Greffen Systems M2G Evaluation – 21 September 2010

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EXTERNAL MEMORANDUM TO SCEO

Subject: Evaluation Summary of Greffen Systems

Applicant: Greffen Systems

Proposed Product Evaluation:

Greffen Systems M2G Microprocessor Boiler Controller

SCRA Reviewer: Mark McCormick

Date Submitted to SCEO: 22 September 2010

Product Claims:

Greffen Systems (Green Efficient Energy) manufacturers a boiler control product that claims

to reduce natural gas or oil consumption by more accurately monitoring and controlling

boiler conditions and reducing the frequency of the burner firing. The reduction of burner

firings will reduce the consumption of fossil fuels; reduce energy costs; increase the lifespan

of the boiler and the burner; and reduce carbon emissions.

The device is compatible with existing boilers and controls. Reductions from 7 to 30% for

energy cost and carbon emissions are claimed by Greffen Systems. The system is Boiler

Industry Standards and Requirements compliant and will work with, or without Building

Management Systems (BMS). The control device is stated in product literature to be in

operation on over 4,000 boilers in Europe; and based on conversations with a Greffen

representative, approximately 100 boilers in the United States.

Product Concept and Specifications:

The M2G is designed to be retrofitted on older, existing boilers in operation, as well as new

installations. The product works with existing heating systems and BMSs. The M2G is

attached to the boiler and all wiring is connected locally to the specific boiler. Installation

time is approximated at 2- 4 hours and performs with gas or oil boilers, preferably 1,000,000

BTUs or higher.

Hot water is needed from the boiler to keep the heating system in operation and the

occupants comfortable. Boiler sizing and hot water temperature settings are basically

Greffen Systems M2G Evaluation – 22 September 2010

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established for the peak demand on the coldest anticipated day so the building occupants will

have consistent, available heat. The water in the boiler is re-heated and circulated when the

loop water temperature falls below a certain set-point.

Reheating will occur because ambient temperatures will drop or water in the boiler and

piping will gradually cool. Many of these reheat cycles occur because of a predictable drop

in outside temperature instead of an actual need for more heat in the building. For example,

it is a cold, but sunny day. By late afternoon and early evening, the heat from the sun has

transferred through the building envelope and is aiding in keeping the indoor temperature

comfortable. However, the boiler controls are sensing a drop in the outdoor temperature and

will signal the boiler to reheat even though temperatures within the space are acceptable.

Using this same situation, natural cooling of the water in the boiler and associated piping will

also activate boiler sensors to reheat, even though the indoor temperature settings are met.

The Greffen Systems M2G microprocessor uses algorithms to allow the boiler and loop

water temperatures to fall below typical set points without reheating, only when the heating

system can still provide the needed heat within the building spaces. The M2G monitors

inside space temperatures and water temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the boiler. The

temperature data from all of these sources are monitored over time and the M2G “learns”

when boiler reheat is necessary, thus reducing reheat cycles.

The product has a manufacturer’s model number of “M2G” and is Underwriters Laboratories

(UL) tested and approved and certified as an Energy Technology List product in Europe.

The following are the unit specifications:

Power Requirements 110V AC, 50mA

Relay Switching Capacity 2A at 120 V AC (resistive)

Isolation Technology Opto-Isolation

Fuse Rating 1.6A 120 V AC

Dimensions 6.9 in (175mm) W x 7.9 in (200mm) H x 2.1 in (54mm) D

Sensors (2) Digital Thermometer

Sensor Range 131 degrees F to 257 degrees F

Weight 3.6 pounds

Case Metal

Measured Savings:

The Reviewer verified SCEO provided validation reports from the U.S. Navy, Naval Air

Station in Jacksonville, Florida and the Internal Revenue Service building in Chamblee,

Georgia. In addition, the Reviewer conducted telephone interviews with three other

applications from a list provided by Greffen Systems. All interviews were with the facility

Greffen Systems M2G Evaluation – 22 September 2010

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Energy Coordinator/Manager responsible for the procurement, installation and monitoring of

the devices. The other installed applications are:

State of Michigan – Department of Corrections – Lansing, Michigan

Yahoo – Sunnyvale, California – buildings managed by Jones Lang LaSalle

Baylor Medical Center – Dallas, Texas - buildings managed by CB Richard Ellis

In all of the above referenced applications, an independent, validated data collection device

was installed and energy usage information was recorded. The data collection duration of

these applications ranged from approximately 45 days to three months. The quantity of

boilers monitored ranged from one to as many as four boilers at a time.

The direct energy consumption savings were measured as:

US Navy – Jacksonville, FL – 11 %

IRS Building – Chamblee, GA – 11%

State of Michigan – Dept of Corrections – Lansing, MI – 12 – 17%

Yahoo – Sunnyvale, CA – 10 – 15%

Baylor Medical Center – Dallas, TX – 12 – 14%

Recommendations:

Based on the reviewers’ assessment of the provided information, telephone interviews and

industry standards, the product should be approved by the State of South Carolina in its

facilities for the intended use of the product.

The reviewer believes the product will average a reduction in direct consumption of natural

gas or oil in the range of 12 to 15% and payback on investment periods will on average be 12

months or less.