Colorado Springs, Colorado • Completed January 1999-January 2000
Multi-phase upgrade of the campus High Temperature Hot Water distribution system including system study, main piping improvements, and new distribution to serve six new buildings. The project improved system reliability and peak flow conditions.
The first phase of the project involved a comprehensive study of the entire campus High Temperature Hot Water (HTHW) system. Drawings of the system were not available, therefore field investigation was performed to develop as-built drawings of the entire campus HTHW distribution and Central Plant systems. As-built drawings were prepared in AutoCAD documenting field verified sizes and routing. Equipment schedules were compiled on each heat exchanger, pump, control valve, and HTHW Generator. Hydraulic analysis was performed on the system using Pipe-Flo. Master planning was provided to determine future load requirements associated with proposed expansion projects planned over the next five (5) years, with this data integrated into the hydraulic model for analysis. Cost estimates were prepared for each option and evaluated using life cycle cost analysis to determine the best method of meeting future flow requirements.
The second phase involved design of distribution system modifications proposed in the study. This phase involved looping the north and south mains together to improve reliability and peak flow conditions, increasing the pipe size in portions of the tunnel, and replacement of direct bury piping in poor condition. The project included installation of 1,500 L.F. of direct bury distribution system utilizing an insulated Class A conduit system with a fiberglass outer jacket. Tunnel piping modifications required replacement of 1,100 L.F. of 4" piping with 6" piping and replacement of 800 L.F. of 6" piping with 8" piping. The crawl space of one building was utilized to install 700 L.F. of 3" and 4" piping. A 4 day shutdown of the central plant was coordinated and scheduled to install temporary tie-ins designed to eliminate further downtime of the system throughout the remainder of the project.
The third phase involved design of new distribution systems to serve six new and one existing building on campus. The new distribution system utilized an insulated Class A conduit system with fiberglass outer jacket. This project required approximately 1,200 L.F. of 3" distribution piping and 650 L.F. of 2" distribution piping, extending the campus HTHW network to support future expansion.
Replacement of a 40 MMBtuH High Temperature Hot Water Generator with a 34 MMBtuH unit, including flue gas economizer and advanced combustion control systems. This upgrade improved generator efficiency from 80% to 85% and modernized the central plant infrastructure.
View ProjectMaster planning and expansion of the central chilled water plant from the initial capacity to 1,400 tons, including a new 900-ton chiller and innovative concrete cooling tower structure. The project addressed CFC refrigerant phase-out and limited expansion space while maintaining campus cooling requirements.
View ProjectComprehensive analysis comparing thermal storage and conventional chiller options for campus cooling expansion. The study evaluated capital costs, operating expenses, and lifecycle costs, ultimately recommending a centrifugal chiller with primary/secondary pumping conversion.
View ProjectComplete renovation of an 80,000 SF college dormitory featuring innovative energy recovery ventilation systems, efficient hydronic heating/cooling distribution, and advanced building automation. The project achieved excellent commissioning results and high occupant satisfaction.
View ProjectReplacement of a 20 MMBtuH boiler with a 40 MMBtuH unit featuring advanced microprocessor-based combustion and burner management systems. The project included significant piping modifications and a building addition to accommodate the larger boiler.
View ProjectHeat recovery economizer system designed to capture waste heat from HTHW generators for pool heating and domestic hot water preheating at El Pomar Sports Center. The system features stainless steel construction and advanced microprocessor-based controls integrated with campus building automation.
View Project