Energy Inspection and Energy Recovery Wheel Installation

Pakanasink Elementary School, Pine Bush, NY

Overview

Circleville Middle School needed to upgrade its natatorium air conditioning system. MEP was subcontracted to conduct inspections and upgrade the energy recovery wheel.

MEP recreated all missing construction design documents, identified non-code compliant issues, and designed the installation an energy-efficient heat recovery wheel system.

Facility Description

Located in Pine Bush, New York and built in the 1960’s, Circleville Middle School is approximately 75,000 square feet consisting of two floors on slab construction.

Project Origin and Goals

This project originated as an energy performance contract by Ameresco in 2008 and targeted the natatorium air conditioning system. MEP conducted a technical assessment of the air handling unit to install a heat recovery wheel as the design documents underwent full SED review and approval. Some of the major challenges of the project included rigging and installation logistics and integration of new wheel into an unconventional aged and air handling unit.

Energy Recovery Wheel

The natatorium air handler is located on the second floor mechanical penthouse. MEP designed the installation of a heat recovery wheel for the 15,000 cfm air handler, associated controls, motor and electrical connections.

Building Inspection

Included in MEP’s scope of work was also an inspection of the entire facility. Fifty one key areas and systems were examined and evaluated for NYS Building Code, SED guideline, and overall occupant safety compliance.

Among the inspected areas were ADA, egress passage, egress windows, materials handling and storage, door hardware, heating and cooling equipment, dual fuel firing control system, automatic and manual fire suppression equipment and alarms, outdoor air compliance, hot and cold water supply and distribution systems, plumbing fixtures, electrical systems, and communication systems.

Controls

The school controls system was pneumatic in origin. Installing a new DDC based Building Energy Management system and associated retrofit of actuation apparatus was part of the scope for this project.

ALL OF THE DIAGRAMS AND DRAWINGS PRESENTED IN THIS NARRATIVE INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUNDS WERE FIELD GENERATED BY MEP DUE TO THE LACK OF EXISTING CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.