 |
 |
 |
THE LABORATORY AIRFLOW & FUME HOOD CONTROLS SYSTEM RE-COMMISSIONING PROGRAM addresses the issue of wasted energy in labs through a multi-step process:
Newmatic Engineering’s Lab-RCx Program was developed to save energy costs in laboratories. Engineering solutions are coupled with industry-leading equipment and comprehensive commissioning protocols that are intended to make labs more energy efficient, safe, comfortable and quiet. This Program is funded by ratepayers in Pacific Gas & Electric Company's service territory. Only PG&E customers are eligible to receive incentives. Program rules apply. Contact us for details.
Examples of optimization projects include:
- Laboratory airflow controls systems re-commissioning
- Laboratory control retrofits (upgrades to more energy-efficient systems)
- Usage based controls upgrades (adding occupancy sensors to fume hoods)
- Air change rate reduction
- Building airflow reduction and rebalance
- Static pressure set point reduction
Labs are expensive to operate. A typical lab facility has 5 to 10 times the operating cost of a similarly-sized commercial building and most of that cost is attributed to ventilation:
- Labs require 100% single-pass outside air 24-hours a day every day for ventilation (no recirculation), and
- Labs have fume hoods that require significant amounts of make-up air. A typical fume hood costs over $5000 per year to operate. Many labs have multiple fume hoods.
NE's Optimization Programs
Newmatic Engineering has developed a comprehensive suite of laboratory airflow controls optimization programs aimed at:
- Lowering energy costs in labs
- Maximizing safety
- Reducing downtime
- Enhancing comfort
- Reducing noise
- Protecting capital investment
Those Who Can Benefit
 |
 |
Sample Savings
Labs use large amounts of heating and cooling energy to maintain appropriate space conditions. Furthermore, if the system is operating improperly or is out of calibration, actual air volumes can be higher than required, resulting in wasted energy. Some systems we have optimized are shown in the table below:
Laboratory |
Total Annual Savings |
kWh Saved Per Year |
Therms Saved Per Year |
Santa Monica Community College |
$37,108 |
337,342 kWh |
18,407 therms |
University of California at San Diego, Center for Molecular Medicine East |
$330,000 |
2,557,000 kWh |
118,400 therms |
Cal Poly Pomona, Building 4 |
$89,823 |
561,394 kWh |
24,951 therms |
