NYC Health + Hospitals Cumberland Cooling Towers Replacement

GPI provided designs that fulfilled both budgetary and scheduling goals. Ensuring the new cooling towers would work with existing chillers was a cost-effective strategy that shortened the construction timeline, a key project imperative.

GPI evaluated existing mechanical and electrical systems and determined that the increased efficiency of the new equipment would serve current and anticipated occupant loads. GPI specified two new, high-efficiency, induced draft crossflow cooling towers that each have 150-ton cooling capacity. The new cooling towers are powered by variable frequency drive (VFD) motors that adapt to occupancy. The cooling towers and VFD, which have long lead times for delivery, were specified for advance ordering to avoid construction delays. GPI also designed upgrades to Cumberland’s electrical systems, including a new electrical panel, disconnect switches, conduits, and wiring. GPI coordinated with facility managers to efficiently route the new wiring from the basement to the roof. GPI evaluated structural elements and designed modifications to the steel supports and stairs. Maintaining the existing footprint saved time, expense, and disruption to the rest of the roof. The addition of vibration isolators reduces noise and minimizes equipment wear and tear.

GPI engineers coordinated closely with facility representatives and the construction team to stage operations and activities. This collaborative effort ensured that there was no impact on patient care. An active ambulance zone is located adjacent to the rear of the site, which required temporarily closing the street to remove old equipment and hoist the new cooling towers via crane.