Broz credits the mechanical installation services by Egan Company along with the Daikin Service Group as critical to the success of the project. "Everyone's level of effort including installing new curbs, to pulling the old equipment off and installation of the electrical and hot water lines, made this a very efficient and well-done installation job," Broz said.

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In addition, two of the Rebels—one on each of the buildings—feature Daikin's Intelligent Equipment^® (IE) control solution for real-time data that benchmarks performance and monitors system operation. "Our energy managers use Intelligent Equipment to gather data and we use it to see the detail of operational data and monitor the units. We also appreciate that we can connect remotely to the units on laptop or smartphone," Broz said.

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Outcome

Bethel University administrators and its students are pleased with the comfort levels. Broz said the difference in humidity levels across the two buildings was dramatic in the early operation of the new Rebels in one residence hall versus the other that still operated with the original rooftop equipment. "We've maintained everything below 55% humidity with the Rebel unit. With our existing equipment, we were well over 80% humidity throughout the building space, even with the fan coils in the dorm rooms, because various doors are left open."

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The resident halls' existing rooftop systems did not maintain adequate comfort levels. Rebel replacement units delivered improved comfort and energy efficiency solutions

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The 7-ton Rebel units deliver 20.6 IEER and use direct expansion and ERW technologies to maintain humidity comfort levels below 55%.

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Quiet, unimpeded operation adds additional quality to the student's studying and living conditions. Broz notes that the extremely low-audible output of the Rebel units goes unnoticed by students. "The Rebel units are very quiet due to the inverter compressor technology," he says.

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Energy savings are significant given reduced natural gas consumption with less reliance on the chiller plants that serve the complex, as well as the reduced electrical consumption of the Rebels versus existing rooftops. Notably, the ERW technology on the Rebels (which heats up outside air) provides significant energy savings especially during Minnesota's cold winter months.

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"In the winter, we'll use Intelligent Equipment to look at the energy side to optimize use of the energy wheels, instead of using building heat, especially as it relates to the restrooms and showers. In the summer, we use Intelligent Equipment to see if we're doing an effective job of keeping the dewpoint and humidity at low levels," Broz said.

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Broz values the level of detail available on Intelligent Equipment and primarily accesses the solution from his laptop at the office, with the option to access on his smartphone. He recommends Daikin for not only HVAC equipment, but also service solutions, adding, "The Daikin Service Group crew is very good and we appreciate that they call to make sure the equipment is running well."

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In addition to the existing three Rebel units, Bethel University recently received delivery of a 4-ton Rebel rooftop unit to serve its new, state-of-the-art Wellness Center that houses its fitness center and exercise science program, opening fall 2015.