ChallengeThe HVAC systems in the Moody County Courthouse were

more than 30 years old, failing, and in need of replacement.

Stand-alone unit controls were outdated and time consuming

to adjust. Moody County sought to replace its HVAC systems

to improve reliability and comfort, and to replace the controls

with a web-based central controls system to improve

efficiency and ease of use. The facility manager faced the

added challenge of replacing the systems without

compromising the integrity of the historical building.

SolutionMoody County Courthouse called on its engineering

consultant for a solution. With the previous HVAC setup

provided by Trane, the engineering consultant and the

courthouse facility manager enlisted the assistance of Trane

for the upgrade. After evaluating several options, the project

scope was outlined to include a Trane split system air-cooled

condensing unit with a remote heat exchanger, a high

efficiency boiler, variable frequency drives to reduce energy

use and improve comfort, and forty-five Trane™ UniTrane™

fan-coil units. In order to preserve the beauty of the historical

courthouse building, Trane also proposed the use of a

wireless controls system.

Moody County CourthouseWireless controls system provides reliable, flexible, efficient facility management;preserves integrity of historical building • Flandreau, South Dakota

Located in east central South Dakota, the three-story, 100 year old Moody County Courthouse was built to last. Constructedwith fireproof cement and steel, the building has a Bedford Stone exterior and twenty-four inch concrete interior walls. Thecourthouse is decorated with beautiful murals, walls faced with white marble four feet up from the floor and black marblebaseboards. The stairs are also white marble with wrought iron grill work and oak banisters, and lobby floors on each story areTerrazzo. Offices feature original oak floors with oak woodwork to match.

Providing efficiency and comfort

With low operating sound levels, Trane UniTrane™ fan-coil

units were installed to improve indoor air quality and provide

a comfortable environment for courthouse employees and

visitors. The units feature durable heavy gauge steel

construction, EC motors for energy efficiency using variable

speed, and attractive styling so as not to detract from the

aesthetics of the historical building. With factory-installed

piping packages with valves and unit-mounted controls, the

fan-coil units were easy to install, lowering installation time

and labor cost. Each fan coil unit is set up for single-zone

variable-air-volume (VAV) for flexibility to handle the

individual needs and varied occupancy levels in different

areas of the building, and to reduce energy use.

The 100 year old Moody County Courthouse combines the strength of

twenty-four inch concrete walls with the beauty of a historical décor.

February 2015Case study

Maintaining reliability, preserving history

Wanting to preserve the integrity of the historical building,

adding wired moldings for the new controls system was not

an option. Trane proposed the use of Trane® Air-Fi™ wireless

technology, which eliminates communication wires between

system controllers, unit controllers and zone sensors,

providing a more cost-effective controls upgrade, without

compromising the building’s beautiful wall murals and

architectural design. Placed in discrete locations so as not to

detract from the décor, the zone sensors help ensure a

strong, reliable signal through the concrete walls. The

redundant, self-repairing mesh technology of Air-Fi maintains

wireless communication, even when signals are obstructed.

Disrupted signals automatically and immediately reroute

around obstacles, helping eliminate the risk of disconnection.

Maximizing flexibility and efficiency

A Trane Tracer™ SC building automation system, tied to the

wireless controllers and sensors, provides system-wide

monitoring, control, and diagnostic capabilities from a single

location. The web-based system allows facility managers to

access systems remotely using a laptop or mobile device to

adjust scheduling to keep staff comfortable when working

late; put systems on unoccupied mode during holiday breaks;

raise or lower temperature for the purpose of comfort or

energy savings; or check alarms. The BAS helps to maximize

efficiency, providing reports on system performance to help

manage operating costs, simplify preventive maintenance,

and conduct troubleshooting to reduce equipment downtime.

ResultsHVAC upgrades at Moody County Courthouse have improved

reliability, enhanced comfort for employees and visitors, and

increased energy efficiency. Using a Trane Tracer™ SC

building automation system, courthouse facility managers

have flexible, remote access to all systems to efficiently

manage and improve building operations. Trane Air-Fi

wireless technology helps maintain a reliable controls

communication signal, while keeping the beauty of the

historical building intact.

“We could have gone with wired controls, but it would have

been difficult and would have added some time to the

installation,” said Scott Lewis, facilities manager, Moody

County Courthouse. “The wireless installation came together

so seamlessly. We got a signal, it works and it works well.

“Before when I was away from work, I didn’t know what was

going on in the building. Now I use an app on my iPhone to

access, monitor and control the systems when I’m not there. I

can keep an eye on the facility, even on weekends, and alarm

notifications come right to my phone.”

“I didn’t have experience with automation before, but it was

very easy to pick up,” Lewis added. “I love it. The Tracer SC

makes my life a lot easier, it’s way more efficient and I would

recommend it to any facility.”

The attractive styling of the Trane UniTrane™ fan-coil units blends with

the aesthetics of the historical courthouse building.

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®—work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results.

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We are committed to using environmentally conscious print practices. ©2014 Ingersoll Rand CASE-SLX400-EN February 12, 2015