Project ushers SDASM into energy efficiency future

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Thum
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The South Dakota Air and Space Museum is currently undergoing a dramatic facelift, thanks to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron and MDU Resources.

The pilot project, scheduled for completion March 1, is designed to install new LED lighting and infrared heating technology in the facility which will result in an estimated $6,500 per month savings in electrical and natural gas costs.

With no strict set of plans and a flexible budget, the renovation process is unprecedented in many ways.

"This project requires no capital investment by the Air Force or Ellsworth," said Aaron Fielder, 28th CES resource efficiency manager. "This unique project is classified as a `demonstration project' and is being paid for by MDU Resources, the base's utility energy savings contractor."

The process includes replacing every existing light fixture - from display cases to exterior security - with high-efficiency LED lights. A new metering system to track energy and cost savings will also be installed.

Senior Airman Jose Hinojosa and Airman 1st Class Kyle McKibben, 28th CES heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians, helped install the new infrared heating systems to replace the older forced air unit heaters.

"I'm new to the base, so I'm excited to help out," McKibben said. "This will be a good experience."

A lighting control system is also being installed. Master Sgt. Eric Grim, 28th Bomb Wing SDASM director, explained this will allow the staff to light certain displays or areas of the museum at a time, a necessary measure to create a dynamic and exciting environment for people to learn about the history and current operations of the Air Force.

The museum hosted more than 110,000 visitors in 2012 alone - significantly shaping the way they view the Air Force as a whole. According to Grim, the facility is also listed in the top 10 things to see in Rapid City. "The museum has a big regional draw," Grim added.

Chuck Miller, WBI Energy - a subsidiary of MDU Resources - representative, said the new lights require a mere one-third of the electricity the old lights did, and that the amount of maintenance needed to maintain the energy systems at the museum will be cut in half.

With all of the changes taking place, documentation is necessary in case of future maintenance or developments. Staff Sgt. Andrew Warnement, 28th CES engineering technician, said at the beginning of the project there was no electrical or mechanical diagram, only a set of plans for the outer shell of the building.

"We're creating an as-built design draft for continuity," Warnement explained. "We're taking measurements to capture the new additions made during the renovation."

Fielder said the project would not have been possible without the help of MDU Resources and cooperation from the entire base.

"The sense of ownership expressed by the personnel involved with this major project adds to the excitement and has generated interest throughout the base," Fielder said. "Given the scope and involvement at all levels, the grand re-opening of the museum will be a dynamic and exciting event for the base and all those involved."

Grim added he and the rest of the museum staff are excited to get back to work and take advantage of the new technology and the versatility it offers.

"It's going to have an amazing impact," Grim said. "Having MDU Resources and Airmen from the base come out and help has been absolutely phenomenal. This is like a dream come true for us."