Confidential Metropolitan Hospital Network, GREATER BOSTON AREA
VALUE DELIVERED
Our turnkey design-build, single-source delivery provided this hospital a more energy efficient chiller and pumps, along with advanced automation, in minimal downtime. The new system achieved an average energy consumption reduction of more than 196,152- kilowatt hours (29 percent) per year.
We used environmentally responsible practices for equipment demolition and refrigerant disposal, and expert rigging management to help optimize patient and street-level safety. The new system garnered a $98,076 rebate from Eversource.
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The hospital was in need of a more energy-efficient solution that would include a new chiller and pumps, and an updated automation system to help maximize the chiller’s capabilities. The system also needed to be installed with minimal disruption.
PROJECT SOLUTIONS
To help minimize downtime, we completed much of the work during the coldest winter months when the cooling system could be off-line. We developed a 3D CAD model of the room to allow prefabrication.
The condenser water and primary chilled water loops were re-piped to allow for each original pump and tower to connect to both chillers. We insulated the chilled water piping, and installed new variable frequency drives (VFDs) on the pumps.
Then, a new, energy-efficient, central-processor-controlled chiller was installed with a frictionless compressor and new associated pumps. Since frictionless compressors operate most efficiently on part loads, our design engineers programmed the control strategy and its algorithms, enabling an all-variable-flow central plant with system components regulated for maximum energy efficiency.
The lead/lag staging capability of our solution helped improve performance, enabling the chillers, compressors, pumps, variable frequency drives, and cooling towers to adjust to changing environmental conditions.
To finalize the project, we tested and balanced the chillers’ water system, and performed commissioning and startup. In addition, we provided the client with the manufacturer’s chiller performance data, and trained the client’s facilities personnel on the operation of the chiller and new controls system.
CLIENT BACKGROUND
This facility includes two hospitals and a network of supplementary service centers throughout Boston’s western suburbs.