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San Diego Convention Center:RetroCx Case StudyPresented By:Ted Spear, P.E., LEED AP O+MMitchell Chvilicek, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, CxAGreen Building Services, Inc.April 24, 2014

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyDescriptionUtility-funded retrocommissioning at the 2.6 million-square-foot San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) proved to be a cost-effective way to improve building performance, reduce energy usage, lengthen equipment life, and improve indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. Measures implemented resulted in an annual energy cost savings of $151,000.1April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyLearning ObjectivesUnderstand the objectives and process of the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Retro-commissioning program which is administered by Portland Energy Conservation, Inc. (PECI).Understand the facility conservation measures identified by the SDCC RetroCx process and the impact of implementation on building energy use and the resulting energy savings.Understand the value of Retro-commissioning from the owner's perspective and identify lessons learned and how they may apply to other building RCx projects.Strategize and plan how to position organizations, facilities, and projects for continual improvement by implementing a Retrocommissioning process.2April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case Study

SDCC Information3April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014The Convention Center facility spans eight city blocks and incorporates 2.6 million square feet1,763,876 square feet of conditioned spaceOpened 1989Expansion in 2001 (East Building)Coming Soon!Phase III (Mid 2018)401,500 Square Feet of meeting & exhibition space

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyThe Convention Center is one of San Diegos strongest economic engines, the facility spans eight city blocks and incorporates 2,618,190 square feet. The Corporation has six departments with 550 employees (operations being the largest).

The engineering budget is nearly 7 million dollars not including the $360 thousand spent on landscape

SDCC is slated to start a solar array on the roof, this project will generate about 8.5 % of the energy we use.

3SDCC Information4April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014September 2011Certified LEED EBOM SilverSource EUI 136 kBTU/SF (34% better than national average = 12 points EAc1)

2013 economic impact = $1.28 BillionHosted 148 eventsWelcomed over 766,848 guestsLargest annual event is Comic Con

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyAny other pertinent LEED EBOM info: Mainly EA and EQ? 2010 Lighting replacement helped with Source EUI and also reduced Mercury inventory by 91% earning points for the LEED EBOM process.4SDCC Information5April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Central PlantTwo 500 MBH Natural Gas BoilersTwo centrifugal water-cooled 600 ton chillers w/VFDs (2005)Two centrifugal water-cooled 1,200 ton chillers w/VFDs (2001)One centrifugal water-cooled 1,200 ton chiller wo/VFD (IGV) (2005)Four other remote air-cooled chillersConstant volume primary pumps, variable speed secondary pumps in 2005Five cooling towers with variable speed fans, constant speed condenser water pumps

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySDCC Information6April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Seventy Six CAV / VAV Air Handling UnitsAll units are capable of 100% OSA economizerCAV and VAV air terminal units with reheatThree building automation systems1989 system for West building AHUs2001 system for East building AHUs2011 Tridium open platform integration Wireless Lighting Control System for exhibit Halls was commissioned in late 2011

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySan Diego RCx Program7April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014The San Diego Retrocommissioning ProgramFunded by California utility customersAdministered by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities CommissionThrough a contract awarded to Portland Energy Conservation, Inc (PECI)

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySan Diego RCx Program8April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014The RCx Program is a retrocommissioning/recommissioning focused program.Through observation, targeted functional testing, and analysis of trend data, the Provider identifies deficiencies in the operation of the mechanical equipment, lighting, and related controls, and determines opportunities for corrective action and other operational and maintenance improvements that reduce energy consumption and demand.

Take a bite out of your energy budget !!!

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySan Diego RCx Program9April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Who is Eligible?To be eligible for RCx Program incentives, the building owner must commit funds to implement energy-saving measures that payback in two years or less after incentives are applied. The owners obligation is capped at 5% of the buildings annual electric cost.Buildings that have an electric or natural gas account with SDG&EBuildings with at least 50,00 square feet of conditioned space usually served by one mechanical system and/or control systemIdeal building candidates have a central plant and direct digital controls (DDC)San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case Study9San Diego RCx Program10April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Barriers to RetrocommissioningUpfront (investigation) costsAre there qualified Providers?What is the value?We dont have time or budget for that!What is covered for large venues?Will existing system be able to handle the data points?Completing the project without impacting business

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyGBS Note: Picture not of SDCC but another GBS Cx project.

SDCC: regarding utility program for large Bldgs (> 50K sf) Ron said it was somewhat of a barrier being an extremely large public assembly bldg (2.6 mil sf) as it limited their access to the program hence when they applied to the program they entered two Bldgs East and West10San Diego RCx Program11April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014The Program can alleviate barriers to RCxFree Custom Engineering Study (No cost to Owner)Provider PaymentsInvestigation: Up to $0.06 per conditioned square footVerification and Follow-up: Customized rate, estimated at $0.04 per implemented kWh, and $1.04 per implemented thermTotal: Average of $0.12 per conditioned square footSan Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyThe program pays the Provider for their work after two phases: the completion of the RCx Investigation and completion of the Verification/Follow-up. Payments are triggered by the receipt, and Program approval of deliverables.11San Diego RCx Program12April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Incentives for OwnersOwners choice of Program prequalified ProvidersImplementation Incentives. The Program provides financial assistance to reduce payback periods for eligible measures. This implementation incentive, paid directly to the building owner, is $0.08 per kWh and $1.00 per therm, (equates to about $0.05 per square foot on average).By addressing common but subtle operational problems, the Program can eliminate energy waste while improving the performance and increasing the life of your buildings systems.Increases the value of the facility and enhance marketability, when you can prove how efficient the building is (cost per sf)San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySan Diego RCx Program13April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Typical eligible measures under the ProgramHVACLightingDomestic Hot WaterMiscellaneous Pumps (booster pumps, fountains, etc.)Building Envelope (except measures that would require a permit, such as replacing all the windows in a building)RefrigerationSan Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySan Diego RCx Program14April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Items and measures which are excluded for the ProgramLamp, ballast, fixture replacementsReplacement of existing motors with premium efficiency motorsMajor plant or distribution conversionsShort-term routine maintenance items, such as filter changes, lubrication and fan belt adjustments. However, changing the type of filtration is an eligible measure.Measures that dont save energy; however, recommendations uncovered during the investigation that improve other items (e.g. IAQ, equipment life) should be indicated in the report.If previous modifications within the last 5 years carried out utilizing utility incentives, then similar measures are not eligible.Ongoing modifications may postpone RCx effortsSan Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySan Diego RCx Program15April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014The goal of the Program is to implement the following types of measures:Fix problems with existing controlsEnhance the control and operation of existing equipmentMake repairs or upgrades to existing equipment to make it run more efficiently (& deferred maintenance steam traps)Educate the building operations staff on the most efficient manner in which to operate the building.San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySan Diego RCx Program16April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Four Primary Phases in the ProgramScreeningInvestigationImplementationVerification of Savings / Follow-up

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyRCx Program: Screening Phase17April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014RCx Program Screening On-site FormInformation completed by Program and building representativesContains sample questions and information about the building and systemsEstablishes a starting point to focus investigationSan Diego Convention Center Screening completed on May 17, 2007

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyHas the building been commissioned, re-commissioned, or retro-commissioned?Are there planned additions to the building or planned changes to systems?HVAC, lighting and controls systems information, building schedules, information about available documentation (controls points list, as-built plans, TAB report, etc.)Energy Star information and forms

17RCx Program: Investigation Phase18April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Kick-off MeetingConducted at the outset of the investigationEnsures all stakeholders are clear about Program process expectations and team roles.One Month Check-InAt the one month point of RCx investigation the Provider develops and submits a Preliminary List of Findings (PLF) and assessment of the buildings BAS.Summarizes the progress of the investigation to dateDetailed calculations not required at this point (rules of thumb and experience)Projects viability is reviewedSan Diego Convention Center preliminary investigation completed May 2009 and project was put on hold to complete a scoping study (stakeholder proof)San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case Study1819April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014FREE Energy projects Facility Retrofits in Energy EfficiencyThese projects were funded by the local public utility (SDG&E)

2005 - Replacement of five natural gas chillers (3,600 tons) with three new electric high-efficiency centrifugal chillers (2,400 tons) while improving comfort and energy efficiency - Cost $4,067,500 (delivered $113,000 under budget) Incentives of $467,769 from SDG&E - 2,887,836 kWh - $433,159 saved annually

2005 - Operation of chilled water loop as thermal energy storage system to cool electrical and storage rooms - Cost $3,645 (programming only) - 710,850 kWh - $64,687 saved annually (good example of fine tuning, 2.9 week ROI)

Other Recent SDCC ProjectsSan Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyGBS Notes: Origin of energy efficiency and sustainable practices since occupancy in 1989 always part of their culture, management team and staff were always looking for ways to save energy, expand recycling programs, etc., much before the green market hit. Market eventually caught up and ended up much broader than what SDCC had been considering. Lot of opportunities to be green does not have to be expensive i.e. use CHWS as thermal storage so chillers can turn off at night. Some green practices are expensive or require capital i.e. solar (note, solar array being considered with expansion either East or West side roofs)1920April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014FREE Energy projects Facility Retrofits in Energy Efficiency2010 - Installation of real time energy meters providing consumption data, demand and power quality Cost $26,840 - 427 KW demand reduction $19,733 saved during 9 events the first year

2011 - Retrofit Exhibit Hall Hi-bay HID fixtures with fluorescent fixtures and wireless controls Cost $353,278 1,299,041 kWh - $210,939 saved annually

2012 - Installation of Vending Misers on all facility machines Cost $2,685 - 18,054 kWh - $2,708 saved annually

2012 - Retrofit our IT computer room with virtual servers Cost $7,100 - 8,826 kWh - $1,324 saved annuallyOther Recent SDCC Projects

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyRCx Program: (Re)Investigation Phase21April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Green Building Services was contracted as the Provider to recommence the RCx Program for SDCC in December 2010Reviewed all project documentation, conducted kick-off meeting, recommenced investigation from the beginningInvestigationDecember 2010 through September 2011Utilized BAS trend data, stand-alone data loggers and observations to develop baseline data that demonstrates the problem or opportunitySummarizes the investigation in the Programs Findings Workbook (FWB)San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyHad remote access first to newer DDC BAS, prior to trip down so we could focus our site efforts on21RCx Program: Investigation Phase22April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014InvestigationMaster List of Findings (MLF) and Investigation ReportComplete set of measures identifiedEnergy savings calculations, estimated costs, and simple payback calculationsSubmitted for review and approval by the Program

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyRCx Program: Investigation Phase23April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014InvestigationApproval of the FWB, Investigation Report and associated documentationProvider presents investigation resultsAssist building staff in selecting measures for implementationRequired RCx Measures (2 years or less payback)Recommended RCx Measures (exceed 2 year payback)Documentation used to move the project into implementation phaseSan Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyRCx Program: Implementation Phase24April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014ImplementationOwner and team implements measures selectedProvider updates documentation for implemented measuresProgram and utility review and approve verification dataSDCC Implementation and verification: September 2011 through September 2012Follow-up / Hand-offProvider delivers final reportProvider and appropriate team members provide trainingPersistence Plan now included in Final Report for each measureSan Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyProvider updates FWB Implementation Summary TableProof of measure implementationUpdate savings calculations, trend data, contractor invoices, etc.

24SDCC RCx Program: Implemented Measures25April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Measure 2: East AHUs Fan ModificationConstant volume/constant speed AHUs (VFDs for balancing only)Serve large entry areas and corridors outside of Assembly Halls and Meeting RoomsModify operations of 16 AHUsCompleted September 2012Implementation Cost: $10,466Implemented Energy and Cost Savings: 239,654 kWh and 29.5 kW, or $21,940 (0.5 year payback)Non-energy impacts: The lobby areas are quieter and less drafty when there is low demand in the space. Connection to a newer graphics package allows improved trending, scheduling, more reliable response to user complaints and general improved operations and troubleshooting through newer graphics and improved sequence of operations. San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyOperate fans in LOW speed and modulate heating and cooling valves firstIf zone temperature is still not satisfied, increase fan speed (existing VFDs)

25SDCC RCx Program: Implemented Measures26April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Measure 3: VFD and Controls Upgrade for Assembly Hall AHUsConstant volume/constant speed AHUs (high run time hours)No trending or scheduling capabilitiesVFD retrofit and modify operations of 12 AHUsCompleted September 2012Implementation Cost: $498,690Implemented Energy and Cost Savings: 1,293,965 kWh and 178 kW, or $118,890 AND 7,257 therms, or $5,547 (4 year payback, 3.1 w/incentives)Non-energy impacts: The Assembly Halls are less drafty during non-peak demand. New Controllers for these units provides improved trending, scheduling, more reliable response to user complaints and general improved operations and troubleshooting through newer graphics and improved sequence of operations. San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySF and RF VFDs, new BACnet controllers, DDC graphics and DCV utilizing existing CO2/CO sensors Update with similar sequence of operations as previous Measure 2

26SDCC RCx Program: Implemented Measures27April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Measure 4: AHU-15 and AHU-16 Fan ModificationConstant volume/constant speed AHUs (VFDs for balancing only)Modify operations of the 2 AHUsCompleted September 2012 (programming was still occurring at hand-off)Implementation Cost: $16,132Implemented Energy and Cost Savings: 17,400 kWh and 2.45 kW, or $1,600 (estimated savings not fully realized-full programming not complete)Non-energy impacts: New Controllers for these units provides improved trending, scheduling, more reliable response to user complaints and general improved operations and troubleshooting through newer graphics and improved sequence of operations. San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyOperate fans in LOW speed and modulate heating and cooling valves firstIf zone temperature is still not satisfied, increase fan speed (existing VFDs)Similar to measure 2, except include upgrade to controls with enhanced programming, monitoring and trending capabilities.

27SDCC RCx Program: Implemented Measures28April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Measure 5: AHU-45 Leaking Valve and Unstable SAT ControlCooling coil control valve leaked when shut and control loop tuning unstableRepaired the leaking valve and tuned the SAT control loopCompleted September 2012Implementation Cost: $269 (not including in-house work)Implemented Energy and Cost Savings: 4,922 kWh, or $432 AND 763 therms, or $583 (0.3 year payback)Non-energy impacts: Enhanced occupant comfort and increased heating and cooling plant capacities by reducing waste/inefficiency. San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySDCC RCx Program: Implemented Measures29April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Measure 7: AHU-70 Leaking Valve and Unstable SAT ControlCooling coil control valve leaked when shut and control loop tuning unstable (heating coil was manually shut off)Repaired the leaking valve and tuned the SAT control loopCompleted September 2012Implementation Cost: $269 (not including in-house work)Implemented Energy and Cost Savings: 22,481 kWh, or $2,010 (0.1 year payback)Non-energy impacts: Enhanced occupant comfort and increased heating and cooling plant capacities by reducing waste/inefficiency. San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySDCC RCx Program: Non-Implemented Measures30April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Measure 1: AHU-19 Economizer ControlAHU-19 did not provide full economizer when conditions allowed Damper operation corrected and re-programming was implemented and checked however, post-installation data was not sufficient to prove successful implementation.Measure 6: AHU-55 Leaking Valve and Unstable SAT ControlCooling coil control valve leaked when shut and control loop tuning unstableExcessive estimated payback.San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySDCC utilized some of the results/findings for deferred maintenance and other enhancements (i.e. repaired 18 other AHU coil valves) not part of RCx Program scope

30SDCC RCx Program Measures Summary31April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Measure IDElectric Savings (kWh)Demand Savings (kW)Gas Savings (Therms)Energy Cost Savings ($)Implementation Cost ($)Simple Payback (Years)2239,65429.50$21,939$10,4660.531,293,965178.07,257$124,437$498,6904417,4002.50$1,600$16,13210.154,9220763$1,015$2690.3722,48100$2,010$2690.1Total1,578,4222108,020$151,002$525,8273.5San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyTotal project cost was $790,704. Net cost to owner was $525,827, implementation incentive (rebate) for owner was $110,7743132April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014SDCC Energy Utilization Index Over the YearsSan Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudyDavid P: Im hesitant to use this chart to measure RCx measures savings. At the whole-building level like this, you cant decipher details like facility use, weather, building changes like reconfigurations or new equipment, etc. Executives *want* to use this, but its important to recognize the Program measures savings with calculations, usually with trend data or spot measurements from the building.

3233April 24, 2014ACG Cx Energy 2014Lessons Learned / OpportunitiesGBS as the ProviderSubstantial savings identified, implemented and verified despite limited project scope (AHU systems only)Importance of articulating cost benefit of project - valuePECI as the ProgramRecognize risk of installing/using newly developed software to aid in investigationthis idea was ultimately scrapped but caused delaysGood idea to have a scoping report or preliminary list of findings developed early on in the investigation with all projects big and smallSan Diego Convention CenterImpact of control modifications on other systems (lighting & Fire System)Under estimated time commitment needed to verify goals were achieved

San Diego Convention Center RetroCx Case StudySDCC: Lessons Learned Controls to fit mods in system at SDCC lighting and fire protection did not migrate spent lot more $ and time correcting shortcomings SDCC was somewhat blindsided in all of this in retrospect it was a hidden danger through the RCx process learned that some things are not verified. SDCC underestimated time commitment i.e. thought 10 hrs per week to support was sufficient but required much more although the final outcomes were much better than they anticipated Currently all HVAC control JCI system (or just one control program) and Fire life safety under Honeywell (or separate system) Regarding owners risk (commitment to implement all measures