The Operating Engineers Pension Trust Fund Local 12 is headquartered in a 210,000-sf, four-story office building in Pasadena, Calif.
Bruce Manning, chief engineer for the OEPTF, looked at every possible way to minimize energy use and save money for the engineers when it was time to replace the facility's original cooling system—two 120-ton, open-drive Carrier 5H120 reciprocating compressors connected to a built-up direct-expansion coil with 16 expansion valves.
In January, Manning decided it was time to replace the original compressors with oil-free units. Manning chose Danfoss Turbocor compressors with oil-free design, variable-frequency speed control, floating magnetic bearings, centrifugal compression, and digital controls.
“I was influenced by the fact that with only one moving part, no need for lubrication, and virtually no maintenance, both maintenance and energy costs could be significantly reduced,” Manning said.
So far, the move has paid off. Side-by-side comparisons of the old and new compressor systems show energy reductions of 65-70%.
Danfoss Input No. 203 at BDCnetwork.com/quickResponse
