Protocols & Procedures (WIP)
Explore measurement guides developed by CUNY BPL for agency use, for evaluating pre- and post-retrofit conditions of common retrofits under DEM’s energy efficiency programs. Learn more about this guide and see how to get started.
All Plants
Plants are centralized systems that work together to maintain occupant comfort and provide essential functions in a facility such as air, water, and electricity distribution. Plants comprise various systems and components that serve different functions. More
The operation and efficiency of the systems and their components determine the energy consumption and environmental impact of the plant. Monitoring building systems and components can provide a better understanding of how energy is used and where improvements can be made to reduce consumption, GHG emissions, and operational costs to meet efficiency and environmental goals. Read more about each plant below. LessAir-cooled Chilled Water Plant
An air-cooled chilled water plant consists of an air-cooled chiller system and a chilled water loop system operating to meet the cooling demand in a …
Related systems
Air Handling Plant
This plant conditions and distributes air in a facility to meet required indoor environmental conditions. This plant works in conjunction with heating and …
Hot-water Heating Plant
Produces and distributes hot water in a facility. Terminal units are used to reject heat from the hot water and provide heating to one or more spaces.
Related systems
Lighting Plant
Consists of the electrical distribution system and light fixture systems to provide illumination to the interior and exterior of the facility.
Related systems
Steam Plant
Produces and distributes steam throughout the facility for space heating. Terminal units are used to reject heat to the spaces, condensate recovery systems …
Related systems
- Boiler
- Feedwater System
- Steam Condensate Recovery
Related systems of Steam Plant
Boiler
Produces hot water or steam with the use of fuel oil or natural gas.
Feedwater System
Used in hot water heating and steam plants, the feedwater system maintains a sufficient water level in a boiler with make-up water and condensate water.
Steam Condensate Recovery
The steam condensate recovery system is responsible for collecting condensate from the steam distribution system through steam traps.
Steam Distribution
Responsible for distributing the steam produced by a steam boiler system as well as handling any condensate generated in the process.
Water-cooled Chilled Water Plant
Consists of a water-cooled chiller system, a condenser water loop system and a chilled water loop system operating to meet cooling demand in a facility.
Related systems
- Chilled Water Loop
- Condenser Water Loop
- Water-cooled Chiller
Related systems of Water-cooled Chilled Water Plant
Chilled Water Loop
Connected to the evaporator side of a chiller, this system moves chilled water or other liquid in the facility to provide cooling with the help of pumps and a piping …
Condenser Water Loop
Connects to the condenser side of a water-cooled chiller and uses pumps to transfer water or other liquid to cooling tower fans which reject heat to the outdoor air.
Water-cooled Chiller
Produces chilled liquid and works in conjunction with an AHU to provide cooling. The condenser side rejects heat to the outdoor air using cooling towers.
Waterside Economizer
Used to cool or partially cool the chilled water without mechanical heat transfer when outdoor air temperatures are cold enough to meet the building’s cooling demand.
All Systems
Systems are interconnected groups of equipment within a facility that support the operation of the building’s plant. These systems fulfill essential functions such as supplying conditioned air, electricity, and hot and cold water, ensuring the building operates efficiently and meets occupant needs. More
Certain systems can be measured to determine their energy usage, which helps in estimating their annual energy consumption. By monitoring these systems, inefficiencies can be identified more easily, performance can be optimized, and energy use can be managed effectively to meet sustainability goals. Other systems consist of multiple components that collectively support system operations. To accurately assess the energy consumption of such systems, all components within them should be measured. Read more about each system below. LessAir-cooled Chiller
Produces chilled liquid and works in conjunction with an AHU to provide cooling. The condenser rejects heat absorbed by the refrigerant directly to the …
Related Components
Air-to-air Energy Recovery
Uses heat exchangers to transfer heat from the outgoing air stream (return air) to the incoming air stream (outdoor air).
Related Components
Boiler
Produces hot water or steam with the use of fuel oil or natural gas.
Chilled Water Loop
Connected to the evaporator side of a chiller, this system moves chilled water or other liquid in the facility to provide cooling with the help of pumps …
Condenser Water Loop
Connects to the condenser side of a water-cooled chiller and uses pumps to transfer water or other liquid to cooling tower fans which reject heat to the …
Related Components
- Constant-speed, Constant-volume Fan and Motor
- Constant-speed, Constant-volume Pump and Motor
- Variable-speed, Variable-volume Fan and Motor
Related components of Condenser Water Loop
Constant-speed, Constant-volume Fan and Motor
This type of fan circulates air at a single speed and can be either axial or centrifugal.
Constant-speed, Constant-volume Pump and Motor
Operates at a single speed to circulate liquid (water or glycol solution) through a piping network.
Variable-speed, Variable-volume Fan and Motor
This type of fan uses a variable frequency drive (VFD) to regulate its speed to conserve energy.
Variable-speed, Variable-volume Pump and Motor
Operates at different speeds with a variable frequency drive to circulate liquid (water or glycol solution) through a piping network.
Constant-speed, Constant-volume Air Handling Unit
Provides conditioned air to one or more spaces. The supply and return fans operate at constant-speed.
Related components
Electrical Distribution
This system regulates the amount of electricity supplied to different areas of the facility. This is the primary measurement location of lighting fixture …
Feedwater System
Used in hot water heating and steam plants, the feedwater system maintains a sufficient water level in a boiler with make-up water and condensate water.
Hot Water Loop
Circulates hot water produced by a boiler to terminal units in the facility and then back to the boiler using with the help of hot water pumps and a piping …
Lighting Fixture
A lighting fixture system uses ballasts to regulate electricity to the lamps which produce light to illuminate areas in the facility.
Steam Condensate Recovery
The steam condensate recovery system is responsible for collecting condensate from the steam distribution system through steam traps.
Steam Distribution
Responsible for distributing the steam produced by a steam boiler system as well as handling any condensate generated in the process.
Variable-speed, Variable-volume Air Handling Unit
Provides conditioned air to one or more spaces. The supply and return fans operate at variable speeds.
Related components
Water-cooled Chiller
Produces chilled liquid and works in conjunction with an AHU to provide cooling. The condenser side rejects heat to the outdoor air using cooling towers.
Related Components
Waterside Economizer
Used to cool or partially cool the chilled water without mechanical heat transfer when outdoor air temperatures are cold enough to meet the building’s …
Related components
All Components
Components are the individual parts that constitute a system within a facility and serve as the primary energy-consuming equipment. Tracking these components enables detailed monitoring and maintenance, helping to identify issues such as equipment malfunctions or inefficiencies. More
By understanding the performance of each component, building operators can optimize energy usage, reduce waste, and lower the overall costs associated with operating the plant and its systems. Read more about each component below. LessAir-to-air Heat Exchanger
The rotary wheel achieves heat transfer using temperature difference between two airstreams without direct contact of these airstreams.
Related systems
Constant-speed Compressor and Motor
This equipment is typically used in a chiller system to increase the temperature and pressure of refrigerant.
Related systems
Constant-speed, Constant-volume Fan and Motor
This type of fan circulates air at a single speed and can be either axial or centrifugal.
Constant-speed, Constant-volume Pump and Motor
Operates at a single speed to circulate liquid (water or glycol solution) through a piping network.
Related systems
- Chilled Water Loop
- Condenser Water Loop
- Feedwater System
Related systems of Constant-speed, Constant-volume Pump and Motor
Chilled Water Loop
Connected to the evaporator side of a chiller, this system moves chilled water or other liquid in the facility to provide cooling with the help of pumps and a piping …
Condenser Water Loop
Connects to the condenser side of a water-cooled chiller and uses pumps to transfer water or other liquid to cooling tower fans which reject heat to the outdoor air.
Feedwater System
Used in hot water heating and steam plants, the feedwater system maintains a sufficient water level in a boiler with make-up water and condensate water.
Hot Water Loop
Circulates hot water produced by a boiler to terminal units in the facility and then back to the boiler using with the help of hot water pumps and a piping system.
Steam Condensate Recovery
The steam condensate recovery system is responsible for collecting condensate from the steam distribution system through steam traps.
Steam Distribution
Responsible for distributing the steam produced by a steam boiler system as well as handling any condensate generated in the process.
Liquid-to-liquid Heat Exchanger
The fixed plate achieves heat transfer using temperature difference between two liquids without direct contact of these liquids.
Related systems
Variable-speed, Variable-volume Fan and Motor
This type of fan uses a variable frequency drive (VFD) to regulate its speed to conserve energy.
Variable-speed, Variable-volume Pump and Motor
Operates at different speeds with a variable frequency drive to circulate liquid (water or glycol solution) through a piping network.
Related systems
- Chilled Water Loop
- Condenser Water Loop
- Feedwater System
Related systems of Variable-speed, Variable-volume Pump and Motor
Chilled Water Loop
Connected to the evaporator side of a chiller, this system moves chilled water or other liquid in the facility to provide cooling with the help of pumps and a piping …
Condenser Water Loop
Connects to the condenser side of a water-cooled chiller and uses pumps to transfer water or other liquid to cooling tower fans which reject heat to the outdoor air.
Feedwater System
Used in hot water heating and steam plants, the feedwater system maintains a sufficient water level in a boiler with make-up water and condensate water.
Hot Water Loop
Circulates hot water produced by a boiler to terminal units in the facility and then back to the boiler using with the help of hot water pumps and a piping system.
Steam Condensate Recovery
The steam condensate recovery system is responsible for collecting condensate from the steam distribution system through steam traps.
Steam Distribution
Responsible for distributing the steam produced by a steam boiler system as well as handling any condensate generated in the process.
All Measurements
Measurements refer to the data collected from plants, systems, and components to monitor energy use, heat transfer, performance, and efficiency. These measurements provide a clear view of how energy is utilized by each piece of equipment. More
Regularly taking measurements enables trend analysis, helps identify inefficiencies, and supports informed decision-making to enhance energy efficiency and achieve environmental targets. Read more about each measurement below. LessElectrical Current
Use this technique to measure electrical current (Amps) at one-hour intervals with a data logger.
Related Components
Electrical Spot Measurement
Use this technique to take one-time measurements of different electrical properties such as voltage, current, power draw and power factor with a handheld …
Lighting Fixture Runtime
Use this technique to measure the hours of operation of a light fixture or lamp with a data logger.
Motor Runtime
Use this technique to measure the hours of operation of a pump, fan or compressor motor with a data logger.
Outdoor Air Temperature
Use this technique to measure outdoor air temperature (OAT) at one-hour intervals with a data logger.
Related Components
- Air-to-air Heat Exchanger
- Constant-speed, Constant-volume Fan and Motor
- Variable-speed, Variable-volume Fan and Motor
Related components of Outdoor Air Temperature
Air-to-air Heat Exchanger
The rotary wheel achieves heat transfer using temperature difference between two airstreams without direct contact of these airstreams.
Constant-speed, Constant-volume Fan and Motor
This type of fan circulates air at a single speed and can be either axial or centrifugal.
Variable-speed, Variable-volume Fan and Motor
This type of fan uses a variable frequency drive (VFD) to regulate its speed to conserve energy.
Variable-speed, Variable-volume Pump and Motor
Operates at different speeds with a variable frequency drive to circulate liquid (water or glycol solution) through a piping network.
Pipe Surface Water Temperature
Use this technique to measure the temperature of water inside a piping system at one-hour intervals with a data logger.
Related Components
Relative Humidity
Use this technique to measure relative humidity (RH %) of various air streams in an air handling unit at one-hour intervals with data loggers.
System Air Temperature
Use this technique to measure the air temperature of various air streams in an air handling unit at one-hour intervals with data loggers.
Related Components
True RMS Power
Use this technique to measure power draw (true RMS power) at one-hour intervals using a data logger.
Water Flow Rate
Use this technique to measure water flow rate in a piping system with an ultrasonic flow meter with logging capabilities.
Related Components
Water Pressure and Pump Curve
Use this technique to measure the pressure differential across pumps at one-hour intervals with data loggers. Data can be used to infer the water flow rate …
Related Components
All Calculations
Calculations use measurement data to determine key energy-related metrics, such as total energy consumption, heat transfer, and efficiency rates. They can also be used to assess environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions. More
Overall, calculations help interpret the data, enabling more informed decisions for energy management and sustainability goals. Each page includes downloadable, spreadsheet-based calculators along with detailed instructions for using them to estimate the annual energy consumption of systems or components. Read more about each calculation below. LessAir-to-air Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer
For a rotary wheel heat exchanger, the equations and calculator in this page estimate the annual sensible and latent heat transfer across the rotary wheel …
Related calculators
Cooling Tower Fans Energy Consumption
For evaporative cooling towers, the equations and calculators in this page estimate the annual energy consumption of single-speed or variable-speed cooling …
Related calculators
- Constant Speed CT Fan Energy Using Motor Runtime Data
- Constant One or Two Speed CT Fan Energy Using kW Data
- Constant One or Two Speed CT Fan Energy Using Electrical Current Data
Related calculators of Cooling Tower Fans Energy Consumption
Constant Speed CT Fan Energy Using Motor Runtime Data
Uses motor runtime data in seconds per hour from the cooling tower fan motor. Spot measurements of true RMS power is also required.
Constant One or Two Speed CT Fan Energy Using kW Data
Uses measured hourly kW data to estimate annual energy consumption for a constant-speed one- or two-speed cooling tower fan motor.
Constant One or Two Speed CT Fan Energy Using Electrical Current Data
Uses electric current data as a proxy for power to estimate the annual energy consumption of the cooling tower fans. Spot measurements of voltage and power …
Variable Speed CT Fan Energy Using kW Data
Uses measured hourly kW data to calculate annual energy for a VS cooling tower fan
Fan Motor Energy Consumption
The equations and calculators in this page estimate the annual energy consumption of variable-speed and constant-speed fan motors.
Related calculators
- Constant Speed Fan Energy Using Motor Runtime Data
- Constant One or Two Speed Fan Energy using kW Data
- Constant One or Two Speed Fan Energy Using Electrical Current Data
Related calculators of Fan Motor Energy Consumption
Constant Speed Fan Energy Using Motor Runtime Data
Uses motor runtime (in seconds) and true RMS power (kW) data to estimate annual energy consumption of a CSCV single-speed fan motor. This calculator can work …
Constant One or Two Speed Fan Energy using kW Data
Uses measured hourly kW data to estimate annual energy consumption for a constant-speed one- or two-speed fan motor.
Constant One or Two Speed Fan Energy Using Electrical Current Data
Uses hourly current data (in amperes) and true RMS power (kW) data to estimate annual energy consumption of a CSCV two-speed fan motor. This calculator can work …
Constant One or Two Speed Fan Energy Using Motor Speed Data
Uses hourly motor speed data obtained from the VFD or BMS and spot measurement data of kW to estimate the annual energy consumption of a constant-speed one- or …
Variable Speed Fan Energy Using kW Data
Uses hourly true RMS power to calculate hourly energy consumption then estimate the annual energy consumption of a VSVV fan motor. This calculator can work with …
Lighting Plant and Systems Energy Consumption
The equations and calculators in this page estimate the annual energy consumption of the lighting plant.
Related calculators
- Lighting Current Circuit Breakers Calculator
- Lighting Current Panelboard Calculator
- Lighting Inventory Schedule Calculator
Related calculators of Lighting Plant and Systems Energy Consumption
Lighting Current Circuit Breakers Calculator
Uses voltage measurements alongside power, circuit amperage and current from circuit breakers to measure the total energy output from the system.
Lighting Current Panelboard Calculator
Uses voltage measurements alongside power, circuit amperage and current from the electrical panelboard to measure the total energy output from the system.
Lighting Inventory Schedule Calculator
Uses the panel energy use to calculate the operating schedule of the system.
Lighting True RMS Power Panelboard Calculator
Uses the runtime and power of the panelboard to calculate the annual anergy consumption of a lighting electrical distribution system.
Liquid-to-liquid Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer
For a fixed plate heat exchanger, the equations used in this methodology and calculator estimate the annual sensible heat transfer.
Related calculators
Pump Motor Energy Consumption
The equations and calculators in this page estimate the annual energy consumption of variable-speed and constant-speed pump motors.
Related calculators
- Constant Speed Pump Energy Using Motor Runtime Data
- Constant One or Two Speed Pump Energy Using kW Data
- Constant One or Two Speed Pump Energy Using Electrical Current Data
Related calculators of Pump Motor Energy Consumption
Constant Speed Pump Energy Using Motor Runtime Data
Uses motor runtime (in seconds) and true RMS power (kW) data to estimate annual energy consumption of a CSCV pump motor.
Constant One or Two Speed Pump Energy Using kW Data
Uses hourly electrical current data and spot measurement data of kW to estimate the annual energy consumption for a constant-speed one- or two-speed pump motor.
Constant One or Two Speed Pump Energy Using Electrical Current Data
Uses measured hourly kW data to estimate annual energy consumption for a constant-speed one- or two-speed pump motor.
Variable Speed Pump Energy Using kW Data
Uses hourly true RMS power to calculate hourly energy consumption then estimate the annual energy consumption of a VSVV pump motor.
Variable Speed Pump Energy Using Motor Speed Data
Uses hourly motor speed data obtained from the VFD or BMS and spot measurements of kW to estimate the annual energy consumption of a variable-speed pump motor.
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