75F > Case Studies > Akron Energy Systems: Enhancing Efficiency and Customer Service with IoT

Akron Energy Systems: Enhancing Efficiency and Customer Service with IoT

Technology Category

Drones - Flight & Control Systems
Sensors - Environmental Sensors

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Glass

Applicable Functions

Maintenance
Sales & Marketing

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control
Remote Control

Services

System Integration

The Customer

Akron Energy Systems (AES)

About The Customer

Akron Energy Systems (AES) is the community energy system operator for the city of Akron, Ohio. They manage a central plant that produces steam and chilled water, which are then distributed to buildings through a network of underground pipes. This eliminates the need for onsite equipment and reduces the total energy use of the buildings. AES also takes over the upkeep and maintenance of the building systems, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership for building owners. Their customers range from sports stadiums to city fire stations, and they were previously dealing with a variety of control systems at these different locations.

The Challenge

Akron Energy Systems (AES) is a community energy system operator in Akron, Ohio. They facilitate the transition from on-site energy production to community energy systems, thereby reducing building owners’ total cost of ownership by taking over building system upkeep and maintenance. However, AES was facing challenges with the existing control solutions at customer locations, which often required them to make site visits to diagnose and correct system issues. This was not only time-consuming but also inefficient. To improve customer service and streamline their internal processes, AES needed a control solution that could provide remote access, analytics, and alert capabilities under a single pane of glass. This would enable them to diagnose customer problems quickly without the need for site visits and provide their customers with powerful portfolio-wide insight.

The Solution

After considering several control providers, AES chose 75F for its cloud-enabled remote control, robust analytics, pre-packaged control sequences with ASHRAE GPC 36 built in, scalability, and affordable price point. AES has since installed 75F in various sites, including Canal Park Stadium and a network of city fire stations. With 75F’s User Portal, Facilisight, AES can remotely monitor their customers’ buildings and diagnose problems without leaving their office. They can also make remote adjustments to solve site problems. For instance, AES was able to remotely confirm that building systems and equipment at the city’s fire stations were operating normally and that the issue was just a matter of setpoint preference, thereby saving a trip to troubleshoot a simple problem. AES also improved air quality and lowered energy use with simple and scalable economizer control at Canal Park, resulting in an annual cost reduction of 19% across their HVAC business at the site.

Operational Impact

The installation of 75F controls has significantly improved AES's operational efficiency and customer service. Now, 80 percent of the calls that used to result in a site visit are diagnosed remotely, saving AES both time and money. Customers who previously had issues with old control systems are now running smoothly with 75F. For instance, an airport that used to generate multiple temperature calls per week is now operating without issues. AES customers benefit from consistent and standardized installs and uniform operation across the portfolio. By standardizing control systems and parameters across different locations, AES has improved the efficiency of their buildings and their business.

Quantitative Benefit

80% reduction in diagnostic site visits
19% annual cost reduction across their HVAC business at Canal Park
Installed 75F for 8 to 10X less than other control systems available on the market