Experimental investigations and practical experiences in Europe have proved that hydronic cooled ceilings are able to remove high cooling loads without impairing thermal comfort. As hydronic cooled ceilings cannot remove latent loads and pollutants, e.g., C02, VOCs, odors, additional ventilation has to be applied. Often, displacement ventilation is used, which is able to provide lower pollutant levels in the occupation zone than mixing flow systems, if the occupants are causing most of the pollution.
General Dynamics Armament Systems was looking for a way to improve the performance of the ventilation system in their Lakeside Avenue industrial plant in Burlington, Vermont. By utilising adjustable speed drives (ASDs) and making other modifications to the system, they were able to improve the plant's overall operating efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the work environment and worker health and safety. This Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration Project has resulted in annual savings of more than USD 68, 000, with a payback of just under one and a half years.