Image Permanence Institute

11 October 2011AASHE

Research on Energy Savings Opportunities in University Libraries

Jeremy Linden

What We Know

• Environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) are the two most significant factors that impact the lifespan of library and cultural collections

• Mechanical systems in research libraries often run 24/7 to maintain environmental conditions to benefit collections preservation

• System shutdowns during unoccupied hours are a common, tempting option for energy savings in buildings

The Challenge

• Uncontrolled shutdowns can negatively affect the preservation environment and cause damage to collection materials

The Hypothesis

Energy usage in libraries and cultural institutions can be significantly reduced by carefully monitored and risk-managed shutdown of air-handling units during unoccupied hours in select spaces without compromising the quality of the preservation environment.

The Project:• IMLS National Leadership

Grant – 3 years• Conducted by IPI and

research partner Herzog/Wheeler & Assoc.

• Five partners – – Yale University– UCLA– New York Public Library– Cornell University– Birmingham Public Library, AL

Methodology: Candidate Space Selection

• Geographic Location• Various institution types• Various storage models – traditional stacks,

high-density modules, individual rooms• Served by single, or multiple identifiable air

handlers• Zone dedicated to collections storage• “Interior” and “Exterior” wall exposure• Various levels of human occupation during day

Methodology: Datalogging

• Logging of temperature and relative humidity conditions in storage spaces

• Logging of temperature and relative humidity conditions in air handling units– Outside Air– Return Air– Mixed Air– Cooled/Dried Air– Supply Air

Methodology: Experiment Design

• 7-10 hour shutdown• 3-6 month baseline data from each site,

without shutdown• 1 month shutdown test period• 12 months gathering of shutdown

experimental data• Data from loggers gathered bi-weekly or

monthly

Methodology: Administration

• Project leader at each partner site, typically from collections staff.

• Requires involvement of Collections, Facilities, and Administration

Early Results:

• Where shutdown schedule is working, results are generally positive.

• System recovers to space set point during “on” period

• No cumulative increase/decrease in space conditions

Potential Benefits:

• Preservation– Potential for reduction in rate of chemical

decay during heating season• Energy Savings:

– Based primarily on electrical savings, steam, or chilled water

• Electrical – commodity/demand charges, up to 1/3• Heating – dependent upon seasonal work done• Cooling – dependent upon seasonal work done

Example: Cost Savings

• Institution in Washington, DC• Requested shutdown experiment study,

optimization• Implemented shutdown, corrected excessive

subcool/reheat in winter• Estimated Savings:

– Supply Fan (Electric) – 31% (≈ $2,800)– Cooling Coil (Chilled Water) – 47% (≈ $4,400)– Heating Coil (Steam) – 69% (≈ $5,700)

Lessons Learned (so far…)

• Cooperation among collections, facilities, administration is THE key to success

• Holding a schedule can be harder than expected

• Won’t work for all spaces/systems, requires testing– Heat load in space can necessitate shorter

length, or no shutdown at all• Potential gain is (often) worth the work

The Goal: An Optimal Preservation Environment

An optimal preservation environment is one that achieves the best possible preservation of collections at the least possible consumption of energy, and is sustainable over time.

Funding Opportunity

NEH – Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Grants– Planning Grant – up to $40,000– Implementation Grant – up to $350,000

Go to www.neh.gov for more information.

Thank You!

Jeremy LindenPreservation Environment Specialist

Image Permanence Institutejrlpph@rit.edu

www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org