Additionally, decentralized systems, like VRF, allow a team to reuse some existing air-distribution infrastructure in a new purpose and only introduce small piping to the already crowded above-ceiling space.ĬSE: Have you specified variable refrigerant flow systems, chilled beams, or other unique HVAC systems into a government, state, municipal, federal, or military building? If so, describe its challenges and solutions. Modular and scalable equipment and systems are then specified for these tight renovations. Meanwhile, existing infrastructure limits space for the introduction of new equipment and systems.
Due to their age, these systems often fail to meet current codes. Renovating these existing buildings presents a unique set of challenges with the HVAC systems. Zanders: Since government buildings tend to be older and with aging infrastructure, they have likely undergone several renovations over time. This specialized system allowed us to integrate energy recovery into an existing AHU that did not have space for an additional energy-recovery coil. The hydronic coil replacement also helped solve some controllability issues the client was having with the existing steam preheat coils. The energy-recovery coils that were installed in the existing air handling units (AHUs) served as both preheat and energy-recovery coils. We specified a customized, high-performance energy-recovery system that included energy-recovery coils, automated controls, and a skid-mounted hydronic unit. Krick: We were recently tasked with adding energy recovery to an existing HVAC system at a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) lab for a federal client. Army Corps of Engineers due to the army’s struggle with dehumidification and mold issues in barracks facilities where there is a higher density of personnel with moisture conditions, such as showering facilities and sometimes moisture-ridden clothing and equipment following missions or training activities. This was driven by a specific requirement by the U.S. Troberman: For the barracks project at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, we specified DOAS that required much lower dew points than what we would typically specify in other facilities. Project Manager/Director of Projects, Primera Engineers Ltd., ChicagoĬSE: Have you specified distinctive HVAC systems on any government, state, municipal, federal, or military facilities? What unusual or infrequently specified products or systems did you use to meet challenging HVAC needs?
Troberman Jr., PE, LEED AP, CBCP, Mechanical Engineer, EEA Consulting Engineers, Austin, Texas Lindsay