Even one of the world’s leading chemical companies aims to protect the bottom line and the environment in the process. Dow Chemical Company’s desire for energy efficiency coupled with affordable heating and cooling solutions brought its leaders to the doors of Core Real Estate and Redding Linden Burr for assistance. And these companies came straight to HTS Texas. Recognized across the state for its commitment to reliable products and project management, HTS Texas was the obvious “Real Success” partner.
Working with strict space limitations, HTS Texas’ objectives were to provide efficient, customizable self-contained units meeting LEED certification requirements, while also ensuring the comfort of occupants.
“As we normally do when tackling a large, custom installation, HTS Texas faced some budgetary and space challenges in equipping this 364,000 square-foot facility,” said Mike Donovan, principal of HTS Texas. “Ultimately, we were able to meet the client’s energy-saving goals, as well as the stringent space requirements set forth by our engineering team.”
Beginning with blueprints from Powers Brown and a game plan from RLB Engineers, HTS Texas worked closely with mechanical contractor TD Industries and general contractor D.E. Harvey to ensure satisfaction for Dow and other building occupants. Drawing from the substantial product offerings of HTS Texas, building owner Core Real Estate, LLC requested a fully functional variable air volume system. To accomplish this with the lowest possible energy consumption, HTS Texas provided 12 358,000-cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM) (total) Daikin self-contained units, two 30 HP Danfoss variable-frequency drives for the cooling tower and one 30-ton RTU, which delivers clean fresh 100 percent outside air to the building, with hot gas reheat capabilities.
This choice in HVAC equipment provided many advantages. Firstly, the customized compressor-to-tonnage ratios offered excellent part-load performance. Daikin’s extreme flexibility in multiple compressor arrangements/sizes within a cabinet allowed HTS Texas to maximize off-design performance resulting in efficiencies as good as, or better than, a traditional central plant. Secondly, true to client expectations, this solution met high green building standards, even qualifying for LEED-Gold Certification. Finally, the self contained variable air-volume system provided the client the ultimate in building operation flexibility by using only localized equipment to provide floor or spot air conditioning in lieu of turning on a major central plant.
Upon the building’s completion in the fall of 2008, both its occupants and owner were completely satisfied with the equipment’s performance, cost and reliability. And neighboring buildings were “green” with envy.
