This project aims to evaluate the heating efficiency of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church by strategically placing air and pipe temperature sensors throughout the building. The goal is to assess the boilers' ability to operate at water delivery temperatures no greater than 140°F and understand room space temperatures during very cold periods.
Project Goals and Objectives
Evaluate Boiler Efficiency
Assess the ability of boilers to operate at water delivery temperatures no greater than 140°F.
Understand Space Temperatures
Analyze room space temperatures on very cold nights and days throughout the church.
Optimize Heating System
Use data to improve energy efficiency while maintaining occupant comfort.
Building Layout Analysis
Church Structure
Includes a central worship space (sanctuary), multiple attached building sections, and corridors with multiple floors in the larger sections.
Heating Systems
Uses steam boilers and heat exchanger to supply perimeter baseboard, convectors, and air handlers. Secondary pumps provide zone heating water.
Pipe Temperature Sensor Placement
Boiler Supply and Return Lines
Install sensors to measure supply and return water temperatures to determine delta-T efficiency of heat exchanger.
Key Branches
Sensors to be located at key branches of the piping system on the return lines from various zones (e.g., sanctuary, classrooms, offices).
Terminal Units
Sensors located near terminal heating units (convectors, wall finned tube, and air handlers) to monitor water temperature delivery and/or drop and terminal unit heating output.
Air Handlers
Discharge and return air temperature sensors to monitor heating output for space air delivery.
Other Sensors
Outside air temperature/humidity sensing to be included as part of overall building assessment. Motion sensors located in key building sections to assess boht day and night setback conditions.
Air Temperature Sensor Placement
Sanctuary
Place sensors near finned heating surface to evaluate convector heating output. Adjust steam boiler pressure to reflect equivalent 140F hot water at convector.
Office/Classrooms
Primarily position sensors to measure heating water pipe performance. Secondarily add space sensors to evaluate space temperatures.
Corridors and End of Main Spaces
Position sensors to evaluate the heat loss and space temperatures. Zone supply piping to including pipe sensor measuring supply water temperatures.
Exterior Walls
Place space sensors to evaluate wall and window heat loss and impact on space temperatures.
Analysis of Room Use and Occupancy
High Usage Areas
Sanctuary, offices, classrooms, and meeting spaces should have more precise monitoring due to frequent occupancy and heating demands.
Low Usage Areas
Fewer sensors to be used in infrequently occupied areas, as these likely have less impact on overall heating efficiency.
Occupancy Patterns
Varying usage patterns throughout the week to be evaluated, with peak occupancy on Sundays and during special events.
Key Variables to Monitor
Space Temperature
Monitor fluctuations during peak heating demands across different zones of the church.
Water Temperature
Ensure water leaving the boiler maintains setpoint ≤140°F for testing purposes, adjust boiler operating steam pressure appropriately. Confirm zone supply heating water temperatures are sufficient.
Delta-T Across Zones
Evaluate differences between supply and return to diagnose inefficiencies in the heating system.
Outdoor Temperature
Install an outdoor air sensor to correlate indoor heating performance with external conditions.
Summary and Next Steps
Optimize Boiler Operation
Ensure efficient operation at or below 140°F delivery temperatures.
Monitor Critical Zones
Focus on areas most exposed to external conditions.
Analyze Data
Evaluate sensor readings to identify heating inefficiencies.
Implement Sensors
Install sensors in strategic locations throughout the church.
By implementing this comprehensive temperature analysis, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church can optimize its heating system for both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Ambient Intelligence
From Ambient Buildings LLC
Building HVAC performance analysis and recommissioning.
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Gloria Dei Lutheran Church: Temperature Analysis Project