates opportunities for the larger cooling/heating equipment to remain idle when certain conditions are met. We have currently been able to quantify electrical savings created by the energy management system by comparing one year to the next, using the data from the trend logs. CI is currently installing energy usage metering at each building to be able to see how much energy each building is using independently. This method will keep each building running at its optimum ability to conserve energy. Our system has been so successful on many fronts that new BMS systems are installed as the buildings come on line.

California State University Channel Islands (CI) controls its use of energy and greenhouse gases by the use of a web-based building management system. It is comprised of a network of communication devices and building controllers located throughout each building and mechanical space. The function of these controls is to schedule the occupied times, operational set points, and temperatures for the lighting /ventilation systems. The campus is able to co-ordinate the time of use (schedule) of the buildings with our customers for the general class times and periods of use. This way the lights and HVAC systems will be off when nobody is home! This system uses some of the latest technology using a centralized web-based server. This server is the central access to all of the buildings from anywhere there is internet access. This allows adjustment to the system from home without relying on someone driving out to the campus. This creates better customer support and uses no fuel. This system automatically collects data in the form of trend logs for system diagnostics and analysis of energy usage. This system also has built in programmable logic that responds to the ambient outside air condition to allow the use of “free cooling” when possible. This creates opportunities for the larger cooling/heating equipment to remain idle when certain conditions are met. We have currently been able to quantify electrical savings created by the energy management system by comparing one year to the next, using the data from the trend logs. CI is currently installing energy usage metering at each building to be able to see how much energy each building is using independently. This method will keep each building running at its optimum ability to conserve energy. Our system has been so successful on many fronts that new BMS systems are installed as the buildings come on line.

CSU CI does not purchase any non-energy star / SCE approved fixtures and/or appliances. Any non-energy star / SCE approved/reccomended fixtures and/or appliances are slated for replacement/upgrade

California State University Channel Islands (CI) uses vending misers on all compressed machines (beverages & coffee). The technology uses movement in proximity to the machines to cycle the electrical components within the machine.

High efficiency LED retrofits & Upgrades, Motion & Daylight sensors throughout parking lots, corridors, and classrooms. High Efficiency HVAC layout and systems.