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Phone: 541-342-7210 Fax: 541-342-7220 |
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411
High Street Eugene, Oregon 97401-2427 |
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Staff / Email: Jeffrey L. Graper, PE Steven P. Hoffman, PE Gregory N. Langdon, PE Tom A. Ferrel, PE Chance W. Sullivan Kevin P. Waldrop Mark A. Willett Jorge D. Hernandez Adam C. Ward William K. Boyanton Do Van Nguyen Jesse A. Fittipaldi Kris M. Garrick Damon K. Rutherford Michaeleen S. Beard K. Annette Allen Jennifer L. Skiller Site Links: Home Page Projects Library Calculations
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Overview:
Systems West Engineers has performed the services required by Oregon Office of Energy for many clients and has developed the procedures and expertise needed to ensure a superior product. In addition, Systems West has an extremely wide range of capabilities and can perform all services listed under the Scope of Work contained in your Request for Proposal including, · Energy Audits (Level I, II, & II)
Following is a discussion of our approach to critical project elements. Field Investigation:
One fundamental requirement of a successful energy and maintenance savings project is the precise determination of existing conditions. Without such knowledge, the ability to determine potential savings and project implementation costs is severely limited. Given that Systems West considers this step critical, data from original design drawings and specifications and information from building operators is used only as a starting point for the survey and is not used in subsequent analysis. All data used in the analysis is gathered at the site by Systems West staff using appropriate test equipment including airflow measurement devices, kilowatt and power factor meters, temperature and pressure instrumentation, and data loggers. Where possible, remote data collection is also performed using existing building control systems. Of particular importance, control systems are tested for performance and calibration so that operation of building systems is fully understood. Energy Analysis & Reports: Most energy related projects must be justified in terms of energy savings, and an accurate estimate of savings is fundamental to the success of the project. Over the last 20 years, Systems West has participated in all energy conservation programs in the State of Oregon and has developed a large variety of tools and techniques for energy analysis. Tools vary from in-house developed spreadsheets to a variety of detailed hourly simulation programs. More importantly, staff members have the experience to properly select and apply these tools for each project. Systems West takes particular pride in producing reports which are clear, concise, and appropriate to the project. Formats have been developed so that the exact economic effects of proposed upgrades are clear, and the Owner can use the material to make properly informed decisions. Retrofit Design While Systems West occasionally designs mechanical and electrical systems for new construction, most work is directed at retrofit and upgrade to existing mechanical and electrical systems. Past projects have included virtually all building mechanical and electrical systems with particular experience in central boiler and chiller plants, variable speed drives, direct-digital control systems, state-of-the-art lighting systems, and other highly technical equipment applications. Construction documents are provided in AutoCad and specifications are formatted in accordance with CSI standards to ensure documents are accurate, clear , and enforceable and Owners receive full value during the Construction process. Systems West has also worked with a wide range of clients and is familiar with public contracting and bidding procedures used by most public agencies. Preparation of cost estimates: As previously mentioned, the large majority of our work has been in the retrofit of existing systems. As such, we have developed a history of construction cost estimates specifically related to remodels and refurbishment of existing equipment and systems. This cost estimation expertise is applied to all viable options. Where more than one option has been identified, options are ranked based on life-cycle cost. Input data for the life-cycle cost analysis related to maintenance, staffing, and training costs are developed through discussions and work sessions with the Owners facilities management group so that real costs for maintenance issues are accurate and fully understood. Verification of System Performance One of the most overlooked but important parts of any project is verification of system performance, more commonly known as commissioning. The commissioning process ensures that all systems are correctly installed and performance tested. The process often reveals system deficiencies that would otherwise be overlooked under less rigorous normal construction inspection services. Systems West has always considered this an integral part of any construction process, but it is especially important for energy conservation projects where projected energy savings must be achieved to ensure that energy loans are repaid. Since Systems West has always commissioned all of its projects. The firm has developed all of the necessary expertise and has all of the appropriate test equipment in-house. This expertise has led to an enormous increase in commissioning work performed by Systems West as Owners have begun to recognize the importance of the process. In fact, commissioning is the fastest growing area of services offered by Systems West, with the firm currently performing at least eight major commissioning projects. These projects are not limited to Systems West designs but are often contracted directly to Owners to verify performance of systems designed by other firms. |
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