Saving Electricity in Commercial Buildings with Adjustable-Speed Drives

Fan and chiller energy savings achievable in commercial buildings with adjustable-speed drives are described. The savings are estimated with the aid of parametric simulations from a sophisticated, hourly building energy simulation model. Two prototypes-a single-zone retail store and a multizone medium office building-are simulated for five U.S. locations. The model incorporates part-load performance curves for both inlet vane and adjustable-speed drive controls for fans and centrifugal chillers. The results identify economic conditions that justify the added expense of adjustable-speed drives.