Piscataway, New Jersey

Project at a Glance:

• Client was the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School District.
• Project was for the Piscataway Vo-Tech Campus.
• Client received a $100,000 rebate for installing a high-efficiency ice storage system.
• Replaced existing HVAC equipment with new ice storage system.

This project involved replacement of the HVAC system for the 257,000 square foot, 30-year old Vo-Tech School in Piscataway. The high school serves more than 300 students and offers training in seven career areas.

The new HVAC system creates an Ice Bank, which provides chilled water for cooling the building during the day. The ice is made at night during off peak times. The result is less electric usage.

Thermal Energy Storage Systems significantly reduce energy costs by allowing energy intensive cooling equipment to be operated during off-peak hours when electricity rates are the least expensive, while still providing a cool and very comfortable environment for occupants.

Benefits for the owner include the following:

• Reduces cooling costs by up to 40% by shifting a building’s energy demand from on-peak to off-peak electric times.
• With a partial storage Off-Peak Cooling System, engineers can specify chillers at 50% to 60% of the previous size, reducing capital outlays.
• The size & cost of air handlers, motors, ducts, and pumps can be reduced by 20% to 40%.
• OPC lowers the relative humidity within a building and, as a result, occupants feel comfortable even if the thermostat is set at a higher, more cost-saving setting.
• Increases a building’s load factor so less-expensive energy rates can be negotiated with energy providers.

Ice saves energy

Interior photo of Middlesex County Vo-Tech