Unlock Savings with SoCalREN’s HVAC Incentives | Part 1 Accessories and Controls

Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) is offering incentives for HVAC equipment through the Streamlined Savings Pathway Program. Public agencies can take advantage of these incentives, which will help you streamline your operations and maintenance while saving energy and money.

Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) for single-zone HVAC systems is a strategy that adjusts the amount of outdoor air brought into a space based on the current occupancy levels. 

Variable-Speed Drive (VSD) is a technology that allows the pump to operate at varying speeds rather than a constant speed. This adjustment is based on the cooling demand, which fluctuates throughout the day.

  • The VSD adjusts the speed of the condenser water pump based on the cooling load. When the cooling demand is low, the pump operates at a lower speed, and when the demand is high, the pump speeds up. Sensors monitor parameters such as temperature and pressure, providing feedback to the VSD to optimize the pump’s speed.

An HVAC Occupancy Sensor detects the presence of people in a room and adjusts the HVAC system accordingly.

  • The sensor detects occupancy using passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic, or microwave technologies. When the room is occupied, the sensor signals the HVAC system to maintain comfortable temperature and airflow settings. When the room is unoccupied, the sensor can signal the HVAC system to reduce heating, cooling, and ventilation, thereby saving energy.

  • These sensors prevent energy wastage by adjusting the HVAC settings based on occupancy. Operating the HVAC system only when necessary reduces wear and tear, extending the equipment's lifespan2.

Cogged V-Belt for HVAC fans is designed with notches or cogs on the inner surface. These cogs provide greater flexibility and reduce bending resistance as the belt travels around pulleys. This design offers several advantages over standard V-belts, particularly regarding energy efficiency and performance.

Software-Controlled Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) is an advanced electric motor that integrates a switched reluctance motor with a programmable control system. This combination allows precise control over the motor’s operation, enhancing efficiency and performance.

An Evaporative Pre-Cooler System is a technology that cools the incoming air before it enters the HVAC system. This is achieved by using evaporation to lower the air's temperature, which in turn reduces the load on the HVAC system.

  • The system uses water to cool the air. As the air passes through a wetted medium, the water evaporates, absorbing heat from the air and lowering its temperature. This cooled air is then directed into the HVAC system, reducing the temperature of the air entering the condenser coils.

  • By pre-cooling the air, the HVAC system must work less to achieve the desired indoor temperature. This can lead to significant energy savings, especially during peak summer conditions2.



Photo Citing: HVAC Measures. 2024  Abbreviated Deemed Measures List, The SoCalREN, 2024. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:b211007f-c90d-4b24-a58c-c18f873ab9e3. PDF Download.