NRL FREE COOLING CHILLER

Western University Music building opened in 1972 and was originally designed for a capacity of 400-500 students. In 2012, with over than 700 students, more space was needed for the increased enrollment.

In 2013, construction began to add 9,500 square feet to the existing building. The new addition consisted of a teaching space, piano technology area, studios, offices, practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, and a recital hall.

The University was in need of year round cooling and were looking to save on energy costs for their newly renovated music building. An Aermec NRL free cooling chiller was chosen based on efficiency. The benefit of having Aermec free cooling chillers is that they are able to have cooling all year round with maximum efficiency. These chillers go into hybrid free cooling mode when the ambient temperature is 4°F less than the units inlet water temperature. In hybrid mode the Aermec unit will flood coils on the outside of the unit and then kicks the fan speed up to high speed. When this happens the unit provides cooling for free and starts to shut down compressors. By shutting off compressors energy the buildings are able to save up to 30% of the electrical operating costs of the cooling. When the ambient conditions continue to drop more compressors shut off until none are needed. These conditions create 100% free cooling for the building. Not only do these units provide great energy saving they also lower the carbon footprint. Compressor life expectancy is also extended due to much lower operating hours and the lack of operation at low temperatures.