ChallengeThe HVAC systems in the Moody County Courthouse were
more than 30 years old, failing, and in need of replacement.
Stand-alone unit controls were outdated and time consuming
to adjust. Moody County sought to replace its HVAC systems
to improve reliability and comfort, and to replace the controls
with a web-based central controls system to improve
efficiency and ease of use. The facility manager faced the
added challenge of replacing the systems without
compromising the integrity of the historical building.
SolutionMoody County Courthouse called on its engineering
consultant for a solution. With the previous HVAC setup
provided by Trane, the engineering consultant and the
courthouse facility manager enlisted the assistance of Trane
for the upgrade. After evaluating several options, the project
scope was outlined to include a Trane split system air-cooled
condensing unit with a remote heat exchanger, a high
efficiency boiler, variable frequency drives to reduce energy
use and improve comfort, and forty-five Trane™ UniTrane™
fan-coil units. In order to preserve the beauty of the historical
courthouse building, Trane also proposed the use of a
wireless controls system.
Moody County CourthouseWireless controls system provides reliable, flexible, efficient facility management;preserves integrity of historical building • Flandreau, South Dakota
Located in east central South Dakota, the three-story, 100 year old Moody County Courthouse was built to last. Constructedwith fireproof cement and steel, the building has a Bedford Stone exterior and twenty-four inch concrete interior walls. Thecourthouse is decorated with beautiful murals, walls faced with white marble four feet up from the floor and black marblebaseboards. The stairs are also white marble with wrought iron grill work and oak banisters, and lobby floors on each story areTerrazzo. Offices feature original oak floors with oak woodwork to match.
Providing efficiency and comfort
With low operating sound levels, Trane UniTrane™ fan-coil
units were installed to improve indoor air quality and provide
a comfortable environment for courthouse employees and
visitors. The units feature durable heavy gauge steel
construction, EC motors for energy efficiency using variable
speed, and attractive styling so as not to detract from the
aesthetics of the historical building. With factory-installed
piping packages with valves and unit-mounted controls, the
fan-coil units were easy to install, lowering installation time
and labor cost. Each fan coil unit is set up for single-zone
variable-air-volume (VAV) for flexibility to handle the
individual needs and varied occupancy levels in different
areas of the building, and to reduce energy use.
The 100 year old Moody County Courthouse combines the strength of
twenty-four inch concrete walls with the beauty of a historical décor.
February 2015Case study
Maintaining reliability, preserving history
Wanting to preserve the integrity of the historical building,
adding wired moldings for the new controls system was not
an option. Trane proposed the use of Trane® Air-Fi™ wireless
technology, which eliminates communication wires between
system controllers, unit controllers and zone sensors,
providing a more cost-effective controls upgrade, without
compromising the building’s beautiful wall murals and
architectural design. Placed in discrete locations so as not to
detract from the décor, the zone sensors help ensure a
strong, reliable signal through the concrete walls. The
redundant, self-repairing mesh technology of Air-Fi maintains
wireless communication, even when signals are obstructed.
Disrupted signals automatically and immediately reroute
around obstacles, helping eliminate the risk of disconnection.
Maximizing flexibility and efficiency
A Trane Tracer™ SC building automation system, tied to the
wireless controllers and sensors, provides system-wide
monitoring, control, and diagnostic capabilities from a single
location. The web-based system allows facility managers to
access systems remotely using a laptop or mobile device to
adjust scheduling to keep staff comfortable when working
late; put systems on unoccupied mode during holiday breaks;
raise or lower temperature for the purpose of comfort or
energy savings; or check alarms. The BAS helps to maximize
efficiency, providing reports on system performance to help
manage operating costs, simplify preventive maintenance,
and conduct troubleshooting to reduce equipment downtime.
ResultsHVAC upgrades at Moody County Courthouse have improved
reliability, enhanced comfort for employees and visitors, and
increased energy efficiency. Using a Trane Tracer™ SC
building automation system, courthouse facility managers
have flexible, remote access to all systems to efficiently
manage and improve building operations. Trane Air-Fi
wireless technology helps maintain a reliable controls
communication signal, while keeping the beauty of the
historical building intact.
“We could have gone with wired controls, but it would have
been difficult and would have added some time to the
installation,” said Scott Lewis, facilities manager, Moody
County Courthouse. “The wireless installation came together
so seamlessly. We got a signal, it works and it works well.
“Before when I was away from work, I didn’t know what was
going on in the building. Now I use an app on my iPhone to
access, monitor and control the systems when I’m not there. I
can keep an eye on the facility, even on weekends, and alarm
notifications come right to my phone.”
“I didn’t have experience with automation before, but it was
very easy to pick up,” Lewis added. “I love it. The Tracer SC
makes my life a lot easier, it’s way more efficient and I would
recommend it to any facility.”
The attractive styling of the Trane UniTrane™ fan-coil units blends with
the aesthetics of the historical courthouse building.
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We are committed to using environmentally conscious print practices. ©2014 Ingersoll Rand CASE-SLX400-EN February 12, 2015