Installation of a new 1500 ton water cooled centrifugal chiller to provide more efficient operation of the chillers in the plant. Pumping was changed to variable volume system to control the both pressure and temperature. Also installed a new 1200 hp 225 psi steam boiler, stack and feedwater systems. Other projects at the facility included a lighting retrofit, variable speed pumping and power factor upgrade.
Project Management of Energy Conservation Projects located in Laredo, Brownsville, McAllen, Oklahoma City and Eagle Pass for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Alderson & Associates performed an evaluation of the existing lighting, HVAC and controls systems at each facility that included inspection booths, canopies, and administrative areas at Port of Entry locations in Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville and the Eagle Pass Bridge 1 and 2 Port of Entry sites. The study included evaluations of the Laredo courthouse, and Oklahoma City Federal Building.
Evaluation of the airports existing Chilled Water and HVAC system for the City of San Antonio included a field survey of Terminal One to determine the condition and adequacy of the air handling units and controls, chilled water piping system, hot water piping system, and the central plant. Reports of findings included a detailed description of the condition of the equipment recommendations of actions needed, including replacement, upgrades and operational changes.
Preliminary review of buildings at Brooks-City Base for the purpose of creating a Memo of Understanding (MOU) to apply to the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) for a loan through the LoanSTAR program. Performed an energy audit of 10-15 buildings that were prime candidates for energy conservation; reviewed design drawings of existing systems and evaluated major systems and equipment in use, as well as measurements and costs of energy usage. Calculated expected energy savings of select projects using the SECO LoanSTAR simplified calculation or other approved methods. Alderson proposed new gas-fired boilers, new chillers, BAS (Building Automation System) upgrades, HVAC equipment replacement, lighting replacement/retrofit, install VFDs (variable frequency drives) on chiller water and hot water pumps.
UTSA received $1.08 million in Department of Energy stimulus funds distributed by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to install solar panels on two buildings at UTSA's Main Campus. The project for UTSA was made possible because of the solar-energy grant that is one of four that will enable solar panel installations in San Antonio. CPS Energy will participate in the UTSA solar initiative to create opportunities for the students to work on the project; $127,720 is pledged from the solar rebate program for student scholarships. UTSA will install the solar panels on the roofs of the University Center's recent expansion and the Engineering Building on the Main Campus. The panels are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions up to 273,661 pounds annually, which is the equivalent of planting 372 acres of trees. They also are expected to generate 237 megawatt hours of energy, saving UTSA as much as $64,000.00 per year. Alderson & Associates provided engineering services for the development of an RFP to allow UTSA to solicit interested solar contractors to provide a turnkey project of system design and installation of a 140 KW photovoltaic solar system on the roof of the University Center III Building and a total of 12 KW photovoltaic system on the roof of the Engineering Building. The RFP consisted of drawings depicting as-built conditions of the roofs, mechanical penthouses and electrical penthouses. The drawings indicated the allowable area for the solar panel installation and acceptable structural loading of the roofs. Commissioning services included closeout activities with the observation of the complete power quality process and review of project closeout documentation (Operations & Maintenance Manuals, training, warranty transfer and record drawings).
The project was initiated by UTSA to document and correct air imbalances within the Science Building due to excessive negative pressure. The scope included complete mechanical as-built drawings, including each VAV box and air device; recordings of all supply and exhaust airflow at each air device; traverse air flow readings of all exhaust fans and air handlers; condition reports of each VAV box, controller, exhaust fan and system; recommendations for mechanical improvements and methods for alleviating the severe negative balance problems within the laboratory areas and the building.
Full MEP commissioning services for the new state of the art 10 story tower at the University Hospital. Includes design review, 50% CD review, 95% CD review, construction and post-occupancy commissioning. LEED Silver with enhanced Commissioning. The new, nearly 1,000,000 square foot tower will house the hospital's strongest services including trauma care, transplantation, neurosurgery and cardiac care. In addition to 24 advanced operating suites with shell space for 11 more and 713 single-patient rooms.
Commissioning services for new district-wide Facility and Building Management System. Includes design review, 50% CD review, 95% CD review, construction and post-occupancy commissioning. This is not a LEED project, but will incorporate many aspects of LEED fundamental and enhanced commissioning.
The project consists of renovation of 75,000 sq foot Hanger 58, with approximately 23,856 square feet of offices that are air conditioned. Commissioning services include Air Cooled Chiller, Hot Water Boiler and Associated Pumps; Fan Coil Units, 30 Total; Exhaust Ventilation Systems; Automatic Temperature Control System including a general operational checkout in conjunction with specific commissioned equipment and the sequences of operation.
MEP design and commissioning services for a new fitness center to include a gymnasium, lockers, exercise room, weights and cardio room indoor swimming pool. The project is LEED registered and seeking a LEED Silver rating. Mechanical design services included the building air conditioning system including heating, cooling, ventilation and associated control system, general purpose exhaust systems for the restrooms, domestic hot and cold water, natural gas, sanitary waste and vent systems within the building and connecting to the existing services. A pretreatment outside air unit was installed in the exercise room for humidity control and the pool room included a dehumidification system. General purpose exhaust systems were designed for the restrooms. Commissioning services include design review, 50% CD review, 95% CD review, construction and post-occupancy commissioning. The project won a Commercial Construction honorable mention at the Green Building Awards.