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NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY SNELL LIBRARY

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

SUMMARY

In 2010, Northeastern University installed a new high-efficiency modular chiller for their Library chilled water plant to supplement an aging centrifugal chiller. Unfortunately, the new chiller had trouble from the initial startup. After months of troubleshooting, the new chiller was set as a backup to limit its runtime unless it was truly needed. In 2015, the University upgraded the existing system pumps to new, high-efficiency variable speed pump skids. When B2Q completed an ASRHAE Level II audit in 2015, we identified that the plant could be running more efficiently and reliably with relatively small controls changes. B2Q recommended revising the pump sequence of operation and the chiller sequencing to capitalize on the part load performance of the modular chiller.

We were hired as design engineers to implement our measures and troubleshoot the modular chiller to get it running for the first time. B2Q identified several sources of the faults, including improperly-wired valve end switches, poor flow balancing between the chillers, and improper programming of the modular chiller's control panel. We also worked with a third party startup technician to diagnose other mechanical issues.

The new sequence of operation was implemented and the mechanical and control issues with the modular chiller were repaired. Since the spring of 2019, the modular chiller has been running successfully as the lead chiller in swing seasons, increasing plant efficiency, reducing demand on building technicians, and extending the life of the older centrifugal chiller.

Market:

Colleges and Universities

Services:

Energy Efficiency and Analysis
Building Systems
Building Commissioning

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The ETIC RCx project was an outstanding success, delivering verified energy savings and operational improvements that exceeded UMass Lowell’s expectations. The project achieved impressive annual cost savings—10% higher than initially projected—while reducing energy intensity by 14% for UMass Lowell’s third-largest utility account.

Beyond cost savings, the initiative delivered significant environmental benefits, cutting annual carbon emissions by 530,000 lbCO2e. Additionally, it enhanced lab safety through robust lab pressurization tracking and the recalibration of all terminal devices.

This success was made possible through the unwavering collaboration between UMass Lowell, B2Q, and NGRID, demonstrating the power of partnership and a shared commitment to cost efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Daniel Abrahamson 
University of Massachusetts Amherst

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