7/28/2019 Casestudy07_High School_Energy & RH
1/2
Okeechobee High School, Okeechobee, FL was retrofitting its
20,000 sq. ft. building and needed a sys-tem that would provide a
healthy and comfortable learning environment, while operating
efficiently.This meant equipment capable of eliminating the
buildings humidity problems, improving indoor airquality (IAQ) and
reducing the noise levels that were interfering with classroom
teaching. At thesame time the system had to be cost-effective.
Energy costs were reduced 40% with a system combining Carriers
high efficiency rooftop air condi-tioning units, MoistureMiser
dehumidification packages and programmable direct digital
control(DDC) thermostats. The humidity problem was completely
eliminated, resulting in student and teachercomfort, protection of
computer equipment and a halt to structural damage. And the systems
quietoperation dramatically reduced noise levels so that teachers
no longer had to turn the air conditioningoff to be heard. All of
this with a payback in less than 36 months.
40% Energy Cost Savings Using MoistureMise
and Direct Digital Controls
Carriers high efficiency rooftop units, dehumidification
packages and programmable thermostatsdeliver energy-saving
performance, resulting in substantial cost reductions.
$$$$$
OldSystem
System
Case Study Okeechobee High SchoolCase Study Okeechobee High
School
AIRSIDE/APPLIED/CONTROLS/SERVICE/SPECIAL SOLUTION/TOTAL SYSTEM/
UNITARY
EDUCATION /HEALTH CARE/LODGING/MANUFACTURING/OFFICE
BUILDING/RETAIL/SPECIAL
Project Objectives
SolutionEnergy CostComparison
7/28/2019 Casestudy07_High School_Energy & RH
2/2
Okeechobee High School had a noisy, outdated air conditioning
system that simply wasnt doing the job.I couldnt keep up with the
heat load in the classrooms, said Dale Barrett, Okeechobee director
of opera-tions. The humidity levels were intolerable and the
ceiling tiles were sagging to the point of falling down.We were
also concerned about unwanted growth of mildew and mold spores.
Another concern wasprotecting delicate computer equipment in the
computer science and business classrooms.
The key was to find an air conditioning system that offered
efficient, cost-effective dehumidification.Okeechobee Air
Conditioning and Refrigeration provided the solution, with six high
efficiency Carrier 50HJrooftop air conditioning units equipped with
the MoistureMiser dehumidification package. The 33-toninstallation
consisted of four six-ton units, one five-ton unit and one four-ton
unit, with Carrier program-mable direct digital control thermostats
for precise temperature control and occupied and
unoccupiedscheduling for energy conservation. The new units achieve
a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratingof 13, compared to
less than 9 SEER for the old units, delivering improved comfort
with fewer operatinghours, thereby using less energy.
Carriers patented MoistureMiser technology uses a sub-cooling
coil to cool hot liquid refrigerant leavingthe condenser coil. This
enhances a units latent capacity, increasing the paid for cooling
effect andgetting the job done with smaller-sized equipment. The
ability to remove moisture from the air can beincreased by as much
as 40%, maximizing both energy savings and comfort levels. Barrett
plans to installmore MoistureMiser units in the future, because its
more cost effective than adding dehumidificationpackages and
re-heat devices to existing equipment.
Teachers report excellent results. Computer science teacher
Cathy Norvell commented, The perfectclassroom temperature is when
students dont even think about it. Now, they work steadily. As a
whole,
students are now more focused and productive in their classes in
this building.
You cant even hear these units running, added Barrett. Now
teachers dont have to choose betweencomfort and being heard.
Barrett is extremely satisfied with the efficiency of Carriers
MoistureMiser dehumidification package. Andthe energy savings are
an added bonus. Were saving a minimum of 40% in energy costs
compared to theolder units. We estimate that within 30 to 36 months
the new Carrier units will have paid for themselves,he said. The
school even received a $4,500 rebate from Florida Power & Light
for the energy efficiencyimprovements. The new air conditioning
system is exceeding our expectations.
Project Synopsis
Immediately after therooftop units were installed,
the complaints stoppedcold. The MoistureMiser
units just dried the buildingout. It was incredible.
Dale BarrettDirector of Operations
Okeechobee County Schools
2000 Car rier Corporat ion 05/00 811-07
For more information, contact your nearest Carrier
Representative, call 1.800.CARRIER or visit our web site
atwww.carrier.com
Project Summary
Location: Okeechobee, FL
Building Age: 30+ Years
Project Type: Retrofit
Building Type/Size: Brickconstruction/20,000 sq. ft.
Building Usage: Classrooms,cafeteria, gymnasium, offices
Objectives: Increase student
comfort; reduce humidity, noiselevel and operating costs
Major Decision Drivers:Cost effective dehumidification;minimal
disruption to classes
Design Considerations:Minimal modifications to exist-ing
ductwork and classrooms;thermostats must be simple toprogram and
vandal-proof; hot,humid climate
HVAC Equipment: Six model50HJ rooftop air conditioning
units equipped with theMoistureMiser dehumidificationpackage;
Carrier programmabledirect digital control thermostats
Unique Features: 50HJ are13 SEER units; MoistureMisereliminates
need to oversizeequipment and add costlyre-heat devices
Project Cost Range:$100,000 to $500,000
Installation Date: Summer1996
Contractor: Dwayne Blair,Okeechobee Air Conditioningand
Refrigeration
50%
0%
7a 11a 3pTime of Day
Old System
With MoistureMiser
Carriers patented MoistureMisertechnology improves
moistureremoval capability by as muchas 40%.
Case Study Okeechobee High School
AIRSIDE/APPLIED/CONTROLS/SERVICE/SPECIAL SOLUTION/TOTAL SYSTEM/
UNITARY
EDUCATION /HEALTH CARE/LODGING/MANUFACTURING/OFFICE
BUILDING/RETAIL/SPECIAL
HumidityComparison
continued
