An automated schedule has been implemented to control the IU Indianapolis Wood Fountain near University Library to turn off from 10pm-6am every night, rather than running 24/7 during the summer season. This change resulting from collaboration between Capital Planning and Facilities (CPF) Utilities and Campus Facility Services (CFS) is expected to result in ~$3,220/year electric cost savings, with additional water savings anticipated and to be monitored in the future.
Wood Fountain, located south of University Library, is served by four, 20 horsepower pumps, three of which provide water to the fountain. Wood Fountain runs from mid-April to mid-October. Since their recent replacement, the pumps have run continuously throughout the season as simultaneous operation via building automation systems has been found to trip the circuit breaker.
This issue was brought to the attention of Asher Ensmenger, CPF Energy Engineer, by the Building Automation Systems (BAS) team. Asher brought together BAS staff and the building millwright, Jimmy Murdoch, to explore possible ways to put the pumps on a day/night schedule to save energy. After discussion, it was determined that a staggered command could be programmed in the control system to avoid simultaneous starting and breaker trips. BAS team member Adam Harney programmed the startup sequence and, following successful testing, the program was deployed to the University Library controls and placed on a schedule.
The new schedule now has Wood Fountain running from 6am-10pm, rather than 24/7. This means pumps are now turned off for 8 hours of every day, resulting in 64,411 kWh saved by the schedule change - equivalent to roughly 6 homes' electricity use in a year. Since this shutdown occurs overnight, it has no impact on the electricity demand profile*, and the resulting savings reflect only the electricity consumption cost, totaling approximately $3,220 annually.
Running the fountain also causes evaporation loss of water from the surface of the pyramid. Since the fountain will be turned off overnight, no water will be lost to evaporation on hot summer nights. Although this cost impact is difficult to quantify, the team will monitor the University Library's water bills to track any reductions compared to previous summers.
This energy, emissions, and cost-saving project represents a successful collaboration between several IU departments. The solution was not overly complicated or costly, but required coordination, dedication, and communication to see the project through.
*During times of peak electricity demand (i.e., the middle of the day), electricity is more costly for the University than at times of relatively lower demand.
