Recent energy reduction projects
Energy-efficient air handlers
Many of the air handlers on the original side of the facility run at 100% fan speed at all times due to the type of motor driving them. OCC has replaced fan motors that are able to be driven by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), which allows the fan speed of the motor to be driven on the conditions of the space. This fan speed is often less than 50%. OCC proposed a project to replace the supply and return fan motors and add VFD’s to five separate air handlers. The total project cost was roughly $70,000. The work would not have been pursued without the incentive grant from the Energy Trust of Oregon for nearly $41,000, and a grant of $11,000 from the Metro Sustainability Committee. The result is a completed conversion to VFD’s on five air handlers that will cost OCC $18,000. The project will pay for the $18,000 investment in a little over a year through energy savings.
Interior lighting fixture upgrades
32 watt T8 lighting fixtures are currently being upgraded in the hallways behind our exhibit hall spaces. Approximately 400 lights will be changed out to 11 watt non-ballasted LED fixtures.
LED spire and crescent lighting
We installed a new LED lighting system in our iconic glass spires that uses less than half of the energy of the former lights. The programmable system also allows the towers to glow in various colors to reflect the branding of an event happening inside and for public observances.