George Rogers Clark High School uses a geothermal‑based chilled water loop with chilled beams and Pinnacle DOAS units to reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality. The school reports significantly lower utility costs compared to the previous building. The HVAC design contributes to improved comfort and operational performance.
Key Facts
- 300,000‑square‑foot high school
- 35% less monthly utility cost versus the previous, 30% smaller school
- 31.9‑k/Btu energy use index (EUI) compared to 68‑k/Btu average U.S. school EUI
- Geothermal‑based chilled water loop
- 542 active chilled beams installed
- Six SEMCO Pinnacle DOAS heat recovery systems
- Five rooftop DOAS units (3,700–14,500 CFM) and one 7,000‑CFM indoor DOAS
- Saved 2,000 square feet of space by eliminating heat pumps
- Noise reduction of approximately 10–15 dB compared to heat pumps
- Energy modeling conducted using Carrier HAP and SEMCO’s Pinnacle analysis module
Challenge
The school required an HVAC approach that could reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and outperform the originally specified conventional geothermal heat‑pump‑based system.
Solution
The project replaced the planned 350 heat pumps with 542 IQHC active chilled beams and six Pinnacle DOAS units. The chilled beams were supplied by a water‑to‑water GSHP system, with adjustable 12‑slot nozzles for airflow control. DOAS units supplied semi‑neutral, dry air to the beams and conditioned spaces with high ceilings.
Results
- 35% monthly utility cost reduction compared to the previous school
- Improved indoor air quality contributing to a district‑wide 1.5% attendance increase and a $200,000 attendance incentive
- Significantly reduced EUI (31.9‑k/Btu) compared to 68‑k/Btu average
- Storage space increased by 2,000 square feet
- Reduced maintenance due to no filters or moving parts in chilled beams
- Reduced piping and ductwork requirements
- Quieter classrooms (10–15 dB reduction)
- Improved temperature and humidity control
“Paul Christy is a rare breed of school superintendent who searches for and understands cutting‑edge HVAC technology, because he realizes it not only cuts school operating expenses and taxpayer costs in the long run, but also provides a better learning IAQ environment for students and teachers.”
Tom Rice
President
FläktGroup SEMCO
Products Used
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