USAFA Sustain/Repair Cooling Towers B2410

SEC designed the complete replacement of East and West cooling towers at Building 2410, serving the Fairchild Hall chilled water plant at the US Air Force Academy. The cooling towers also serve CRAC units in Fairchild Hall, Aero Lab auxiliary equipment, Mitchell Hall refrigeration, and Gregory Hall auxiliary equipment. The opinion of probable construction cost is $4,260,000, with NASCO awarded for completion in 2026.

The replacement towers are CTI-certified with stainless steel basins, variable-frequency fan drives, and parallel-cell turndown capability. Control features include freezing protection, low-flow protection, and high-vibration protection. LED lighting was incorporated for safety and maintainability. The design also includes new condenser and process pumps, chemical treatment and side-stream separation systems, and control system integration.

The project evaluated both a closed-loop tower option and refurbishment alternatives before selecting full replacement. Construction is phased to maintain Aero Lab cooling operations throughout the project. Structural elements including platforms, ladders, and railings are included, along with electrical design featuring dedicated feeders and LED illumination.