Efficient Mechanical Systems Engineering

If so, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 10 ways to save energy using an efficient mechanical system. These methods are applicable to both commercial and residential projects, and they can help you achieve substantial energy savings.

While some of these methods may not be suitable for every project, we believe that one or more may be applicable to your next high-efficiency project. Our team at Efficient Mechanical Systems Engineering can help you design and implement these systems, ensuring maximum energy savings and sustainability.

So, let’s dive into the top 10 ways to save energy with an efficient mechanical system!

1. Condensing High-Efficient Boilers (Commercial and Residential):  A Condensing Boiler is fired with Natural Gas or Propane.  The boiler is designed in such a way that it captures energy from flue gases that would otherwise be lost.  When designed and setup for the proper application, these systems can save 25% or more over a standard boiler.
2. High-Efficient Chillers with Magnetic Bearing Compressors (Commercial):  These innovative chillers use magnetic levitation technology to reduce friction and increase efficiency in the compressor, resulting in significant energy savings.  These Chillers can be up to 50% more efficient than a standard chiller.
3. Solar Thermal Drainback Systems (Commercial and Residential):  Solar Thermal systems can be a great way to harness the energy of the sun to heat water for pools, domestic hot water, building heat, and process heat.  In sunny regions, solar thermal systems can provide great energy savings.  However, the key to a good solar system is that it should be a drainback system in order to be sustainable and long lasting in order to fully realize the gains from the initial investment. 
4. Condensing High-Efficient Water Heaters (Commercial and Residential):  Condensing High-Efficient water heaters are similar to the High-Efficient Boilers in that that they capture the energy from the flue gases to increase efficiency and output.  Condensing Water Heaters are built in tank style and on-demand style water heaters.  These water heaters can save 30% or more over a standard water heater. 
5. Propeller (axial) Cooling Tower Fans (Commercial):  Cooling towers utilize a fan to move large volumes of air through them in order to increase evaporation and the cooling of the water.  Utilizing a propeller (axial) type fan instead of a centrifugal fan can provide up to a 50% electrical savings. 
6. Variable Frequency Drives (Commercial):  Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are a great way to provide substantial electrical energy savings on large pieces of rotating equipment.  VFDs enable the equipment to be run at a reduced speed rather than running it at 100%.  VFDs work great on pressure boosting pumps, building heating and cooling pumps, cooling tower fans, and air handler fans.
7. Electrically Commutated Motor Pumps (Commercial and Residential):  Electrically Commutated Motor (ECM) Pumps are one of my favorite technologies for both Commercial and Residential applications.  These pumps use a special motor and variable speed technology to increase efficiency.  In addition, they are extremely quiet.  These pumps can be used for light commercial pumping applications all the way down to small hot water recirculating pumps in a residence.  These ECM pumps can provide up to a 75% energy savings.
8. Ground Source Heat Pumps (Commercial and Residential):  Ground Source Heat Pumps are a great way to provide significant energy savings especially for a building with a high cooling load or for heating applications where only oil and propane are available.  The one downfall of these systems is that the upfront cost to install the ground source loops can be significantly high. 
9. Free Cooling Heat Exchanger (Commercial):  Free cooling is when chilled water is cooled by cooling tower water through a plate and frame heat exchanger without running through the chiller.  This type of cooling still requires the use of the cooling tower and condenser water pumps, but it does not require the chiller to run, so it is extremely cost effective.  The caveat being that ambient conditions must be right to implement free cooling.
10. Advance Control Strategies (Commercial and Residential):  This is one of the most important energy savings methods, but it is also very broad.  The controls needed to implement these strategies range from high tech Building Management Systems to stand alone Set Point controllers.  A few of these advanced control strategies include:  Scheduling; Outdoor Reset; Warm Weather Shut Down; Condenser Water Reset; Delta T control; Delta P control.

By incorporating these energy-saving methods into your mechanical system, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and help protect the environment. At Efficient Mechanical Systems Engineering, we’re committed to promoting sustainable design and helping our clients achieve their energy goals.

Whether you’re planning a new construction project or looking to upgrade your existing mechanical system, we can help provide you with the guidance and support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you design and implement an efficient mechanical system that meets your unique needs.

Together, let’s build a more sustainable future.