Ascent Installs Eco-Friendly HVAC System

TMCnet
By Jayashree Adkoli,
TMCnet Contributing Editor

California-based Ascent Media Network Services has completed installing a new heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at its Stamford, Connecticut facility. The new installation illustrates the company’s commitment to greener operations.
 
Ascent Media Group, a subsidiary of Discovery Holding Company, has two divisions: Creative Services and Network Services. As the names of these divisions suggest, the company provides creative and technical media services to the media and entertainment industries that include motion picture studios, independent producers, broadcast networks, cable channels and advertising agencies.
 
Ascent Media installed three magnetic-centrifugal chillers in collaboration with Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) and The Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P), as part of an incentive program.
 
The new systems increase the efficiency of the Stamford location’s water-cooled air conditioning system. With this, it is estimated that nearly 50 percent of energy consumption associated with water cooling will be reduced, the company said.
 
The new magnetic-centrifugal chillers use electro-magnetic compressor technology. This avoids tasks that are carried out by moving parts, thereby eliminating the need for oil and bearings and reducing friction and counterproductive heat generation during the cooling process. The chiller that re-circulates cool water in turn cools the air that is distributed throughout the plant. The company says that it uses environmentally-sound refrigerant as well.
 
“The McQuay magnetic bearing chiller is the most efficient chiller in its size range available in the industry,” said Al DiPaolo, district manager of McQuay Factory Service of New England, in the statement, “Its efficiency made it the perfect choice to meet the energy saving goals of Ascent Media.”
 
“Given the rising cost of energy, investing in ‘green’ technology is both environmentally correct and good, sound business policy,” said Peter Brickman, Managing Director of Content Distribution for North America for Ascent Media, in a statement.
 
Brickman added: “Frictionless centrifugal chillers provide superior energy efficiency and eliminate the high friction loss of conventional centrifugal compressors. Thanks to the availability of the superior technology and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund administered by CL&P, we’ve been able to turn our capital investment decision into a ‘win’ in controlling energy costs and a ‘win’ for the environment.”
 
“CEEF programs continue to grow in popularity with our business and residential customers because they work," said John Ferrantino, director, Customer Solutions, Connecticut Light & Power, in the statement, “Ascent Media’s investment is solid proof of their commitment to energy efficiency and reducing demand on Connecticut's electric system – and that’s good for all of us.”