Oregon Department of Administrative Services Executive Building Chiller Replacement

The primary challenge in this project was accommodating the new chiller and cooling tower within the limited space available – a common challenge when replacing end-of-life building systems or upgrading to more energy-efficient systems in old buildings. To address this issue, our team devised an innovative solution of building an equipment room around the existing chiller. This allowed us to maximize space utilization and integrate the new equipment seamlessly.

Energy Efficiency Goals

Our project’s overarching goal was to optimize energy consumption and reduce the environmental footprint. The new chiller and cooling tower technology and design significantly improved energy efficiency, enabling us to achieve substantial energy savings and contribute positively to sustainability initiatives.

Engineering Collaboration and Execution

Recognizing the importance of ensuring structural integrity and safety, we partnered with a structural engineering firm, which was tasked with assessing the weight and structural impact of the new cooling tower to ensure that it seamlessly integrated with the existing building structure. Building on the success of a previous chiller replacement project at the Oregon Department of Administrative Services employment building, our team utilized past experience to execute this upgrade more efficiently and effectively.

Results

With the successful replacement of the water-cooled chiller and integration of the new cooling tower, the results were impressive. The upgraded cooling system demonstrated significant energy savings, lowering operational costs while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the project positively contributed to the facility’s reputation as a leader in sustainability and responsible environmental practices.

Conclusion

This project exemplified our commitment to embracing the latest technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact. By replacing the old, water-cooled chiller with a new energy-efficient chiller and cooling tower, we have positioned our work as a model for sustainability within the ODAS community. Collaboration with a structural engineering firm ensured the seamless integration of the new equipment into the existing building structure. As we look to the future, our team remains dedicated to embracing innovative solutions that drive us toward a more sustainable and energy-conscious future.

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