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Maine School Administrative District #74 (“MSAD #74”) retained
Cordjia Capital Projects Group (“Cordjia”) to perform an Operational
Health Check and Retro-Commissioning study for the (1) Carrabec High
School, (2) Carrabec Community, and (3) Garret Schenck Elementary
School.
Cordjia’s evaluation included a study of the mechanical, electrical,
building automation systems, ancillary systems, and building
operations as well as a study of Efficiency Maine energy incentive
opportunities for the three schools.
We verified that the systems and equipment were installed
pursuant to the design drawings and inspected the condition and
confirmed the age of all major components and systems. We evaluated
all documents and sequence of operations for proper systems
installation and operations. All sensors, actuators, valves, and
system components were tested and operated to ensure proper
operation. We also provided a cost savings study, return on
investment analysis, and energy savings options.
Systems evaluated included:
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Building Automation Systems
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Boilers
Circulation Pumps
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Domestic Hot Water Systems
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Air Compressors and Dryers
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Air Handler and Split HVAC Units
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Unit Ventilators
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Exhaust Fans
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Cabinet Unit Heaters
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Fin-Tube Radiation
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Variable Air Volume Boxes
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Reheat Coils
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Thermostats
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Lighting and Exit Signage
Findings
Through the Operational Health Check and
Retro-Commissioning study, Cordjia determined, in general, the
mechanical systems for the three schools evaluated are in poor to
good condition and could benefit from additional building automation
controls.
Additional opportunities throughout the three
schools include:
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There are boilers that have reached the end
of their useful service life and should be replaced
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A number of boilers are set up in a
lead/lag sequence but do not alternate
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Several exhaust fans are missing and in
disrepair and should be installed or repaired
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Equipment schedules should be developed
which will reduce electric demand charges by 50%
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A building control strategy should be
implemented for the air handler units
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Air handler unit discharge air setpoint
spreads should be decreased
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Air handler units should be rebalanced to
original specifications
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In areas where outside air reset is
available, it should be calibrated
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Domestic hot water systems should be
completely independent of one another
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Air leak tests should be performed on the
compressed air systems
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Various light fixtures should be replaced
with LED bulbs
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Efficiency Maine Incentives
MSAD #74 and Cordjia partnered with Efficiency
Maine on this Operational Health Check and Retro-Commissioning
initiative. The
Retro-Commissioning program established by Efficiency Maine will
fund this project in two phases.
The first phase is the initial assessment report and the
second phase is the implementation phase.
Both phases have the same incentive structure where
Efficiency Maine will pay for 50% of the costs, up to $10,000.
All the recommendations included in Cordjia’s report fall
under the implementation phase of the program.
Other Considerations
The mechanical equipment deficiencies and
operational strategies identified to MSAD #74 are recommended as a
first step to ensure the buildings are operating as efficiently as
possible. In line with
this, Cordjia also recommended that the schools be maintained in a
sustainable manner, and, as such, we recommended implementing the
following programs that will continue to benefit MSAD #74 for many
years to come:
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Preventative maintenance program
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Operator training program
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Capital repair/replacement program
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