ADVANTAGES – EXAMPLE
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS
APPLICATION
In the laboratories of Owens Science Hall at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota), the existing airflow control using venturi valves had become outdated. High pressure losses resulted in enormous energy consumption, disruptive noise levels, and frequent air quality issues.
CHALLENGE
The building features 90 lab exhausts and more than 200 valves. These operated at a static pressure of up to -1245 Pa, causing not only extremely loud operation – “like a freight train through the classroom” (quote from Dr. Borgerding, Head of Chemistry) – but also six-figure annual energy costs. It was also essential to retain the existing stainless steel ducts and implement a solution that could be installed gradually without disrupting ongoing operations.
SOLUTION
The university opted for AccuValve technology from Accutrol. Thanks to its low pressure drop and ability to operate reliably even under high pressures, the new valves were installed in three phases without interrupting operations. Another advantage: AccuValve continuously measures airflow and immediately reports any issues – from blocked dampers to fouled heat exchangers – ensuring a high level of safety for students and faculty.
RESULTS
| Energy Savings: | Over $75,000 annually (approx. 813,000 kWh) |
| Incentives: | Additional $73,000 in energy efficiency grants |
| Noise Level: | Reduced from 56 dBA to 49 dBA → normal lectures can now proceed without disturbance |
| Flexibility: | The system was installed over three years in phases, operating alongside the existing infrastructure |
