“The real challenge here was squeezing ten pounds into the proverbial five pound bag.
The postage stamp-sized site located adjacent to a highly sensitive research facility challenged us to make best use of the vertical space and plan a layout for maximum utilization.”
Bart, PE, LEED® ap
aei Project Engineer
south chiller plant expansion Chiller plant configuration to suit Medical Research neighbor. A logical measure to minimize a chiller plant's sound and vibration impact on a neighboring building is to increase the distance between them. The UVA project site was already limited by the existing chiller plant it would adjoin, a Thermal Energy Storage tank, and the sensitive building in question (Medical Research 4). This highly-reduced footprint inspired AEI's vertical configuration, placing three 2,000-ton electric centrifugal chillers on the first level, pumps and supporting equipment on the second, and the cooling towers on the roof. Equipment placement in the narrow structure retains 360-degree access. A common primary loop connection between the plants and consolidated distribution pump allows the two plants and the TES to operate as one. A vibration-dampening support structure and stainless sound attenuators limit remaining impact to acceptable levels. Services: Utility Infrastructure, Cost Estimating
Size: 10,500 tons; 4,000 MVA back-up power
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Award: 2009 Education Design Showcase, Project of Distinction — College Planning & Management
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