APOGEE

New building controls from Siemens help Millburn School District reduce energy costs

The new electronic heating and ventilation control system, provided by Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., replaces a mechanical system similar to those still in use at most schools throughout New Jersey and the Northeast.

Tony Gorelov, buildings director for the district, estimates that the new system, which cost $300,000 to install, has saved the district $80,000 during the past year alone. "It definitely pays off in terms of energy savings, maintenance costs and energy conservation," he said.

The Siemens APOGEE™ building automation system includes an energy management system that uses Microsoft Windows technology to monitor environmental conditions over a fiber optic network interface. Heating and cooling are provided by a network of thousands of sensors and miniature devices that regulate temperature, humidity and ventilation in the individual spaces that they serve.

The new system replaces a pneumatic one, in which hot water and steam distribution regulated by compressed air moved through a network of tiny copper pipes to heat exchangers, explained Gorelov. Over time, the system would develop problems resulting from leaks in the pipes. To diagnose and repair the problem, a technician would have to localize the leak, identify its source, and break through a wall. "Now," said Gorelov, "I can do my diagnosis from a computer. By monitoring the system on the computer, we can often identify potential problems before they occur. In the past, we didn't become aware of a problem until someone noticed it and contacted us. With the new system, the repair itself can sometimes be done remotely. Most repairs involve replacing wires, which are easily accessible. So there's no more tearing down walls," he said.

"This is simply a highly efficient, reliable system that provides both fiscal and environmental benefits," said Mary Litterman, president of the Millburn Township Board of Education. "Although this technology has now become the accepted industry standard, it was a forward-looking decision when the district chose to invest in it seven years ago. There are significant energy cost savings and a major reduction in energy usage, meaning that it is much better for the environment as well." In addition to Siemens' electronic heating and ventilation control system, Millburn Township Schools conserves energy by utilizing light sensors and high efficiency fixtures in its classrooms. The school district also has installed a geothermal system at its middle school that uses the earth's natural temperature to regulate heating and cooling.

With the schools' project complete, Gorelov has turned his attention to the administration building. He is hoping for approval to install a photovoltaic energy collection system from Siemens that he believes would provide 80 percent of the building's total usage needs. "We can sell unused electricity on holidays and weekends, and our annual electrical cost would be zero," he said. Millburn Township has five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school that presently serve approximately 4500 students. As a leading provider of building controls, fire safety and security system solutions, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., makes buildings comfortable, safe, productive and less costly to operate. The company focuses on improving the performance of its customers' buildings, so that its customers can focus on improving their business performance. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens Building Technologies employs 7,500 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 29,000 employees and operates in more than 42 countries.

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