Homestead Wakefield Elementary School HVAC Upgrade
Location: Bel Air, Maryland
Completion Date: Fall of 2025
Sales Rep: Hydro Tec Sales and Service
Griswold Controls Products Used: Coil Piping Package including QuickSet Manual Balance Valve
Description:
The community of Bel Air, Maryland has been planning this exciting project for over 30 years: Homestead Wakefield Elementary School. Since 1958, this school has served it’s community by helping students reach their full potential. Now, the town of Bel Air and the school agree: an update is long deserved.
Challenges and Solutions:
One of the primary challenges was retrofitting the school buildings with a modern HVAC solution that could meet the school’s needs without disrupting the educational process. Hydro Tec Sales and Service, leveraging their extensive HVAC expertise, recommended Griswold Controls Coil Piping Packages and QuickSet Manual Balance Valves for their proven performance in educational settings.
Modular design was selected to meet the school’s needs and site conditions while providing flexibility and scalability. The new modular design, which includes a modular complex with classrooms, a cafeteria, and a multipurpose room. The design of these modular classrooms aims to replicate the environment of permanent structures, ensuring that temporary facilities maintain the same high-quality standards.
The Coil Piping Packages from Griswold Controls were chosen for their ability to reduce labor costs and minimize potential leak points. These pre-assembled systems are ideal for a school setting, where streamlined product distribution and simplified purchase order processes are paramount. For more information on applications in schools and universities, please refer to Griswold Controls’ application tips. These Coil Piping Packages were outfitted with QuickSet Manual Balance Valves. These were selected for their user-friendliness and precise flow control, crucial for maintaining a balanced and efficient HVAC system.
Benefits and Outcomes:
The integration of Griswold Controls’ products led to a streamlined installation process, significantly reducing both the time and cost associated with the upgrade. The QuickSet Manual Balance Valves provided precise flow control, essential for the optimal functioning of the HVAC system, while the Coil Piping Packages ensured a hassle-free installation with minimal risk of leaks. These benefits are perfect for the modular design and an educational application.
The upgraded HVAC system will also enhance indoor air quality, creating a healthier environment for students and staff, which can lead to better concentration and overall improved academic performance.
Products Used:
The Homestead Wakefield Elementary School project incorporated Griswold Controls Coil Piping Packages, designed to simplify the installation process and ensure system integrity. See why education institutions trust our products.
These packages include all necessary components for a complete coil connection, simplifying on-site assembly which was an important factor in this project. Additionally, the QuickSet Manual Balance Valves were chosen because they are specifically known for their precision and reliability, which include brass venturi inserts for flow measurement and graduated memory stops for flow setting.
Photos from Banta Campbell
About Hydro Tec Sales and Service
Hydro Tec Sales and Service is a leading provider of sustainable and efficient HVAC solutions. The company has a 25-year heritage in its local markets and over 60 years of combined sales experience. With offices in Central Virginia, Metro Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, Hydro Tec covers the marketing territories of Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. Specializing in flow measurement and control, Hydro Tec offers multiple product lines from manual balancing valves and flow meters, to automatic flow and temperature control hook ups as a prefabricated package.
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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY: RWJUH CENTER FOR INNOVATION
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY CBE BUILDING
ANAZAO HEALTH
JOAQUIN MURRIETA PARK
Wesleyan University Science Building
Yale New Haven Hospital Adams Neuroscience Center
Zoetis Vivarium
Homestead Wakefield Elementary School HVAC Upgrade
Spelman College
UT Southwestern Medical Center
400 Central Residency
Netflix Sound Stages
First Solar
Arizona Western College – DeAnza Residence Hall
University of Michigan – Leinweber Building
Celina Elementary School
LAX Automated People Mover
Lake Land College – Neal Hall
Peppermill Resort Tower
West Henderson Hospital Tower
Aurum Golden Apartments
Hostess Brands
Covenant Health West Tower
L&I/WSDA Safety and Health Lab
North Seattle College Library Renovation
Lowell Elementary School
Aquarium of the Pacific – Otter Surrogacy
Video Credit: YouTube
GM Lordstown Electric Battery Plant
Winthrop Center
eBay Utah Data Center – Pressure Independent MVP Valves
Educational Learning Center
Olympic Regional Development
Bentall Skyrise
City of Hope Cancer Center – Irvine
Facebook Data Center – New Mexico
Wester Middle School
First National Bank Tower
Arizona State University- Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building VII
320 York Street- Yale’s Hall of Graduate Studies
North City Campus Modernization
MFSH NICU – Postpartum
The DMAFB General Instruction Building
Monteleone Hotel Update, New Orleans
University of California, Irvine
A Higher Tech Education for UC Irvine
Ease of installation and continued product support make the difference at UC Irvine
Project Overview
The Challenge
In early 2003, GEM Engineering and UC Irvine sought complete coil hookup solutions for the Natural Science Unit II building. Despite competitive pricing from J.D. Sales Company, a competitor initially won the bid with a significantly lower price point.
However, upon technical review, UC Irvine's engineering team rejected the competitor's product, recognizing the importance of performance and reliability over initial cost savings.
The Solution
J.D. Sales Company partnered with Griswold Controls to present an innovative alternative to the traditional approach of using separate components (actuated globe valves, strainers, unions, and isolation ball valves).
The engineering team was introduced to Griswold's Automizer™ Combination Control Valves and CPP-2A coil piping packages, a streamlined solution that consolidates multiple components into just two valves.
Key Advantages
- Superior Flow Performance The Optimizer™ Parabolic Flow Insert delivers globe valve performance at ball valve economics
- Simplified Installation Complete coil hookup in two valves versus multiple separate components
- Integrated Design Combines actuation, isolation, and flow control in a single package
- Long-term Value Reduced installation time and maintenance requirements
Field Experience
Site Foreman for A.O. Reed and Company, Kevin Campbell, was worried about installation because he wanted to use his skilled labor most efficiently. Griswold CPP-2A came to the rescue.
Normally, one man can install 3.5 or maybe 4 coil hookups in one day. "With the Automizer packages," said Kevin, "Our guy was able to install 9 packages per day."
Automizer™ Combination Control Valve packages not only gave the contractor the entire coil hookup in just two valves, they cut labor at installation. That's because they require only four connections instead of over ten with individual products.
Remember, low-cost competitors can make sales difficult, but when you take the time to give your customer a higher technology education about Griswold products, they'll pay back your efforts with orders.
The Results
UC Irvine's engineering team recognized the technical superiority and operational advantages of the Griswold solution.
The project ultimately specified over 200 CPP-2A coil piping packages, demonstrating the value of investing in proven, high-performance technology.
This success showcases how taking the time to educate customers about superior technology solutions—rather than competing solely on price—results in better outcomes for all stakeholders.
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Las Vegas’ Wynn Hotel & Casino
W Hotel & Victory Park, Dallas
Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center
Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center
Griswold Controls works with Indiana high school to operate the HVAC system as efficiently as possible using MVP™ Valves.
Project Overview
A State‑of‑the‑Art Center Built on a Budget
Opening on September 13, 2006, the $32.5 million, 262,000 square foot center is progressive in design, and equipped with state–of–the–art equipment. A major responsibility for the architects and engineers was to integrate concerns about cost–effectiveness and tight school budgets into their design. This applied to all aspects of the center, including the criteria to operate the HVAC system as efficiently as possible given the budget constraints.
Veazey, Parrott, Durkin, & Shoulders were the architects, with mechanical engineer Tom Durkin, P.E. having responsibility for the mechanical systems. Kevin Smith of Hydronic Sales did the valve selection and coordination, ultimately specifying (42) Griswold Controls MVP™ valves and (125) CPP–IRIS packages on the project. There are (21) Trane air handlers regulating the center, and the pumps are controlled by a VFD system.
“We all had a responsibility to the taxpayers to design something functional but frugal at the same time. The planning task force clearly stated that they did not want to build the Taj Mahal with taxpayers’ money.”
— Kevin Smith, Hydronic SalesWhy MVP™ Valves Were the Right Choice
The MVP™ valve was selected because of its ability to work seamlessly within the VFD-controlled pump system while delivering measurable energy and cost benefits across the facility.
- Tracks with the VFD system Only a change in demand load will cause a flow rate change — not the pressure drop across the valve.
- Reduces air side fan energy Flow, coil output, and controlled temperature remain stable, directly reducing fan energy consumption.
- Independent circuits Circuits with MVP™ valves are independent, allowing the use of CPP–IRIS on small demand loads and keeping initial costs down.
- Factory-set maximum flow rates Maximum flow rate for cooling and heating coils can be set at the factory using dip switches, saving time and manpower in the field.
Through a collaborative effort among the architects, mechanical engineers, and Griswold Controls, Southern Indiana now has a state–of–the–art technical center that accommodates a wide variety of uses — all while respecting the taxpayers’ investment.
Questions about this application? Contact info@GriswoldControls.com or 949.559.6000
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Los Angeles Music Center’s Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles Music Center’s Disney Concert Hall
By providing piping packages to help offset installation costs and to take advantage of their space–saving features, Griswold Controls provided a cost-effective solution for the hot and chilled water fan coils and air handlers.
Project Overview
An Iconic Venue for an Iconic Solution
The Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry, an internationally recognized architect whose many credits include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the American Center in Paris. The ceiling of the building features wavy, steel forms which are designed to appear like a ship with billowing sails at full mast.
Groundbreaking commenced on the project in late 1999, and the Concert Hall was finally dedicated in 2003 at an ultimate cost of $274 million. This ‘monument to music’ became the key to the resurgence of downtown Los Angeles and a beacon for the extensive commercial and condominium housing development which has followed.
The Griswold Controls Solution
Griswold Controls’ Los Angeles rep, Mahendra Mistry, owner of JD Sales Co., worked with the project’s mechanical engineering firm, Levine/Seegel Assoc. of Santa Monica, CA, to obtain favorable specifications for Griswold Controls automatic FCVs, calling out individual FCVs for various terminal units per the piping arrangement shown on the drawings.
ACCO Engineered Systems of Glendale, CA, the principal mechanical contractor, was intent on using piping packages to help offset installation costs as well as take advantage of their space–saving features without compromising the piping arrangement shown on the drawings. Mahendra worked closely with Frank Falcone, Bill Traub and Mike Masterman of ACCO to sell nearly 200 Isolator™ Y coil piping packages for installation on the VAV boxes and another 60+ automatic flow controls on the hot and chilled water fan coils and air handlers.
- ~200 Isolator™ Y Coil Piping Packages Installed on VAV boxes throughout the facility.
- 60+ Automatic Flow Controls Installed on hot and chilled water fan coils and air handlers.
- Quickset® Manual Balance Valves Installed on pump discharge risers in low-headspace basement conditions.
Overcoming a Unique Installation Challenge
Another challenge presented itself regarding the flow measuring devices specified on the pumps. The pumps were installed in the basement with limited headspace below the ceiling. None of the specified devices could be accommodated because of their requirement for normal upstream and downstream pipe diameters on the vertical discharge risers.
Although not specified for these manual devices, Mahendra worked closely with ACCO through 4 submittals to gain approval of Griswold Controls’ Quickset® manual balance valves, utilizing their disturbed flow technology as the only alternative that would fit in the low headspace and still provide the specified accuracy.
Griswold Controls and JD Sales are very proud of their involvement in this world–class project.
Questions about this application? Contact info@GriswoldControls.com or 949.559.6000
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University of California Merced
David Braley Athletic Centre, McMaster University
McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario
David Braley Athletic Centre
Replacing conventional control and balancing valves with Griswold Controls pressure independent control valves to reduce energy consumption and deliver exceptional system performance.
Project Overview
The Challenge
The David Braley Athletic Centre, located on the campus of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, is one of the largest fitness centres at any Canadian university. The athletic complex includes a double gymnasium, indoor 200-meter track, four squash courts, multipurpose studios for karate, yoga, dance and tai chi, and one of the only in-ground hydrotherapy pools in the country.
The building was originally specified with conventional control and balancing valves. Kildonan Energy Products, the local Griswold Controls sales representative, working with University personnel and the construction/design team, identified an opportunity to significantly improve system performance and energy efficiency by switching the air handler chilled water valves to Griswold Controls pressure independent control valves.
With 11 valves serving a peak chilled water flow of approximately 300 gpm, and coils selected for a design ΔT of 10° C (18° F), the system needed to deliver reliable, efficient performance across a wide variety of occupancy and weather conditions.
The Solution
The design team replaced the originally specified conventional valves with (10) Griswold Controls PIC‑V® and (1) MVP™ pressure independent control valves. The building connects to the central plant’s chilled water supply and return lines, and contains variable speed chilled water booster pumps that only run if the mains’ differential cannot satisfy the building.
- Self-balancing operation Valves respond only to load changes, not system pressure fluctuations — eliminating the need for separate balancing valves.
- High ΔT performance Coils deliver their full design heat transfer potential, maximising chiller plant efficiency.
- Booster pump savings With consistently low chilled water flow requirements, the booster pumps rarely, if ever, need to run.
- Simplified design One valve replaces the conventional control valve and balancing valve pair at each coil.
The Results
Performance of the pressure independent control valves has been excellent. ΔT across the athletic centre has been as high as 17° C (31° F) — nearly double the design ΔT — with all systems meeting set point.
“One cool morning in September of ’07, the building was running with 24 gpm of chilled water — less than 10% of the design flow. With the exceptional control provided by the Griswold Controls valves, chilled water flow requirements are very low and the booster pumps rarely, if ever, need to run.”
— Facility Services, McMaster UniversityMcMaster University’s facility services personnel, under the supervision of Chief Operating Engineer Joe Emberson, are diligently dedicated to achieving ideal comfort performance combined with reduced energy consumption from the campus chilled water system. Griswold Controls’ pressure independent valves are proving to be an invaluable resource toward achieving those objectives.
Questions about this application? Contact info@GriswoldControls.com or 949.559.6000
Pressure Independent Control Valves
Griswold Controls’ MVP™ and PIC‑V® are Pressure Independent Control Valves. Pressure independent valves dramatically reduce the energy costs, capital expenses, maintenance costs, performance issues, and capacity limitations associated with typical HVAC system pressure fluctuations. They are designed to replace the conventional 2-way control valve and balancing valve pair installed at heating and cooling coils in buildings.
To obtain the most efficient and optimal results in a system, only the necessary amount — no more and no less — of chilled or heated water must be delivered to the heating and cooling coils at all times. This saves energy, increases available plant capacity, minimizes capital expenses, and simplifies system design and control.
Pressure independent valves stabilize flow. With stable flows, the designed heat transfer is maintained. The result is energy savings because less flow is required to achieve the same heat transfer.
Every year billions of dollars are wasted due to the weaknesses in HVAC heating and cooling systems. If systems do not consistently operate at their designed temperature differential, energy waste occurs and money is needlessly thrown away. This unnecessary expense can be eliminated by using Griswold Controls’ pressure independent valves.
When conventional 2-way valves are used to control the flow of water through coils, various actions — such as adjusting a valve or changing the pump speed — affect pressure in the distribution system. These actions in turn affect the flow through a two-way valve even if the load does not change. The thermostat responds and the valve modulates to bring the flow back to what is required. Until the flow is corrected, the coil operates at an off-design point and will over – or under – condition the space.
With a pressure independent valve, set point deviation will not happen. The valve responds only to a signal from a thermostat indicating the load has changed. By responding only to the change in load, the pressure independent valve is self–balancing — it delivers the proper amount of flow regardless of the state of other components in the system. The entire HVAC system is always in a state of constant flow balance.
Griswold Controls’ MVP and PIC‑V pressure independent control valves ensure that all HVAC systems achieve steady flow and high ΔT at all loads, guaranteeing stable temperature control and better heat transfer — resulting in lower energy costs and lower flow requirements.
MVP™ — Features & Benefits
MVP pressure independent control valves maintain the required flow rate regardless of pressure fluctuations.
- Pressure independent control Provides balancing at any point below and including the maximum flow rate, eliminating hot and cold spots in a building.
- Reduces energy required Increases chiller efficiency by 15–20% and increases ΔT across coils, heating and cooling more space with less equipment and energy.
- Flow stability regardless of pressure No change in flow regardless of pressure fluctuations up or downstream — requires less work for the actuator and increases actuator life.
- Multifunction modulating 2-way control Combines differential pressure control with modulating control into one compact valve housing.
- Reduces valve and actuator hunting Compensates for pressure changes in the system, increases occupant comfort, and extends both actuator and seat life.
- Low torque Reduces actuator size needed, allowing for use of a less expensive actuator.
PIC‑V® — Features & Benefits
PIC‑V & SpaceSaver PIC‑V combine a balancing valve & control valve into one, maintaining flow control regardless of pressure fluctuations.
- Pressure independent control Provides balancing at any point below and including the maximum flow rate, eliminating hot and cold spots in a building.
- Flow stability & efficiency No change in flow regardless of pressure fluctuations — heat and cool more space with less equipment & energy, increasing actuator life.
- Controls flow exactly Eliminates all overflow or underflow at coils.
- Low torque Reduces actuator size needed, allowing for a less expensive actuator.
- Universal mounting plate Offers compatibility with most manufacturers’ actuators.
- Next generation triple seals & field-repairable stems Provide resistance to chemical treatments and temperature fluctuations, and allow field servicing without removing the valve.
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Hotel Intercontinental, Chicago, Illinois
CBS Studios, Manhattan, New York
Griswold Controls NEXT GENERATION products
Vancouver International Airport Domestic Terminal
Vancouver International Airport Domestic Terminal
Vancouver International Airport uses Griswold Controls MVP™ valves to improve heating and cooling comfort issues and reduce energy consumption.
Project Overview
Controlling Air Travelers’ Comfort
In the fall of 2005 Vancouver Airport Authority had a number of difficult and challenging problems to overcome. First, they were facing comfort issues in various areas of the Domestic Terminal, and they were not able to consistently achieve comfort set points. In addition, Airport Authority staff were seeing low ΔT – a system originally designed for 5.6° C (10° F) was operating at 3.3 to 4.4° C (6–8° F), thereby causing very high energy consumption. Lastly, during warm weather they had to operate more chillers than were necessary in order to achieve the desired temperature.
MCW Engineering, Vancouver, B.C., the mechanical engineering consultant for the project worked closely with ESC Automation also of Vancouver, the controls contractor, and Riada Sales, the Griswold Controls sales representative, to resolve the issues. They came up with three basic objectives for a retrofit: reduce energy consumption, solve the comfort problems, and operate at a higher ΔT in order to allow the existing distribution piping to handle increased load from planned expansion.
The system in place consisted of three 400 ton water-cooled chillers (one for back-up) and one 800 ton chiller. There was a constant flow primary – secondary design with three secondary pumps, pumped coils with both 3-way control valves and manual balance valves, three booster pumps that had been added to solve flow problems, and a check valve that had been installed in decoupler pipe to prevent recirculation of return water.
The MVP™ Retrofit Solution
Griswold Controls MVP™ valves solve comfort issues and reduce energy consumption at Vancouver International Airport.
A key component of the retrofit involved installing new Griswold Controls MVP™ 2-way modulating pressure independent control valves on 25 air handling chilled water coils. In addition, Griswold Controls Unimizer® 2-way actuated control valves and wafer flow limiters were installed to form crossover bridges, operating three tertiary load zones serving 12 of the 25 air handlers. Griswold Controls flow limiters were installed on two heat exchangers serving perimeter induction units, and variable speed drives were added to the secondary and tertiary chilled water pumps.
The last part of the plan was to bypass the coil pumps, remove the check valve from the decoupler and replace it with a bi-directional flow meter, and change the plant chilled water set point from 6° C (43° F) to 4.5° C (40° F).
Alfred Veldman of ESC Automation, Vancouver, B.C., sets the flow on a Griswold Controls MVP™ pressure independent control valve.
Results
System commissioning took place in the spring of 2006 with ESC Automation reporting that the setup of the MVP valves went smoothly and took very little time.
- Higher ΔT Chilled water ΔT increased to as much as 12° C (21° F) with peak flow rate reduced accordingly.
- Comfort achieved All terminal areas were able to achieve comfort set points, with occupant complaints reduced.
- Fewer chillers needed In spite of some hot weather that summer they never had to run more than two chillers.
- Annual energy savings $40,000 Canadian dollars (approximately $39,512 USD) forecasted after the retrofit.
According to airport personnel, the Griswold Controls valves have been instrumental in the improvements achieved, primarily the MVP valves meeting the critical requirement of allowing the coils to deliver high ΔT, ensuring they reach their full potential.
Pressure Independent Control Valves
Griswold Controls’ MVP™ and PIC–V® are Pressure Independent Control Valves. Pressure independent valves dramatically reduce the energy costs, capital expenses, maintenance costs, performance issues, and capacity limitations associated with typical HVAC system pressure fluctuations. Pressure independent control valves are designed to replace the conventional 2-way control valve and balancing valve pair installed at heating and cooling coils in buildings.
To obtain the most efficient and optimal results in a system, only the necessary amount, no more and no less, of chilled or heated water must be delivered to the heating and cooling coils at all times. This saves energy, increases available plant capacity, minimizes capital expenses necessary to acquire additional capacity, and simplifies system design and control.
Every year billions of dollars are wasted due to the weaknesses in HVAC heating and cooling systems. If heating and cooling systems do not consistently operate at their designed temperature differential, energy waste occurs and money is needlessly thrown away. This unnecessary expense can be eliminated by using Griswold Controls’ pressure independent valves.
Pressure independent valves stabilize flow. With stable flows, the designed heat transfer is maintained. The result is energy savings because less flow is required to achieve the same heat transfer.
When conventional 2-way valves are used to control the flow of water through coils various actions, such as adjusting a valve or changing the pump speed, affect pressure in the distribution system. These actions in turn affect the flow through a two-way valve even if the load does not change, and may in turn change the temperature in the space. The thermostat responds and the valve modulates to bring the flow back to what is required to meet the load. Until the flow is corrected, the coil operates at an off-design point and will over – or under – condition the space.
With a pressure independent valve design set point deviation will not happen. The valve responds only to a signal from a thermostat indicating the load has changed. By responding only to the change in load, the pressure independent valve is self–balancing — it delivers the proper amount of flow to meet the requirements of the load regardless of the state of other components in the system. By stabilizing heating and cooling coil flow in spite of pressure variations, more space can be heated and cooled with less equipment and less energy, and the entire HVAC system is always in a state of constant flow balance.
Griswold Controls’ MVP and PIC–V pressure independent control valves ensure that all HVAC systems achieve steady flow and high ΔT at all loads, guaranteeing stable temperature control and better heat transfer. This ultimately results in lower energy costs and lower flow requirements for proper heat transfer.
Questions about this application? Contact info@GriswoldControls.com or 949.559.6000
MVP™ — Features & Benefits
MVP pressure independent control valves are designed to maintain the required flow rate in a system regardless of pressure fluctuations.
- Pressure independent control Provides balancing at any point below and including the maximum flow rate, eliminating hot and cold spots in a building.
- Reduces energy required Increases chiller efficiency by 15–20% and increases Delta T across coils, thereby heating and cooling more space with less equipment and energy.
- Flow stability regardless of pressure No change in flow regardless of pressure fluctuations up or downstream — requires less work for the actuator and increases actuator life.
- Multifunction modulating 2-way control Combines differential pressure control with modulating control into one compact valve housing.
- Reduces valve and actuator hunting Compensates for pressure changes in the system, increases occupant comfort, and extends both actuator and seat life.
- Low torque Reduces actuator size needed, allowing for use of a less expensive actuator.
PIC‑V® — Features & Benefits
PIC‑V & SpaceSaver PIC‑V combine a balancing valve & control valve into one, accurately maintaining flow control regardless of pressure fluctuations.
- Pressure independent control Provides balancing at any point below and including the maximum flow rate, eliminating hot and cold spots in a building.
- Flow stability & efficiency No change in flow regardless of pressure fluctuations — can heat and cool more space with less equipment & energy, requiring less work for the actuator and increasing actuator life.
- Controls flow exactly Eliminates all overflow or underflow at coils.
- Low torque Reduces actuator size needed, allowing for a less expensive actuator.
- Universal mounting plate Offers compatibility with most manufacturers’ actuators.
- Next generation triple seals & field-repairable stems Provide resistance to chemical treatments and temperature fluctuations, and allow field servicing without removing the valve.
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Perdue School of Business Chilled Water
Salisbury University — Salisbury, Maryland
Perdue School of Business
Improved efficiency of the chilled water system at the new Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University through the use of PIC‑V® and MVP™ pressure independent control valves.
Project Overview
The Facility
This project included construction of the new Perdue School of Business and supporting infrastructure for Salisbury University. The facility provides approximately 112,800 square feet of classroom, assembly, lab, administrative, and general use areas to support current and projected undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs. The project was designed to achieve LEED® Green Building Gold certification.
Chilled Water Plant
The chilled water system is variable primary flow, consisting of two 150-ton McQuay magnetic bearing variable speed chillers operating at a 50/50 load split, two cooling towers with variable speed fans, two redundant variable speed chilled water distribution pumps, and three condenser water pumps (one as a common backup). The system serves various air handling unit (AHU) and fan coil unit cooling coils, with AHU chilled water flow controlled by Griswold Controls PIC‑V® and MVP™ pressure independent control valves.
Air Distribution Systems
The air distribution system consists of five Variable Volume AHUs with zone reheat coils and one Single Zone Variable Volume AHU. AHUs 1, 4, 5, and 6 serve classrooms, offices, and general areas — each equipped with variable volume static pressure controlled supply fans, volumetric return fan tracking, energy recovery wheels, preheat coils, chilled water coils, air side economizers, and demand controlled ventilation. AHU-2 serves the auditorium exclusively, with a variable volume temperature controlled supply fan, preheat coil, chilled water coil, reheat coil, air side economizer, and demand controlled ventilation.
System Performance Analysis
Tim Jones, the resident operations engineer for the University, provided systems data collected through the Building Automation System (BAS). Load profiles were examined for over a year at conditions from 20% through 100% chiller capacity.
“This system meets our most demanding needs for efficiency and performance.”
— Tim Jones, Resident Operations Engineer, Salisbury University (manages 22 buildings)These observations are supported by the chilled water system’s actual temperature difference being more than 20% higher than the design of 16°F ΔT. The chilled water system operates at an average 20°F ΔT — reducing the design flow rate from 1.5 gpm/ton (16°F) to 1.20 gpm/ton (20°F). Every metric that was analyzed exceeded projections.
- Average ΔT of 20°F Exceeded the design ΔT of 16°F by more than 20% — at every load condition from startup to full load.
- Reduced flow rate Design flow reduced from 1.5 gpm/ton to 1.20 gpm/ton — directly reducing pumping energy.
- Stable AHU fan speeds Precise load tracking control kept supply air fan VFD speeds consistent and efficient across all AHUs.
- Consistent ΔT stability Temperature difference remained stable through varied AHU supply airflow and chiller capacity conditions.
- Proven under peak load System performance confirmed even on a humid 90°F day — as shown in the onboard chiller screens (Appendix A).
“We specified pressure independent control valves and designed for a high chilled water temperature difference to improve energy efficiency and reduce pumping energy specifically. The gathered data supports the performance of the system to deliver consistently high temperature differential at varied load conditions.”
— Todd Garing, PE, Mueller Associates (Design Engineer)Questions about this application? Contact info@GriswoldControls.com or 949.559.6000
This case study was coordinated by the Griswold Controls representative in Maryland in conjunction with Oscar Walker of Green Shoots Controls.
Griswold Controls Representative — Hydro Tec
Brad Walker — (410) 404-6647
Appendix A — Chiller Screen Data
Onboard chiller screens recorded during the case study, including readings captured on a humid 90°F day. Screens are typical of system performance throughout the study period.
Appendix B — BAS Performance Graphs
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Douthit Hills Dormitory
Boston University Center for Integrated Science & Engineering
Southern Tier Hi-Tech Incubator
The Van Ness Campus at Cathedral Hill Hospital
Mount Carmel East, New Ned Tower
New Trier High School
Delray Medical Center
