Heating System Overhaul at JFK Library and Museum

This case study details the heating system overhaul at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, which was necessitated by rising electricity costs associated with the original electric heating plant installed in 1967. The project, initiated in the fall of 2003, involved the installation of three AERCO Benchmark Boilers, chosen for their energy efficiency and compact size. The Benchmark boilers operate in condensing mode, enhancing efficiency by converting more fuel into usable heat. The system's Boiler Management System (BMS) adjusts the output based on external temperatures, optimizing performance and reducing operational costs. The case study highlights the benefits of the modulating capability of the boilers, which allows for precise load-matching and improved thermal efficiency. Additionally, variable frequency drive pumps were installed to enhance system responsiveness. Since the completion of the project, the heating plant has not required full capacity operation, and the quiet operation of the AERCO units has contributed to maintaining the library's tranquil environment.