Robert D. Campbell Junior High School underwent an HVAC retrofit replacing its 1970s unit ventilators with IQHC chilled beams, Pinnacle DOAS units, and NEUTON pump modules. The retrofit aimed to improve energy efficiency, indoor air comfort, and operational performance. The combination of chilled beams, DOAS, and NEUTON created a system known as 3fficiency, delivering zone‑level control and energy savings.
Key Facts
- Retrofitted in 2015 from circa 1970s unit ventilators
- First known building to use smart, plug‑and‑play NEUTON chilled beam pump modules
- Saved $147,000 in labor installation costs versus VRF
- Saves $33,000 annually versus former unit ventilator system
- Project performance contract guarantees $500,000 reduction in capital dollars
- 46 NEUTON pump modules installed
- 212 IQHC active chilled beams installed
- Two Pinnacle 5,000‑cfm DOAS units
- Existing two‑pipe loop, pumps, chiller (1990s) and boiler (2003) were reused
- Control based on outdoor dew point with threshold at 45°F
- Chilled beam discharge temperatures: 58°F (cooling) and 100°F (heating)
- Building management system by Delta Controls with Tridium frontend
- Six‑inch‑diameter air supply ducts for chilled beams
Challenge
The school required a retrofit solution to replace aging unit ventilators while addressing fluctuating temperatures, comfort issues during seasonal transitions, and the need for improved energy efficiency and indoor air comfort.
Solution
The project implemented IQHC active chilled beams, Pinnacle DOAS units, and NEUTON pump modules integrated into the existing two‑pipe system. The NEUTON modules provided zone‑level temperature and humidity control, eliminated the need for heat exchangers, and enabled reuse of the piping, chiller, and boiler infrastructure. Installation included reusing hydronic trunk lines, adapting unit ventilator taps, and mounting NEUTON units above ceiling zones.
Results
- $147,000 saved in installation labor versus VRF
- $33,000 annual savings compared to the previous system
- Total capital savings of $500,000 through the performance contract
- One‑degree temperature tolerance achieved regardless of season
- Reduction of disruptive noise compared to unit ventilators
- Improved indoor air quality associated with increased student attendance
“The two‑pipe conventional unit ventilators that preceded the retrofit were noticeably loud and distracting, whereas now I walk into classrooms with the chilled beams and I can’t hear any sound from the HVAC system.”
Paul Christy
Superintendent
Clark County Schools
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