Revitalization of AUH Controls saved $223K at US Postal Services at NJ Bulk Mail Center

摘要

In the summer of 1998, the New Jersey International & Bulk Mail Center (NJI-BMC), which is based in Jersey City and is one of the largest United States Postal Service facilities, was dealing with a dilemma regarding its air-handling unit controls. Many of the Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) were switched to "Bypassed" mode and the system was not operating as designed. We realized that we were not gaining any economical benefits from the VFD technology; so, we explored the possibility of replacing or revitalizing the existing control system, which was comprised of motors, starters, contactors, controls and VFDs. When faced with the question of whether to replace or revitalize the malfunctioning system, we conducted a brief cost analysis and decided collectively to implement the revitalization option. Costs of replacing all existing equipment were approximately $300k, as compared to the $45k for the revitalization option. We completed the revitalization process in four stages: investigating and analyzing existing conditions, procuring services from VFD experts, providing training, and implementing the revitalization option. This option reduced our energy usage by approximately 1,463,200 kWh annually and lowered kW demands by 1,000 kW per month. Ultimately, it slashed our utility bills by approximately $223,000 in 1999-2000.