Cal-Bay Equips Research Facility for Developing Green Building Technologies

SAN RAFAEL, CA-Cal-Bay Systems has teamed with the US Department of Energy (DOE) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to design, install and deploy sophisticated test, validation and measurement equipment in the DOE's new Facility for Low Energy Experiments in Buildings, or FLEXLAB. The innovative facility provides researchers, manufacturers, developers, architects, engineers, contractors and utilities the resources needed to accurately field-test innovations in green building technologies and controls.

Cal-Bay was selected to build out the facility's Advanced Data Acquisition and control systems to generate the accurate, unbiased data needed to refine energy-efficient components and systems for deployment in real-world conditions. The resulting advances promise a new generation of environmentally-friendly building technologies. They also provide utilities with the data needed to valuate incentives that speed consumer adoption.

"FLEXLAB represents a big step forward in addressing key conservation challenges facing the building industry, and our nation," said Cindy Regnier, FLEXLAB manager. "These test beds provide a unique platform for studies that will streamline the development and production of highly integrated, energy-efficient building systems that far exceed current standards. Cal-Bay's involvement has been instrumental to the success of the facility."

From efficient lighting and HVAC equipment to energy management systems and controls, the need for reliable, sustainable energy-saving products is a top national priority. The benefits of reduced energy use range from lessening our dependency on imported fuels to freeing organizational resources that can be redirected to R&D, production output and jobs, Cal-Bay says.

"We're thrilled to be entrusted with a project so critical to our national interests,” said Guy Nunnellee, Cal-Bay VP of sales & marketing. "Cal-Bay engineers have been collaborating with LBNL on an advanced system built around National Instruments' CompactRIO hardware and LabVIEW software to ensure those who use the facility are working with the most accurate data possible."

Cal-Bay Systems is a global leader in comprehensive, automated test and measurement processes for mission-critical applications.

FLEXLAB will partner with manufacturers to develop and optimize their controls and technologies, integrating with other commercial building systems. FLEXLAB will also work with utilities on research fundamental to reaching state and regional energy reduction targets, and conduct energy efficiency research for DOE and other federal agencies.