AT-84-17-4 -- Conversion of Campus Central Plant from Constant Flow to Variable Flow at University of West Florida PDF

The state of Florida commissioned a comprehensive study in early 1978 to seek the most cost-effective solution for dealing with the expansion limitations of an existing constant flow chilled water system at its University of West Florida Pensacola campus.

The client asked that various variable flow pumping arrangements be considered and that the most suitable system be designed and installed. Selection of the pumping arrangement, however, was straightforward when compared with selection of the pump control system. The most demanding part of this project was devising a system of controls that would call for no more pumping than necessary for adequate flow, that is without undue use of downstream throttling control.

Installation of the selected design was completed in 1981. The variable flow system assures capability beyond the anticipated 461 campus expansion without increases in the chilled water circulation system. The savings, based upon utility bills, satisfactorily compares with the study savings prediction.