Academy Project Management – Chiller

A West London Academy – Installation of a new Chilled Water System

Background

This West London Academy had been experiencing re-occurring problems with the building overheating despite it being regularly maintained. In general, the building is ventilated via four large Air Handling Units with adiabatic cooling located on the roof.

Unfortunately, the adiabatic cooling was unable to meet the cooling demands of this modern Academy.

The Project ran for 16 weeks.

Key Concerns Identified

  • The need for an extra 300kw of cooling.
  • The need for a new 315amp power supply.
  • The need to modify Air Handling Units and install new pipework to the AHU’s.
  • The need to revisit the structural calculations to ensure the roof could support the new plant.
  • The need to select a suitable High Efficiency Water Chiller to work alongside the adiabatic.
  • The need to update and modify the existing control strategy to optimise the efficiencies.
cooling1

Consultancy Action

Working on behalf of the client, VJA Consultancy:

  • Appointed the professional team and worked with them on the design development.
  • Tendered and evaluated the returned bids.
  • Acted as Project Manager preparing Progress and cost reports.
  • Co-ordinated and chased the various trades.
  • Oversaw the crane lift.
  • Managed the validation checks and post works commissioning.
  • Issued practical completion and managed the snags over the 12-month defect liability period.

Outcome and Recommendations

  • The project was delivered on time and within budget.
  • Cool air can now be supplied into the classrooms when there are high ambient temperatures.
  • The original energy efficient adiabatic cooling was retained and used as the ‘Stage 1’ cooling and the new control strategy introduced the supplimentary chilled water cooling as required (‘Stage 2’) using incremental control.
  • By incorporating a thermal store buffer vessel into the design greater efficiencies could be achieved from the 5* energy rated ‘Turbocor’ chiller.
  • A recommendation was made to take up the offer of a service package offered by the manufacturer and installers to maintain the reliability and efficiency of the equipment.

Conclusion

The Academy was able to provide a cool working environment for their students whilst minimising their energy usage. The new ‘Turbocor’ chiller is anticipated to deliver a 30% energy saving compared with a traditional chiller.

Posted in Education