Fall 2009

GOSS ENGINEERING LEADS THE WAY 

Sustainable On-Site CHP Systems:

Design, Construction and Operations

A new book published by McGraw-Hill  -- co-edited by
Lucas Hyman, P.E., LEED AP, President of Goss Engineering

Editors:

Milton Meckler, M.ASCE, F.ASME, P.E., is president of Design Build Systems (DBS), a company specializing in commercial, industrial, and institutional MEP design and construction. He was one of four Global Award Finalists for McGraw-Hill’s Platts Energy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lucas Hyman, P.E., LEED AP, a professional mechanical engineer with more than 25 years’ experience, is president of Goss Engineering, Inc., a firm specializing in district energy systems.

978-0-07-160317-1 • Available January 2010 • Order from McGraw-Hill

 

Summer 2009

GEI Performs CHP Plant Analysis for UC Irvine and
UC San Francisco

The University of California system is focused on reducing energy costs and being as energy efficient as possible. This demand is not only a legislative requirement but also an important factor for students, business partners and supporters.
The University of California Irvine and the University of California San Francisco recently brought GEI on board to help analyze Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) operations and to develop recommendations for improvement. Each project is providing critical information for achieving its facility’s objectives and requirements. Both colleges are required to maintain the lowest possible use of energy and complete an analysis of all operations.

The University of California San Francisco campus has a CHP plant that provides electricity, steam and chilled water from one fuel source to the campus facilities, which include a hospital. Key deliverables include a full analysis of energy production costs per kilowatt-hour (KWH) and per pound of steam (PPH) and an analysis of the recharge rates for its tenants. Services also include an analysis of plant operations.

The University of California Irvine project includes an assessment of its CHP plant with the primary focus on energy production costs rather than on recharge rates. As part of the project deliverables GEI also is developing a methodology and matrix to determine the “best value operation.” This matrix includes a number of scenarios, variables of equipment and operating choices and economic projections to determine the most cost effective energy production program.


 

Summer 2009

Partnership With Trane Takes GEI to the Moon: GEI Hired to Complete NASA Campus Energy Audit

Earlier this year NASA hired Trane to complete an energy audit and to provide an implementation plan for retrofitting its existing energy systems on the NASA campus located at Edwards Air Force Base in California. To complete this project, Trane partnered with GEI to provide the engineering work necessary to complete a full energy audit, building energy modeling, and design to create an implementation plan.

The first step in the process included field investigation to analyze the existing systems, pinpoint any challenges, and develop energy conservation measures (opportunities for upgrades and enhancements). The second part of the process required GEI to develop an energy model using “TRACE”, a software program that creates a computer model of current energy usage based on existing building information and system readings. Once the model was complete, GEI calibrated the model using meters and data loggers and compared previous monthly and annual energy usage to provide an accurate log of energy consumption.

The calibrated model was then used to analyze the set of custom Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) and to provide recommendations NASA can implement to conserve and reduce energy. These recommendations included the use of more efficient HVAC equipment, lighting systems, upgraded windows, insulation, variable-volume fans, the upgrade of old equipment and improving the overall building envelope.

Upon completion of the energy audit and implementation plan, Trane and GEI provided NASA with a list of ECM priorities, budgets and timelines for completing the build-out. Construction and retrofitting is scheduled to begin later this year.


 

Summer 2009

HVAC Retrofit for Cypress College on the Fast Track

ACCO Engineering Systems has hired GEI to assist them with a HVAC retrofit project for the Math & Science Building at Cypress College. The project began this month and is scheduled for completion in late August.

Project elements include a review of the current system, the replacement of the air handling unit, the addition of cooling economizers and replacing the current boiler system with a variable volume system.

“We understand that sometimes time is not always on your side. We often work with Clients who need projects completed very quickly and we take pride in our ability to fast track projects for our Clients” said Lucas Hyman, President, Goss Engineering.


 

Summer 2009

Sacred Heart Chapel to Receive HVAC Upgrade

The Sacred Heart Chapel at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles has contracted GEI to complete a HVAC upgrade and to improve heating, ventilation and zoning.

The facilities manager at LMU contacted GEI after receiving comfort complaints and facing several HVAC system failures. The Chapel, built in 1953, has a seating capacity of 1,000 and is approximately 26,000 square feet.

“We were honored to be selected by Sacred Heart Chapel for this project. We realize the importance of integrating with the existing architecture and design given the historic nature of the building. This new system will not only address the heating and cooling needs of the Chapel but also potentially reduce its energy costs,” said Lucas Hyman, President, Goss Engineering.


 

December 2008

International theme park hires GEI to design first thermal energy storage system in Hong Kong

Goss Engineering has extensive experience developing thermal energy storage systems making them the ideal choice to assist a major southern California theme park with their international expansion efforts in Hong Kong.

Based on the recommendation of an existing client, this fast-track two-part project began in October of 2008 with design plans completed in December of 2008 and construction scheduled to begin in 2009. The first part of the project included an assessment review, on-site field investigation and design of a thermal energy storage system.

During this part of the project, GEI worked closely with the client to ensure current and future capacity needs would be met. “The client was looking for a solution that would meet their cooling needs but would also minimize energy costs. We selected a chilled water thermal energy storage (TES) system to accomplish this. The system provides a method of generating cooling at one period of time, generally at night when air-conditioning equipment operates more efficiently and energy costs are lower, and uses that cooling during another period of time, normally during the peak day time hours. A properly planned, designed and operated chilled water TES can provide peak electrical demand reduction, less energy usage and lower energy costs,” said Lucas Hyman. Part two of the project will include construction and is scheduled to commence this year. GEI is serving as a design consultant and will assist the owner during the construction process. The project is scheduled for completion in 2010 and will be the first thermal energy storage system in Hong Kong.


 

December 2008

University of Redlands gets $739,000 Rebate

The University of Redlands natural gas-powered co-generation plant has been recognized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and awarded a $739,000 rebate check as part of the Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), a program created to encourage consumers to generate their own energy. The SGIP provides rebates for qualifying distributed energy systems installed on the customer's side of the utility meter.

This plant, in which Goss Engineering played an integral part in the planning, design and development, provides the university with electrical energy, and heating and cooling for one-third of all campus buildings.

GEI began working with University of Redlands on this project in 2001 beginning with a feasibility study followed by the complete plant design. “The University needed a solution that would not only meet their expansion needs but also one that would adhere to their high-level environmental policies and standards. The university was looking to work with firm who could provide both. GEI was excited to have the opportunity to work on this project and provide them with an innovative solution,” said Lucas Hyman, President Goss Engineering.

In addition to the feasibility study and plant design GEI also played a key role in the construction process that was completed in winter 2007. They provided engineering support for construction, commissioning and plant start-up services as well as assisted in the rebate application process. The plant has been fully operational since 2007. 


 

September 2008

GEI President commissioned to write book
on combined heat and power (CHP) systems

GEI President, Lucas Hyman has been commissioned by McGraw Hill to co-author a book with Milton Meckler entitled “Sustainable Onsite CHP Systems: Design, Construction and Operations.” GEI staff members Kyle Landis and Adam Stadnik also contributed to this book.

The book will be available in November 2009 and includes five major parts focused on the design, construction and operation of combined heat and power systems (CHP). Part one outlines the basics of CHP systems and regulations; part two discusses how to complete a feasibility study and a lifecycle analysis; part three focuses on design and how to develop a CHP plant; part four provides guidelines for the construction process including operations; and part five discusses plant operations and continued maintenance. The book also includes a set of case studies from leaders, contributors and experts in the field as well as a section discussing future trends and opportunities for businesses to become carbon neutral by using bio-fuels in their CHP system.

“This book is extremely relevant to businesses and how they will manage their heating and power needs moving forward. As energy costs continue to rise businesses will look for ways of increasing efficiencies. Businesses will also need to find ways to reduce their carbon emissions as guidelines become more stringent and consumer expectations continue to grow,” said Lucas Hyman, co-author.


 

July 2008

Quoc Pham, GEI staff member, passes Professional Engineer exam

Quoc Pham, an engineer with Goss Engineering, recently passed the Mechanical Engineering Professional Engineer exam. Quoc holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of California, Riverside and has been with GEI for almost 7 years and plays an integral part of the team. He completed the exam in April and received his passing results in July of 2008. “I knew that taking this exam would be a huge step in advancing my career as an engineer and in serving our clients. I am pleased to work with an employer who continually encourages and supports my career growth. I am looking forward to stamping my own sets of designs,” said Quoc Pham.


 

April 2008

GEI honored for its McGaugh Hall HVAC Retrofit project
at the University of California, Irvine

The Best Practice Awards highlight successful and cost-effective projects on UC and CSU campuses that implement green building technologies, sustainable design strategies, and energy-efficient operations. The awards are presented each summer at the annual UC/CSU/CCC Sustainability Conference. The Best Practice case studies showcase each award-winning project, making the strategies and achievements available as an educational tool to assist all campuses in achieving energy-efficiency and sustainability goals.

The Best Practice Awards are funded by the UC/CSU/IOU Energy Efficiency Partnership Program, a state-wide partnership between the UC and CSU campuses and California’s four large investor- owned utilities. The program’s goals include accomplishing immediate and long-term peak energy and demand savings, and establishing a permanent framework for comprehensive energy management programs at the campuses.  

View the complete list of winners at http://greenbuildings.berkeley.edu/pdfs/bp2008_winners.pdf.

March 2008

GEI selected to conduct major utility master plan for
the Church of Latter Day Saints Headquarters

The project is scheduled to begin this summer and includes a complete analysis of the existing energy systems and building loads; an infrastructure assessment to ensure the support of future growth and energy needs; and development of a full utility master plan. Additional services will include the evaluation of current chilled water system and expansion; conversion of the existing steam distribution system; central plant expansion alternatives including thermal energy storage (TES); energy and systems cost analysis; and construction management.

“We are looking forward to developing a utility master plan for the Church of Latter Day Saints. It will be essential to develop a plan and system that will not only meet their current energy needs but one that will also support their future growth. GEI is pleased to have the opportunity to be involved in this important project and are excited to see the church’s interest in developing a solution that not only reduces operating costs but also supports the environment,”  Lucas B. Hyman, President of Goss Engineering said.


 

March 2008

GEI selected to design major laboratory retrofit
project for UC Irvine

The project was awarded by the UC Irvine Facilities department in March 2008 and is scheduled to begin immediately. The project will provide a complete retrofit of the Engineering Tower Buildings laboratory facilities. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 3 phases. Phase 1 includes HVAC Modifications. Phase 2 includes the conversion of dry laboratories to wet laboratories. Phase 3 includes air-handling audits and unit replacement. Additional services GEI will provide include fume hood exhaust retrofit, HVAC retrofit, and laboratory design services.


 

December 2007

Loma Linda University Central Plant Retrofit begins operations

The project included a complete assessment of current facilities and systems to determine Loma Linda University’s specific needs. Additional services included Centrifugal and Absorption Chiller replacement, distribution pump retrofit, and CHW distribution pipe modifications.

“We take pride in our work and ensure the services we provide support our clients objectives. We know how important it is to maintain costs and create a system that is environmentally and economically sustainable. The retrofit we completed for Loma Linda University provided a complete retrofit, meeting both economic and environmental goals.” Lucas B. Hyman, President of Goss Engineering said.