The Challenge
Due to the harsh nature of an aquatic environment, the aquarium’s infrastructure and HVAC systems were failing. Quite simply, with a million gallons of ocean water creating humidity that must be exhausted, the excessive salt levels were deteriorating the steel, aluminum, and some stainless steel cabinets.
In addition, many of the original energy savings features within the mechanical design were no longer in service.
The result was higher energy costs, lack of humidity control, and excessive maintenance costs.
The Solution
Newport Aquarium’s mechanical contractor, Greater Comfort Systems, brought NEC engineers in to help evaluate the entire mechanical heating and cooling and exhaust system.
Using our unique value engineering model, NEC created an action plan to replace the 300 tons of HVAC gear with higher SEER equipment which would allow the aquarium to use staging and load shedding to control humidity and provide energy efficient comfort cooling to guests.
Yearly Savings on Operational costs
Tonnage of HVAC Equipment replaced
Years to full ROI
Days Open
NEC’s plan of action saved them over $85k, annually.
Upgrade of mechanical design
Using our proprietary engineering model, we replaced over 300 tons of HVAC equipement, lowering salt and humidity levels to help extend new equipment life.
Full Project ROI in Just 4 years
Our unique value engineering model saves Newport Aquarium $85,000, annually.
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custom energy solutions
The Newport Aquarium has 70 exhibits and 14 galleries, including five seamless acrylic tunnels totaling over 200 feet (61 m) in length. The facility is open to the public 365 days a year. The environmental challenges of an aquarium required a very unique solution. NEC’s analysis found a failing infrustructure, inefficient HVAC system and excessive humidity and salt levels.
The engineering team at NEC devised an optimal approach to these problems, keeping cost in-mind and created a solution that would save the Newport Aquarium $85,000 anually.
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