Distributed energy system by Trystate

HVAC & Thermal Systems

Business Case

Distributed energy system by Trystate

Project story

Heating, cooling, and power for a large residential building

Key Facts

Project figures

- 287k sq. ft. building size
- $349k annual savings
- $300k utility incentives applied
- $600k+ energy and fines annual savings

Introduction

The Versailles, part of the Towers at Waters Edge campus, is a 16-floor residential building comprised of condo style apartments and three retail spaces. With New York City’s new regulations on the carbon emission rates of large-scale buildings in effect, this real estate client set out in search of an engineering and construction firm with the capabilities of delivering an improved heating and cooling system for a substantially sized residential building while also adding back-up power. Our team at Trystate, part of MEP Services group, was able to deliver a modern system capable of meeting both energy efficiency and local regulation requirements.

Challenges

Under NYC’s Local Law 97, large-scale buildings are required to make substantial efforts to reduce carbon emissions. To meet their target, our client recognized they needed a firm capable of offering modern solutions for energy efficiency in heating, cooling and distributed energy within an occupied condominium currently using an antiquated boiler plant for steam production. This project would require cost-effective work performed on a tight timeline to help avoid emissions penalties and expedite the realization of a more resilient and energy efficient building.

Solution

Prior to the start of the project, Trystate used our in-house calculator to assess the allowable emissions levels and potential
fines associated with Local Law 97. We began work in 2018 with the goals of converting the building from steam to hot water heating, improving system reliability, providing electrical resiliency, and reducing electricity and gas consumption. Our design-build approach incorporated engineering, modeling, and scheduling, along with our construction services and preventive maintenance. High efficiency
boilers now provide heat to the building, while a direct fired chiller not only produces cooling, but recycles heat waste to warm the condominium swimming pool. Three microturbines produce electricity and hot water, while simultaneously acting as a backup power supply for the building’s critical systems. In addition, performing work across the condominium while the building remained occupied by residents required specialized planning and care. We were able to successfully maneuver through all challenges.

Results

Our successful upgrades to the client’s building are expected to save approximately $340,000 USD per year, while also reducing potential LL97 fines by over $200,000. The final project received nearly $300,000 in incentives from the local utility, Con Edison. Thus, our upgrades successfully reduced our client’s carbon footprint while increasing total energy efficiency and serving as a backup power supply in case of a blackout.