Texas Tech Optimizes Utility Plant Performance

Photo credit: Texas Tech University - University Student Housing.

A Smart Investment in Chiller Plant Optimization

A program of continuous energy monitoring and chiller plant optimization implemented in early 2014 at two Texas Tech University district chilled water and steam plants has saved more than $200,000 in energy costs as of June 2015 – exceeding both the universi­ty’s initial capital investment in the program and the performance guarantee under its three-year contract. The monitoring system serves the Texas Tech Uni­versity Campus, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and University Medical Center all in Lubbock, Texas. This success showcases how real-time data and energy optimization can significantly reduce operating costs in large-scale university utility systems.

Supplied by New York-headquartered utiliVisor and installed by TDIndustries of Dallas, the system is an effective tool for the analysis of large district cooling and heating systems, steam plants and chiller plants. The web-based, networked solution, built on open standards, works in real time and defined time-frame increments to collect and format data, monitor opera­tions and equipment errors, and deliver oversight via web-based alerts. Based on the data, operators can track and improve performance to optimize energy efficiency.

Texas Tech University (TTU) was created by leg­islative action in 1923 and the college opened in 1925 with six buildings and an enrollment of 914. In 2015- 2016, TTU had an enrollment of 35,158 with a set goal of reaching 40,000 by 2020, and many experts predict that could happen by 2018.

The TTU Utilities group has focused on addressing and meeting the challenges of optimizing the com­plex district utility plants that serve its two Lubbock campuses.

Real-Time Monitoring for District Energy Systems

Supplied by New York-headquartered utiliVisor and installed by TDIndustries of Dallas, the system is an effective tool for the analysis of large district cooling and heating systems, steam plants and chiller plants. The web-based, networked solution, built on open standards, works in real time and defined time-frame increments to collect and format data, monitor opera­tions and equipment errors, and deliver oversight via web-based alerts. Based on the data, operators can track and improve performance to optimize energy efficiency.

Texas Tech University (TTU) was created by leg­islative action in 1923 and the college opened in 1925 with six buildings and an enrollment of 914. In 2015- 2016, TTU had an enrollment of 35,158 with a set goal of reaching 40,000 by 2020, and many experts predict that could happen by 2018.

Meeting the Challenge of Utility Optimization

The TTU Utilities group has focused on addressing and meeting the challenges of optimizing the com­plex district utility plants that serve its two Lubbock campuses. By investing in energy data analytics and optimization strategies, Texas Tech is setting a precedent for operational excellence in higher education facilities.

What Are the Benefits of Chiller Plant Optimization

Chiller plant optimization delivers measurable advantages for campuses and large facilities: 

• Reduced Energy Costs:  

           Efficient system operations lower utility expenses significantly. 

• Improved System Reliability:  

           Real-time monitoring identifies issues early, preventing costly breakdowns. 

• Sustainability Gains:  

           Lower energy consumption supports carbon reduction and environmental goals. 

• Data-Driven Oversight:  

           Operators gain clear visibility into system performance for smarter decision-making. 

Texas Tech’s success proves that investing in optimization leads to long-term savings and operational excellence. 

FAQs About Chiller Plant Optimization at Texas Tech

1. What is chiller plant optimization? 

Chiller plant optimization involves using data analytics and control strategies to increase the efficiency and reliability of chilled water systems used for campus or district cooling. 

2. How did utiliVisor support Texas Tech’s energy savings? 

UtiliVisor provided a web-based, real-time energy monitoring and analytics platform that enabled plant operators to track equipment performance, detect inefficiencies, and take corrective action. 

3. Why is plant optimization important for universities? 

With large-scale campuses consuming substantial energy, plant optimization helps reduce operational costs, supports sustainability goals, and ensures reliable service to critical facilities.