In 2012, CDE was tasked to study a thermal storage system (TES) for the Daytona campus of Daytona State College. TES is a system that makes ice of chilled water using a lower electric rate, often during off-peak demand hours for electricity. The ice or chilled water is then used during peak hours to cool buildings. CDE reviewed the options of providing ice storage and chilled water storage system. Based on the energy cost savings review and lifecycle cost analysis, CDE recommended a 2.5-million gallon chilled water storage tank which could have a payback in less than nine years.

Daytona State College secured funding for the $3 million that CDE estimated for this project, and in 2013 started the design and construction effort. CDE was hired to act as the owner’s rep and commissioning agent. Throughout the project’s successful execution, CDE provided valuable constructive comments and analyzed the best plant operating scenarios, doing so along with Florida Power & Light.

In the summer of 2014, CDE successfully commissioned this project, ensuring that the savings predicted would reach fruition. Toward that end, this project annually saves Daytona State College over $200,000 in energy costs, which resulted in FPL providing more than $1.1 million in incentives. On November 20, CDE proudly attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

All in all, it was another successful TES installation. Kudos to the architect, Pond and company, who designed the 80-foot tank’s exterior appearance to merge with Daytona State’s campus exterior building aesthetics.