Dynamic Load Balancing™
Balance the Load
It is estimated that up to 40% of a commercial or institutional building's energy is needed for lighting, often at peak-demand prices. HVAC use can put extensive pressure on the grid when demand peaks simultaneously. Working with Convia’s innovative Dynamic Load Balancing™ software, facility managers are able to curtail power being used during peak demand pricing periods. Power zones can be pre-programmed with a priority scheme and events programmed that reduce electrical load by a targeted percentage. When energy thresholds are exceeded, the Dynamic Load Balancing event can be executed which will reduce lighting levels and HVAC loads in lower priority power zones in order to keep power usage below the targeted threshold.
The Dynamic Load Balancing software also makes it easy for facilities to comply with Demand Response programs. Utility programs throughout the country are increasingly implementing these programs to offer incentives to companies that are able to reduce their energy consumption or “load” on the electrical grid at any given time to help prevent electrical disturbances, or “brown outs,” from occurring. In the past, companies were discouraged from participating in these programs because they lacked the resources to determine which power loads to shed. With Convia’s Dynamic Load Balancing software, companies can ensure that their target energy consumption levels will be met and maintained, while reaping the benefits of energy savings both in their power bill and in the rebates and credits afforded them through Demand Response programs.
When the workday begins, pre-scheduled events can turn on pre-set lighting and HVAC levels throughout the facility. As conference rooms become occupied, the lighting and HVAC set points kick in within these areas and push power consumption over the pre-defined threshold. In order to ensure targeted energy reduction levels are met, lighting levels are subtly dimmed and thermostats are raised by two degrees in unoccupied workstation and public areas.
Oftentimes, high priority processing loads surge in mid-afternoon, requiring further reductions in lower-priority lighting. Temperatures are then raised further in non-occupied areas, lowering air conditioning loads. With Convia, it’s easy to customize and optimize your strategies to create the perfect balance between comfort and savings.
Tax Credit for Curbing Demand
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 included a new tax incentive, backed and advocated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. The "Commercial Building Tax Deduction" establishes a tax deduction for expenses incurred for energy efficient building expenditures made by a building owner. The deduction is limited to $1.80 per square foot of the property, with allowances for partial deductions for improvements in interior lighting, HVAC, hot water systems, and building envelope systems. Convia-enabled buildings are routinely acknowledged as meeting and exceeding requirements for the Commercial Building Tax Deduction.
