B/E Aerospace

June 26, 2019

By partnering with CMS Controls for their retrofit projects, B/E Aerospace has recognized significant energy and operational savings

Company

• $2.5 billion revenue
• 7,700 employees

Project Site

• 8 buildings in complex
• 267,000 square feet

Case Study Highlights

• 30%+ reduction in HVAC energy consumption
• 20% natural gas savings

The Challenge

The HVAC system at the B/E Aerospace manufacturing facility in North Carolina was nearing the end of its life. CMS Controls (and partner company Piedmont Service Group), as B/E’s full service mechanical contractor for 10 years, had been able to maintain their existing equipment to the 30-year mark but it was time to look into updating their system. When the discussions started, instead of simply replacing the components, PSG/CMS suggested a system-wide approach to find opportunities for higher efficiency and lower energy consumption. The current system used inefficient electric heating with 40 to 80KW heaters installed in the ceiling every 8 feet throughout the facility. Because the investment was already approved, B/E determined to make the facility as efficient as possible.

The Solution

B/E Aerospace recognized significant energy and operational savings through the comprehensive retrofit project. CMS/PSG replaced 20-ton ACME split systems with Trane gas package units with economizers. These units allowed B/E to eliminate the electric heaters and also allow them to take advantage of fresh air when conditions are right.

They gained the advantage of having a staged scroll compressor instead of loading and unloading the former reciprocating compressors. As an added bonus, the removal of a 20-ton air handler from the ceiling opened up the space and improved its overall appearance.

CMS Controls provided B/E Aerospace with an extremely flexible HVAC control and energy management system solution. CMS was able to set up the system using a single type of controller, simplifying the installation and keeping initial costs to a minimum. As other aging HVAC components are replaced, B/E’s own maintenance staff can easily modify the controllers to incorporate new energy management and control strategies.

About the Client

B/E Aerospace is the worldwide leading manufacturer of aircraft passenger cabin interior products for the commercial and business jet aircraft markets. B/E Aerospace is also the leading global distributor of aerospace fasteners. B/E Aerospace has leading worldwide market shares in all of its major product lines and serves virtually all of the world’s airlines, aircraft manufacturers and leasing companies through its direct global sales and customer support. The B/E Aerospace facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is an eight-building complex taking up more than 264,000 square feet of manufacturing floor space. This location houses the company’s Seating Products and Design Studio division.