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Our solution: Load Compensation Unit, LC/CVE combination
Site: Greenock, Scotland
Energy type: Natural Gas
Trial date: March 2008
FM Contractor: Johnson Controls
Trialed on: 2 Gas Fired Hot Water Boilers
Result: 13.31% savings in Gas consumption

IBM's Greenock site was selected as an ideal location to evaluate the Load Compensation Control modules from the Système Synergie LC/CVE combination units. Enersol's CVE technology had previously been deployed at the site, and was therefore excluded from this evaluation. Control units were installed on each of the two gas fired boilers along with 'hours run' meters to monitor the firing of the boilers and record the run times in either high or low fire modes.

The LC control modules were turned to Save mode (on) and Bypass mode (off) on alternate days, and the cumulative hours were then compared to assess the energy reduction when the controls were online. The building service levels are under the control of an Andover Infinity 8000 BMS. This was used to maintain comfort levels and to ensure no loss of service.

All data was recorded by on-site personnel from IBM's FM contractor, Johnson Controls. Outside temperatures during the trial were often below freezing, generating high levels of demand. Even under this high load condition, the Système Synergie Load Compensation controls achieved significant reductions in fuel use and similarly in emissions (see below). During the LC assessment period, a reduction in fuel use of 13.31% was recorded.Result from the trial at IBM Greenock with Johnson Controls showing a saving of 13.31%.

Emissions reduction

Natural gas consists mainly of methane (CH4) which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 22 times that of CO2 over a 100 year time horizon. As well as the financial savings outlined above, a fuel use reduction of 13% would provide a similar emissions reduction in methane, a particularly harmful greenhouse gas. CVE Technology had also been deployed at this site, and the combined effect of CVE with Load Compensation would deliver very significant emissions reductions indeed - certainly greater than 20%.