Dr. Brian Thorn (Faculty Guide), Debbie Conway (FSNM Superintendent, Customer)

Team [Picture Order]: Robert Hudson (ME), Mauricio Pommier (IE), Kyle Mininni (IE), Joanne Okvath (EE), Ryan Anderson (ME)

BACKGROUND – Fort Stanwix National Monument, Rome, NY

FSNM was vital to the outcome of the French and Indian War and American

Revolution. In 1976 the park was opened to the public; however, it was

missing a visitors center which limited the park’s visitor capabilities and

support functions. In 2005, the 13,700 square-foot Marinus Willett Collections

Management and Education Center opened.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

To identify short and long-term opportunities to reduce energy consumption

and energy costs at FSNM, to assess potential ‘green’ energy opportunities

and to educate visitors about them.

MOTIVATION

The Willett Center has dramatically added to FSNM’s energy consumption.

Total energy costs with the addition of the Willett Center nearly tripled,

amounting to approximately $78,000 per year in energy costs.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION PROFILE

Using the energy bills for a two year period, the energy consumption profile

for FSNM was constructed.

ONSITE ASSESSMENT

In December 08 and January 09, team members visited FSNM to collect data

on energy use and patterns to assess opportunities.

Documented:

-Energy consumption systems (HVAC, Lighting, Pumps, Fans, etc.)

-Energy consumption devices (Computers, TVs, Monitors, etc.)

-Visitor attendance and building occupancy

-Assessed building envelope for heat loss/gain using Infrared images

These profiles help assess opportunities for instituting energy conservation

measures.

Roof Top AC unit Gas Heating Boilers

Windows in Lobby

Attic Space Above Exhibits

Windows in Lobby under IR

Documentation enabled the energy consumption profile to be broken down by

system, and highlight building envelope thermal properties.

eQUEST - COMPUTER SOFTWARE

To evaluate certain Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) eQUEST, a

software program, provided by the Department of Energy was utilized.

-A model of the Willett Center was created including energy consumption

systems, building characteristics and local weather.

-The model was verified against actual energy usage.

RENEWABLE ENERGY DEMONSTRATION SCALE PROJECT

The National Park Service is committed to renewable energy implementation.

It also promotes education and awareness of ‘Going Green’ and renewable

energy projects.

A small scale interactive solar panel

exhibit was constructed to educate

visitors on the factors the effect the

decision to implement a solar energy

system.

Factors Demonstrated:

-Angle between solar panel and sun

-Amount of sun light available

ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES - ECMs

Multiple tools were used to evaluate and assess the energy and cost savings

associated with each ECM.

The eQUEST model was utilized to capture energy savings of ECMs:

Additional ECMs were also generated and evaluated on a benefit-cost

relationship. Potential additional ECMs include:

Special Thanks to:Dr. Brian Thorn, Faculty GuideDr. Robert Stevens, Faculty SupportDr. Andres Carrano, Faculty Support

Debbie Conway, FSNM SuperintendentTodd Gerrard, FSNM Facilities ManagerThe Fort Stanwix NPS Staff

By implementing all recommended ECMs, the total possible savings amount

to approximately 50% for gas and 20% for electricity. This translates into a

dollar savings of $6850/year and $8100/year respectively.