DC Power: The Strategic Edge in Commercial Retrofits
Unlocking Efficiency, Flexibility, and Cost Savings for Agile Workplaces
By Robert Kroon
Retrofitting existing buildings, especially in low-occupancy downtown core areas, requires careful strategic planning. Involving your electrical systems provider is a key first step in the process. Many older building designs did not anticipate the need for computers at every workstation.
The evolving commercial real estate landscape demands adaptable, sustainable, and technologically advanced spaces. Building owners and architects are tasked with reimagining existing structures to meet the dynamic needs of modern businesses, particularly the growing preference for flexible, subscription-based coworking environments. Retrofitting older buildings with direct current (DC) power systems presents a strategic opportunity to achieve these objectives.
This article examines the compelling advantages of DC power retrofits over conventional alternating current (AC) systems, highlighting the potential for substantial upfront and operational savings, enhanced flexibility, and improved sustainability. Furthermore, we address the unique challenges associated with retrofitting older buildings and underscore the critical role of qualified MEP engineering or electrical contracting firms in project success.
Addressing Market Shifts and Retrofit Realities
The commercial real estate sector is witnessing a significant slowdown in new office construction, that is coupled with a surge in demand for agile coworking spaces. This necessitates a strategic focus on retrofitting existing buildings to remain competitive. However, these projects often encounter challenges such as structural limitations, hazardous material remediation, and incomplete documentation. Minimally invasive solutions are paramount to mitigate these risks and ensure project viability.
Early Planning, Peak Power Reduction, and Strategy
Educating building owners about the possibilities for DC-powered retrofit buildings.
Strategic decision-making at the project's inception is crucial. During the early planning phase, the selection of AC or DC power systems should be evaluated to optimize integration and cost-effectiveness.
Furthermore, a meticulous electrical design can significantly reduce peak power charges by strategically isolating high-peak-load devices (e.g., HVAC systems, electric vehicle charging stations, large machinery) to a dedicated battery power supply system. This approach smooths power demand, minimizing peak consumption and associated utility costs. Anecdotally, we know that peak power charges can often constitute a staggering 50-70% of total energy costs, making this strategy a critical component of cost optimization.
August Berres RFP Template
August Berres has developed an open-sourced Request for Proposal (RFP) document to facilitate this process. This resource provides a structured framework for building owners and architects to engage with potential electrical construction partners, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of AC vs. DC solutions, including peak power management strategies.
To obtain a copy of the August Berres RFP template, submit the form at the end of this article.
The Strategic Advantages of DC Power Systems
Agile workplace furniture, like the August Berres Respond! 2.0 battery-powered mobile desk, offers the electrical upgrade that a retrofit demands without requiring structural changes to an older or historic building.
Enhanced Efficiency: DC systems eliminate AC-to-DC conversion losses, significantly improving energy efficiency, particularly when integrated with on-site renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Reduced Upfront Costs: Contrary to conventional assumptions, DC systems, particularly those utilizing fault-managed power and battery-powered workstations, can minimize or eliminate the need for extensive conduit and wiring, reducing initial investment.
Optimized Inverter Utilization: Endpoint DC delivery systems reduce or eliminate the requirement for large, costly inverters, especially when combined with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Flexibility and Adaptability: DC systems facilitate the creation of modular, reconfigurable workspaces, aligning with the dynamic needs of agile work environments.
Improved Safety and Reliability: Fault-managed power delivery enhances system safety and reliability, minimizing the risk of electrical faults.
Integrated On-Site Generation and Storage: Seamless integration of solar, wind, and battery storage systems promotes energy independence and resilience.
Peak Power Charge Reduction: Smart electrical design isolates high-peak-load devices to battery systems, reducing peak power demand and lowering utility costs.
The Role of Qualified MEP Engineering and Electrical Contracting Firms
Who better than your professional engineering partners to explain the differences between an AC and DC buidling design?
Comprehensive Analysis: Qualified firms conduct thorough analyses of energy consumption, power requirements, and the specific challenges of older building structures, including peak demand analysis.
System Design and Integration: Expertise in designing and integrating DC power systems, including on-site generation, storage, and fault-managed power delivery, alongside strategic peak power management.
Software Control Systems: The inclusion of all-encompassing software control systems, potentially utilizing AI tools, for real-time monitoring, management, and optimization, including peak power demand prediction and control.
Installation and Commissioning: Skilled professionals ensure safe and efficient installation and commissioning of DC power systems.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Provision of ongoing maintenance and support to ensure optimal system performance.
Strategic Implications and Market Positioning
Adopting DC power systems in commercial building retrofits enables building owners and architects to create sustainable, flexible, and technologically advanced workspaces. This strategic approach positions them to attract tenants seeking agile work environments and to thrive in the evolving commercial real estate market.
Conclusion
Few new office buildings are being planned. Companies want flexible workspaces and Agile Workplaces, created by renovating existing buildings. Retrofitting existing buildings will be commonplace.
The strategic implementation of DC power systems, coupled with intelligent electrical design for peak power management, in commercial building retrofits represents a significant opportunity to create agile, sustainable, and cost-effective workspaces.
Early planning, leveraging resources like the August Berres open-sourced RFP (available via the form below), and engaging qualified MEP engineering or electrical contracting firms are essential for project success. Furthermore, the inclusion of a modern software control system is necessary.
