SITUATION:
The University of Connecticut (UConn) chose BOND Building to construct a more efficient and flexible chiller plant and to upgrade the existing units that were under performing as demand increased. The first phase scope of work consisted of upgrades to the cooling plant which included four new 400-ton gas-engine-driven chillers, new cooling towers and the common piping and pumping system. The second phase of this project focused on the installation of new gas-engine chillers. The final phase of the project was completed at the end of summer 2020 and will replace the CUP cooling towers.
CHALLENGES:
- Construction on active campus during the winter months
- Phased work required several plant shutdowns and electrical outages
- Executed work within a mission critical operation
SOLUTIONS:
- Temporary chillers and pumps used to minimize impact to campus
- Detail planning with campus leadership to avoid service interruptions on campus
- Utilization of contingency plans and risk analysis to ensure work arounds were in place
- Laser scanning and detailed BIM modeling used to coordinate scope and ensure equipment locations and orientations are optimized for the operators and maintenance activities
RESULTS:
- The work was completed without operation interference
- All work completed on budget with minimal change orders
- All targeted percentages for M/WBE satisfied
- Work completed ahead of schedule
Interested in Learning More?
District Cooling System Overhaul for Efficiency and Flexibility
Presented at the International District Energy Association (IDEA) Conference
Campus Energy 2020: The Power to Change
Presented by John Turner
PDF Download Available: International District Energy Association’s Website
