Combining Self-Generated Solar Power for "Net Positive Energy"

Stoller Winery was established in 1995, in Oregon's Dundee Hills, west of Portland. The property spans 1.5km² with approximately 0.8km² "under vine," primarily with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. Stoller Winery prides itself on efficiency using sustainable farming practices and is the first LEED^® Gold certified winery in the United States.

When it came to building a new tasting room, they had high expectations, which was to realize a year-round "Net Positive Energy" structure using self-generated solar power through "grid-tied" solar panels.

Issues and Preconditions

Heat and cool a year-round "Net Positive Energy" structure using self-generated solar power through "grid-tied" solar panels

Daikin Solution

Daikin VRV system with low starting power current and easy integration with a fresh air economizer system

Daikin Products and Services

4 outdoor units
7 indoor units

Overview

The new structure of Stoller Winery, completed in the fall of 2012, is a Net Positive Energy design utilizing over 400m² of solar panels to provide 100% , and often more, of the building's power requirements. Using the same architect as the original winery, the tasting room was built using a large amount of reclaimed wood. It utilizes plenty of natural lighting, passive ventilation and Daikin VRV systems to provide year-round comfort for tastings and other special events. The huge walkout doors and windows of the tasting room are coordinated with the HVAC system to take advantage of the wonderful Oregon outside air.

The surrounding mountain ranges of Oregon provide a warmer, buffered microclimate ideal for grapes, but that can make it stuffy for people. Temperatures average in around 30℃ but can reach 38℃ in the summer. Using VRV systems, the HVAC contractor, Jacobs Heating and Air Conditioning, was able to maximize comfort under these conditions while maintaining extremely low energy consumption. The low starting power current of the VRV system was an important consideration with installation of a solar energy system, and a key in the selection of Daikin over other manufacturers’ equipment for this project.

The systems integrated easily into a custom fresh air "economizer" mode using mixing boxes and enthalpy controls with the motorized windows for an optimized 1st stage of cooling used during low demand periods, further reducing energy consumption.

The small footprint of the Daikin systems allowed them to be installed in a small "green roof" area, out of sight of visitors. The low sound levels of Daikin equipment were valued to help maintain the serene environment of this beautiful location.

The structure has a number of different zones to suit the type of event and number of people visiting, including a commercial kitchen. The structure is divided into 6 zones using 4 VRV outdoor units. Indoor units include vertical air handling units for the tasting room and common areas, concealed ducted units in the kitchen to optimize floor space, and a wall-mount fan unit in the office due to limited room for ductwork.

Navigation controllers were used for all zones as they provided the capability for variations in scheduling and simplicity of operation. The ability to have them centrally located for easy monitoring was also a plus. Staff members liked the mode display and easy event scheduling capability of the navigation controllers.

Using VRV system, Stoller Winery was able to achieve its goal of Net Positive Energy for its new wine tasting room while providing absolute comfort for visitors in this beautiful Oregon wine country location. And Daikin again proves to be an ideal partner for LEED^® and Net Zero Energy projects with unparalleled system performance and energy efficiency.

About LEED^®: The LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is an internationally recognized green building certification system for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings developed by? U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).