Renewable Energy - Case Studies

IT office in Chennai uses Energy Efficient lighting
Location: Chennai
Sector: Office Building
Construction Type: New
Premises: Leased
Owner: Builder
Facilities Managed by: Self
Name: Maarga Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Type of space: Office workspace
Area: 4400 sq ft, occupies one floor in an office building
Staff: 55
Solution provider: Poseidon

How was the project conceptualised? Who was the main champion? Was certification a driver?

Maarga Systems decided to move into a new bigger office in 2009. They decided to have the LED project in the new office. The interest in LED was driven both from the need to reduce long term operational costs and the desire to do something good for the environment. However, the company did not go in for certification.

Ever since they moved to their new office in January 2012, headcount has increased from 25 to 55. The current office space has a capacity to seat 85 people.

What are the renewable energy/ energy efficiency technologies that have been deployed?

Maarga Systems has a 100% LED lit office. Other than the rest rooms, all spaces are LED lit.

They have a central chiller for their floor and 5 star rated split package air conditioning unit.

What are the challenges faced in the LED project and how were they overcome?

The main challenge that was faced at the beginning of the project was that the interior designer had to be convinced about the value of the LED lighting. The interior designer developed a new lighting layout after understanding the characteristics of LED lighting.

Were the LEDs able to provide the same lux levels? How were the problems of higher glare and high heat resolved?

The vendor helped provide the same lighting levels by designing the overall optics taking into consideration the LED power and its directional qualities. The glare was reduced by use of frosted glass and acrylic sheets. Care was taken to ensure even light distribution across entire fitting. The evenness of light distribution also provided the larger heat removal area (heat generation is also a problem with LEDs).

There are complaints that LEDs fail in low voltages and in situations of power fluctuation. Were these problems faced in operation?

The building has not seen substantial power quality issues and there have been no cases of LED failures.

Did the LED modelling, procurement, installation and testing take too long?

The entire process, from conceptualization to installation, took 3 months. During this period, the office interior was being done up as the company had taken up a new shell-only structure (bare floor and ceilings). The LED related work items overlapped with the other items of work and did not increase the overall time for the project.

Were there any other considerations in the technology deployment?

The employees were informed about the LED lighting. Initially there were complaints about the glare. However, over time, these complaints have disappeared.

How did the company search for the technology vendors?

Maarga Systems had compared the product of several LED vendors and did market research before deciding on Poseidon. The founder also knew Poseidon which also helped in establishing the necessary trust factor.

If leased, did the company need to have specific discussions with the owner ?

Maarga Systems did not face any issues since this did not involve any structural changes.

How does the company assess the overall cost benefit ratio?

  • Over the last three years, there has been no need for any LED light replacements.
  • The savings from the reduced wattage have been significant. Maarga earlier paid monthly electricity bills of around Rs 45,000 for a 1800 sq ft. office space. They now pay less than twice for more the double the space (4400 sq ft.)
  • The implementation reduced total lighting load by 70% and cooling load by a further 5% which amounts to CO2 emissions reduction of 6.5MT per year.
  • Based on electricity unit cost of Rs7/kWh, payback period for LED is 1.5 years. However, prices have gone up since installation. At Rs9/kWh, the payback is only 1.2 years

What is their advice to vendors in the renewable energy /energy efficiency space?

  • Vendors should demonstrate their work by taking potential/future customers to already existing and operating installations other than the installations within the vendor’s facilities.
  • Vendors should be able to convince the interior designers/ architects about the scope of their products, ability to meet all demands.
  • Since LED lighting is capital intensive project, vendors should create a means to allow for part payment or distributed payment linked to the performance of the LED lights.

What is their key advice for other peer customers?

  • Customers should do the background check around the vendors. They should chose vendors who have proven their product in other installations
  • Customers should involve the vendor at an earlier stage of project planning, for example as early as when the lighting layout is created
  • Customers should make sure that replacement parts would be available easily in the future. This has to be checked with the vendor

Can other companies approach them and seek guidance? Who should be contacted?

Maarga Systems is open to providing help. The person who should be contacted is:

Mr.K. Sampathkumar
Designation: General Manager – Administration & Finance

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

Engineering consulting company in Chennai uses Energy Efficient lighting and Solar PV
Location: Chennai
Sector: Office Building
Construction Type: Old
Premises: Owned
Owner: Self
Facilities Managed by: Self
Name: Entech Consultancy
Type of space: Two floors of office workspace
Solution provider: Poseidon

How was the project conceptualised? Who was the main champion? Was certification a driver?

Entech Consultancy’s operations were hampered by power shortage when Chennai started witnessing regular power cuts (circa 2009). The company was not willing to consider DG as an option since the office of Entech Consultancy is in a residential area and the only place to install the DG was on the roof top. Being an engineering firm, Entech Consultancy had the knowledge of alternative technologies that were available. The company decided to invest in solar rooftop PV to create an alternative sustainable, non-polluting source of energy. At the same time, they decided to change their lighting from CFL to LEDs to reduce their energy consumption. These initiatives saw the whole hearted support of the predominantly engineering workforce within the company.

What are the renewable energy/ energy efficiency technologies that have been deployed?

The company has installed Solar roof top PV and LED lighting.

The company uses two solar roof top PV systems: one is a 10kW system, without battery backup and the other is a 6kW system with battery backup. The10kW system was installed first in 2009 and the 6kW system was installed a year later when the company was satisfied with the system of solar.

The 10kW system meets all load required for lights, fans, computers and printers (but not for air-conditioning and refrigeration), during the day when the sun is available. The system has very low losses (3%) and all the generated units are consumed immediately. The grid, when available, meets the additional load for air-conditioning and refrigeration. The 6kW system with battery storage supports all loads other than that of air-conditioning and refrigeration for 8 hours. The battery backed up system has higher losses.

Entech Consultancy replaced each fluorescent lamp of 55X2Watt with 2X10Watts of LED lights. Currently, there are 34 LED lights and the LED lighting meets 100% of the lighting requirement. LEDs have reduced lighting load which supports the solar PV initiative (the load supported by solar - lights, fans , computers and printers is 45% of the total load).

Were the LEDs able to provide the same lux levels? Did the customer have issues with multiple images? Was retrofit difficult on account of availability of fixtures? Were these problems faced? If so, how were they resolved?

The company has a 100% LED lit premise and has replaced all previously existing fixtures without problem. The room corners may not be as bright but the lux levels are sufficient for employees to work without any problems. The company has not faced any issues with multiple images or with the issue of failures of either LEDs or auxiliary equipments.

There are complaints that solar PV installations take too much roof top area? Was this problem faced? If so, how was it overcome?

The terrace area required was 1500 sq. feet. An elevated structure has been built on the terrace, with the solar panels, on the roof of this elevated structure, while the space below the roof houses both a cafeteria as well as a room for the battery bank.

The vendor provided a turnkey solution for both the solar and LED implementations.

Does the solar PV installation work in cloudy days and are efficiencies affected by dust?

The solar production is affected by clouds and rains. Production varied from 10 units (kWhs) on bad days to 75 units (kWhs) on a good day. The total daily requirement of the company is 110 units (kWhs). The best months for solar production are January and February. The only maintenance required is regular cleaning of the solar panels with a water hose. Entech Consultancy has ensured that the solar panels are hosed with water regularly.

How did the company search for the technology vendors?

Entech Consultancy, being an engineering consultancy firm, had the knowledge of available technologies and vendors. In addition, previous contacts with the vendor company helped in taking the final call in vendor selection from amongst the few bids they had invited.

If leased, did the company need to have specific discussions with the owner?

The office space of two floors has been purchased by Entech Consultancy. They have access to the roof as well. However, there was initial resistance from the other residential neighbours when the elevated roof structure construction commenced. However, this resistance disappeared with time and instead the panels generated interest amongst the neighbours.

How does the company assess overall cost benefit ratio?

  • The solar system does not have any operational or recurring expense (excluding the regular water cleaning).
  • The payback for the LED lights is 2.5 years, without considering the operational costs of replacing fluorescent lights/bulbs and their fixtures.
  • The payback of the solar PV system payback is 11 years with depreciation (the systems were installed in 2009-10 when solar prices were far higher than today).
  • Entech Consultancy considers the capital expenditure on the solar PV system financially lucrative (even with the 11 years break even) based on their assessment of the work done during the power outage.

What is their key advice for other peer customers?

  • Entech Consultancy strongly suggests companies to select vendors who can give a sound technical solution. The advice is to chose a T1 solution (highest technical solution) vs. an L1 solution (technically lowest but cheaper) since the capital investment is only 20% lower in the case of an L1 solution.
  • Key factors to choose companies include the number of years of experience, number of working installations, customer database of the vendor.

Can other companies approach them and seek guidance? Who should be contacted?

Yes, Entech Consultancy is happy to be of any resource to other companies who want to invest in long term sustainable solar PV and LED solutions.

Mr.B.V.Kaushik
Managing Director
bvk@entechconsultancy.com

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

Retail showroom for MNC in Bangalore develops a "Net Zero" building
Location: Bangalore
Sector: Retail
Construction Type: New
Premises: Leased
Owner: Other
Facilities Managed by: Self
Name: PUMA
Type of space: Two floors of retail workspace
Solution provider: Studio Decode (architect), Light Form Marketing (LED and Solar PV)

How was the project conceptualised? Who was the main champion? Was certification a driver?

The project was a part of a global initiative. PUMA decided, as a part of its sustainable strategy, to develop “net zero” office building. The first “net zero” office site was chosen in India. The standalone retail showroom offered the best opportunity for showcasing this initiative for PUMA. The company, however, did not go in for a certification immediately but is now going in for one.

What were the renewable energy/ energy efficiency technologies that were deployed?

The company has deployed LED lighting for all facade lighting and all retail display track lights and solar PV. The showroom has an earth air tunnel. The air-conditioning system has a water cooled chillier (the water comes from a Sewage Treatment Plant) and a Variable Refrigerant Volume system. Occupancy sensors have been deployed to measure temperature and carbon dioxide levels.

What were the architectural elements that were used?

The key architectural element was the use of a suspended volume that has been plugged into the shell of the building. The suspended volume is made of bamboo panels and is an entirely recyclable unit in the construction. The suspended volume has designed to make possible light streaming into a bigger ground floor area (the main retail space) and voids in the building shell for air circulation efficiently and aesthetically.

Other aspects include the use of green materials, front canopy for day lighting and an underflow air circulation system for cool air.

What were the green building materials that were used?

The green building materials that were used include bamboo, vacuum dewatered concrete for flooring, special purpose glazed glass which allowed entry of sunlight but prevented the entry of heat, porotherm blocks (modern blocks which offer strength, thermal insulation and fast construction), they also used under deck insulation in the roof using extruded polystyrene insulation.

Has the company faced issues around the use of LEDs from aesthetic standpoints?

The main retail showroom is lit 95% by the use of LEDs. The company, in collaboration, with the architect, tested the LEDs to ensure the required lighting aesthetic levels.

Did the earth air tunnel require any specialised technology?

The company used the earth air tunnel mainly as pre cooling of the air. For this purpose, the company did not require any specific geothermal technology. The space requirement was part of the basement. The architect was careful to ensure that the earth air tunnel did not lead to any setbacks and that soil nailing was used to protect the site.

How did the company search for the technology vendors? Were there any challenges?

The entire process of design, construction and selection of vendors was managed by the company’s architect firm. The selection of the solar vendor was very hard. The architect firm reached out to 50 possible players before selecting its partner. Most companies were not willing to work on a small installation.Finally it selected on the LED provider who had also expanded their offering into solar and with whom the architect firm had previous business relationships. The vendors for the special purpose glass, earth air tunnel and sensors were easier to find.

If leased, did the company need to have specific discussions with the owner?

The landlord provided the architect and the company an empty piece of land and freehand to implement what they desired.

How does the company assess overall cost benefit ratio?

Overall, the showroom saves about 28% in electricity costs. According to the company estimates, a retail space of that size would have consumed about 14,300 kWhr/month (or 171,550 kWhr/year). On the other hand, they consume about 10,270 kWhr/month (or 123,222 kWhr/year). At a cost of Rs. 6.5/kWhr, they save about 28% from what they would have otherwise spent. The air conditioning system effectively does not have to run for six months in a year. The current focus is to become a “net zero” building and the company is putting up additional solar panels.

In this specific case, the decisions to invest in the energy and environmental technologies were not driven by payback calculations. It was driven by a strategic decision to showcase in “net zero” buildings and the first such building, for the company, was located in India.

What is their key advice for other peer customers?

The key advice to other customers is to involve an architect in the early part of the planning and design process. The architect can bring in a whole set of design, construction and material inputs that help the building achieve energy and environmental efficiencies.

Can other companies approach them and seek guidance? Who should be contacted?

Yes, the architect of PUMA is the best person to contact.

Meghana Dutta
LEED AP, Principal Architect
Studio Decode
Bangalore – 560078

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

IT building in Pune uses Comfort Cooling
Location: Pune
Sector: Office
Construction Type: New
Premises: Own
Owner: Self
Facilities Managed by: Self
Name: ICC Devi Gaurav
Type of space: Atrium lobby of a 7 storey IT office building
Solution provider: A.T.E Enterprises

How was the project conceptualised? Who was the main champion? Was certification a driver?

The project was conceptualised mainly from a cost standpoint. It was quickly understood that a conventional air conditioner in the main atrium of the 7 storey IT office building would prove far too expensive. The atrium was 7 metre high and had a floor area of 130 sq. m (1400 sq. feet). The decision to use comfort cooling was based on the recommendations of the electrical consultant of the building: M/s RK Kulkarni.

What were the renewable energy/ energy efficiency technologies that were deployed?

The company has deployed 4,20,000 CFM (cubic feet per minute) comfort cooling systems to cool the main atrium area. The comfort cooling system is used for the main atrium area but is not used for the offices.

Are there any issues with running the comfort cooling system during the monsoon? If so, how were they resolved?

The weather in Pune is such that the comfort cooling system needs to be used only during summer. It is closed during the monsoon. The ambient temperature during these months is such that the air in the atrium lobby does not need to be cooled any further.

How did the company search for the technology vendors?

The company did not actively search for the vendor. It depended on the basis of the advice provided by the electrical consultant.

If leased, did the company need to have specific discussions with the owner?

The building is owned by the company, which is also the builder. The issue did not arise. The tenants, however, did not consider comfort cooling for their offices. One of the concerns that individual tenants had was that comfort cooling systems would lead to water seepage (this was not an issue in the main atrium). It was also difficult to use comfort cooling for data centers and other critical areas.

How does the company assess overall cost benefit ratio?

The company found comfort cooling an optimum solution for its specific use. The company found comfort cooling beneficial from both capital cost and operating cost standpoints.

What is their key advice for peer customers?

Customers should make an effort to learn about product technology benefits. For areas inside commercial buildings, where temperature does not have to be very carefully controlled, comfort cooling is very useful. To make the best use of comfort cooling systems, keeping a log book of temperatures, water usage, maintenance would be very useful.

Can other companies approach them and seek guidance? Who should be contacted?

ICC Devi Gaurav is willing to provide guidance. The contact person is :

Mr. Kulkarni, Head – Facilities
Devi Gaurav Tech Park,
Opp Vallabh Nagar Bus Stand,
Mumbai-Pune Road, Pimpri, Pune

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

Industrial unit in Chennai uses Solar PV
Location: Chennai
Sector: Industrial
Construction Type: Old
Premises: Own
Owner: Self
Facilities Managed by: Self
Name: Beardsell Limited
Type of space: Manufacturing factory
Solution provider: MPIL Steel Structures

How was the project conceptualised? Who was the main champion? Was certification a driver?

The project was conceptualised in 2010 when the power situation in their part of Chennai started rapidly deteriorating. The company initially installed two DG sets: one as a backup of the other. The increase in diesel costs and the incentives for solar (in particular the subsidy and the accelerated depreciation) prompted the management to investigate solar solutions.

Certification was not a driver: ensuring power quality was.

What were the renewable energy/ energy efficiency technologies that were deployed?

Solar PV was the only technology that was investigated and deployed. The company did not investigate other technologies such as LED lighting .

How does the solar system reduce costs and does the company have issues on fluctuation of solar power?

The company has a 100 kW system which typically produces enough power to meet 40% of the units required. This has led to reduction in diesel use. There is however a fluctuation in the solar production, especially during the monsoon months. During the days of heavy rains, the second DG set also has to be used. The key managers of the company monitor the number of solar units produced per day via a web portal, which makes these operational decisions easier to make .

How did the company search for the technology vendors?

The promoters of Beardsell had previous business relationships with the principals of the solar division of MPIL Steel Structures Limited and this led to the choice of the vendor.

How does the company assess overall cost benefit ratio?

The company has installed the solar PV system in late 2012 and expects that the payback period is about 5 years. The company does not have to run its night shift to make up for production and the workers are happier. These non-financial benefits are also substantial for Beardsell.

What is their key advice for other peer customers?

Customers must start thinking of the energy technologies. It would be “irresponsible” to not to do so. They should evaluate many technologies and look for responsible vendors.

Can other companies approach them and seek guidance? Who should be contacted

Yes, Beardsell is willing and ready to give guidance. The key person to connect is:

Mr.Bharat Anumolu
Managing Director
Beardsell Limited
47 Greams Road, Chennai 600 006

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

Public Hospital in Bangalore uses Solar Water Heater
Location: Bangalore
Sector: Hospital
Construction Type: Old
Premises: Own
Owner: Self
Facilities Managed by: Self
Name: Sri Jayadeva Hospital
Type of space: Hospital patient areas
Solution provider: EMMVEE Solar

How was the project conceptualised? Who was the main champion? Was certification a driver?

The project was championed by members of the electrical engineering unit of the hospital. The engineering team made their case to management on the basis of economics and saving of costs.

What were the renewable energy/ energy efficiency technologies that were deployed?

The hospital meets its entire need of 30,000 litres of hot water per day by using solar water heaters. The hospital has not considered any otherenergy technology.

Do the solar water heaters work during cloudy days? Is there a problem with some bathrooms getting water at a very high temperature and some not getting water? Is there a problem with the lack of hot water during the morning hours?

The solar water heaters can meet the hot water requirements during all days of the year except for a few very rainy days. Typically such days are about 5 in a year. During those 5 days the boiler has to be operated. Once in the last several years, during a particularly heavy storm, some of the solar panels were blown away. The vendor worked with the hospital to replace the solar panels.

The hospital has ensured that there is adequate hot water for its requirements by insulation of the tanks and by rationing the water for a few hours in the morning and evening. The hospital management feels, conserving the use of hot water is a prudent environmental and economic decision.

During the installation of the solar water heaters, the plumbing system was very carefully thought through. The existing ring main plumbing system of the hospital was adapted for the solar water heating system. Multiple tanks were used and outlet taps were connected in series. The circulation system involved circulation from the bottom with a “non-return” valve on the third floor of a 7 storey hospital. Thermostats are also used in the plumbing and valve system.

How did the organization search for the technology vendors?

Being a public hospital, the choice was based on lowest costs. However, the hospital management was particularly satisfied with the services provided by Emmvee Solar as they deputed an experienced professional to help with the plumbing decisions and installation services.

How does the hospital assess overall cost benefit ratio?

The hospital estimates that payback has happened in about 3 years.

What is their key advice for other peer customers?

The advice to other customers is to design the whole system in a holistic manner. It is recommended that aspects such as solar panel efficiency, insulation, plumbing, use of thermostats and water conservation are thought about in a consolidated manner.

Can other companies approach them and seek guidance? Who should be contacted?

Yes. The person to contact:

Mr. N K Prasad, Assistant Engineer,
Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Bangalore
Email: parahswada@gmail.com
Phone : 9972044341

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

Industrial unit in Bangalore uses Comfort cooling
Location: Bangalore
Sector: Industrial
Construction Type: Old
Premises: Own
Owner: Self
Facilities Managed by: Self
Name: Himalaya Drugs
Type of space: Factory cafeteria
Solution provider: A.T.E Enterprises

How was the project conceptualised? Who was the main champion? Was certification a driver?

The project was conceptualised from several technical factors. There was no space for chillers. The pressure in the cafeteria was high in terms of footfalls and the need to keep the foot warm. The company was educated by vendors on how they could overcome these challenges and save money.

What were the renewable energy/ energy efficiency technologies that were deployed?

The company has installed comfort cooling in the cafeteria.

Does the system work all year round ?

The system is more effective in the summer months. During the rains, one pump is switched off as the ambient air has high humidity.

How does the company assess overall cost benefit ratio?

The system has reduced operating costs in electricity. The company felt that the capital expenditure on the comfort cooling system was recovered in the reduced operating costs.

What is their key advice for other peer customers?

Comfort cooling can be used for areas where the temperature need not be carefully controlled (the company does not consider for its pharmaceutical operations). It is important to maintain a logbook of operations, including water use.

Can other companies approach them and seek guidance? Who should be contacted

The person to contact is:
Mr Shivakumar Raju - Project Manager
Himalaya Drugs Com
Bangalore
Phone: 099808 00050

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

Do you want to be showcased as an innovative user of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency technologies?

Please contact sanjoy.sanyal@regainparadise.com or pamli.deka@regainparadise.com if you want to be included in the Case Study section.

Partner Opportunities

Please contact us if you are interested in promoting any business or employment opportunity.