Offered Services
Services offered by DMI
DMI’s energy consulting experience spans a wide variety of environments; we specialize in medium and large commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. The following is a listing of the areas in which we have helped our clients identify, analyze, and implement energy conservation measures by employing specialized equipment selection, system configuration, and advanced control strategies.
Commissioning#
Commissioning facilitates the creation of a healthy environment in two ways by: ensuring that all systems are operating per the design intent; and, setting a foundation for maintaining efficient system operation. DMI excels at collaboration and the provision of timely, clear communication, which helps provide the most effective commissioning possible. Furthermore, our size allows for more principal-level attention and ensures that the same personnel will be involved from day to day.
With regard to the implementation of specific energy efficiency measures, commissioning ensures the persistence of energy savings long after the project is completed so that the benefits of energy efficient design may be fully realized.
Our commissioning philosophy: Our first duty is to the owner to provide for the efficient operation of installed systems in a manner facilitating today's tight project schedules.
Whether you're targeting the enhanced commissioning credit for LEED certification, simple post-inspection to confirm the operation of a system, or re-commissioning to identify areas where a building has strayed from operational standards, DMI can design a commissioning program specifically for your project's requirements. Below is a partial list of the services DMI can provide to meet your commissioning needs.
With regard to the implementation of specific energy efficiency measures, commissioning ensures the persistence of energy savings long after the project is completed so that the benefits of energy efficient design may be fully realized.
Our commissioning philosophy: Our first duty is to the owner to provide for the efficient operation of installed systems in a manner facilitating today's tight project schedules.
Whether you're targeting the enhanced commissioning credit for LEED certification, simple post-inspection to confirm the operation of a system, or re-commissioning to identify areas where a building has strayed from operational standards, DMI can design a commissioning program specifically for your project's requirements. Below is a partial list of the services DMI can provide to meet your commissioning needs.
- Schematic, design-development, and construction document review
- Basis of Design and Owners Project Requirements document creation and maintenance
- Commissioning Specification development
- Submittal, Coordination Drawing, and As-Built review
- Continuous construction walk-through and observation
- Prefunctional and Functional Testing
- Long term and continuous trend analysis
- Training and Operation and Maintenance Manual review
- Post-occupancy review
- 10-month end-of-warranty-period review
- Re-, Retro-, and Continuous-Commissioning
Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration#
Refrigeration systems account for a large portion of a facility's energy use. DMI specializes in optimizing the refrigeration systems for many different facility types, including:
- Commercial Refrigeration (Supermarkets)
- Refrigeration in Food Processing and Cold Storage Facilities
- Ice Rink Refrigeration
Design Review#
DMI provides design review services throughout the project development process. The earlier we are brought into a project, the more comprehensive an effect we can have on the final product. Our design review services:
Often, design review is employed during the commissioning process to maximize energy performance and facilitate future commissioning and maintenance activities.
- Identify energy efficiency strategies that are already incorporated into the current design relative to a basic code-compliant design. These measures may be eligible for incentive application, or we may provide analysis that justifies keeping these features in the final design during the value engineering phase.
- Identify potential improvements to the current design.
- Identify improvements that facilitate commissioning, operations and maintenance.
Often, design review is employed during the commissioning process to maximize energy performance and facilitate future commissioning and maintenance activities.
Energy Auditing and Walk-Throughs#
DMI's experience with a broad array of energy systems and end-users makes us well suited to find opportunities for improved energy performance and reduced operating cost at your facility. DMI provides basic "walk-through" measure identification services as well as comprehensive energy auditing to pinpoint specific areas for improvement in your facility's energy consumption.
DMI performs a walk-through of your facility to identify potential energy efficiency opportunities. As part of this effort, we provide a "first cut" approximation of savings and implementation costs for each measure which can be used to estimate simple payback periods for expected investments. This type of study is a cost-effective way to develop a preliminary list of potential projects, which serves as a valuable planning tool for both the customer and the utility company in preparing energy incentive applications.
Metering and PowerMap Analysis
DMI has developed data analysis tools to assist owners and operators in understanding energy allocation and consumption issues. On-site metering and PowerMap analysis of whole or partial building energy data helps identify cost reduction opportunities. We also focus on identifying "ghost" usage that occurs when facilities are unoccupied. In some cases, energy consumption during unoccupied periods can represent 50% or more of the annual bill! The analysis also spotlights measures that can optimize consumption within a facility's particular utility rate structure.
Energy Analysis and Simulation#
DMI has a wide range of analysis strategies and software tools to analyze and optimize energy performance for your existing facility or new project. Depending on the project and scope, analysis may take the form of a spreadsheet temperature-bin or 8,760 hourly model, or whole-building hourly simulation. Spot metering or long term metering may be conducted to inform modeling inputs and assumptions.
Hourly Simulation/Bin-Model Analysis
DMI employs sophisticated software modeling tools, such as eQuest, to provide hourly simulation for advanced projects. Whole-building and hourly simulation is particularly suited to larger projects where multiple energy efficiency measures may interact to affect overall savings. For example, an efficient lighting measure may reduce the load on a chilled water system, which would affect the savings for an efficient chiller measure. Additionally, hourly simulation is also necessary for projects having advanced control strategies or complicated time-based load profiles, such as intermittent occupancy or process conditions. Hourly simulation is typically utilized for larger new construction projects that are targeting low energy use intensity (EUI) via multiple high performance design strategies. Hourly simulation is also used for code compliance and LEED modeling.
Cost Benefit Analysis
DMI provides first-year energy savings analysis for energy efficiency measures combined with first-cost estimation to determine cost-benefit and simple payback assessment. Measures may be analyzed individually or combined to determine interactive effects. These cost-benefit analyses typically provide the framework for utility energy efficiency incentive applications.
DMI provides first-year energy savings analysis for energy efficiency measures combined with first-cost estimation to determine cost-benefit and simple payback assessment. Measures may be analyzed individually or combined to determine interactive effects. These cost-benefit analyses typically provide the framework for utility energy efficiency incentive applications.
Spreadsheet Analysis
Analysis and simulation often make use of spreadsheet models and calculations to determine energy savings of various energy efficiency measures. DMI has developed special tools within the spreadsheet environment for analyzing specific systems such as pumps, air compressors, cooling towers, and other HVAC and industrial processes. Our spreadsheet analyses are tailored for each individual project.
Analysis and simulation often make use of spreadsheet models and calculations to determine energy savings of various energy efficiency measures. DMI has developed special tools within the spreadsheet environment for analyzing specific systems such as pumps, air compressors, cooling towers, and other HVAC and industrial processes. Our spreadsheet analyses are tailored for each individual project.
DMI employs sophisticated software modeling tools, such as eQuest, to provide hourly simulation for advanced projects. Whole-building and hourly simulation is particularly suited to larger projects where multiple energy efficiency measures may interact to affect overall savings. For example, an efficient lighting measure may reduce the load on a chilled water system, which would affect the savings for an efficient chiller measure. Additionally, hourly simulation is also necessary for projects having advanced control strategies or complicated time-based load profiles, such as intermittent occupancy or process conditions. Hourly simulation is typically utilized for larger new construction projects that are targeting low energy use intensity (EUI) via multiple high performance design strategies. Hourly simulation is also used for code compliance and LEED modeling.
Pre- and Post-Metering and PowerMap
DMI provides pre-metering services to document energy consumption and load profiles for equipment with potential energy savings opportunities. Pre-metering improves the savings estimate, which in turn improves the accuracy of cost-benefit, payback, and utility rebate calculations.
Post-metering services often provide verification of anticipated savings and offer the opportunity to tune processes and operation more finely to increase energy performance.
PowerMap analysis is a specialized tool developed by DMI to visually assess actual whole-building energy consumption for existing facilities to identify problem areas and areas of opportunity for energy savings.
DMI provides pre-metering services to document energy consumption and load profiles for equipment with potential energy savings opportunities. Pre-metering improves the savings estimate, which in turn improves the accuracy of cost-benefit, payback, and utility rebate calculations.
Post-metering services often provide verification of anticipated savings and offer the opportunity to tune processes and operation more finely to increase energy performance.
PowerMap analysis is a specialized tool developed by DMI to visually assess actual whole-building energy consumption for existing facilities to identify problem areas and areas of opportunity for energy savings.
Peer Review & Technical Reviews
In addition to developing our own calculations, DMI provides peer reviews of analyses performed by other firms. The goal of these reviews is to provide professional, courteous, and constructive feedback that improves the assumptions and methodologies that are being used to tackle a given problem.
DMI also assists the utility incentive program administrators with technical reviews of decarbonization applications, as well as gas and electric applications. DMI has experience reviewing a broad range of new construction and retrofit application types and communicates directly with project vendors to streamline the review process.
In addition to developing our own calculations, DMI provides peer reviews of analyses performed by other firms. The goal of these reviews is to provide professional, courteous, and constructive feedback that improves the assumptions and methodologies that are being used to tackle a given problem.
DMI also assists the utility incentive program administrators with technical reviews of decarbonization applications, as well as gas and electric applications. DMI has experience reviewing a broad range of new construction and retrofit application types and communicates directly with project vendors to streamline the review process.
HVAC Systems and EMS Building Controls#
Controls
DMI may recommend the following energy conservation measures for Waterside HVAC systems:
Airside HVAC
DMI may recommend the following energy conservation measures related to airside HVAC systems:
DMI recommends advanced control settings in the following areas:
- Specialized Air and Water Temperature Control
- Air- and Water-Side Economizers (Free Cooling)
- Demand-Controlled Ventilation
- Variable Frequency Drives
- Energy Management Systems
Waterside HVAC
DMI has an extensive knowledge of waterside HVAC systems. These systems are found in almost all building types and can provide air heating and cooling, domestic hot and cold water, and process water. The systems can include the following equipment depending on facility type:- Chillers and Chilled Water Systems
- Boilers, Steam, and Hot Water Systems
- Heat Pumps (air source, ground source) and Heat Recovery Chillers
- Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Fluid Coolers
- Pumping Systems
- Ground- and River/Lake-Source Heat Exchangers
- Domestic Hot Water Heaters
- Partial or Full Electrification of Central Heating Systems
- Electrification of Domestic Hot Water Systems
- High-Efficiency Equipment
- Pre-heat of Domestic Hot Water
- Variable Frequency Drives
- Optimized System Controls: Water Temperature Resets
- Optimized System Controls: Water-Side Economizers
DMI makes recommendations for improved airside HVAC equipment efficiency. Our Airside HVAC knowledge includes, but is not limited to, the following equipment:
- Commercial HVAC Systems
- Rooftop Units and Air Handlers
- Water-Source and Air-Source Heat Pump Systems
- Unitary Equipment
- Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
- Variable Frequency Drives
- Demand-Controlled Ventilation
- Energy Recovery Exhaust System
- Dual-Enthalpy Economizers
- Optimized Controls: Discharge Air Temperature Resets
Impact Evaluations#
DMI provides impact evaluation services that quantify the direct and indirect benefits of energy efficiency programs, particularly in the large commercial and industrial sectors. Our range of expertise, M&V capability, and analytical methods make us well-suited for a wide range of evaluation projects. DMI has performed basic evaluations of the following:
- Lighting technologies, variable speed drives, small business programs, smaller air-cooled chillers, air compressors, and commercial refrigeration.
- Highly complex projects including large refrigeration systems, custom industrial process upgrades, HVAC retrocommissioning, and whole building energy models.
Infrared Thermography#
DMI provides thermography services for our customers through the use of an infrared camera. All bodies over absolute zero emit radiation, which can be converted to visible light with infrared cameras.
Our hand-held thermal imaging camera has a temperature range of -20˚C to 650˚C. It displays heat sources on a 3.5” LCD touch screen. Images can be stored as JPEGs can be easily transferred to the customer.
By performing a walk-through of your facility with our infrared technology, we can determine areas of infiltration, degraded insulation, inefficient heating systems, thermal bridging, and electrical faults. Immediate results for our customers allow them to increase facility comfort, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint.
The benefits of infrared thermography include: the ability to find deteriorating components before they fail; non-destructive inspection of interior components; operation without visible light; and, observation of hazardous areas.
Our hand-held thermal imaging camera has a temperature range of -20˚C to 650˚C. It displays heat sources on a 3.5” LCD touch screen. Images can be stored as JPEGs can be easily transferred to the customer.
By performing a walk-through of your facility with our infrared technology, we can determine areas of infiltration, degraded insulation, inefficient heating systems, thermal bridging, and electrical faults. Immediate results for our customers allow them to increase facility comfort, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint.
The benefits of infrared thermography include: the ability to find deteriorating components before they fail; non-destructive inspection of interior components; operation without visible light; and, observation of hazardous areas.
Peer Review#
DMI provides peer reviews of analyses performed by other firms in the energy sector. The scope of the peer review is customized to the client’s goals and generally includes:
- Evaluation of the project description, calculations, and compliance with corresponding energy efficiency program
- Thoroughly detailed review of the assumptions and methodology used to calculate energy savings
- In-depth review of all available documentation and databases
- Professional, courteous, and constructive feedback to improve assumptions and methodology
- Provision of further services to revise energy savings, drawing on experience with similar projects, if requested. Services may include: adjusting existing model or creating a more detailed model; contacting manufacturers; metering; and, data analysis.
Utility Rebate Programs#
Many utility companies employ demand side management (DSM) programs to help reduce energy consumption. These regulated programs have been designed to reduce load on strained energy generation and distribution infrastructure, and to help mitigate the societal costs that are associated with energy usage. The program benefits the customer by subsidizing the first cost of capital improvements that provide long-term energy and operational cost savings.
DMI is a preferred technical services provider to the major utilities in New England. We help you and your design team navigate the intricacies of the utility rebate programs, and prepare the necessary documentation for the submission of rebate applications. This effort includes:
Additionally, DMI provides assistance directly to utility companies to:
DMI is a preferred technical services provider to the major utilities in New England. We help you and your design team navigate the intricacies of the utility rebate programs, and prepare the necessary documentation for the submission of rebate applications. This effort includes:
- Site walk-through of existing facilities to identify energy efficiency opportunities
- Pre-metering of equipment and/or estimation of loads
- Schematic- or Design-Document review to identify potential measures
- Energy simulation and analysis of savings
- Estimation of first-cost expenditure to assess cost-benefit and payback
- Completion of Minimum Requirements Documents to ensure savings
- Provide peer review and technical review of analyses submitted by equipment vendors, performance contractors, and other engineering firms
- Perform specialized evaluation services to assess the effectiveness of the utility rebate programs
- Provide ongoing development assistance that improves and refines the utility incentive programs
Air Compressors and Auxiliary Equipment#
More Description Coming Soon.
Metering#
More Description Coming Soon.
Steam Distribution Systems#
More Description Coming Soon.
Electrification#
More Description Coming Soon.
Decarbonization Master Planning#
More Description Coming Soon.
Lighting Systems and Controls#
More Description Coming Soon.