Optimization Delivers Day-One Efficiency for Austin Mixed-Use Tower
A luxury hotel with office space achieved remarkable efficiency with the Xpress® adaptive-control solution, experiencing substantial energy and cost savings while maintaining exceptional guest comfort throughout the transition.
.15-.25
kW/ton
monthly efficiency improvement
99%
optimization uptime across total plant run-time
location
Austin, TX
size
2,200 tons capacity
industry
Hospitality
The Problem
Maximizing New System Performance
In the heart of Austin, Texas, a 392-bed hotel complex featuring office space and dining facilities faced significant energy efficiency challenges during a major infrastructure upgrade. The property’s cooling infrastructure consisted of three chillers with a combined capacity of 2,200 tons, operating through a variable primary system with dedicated primary pumps and a variable condenser loop with dedicated condenser pumps.
Despite having updated equipment, the building automation system (BAS) relied on standard control sequences, resulting in suboptimal performance at 0.89 kW/ton (a measure of energy consumption per ton of cooling, where lower numbers indicate better efficiency). With a chiller plant replacement underway, management sought an optimization solution that would deliver immediate results while ensuring long-term operational benefits.
The Solution
Real-Time Adaptive Optimization
The property implemented Xpress®, an adaptive-control based chilled water optimization solution, seamlessly integrating it with their existing building automation system. The platform’s adaptive algorithms delivered sophisticated control through four key optimization strategies:
- Efficiency-based Chiller Sequencing: Intelligent management of the facility’s three chillers based on real-time demand and performance metrics.
- Adaptive Pump Sequencing: Dynamic control of primary and condenser pumps to maintain optimal efficiency across varying load conditions.
- Chilled Water Optimization: Continuous adjustment of temperature and flow rates throughout the building to match actual cooling requirements while maintaining consistent comfort levels.
- Condenser Water Optimization: Real-time management of condenser water temperature and flow rates to maximize system efficiency and extend equipment life.
“The ‘day one’ optimization approach delivered immediate returns on our chiller plant investment, bypassing the typical efficiency ramp-up period and maximizing energy savings from startup.”
Physical Plant Manager
the results
Immediate and Substantial Benefits
Xpress® transformed the hotel’s energy profile while enhancing operational reliability and guest comfort. The customized optimization platform delivered immediate efficiency gains that translated into long-term operational and financial benefits:
- Energy Reduction: 750,000 kWh saved yearly through optimized operations
- Efficiency Gains: Monthly kW/ton efficiency improved by 0.15-0.25, establishing a new baseline for building performance
- System Reliability: 99% optimization uptime across total plant run-time, ensuring consistent comfort for guests and office tenants
- Equipment Longevity: Reduced mechanical stress and wear extends operational lifespan, decreasing long-term capital expenditure requirements