Military focuses on energy efficiency

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The efficiency of electrical systems at U.S. Department of Defense facilities throughout the country is being evaluated by the Eaton Corp.

Multiple contracts for the work were issued to the power management company by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are estimated to have a combined value of $35 million.

"Energy efficiency is directly tied to measuring, monitoring and managing energy usage," said Paul Cody, vice president and general manager, Electrical Service and Systems Division, Eaton Corporation. "This initiative will help defense facilities analyze energy usage, improve efficiency and provide insight into cost savings and downtime prevention."

Eaton said that under the award it will perform detailed investigation, planning and help the military remotely monitor and control equipment meters and systems with the aim of improving utility monitoring and control systems, building automation systems, fire alarm and protection systems, supervisory control and data acquisition systems, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Retro-commissioning services for UMCS, BAS, HVAC and telecommunications systems, alternative energy systems, electronic security systems, physical security systems, automated control systems, and other electrical and mechanical systems are also included.

Retro-commissioning is a process that identifies low-cost operational and maintenance improvements in existing buildings and Eaton said its RCx projects have in the past helped reduce energy costs by as much as 20 percent.

Eaton said the work will be completed by March of 2017.