Challenge

Chevron Energy Solutions, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., provides operations and maintenance services for all heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems at Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, New Jersey. Chevron’s services cover 407 pieces of equipment in 275 buildings, including 120 boilers, and an extensive system of steam piping that serves remote buildings across the Arsenal.

In an effort to incorporate an innovative technology, Chevron Energy Solutions is using a stand-alone, solar powered steam isolation valve system to shut off remote steam lines on a pre-programmed schedule dictated by specific outside temperature parameters. The system combines a photovoltaic (PV) solar collector with a battery storage unit that powers a 20-volt DC motor-operated valve. Installed on a remote steam line serving several light-use buildings, the system’s process logic controller closes the valve during unoccupied periods, but a temperature sensor is set to override the program and open the valve if the outside temperature drops below a prescribed set-point.

Solution

SunWize Power Ready Systems are complete solar electric systems that provide continuous, reliable power and are easily deployed, cost-effective, and require little maintenance. The solar-powered system will save the Arsenal a substantial amount of natural gas when the buildings being served have no need for steam by eliminating thermal losses associated with approximately 2,000 feet of steam piping. The valve and operator were contributed by Belimo Valve Corporation. Chevron Energy Solutions purchased the PV/battery system from SunWize and assembled, installed, and monitors the equipment.