Infrastructure

Client/Owner: OTJ Architects

Location: Alexandria, VA

Contact: Lew Brode, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering for the renovation of the existing Satellite Operations Center (SOC) Buildings 1 & 2 to accommodate the relocated Media Operations Center (MOC). SOC-1 is 12,000 sq ft and SOC-2 is 25,000 sq ft. The majority of the relocated MOC servers (124 kW) were installed in SOC-1. An air distribution study of SOC-1 was performed to determine the available capacity to cool the relocated MOC servers. The results of the study indicated the cooling system had the required spare capacity to the cool the relocated racks. The ductwork was redesigned to provide additional air flow to cool the relocated racks. Electrical upgrade in SOC-1 included the replacement of the two existing 450kW UPS systems with two new 500kW UPS systems and modification of the electrical distribution for the addition of new racks in their existing data center. It involved coordination of the phased removal and installation to minimize the impact on the client’s 24/7 broadcasting operation. The remaining servers (65 kW) and all of the MOC personnel were relocated to SOC-2. The majority of the mechanical systems were replaced in the upgrade of SOC-2 and included new RTUs, humidification, CRAC units, VAV boxes, ductwork, and diffusers. Electrical upgrade in SOC-2 included the alteration of the existing distribution system to support the modification of the ground, first and second floor space layouts for the relocated Media Operation Center. A new 6-way duct bank was routed from the SOC-1 for the new UPS and generator feeders to accommodate the additional electrical loads. It involved coordination with a number of existing adjacent storm pipes and electrical and telecommunication duct banks. The fire protection systems for the servers and tech/edit bays in SOC-2 included pre-action, VESDA, and FM-200 systems.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: Foulger-Pratt

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Contact: Lew Brode, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provides innovative solutions to clients by analyzing existing conditions, identifying deficiencies and implementing low cost solutions. The 2,000-ton chiller plant at 1315 East-West Highway exemplifies this approach. Before the renovation the condenser water pumps were cavitating and the cooling towers were prone to over flowing under certain conditions. GPI’s design relocated the condenser water pumps to correct the bad inlet conditions, eliminating the cavitation and easing maintenance. Tower overflow was remediated by installing isolation valves which eliminated the need to modify the 16” condenser water main, substantially reducing project costs. GPI also worked with the owner and controls contractor to tailor the sequence of operation to the specified chillers maximized efficiency and provide a utility rebate for the owner.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: New York Power Authority

Location: Lewiston, NY

Contact: Joseph Coffey, PE

Description: GPI designed an aboveground tank system to replace an outdated underground unit and found a more convenient location to ease parking lot traffic. GPI engineers were able to design a double wall tank with an up to date direct digital control tank monitoring system. The new design lowered the long-term environmental and fuel-spill liability. The system also included an extended lifecycle on pump dispensers, fleet gasoline and diesel fuel storage, and the dispensing system that provided immediate and future energy and cost savings. GPI moved the location of the tanks to an underutilized part of the parking lot which resulted in better traffic flow.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Location: Washington, DC

Contact: Lew Brode, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provided engineering services for replacement of the existing switchboards and re-configuring the incoming electrical service. The NSDAR campus is approximately 350,000 sq ft. GPI worked with NSDAR to discuss removal/retention of existing equipment and proposed recommendations of new incoming service and switchboard placement. The existing three original switchboards were consolidated to a single service 4,000 amp switchboard rated at 208Y/120 Volts, 3 Phase, 4Wire. Temporary power equipment was designed and engineered to permit installation of the new service switchboard at the same location as the original equipment. GPI provided construction documents including phasing options to minimize outages so the facility could remain fully operational through construction.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: Bloomsburg University

Location: Bloomsburg, PA

Contact: Stephen Daiute, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI was retained to design a new district cooling plant for Bloomsburg University. The project followed a chilled water master plan completed by GPI in which the cooling needs of each building on Bloomsburg’s campus were evaluated. The master plan recommended several strategically located central plants across Bloomsburg University’s campus. The project included locating the new facility, obtaining necessary site approvals, relocating existing campus utilities, designing the new facility, bidding support, construction administration, and oversight of the project. The design of this specialized facility required the project team to work closely with the University to understand their requirements, service preferences, expectations, and anticipated future needs/growth. GPI evaluated multiple chiller alternatives, including traditional electrically driven machines, absorption chillers, and steam driven chillers to utilized “waste” steam generated from the adjacent combined heating and power plant. Our evaluations included identifying underground steam system modifications, mechanical space needs, serviceability, and life cycle costs for each alternative. The district plant services connected the buildings via a new network of underground piping to each building served by the plant and a common chilled water bridge to easily connect additional buildings in the future.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: S.C. Herman & Associates

Location: Washington, DC

Contact: Lew Brode, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provided engineering consulting services for the modernization of the Chiller Plant at 600 E Street. A study and energy analysis were performed prior to design to calculate payback based on various different types of chillers and pumping configurations. GPI subsequently provided engineering design and the scope of work included the removal of six existing chillers and associated pumps as well as the cooling towers and condenser water pumps. The design of the new variable primary chiller plant focuses on energy efficiency and on ultra-low turndown for the tenant 24-hour load. GPI also provided Construction Administration Services as well as support to the owner during the bidding and negotiation phase.

Category: Infrastructure