Demonstration Projects - Laboratories

Automated Fumehood Sash Closure

LBNL identified an emerging technology for reducing fume-hood energy use by up to 75% through installing an automatic sash closure system on a VAV (variable air volume) hood that is controlled by an occupancy sensor. The strategy was tested in two laboratories at UC Davis. The value of energy saved ranged from $3400 to $4600 per year per hood, including about 2kW of peak demand for hood assuming electric space cooling. The extra cost of implementing the strategy would be paid instantly by downsized HVAC in new construction. [more information]