Overview
P2S was contracted as the prime consultant to provide the central plant and electrical infrastructure and HVAC systems upgrade at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. P2S provided architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural engineering services. Project scope included the design of chillers, cooling towers, HVAC units, 15kV main switchgear, double ended substations, MCC’s, switchboards and 1.5MW standby emergency generator.
Challenge
Our initial challenge related to the lack of as-built drawings for the existing central plant, HVAC equipment, standby emergency back-up power system, primary and secondary power distribution substations. To over come this we developed accurate as-built drawings by conducting extensive field surveys. We were quickly able to determine and document existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing as-built condition and equipment operational characteristics.
Also, due to space constraints, the requirement specified that the new electrical, mechanical and plumbing equipment be installed near the same location. Because the Salk Institute is a fully operational laboratory facility, it was critical our design team develop creative designs and that would have minimal impact to its daily operations.
Additionally, projects goals and objectives included providing flexibility and ease of use for the various MEP systems, maximizing efficiency, minimizing environmental impact and completing the project within its tight budget and timeline.
Action
As prime consultant, P2S subcontracted and managed the architectural and structural engineering services and provided MEP engineering, design and construction administration. To meet the project objectives, P2S designed the following systems:
Mechanical system
- Replacement of three (3) absorption chillers with three (3) new 1,000-Ton centrifugal, water-cooled electric chillers with variable frequency drives (VFD).
- Replacement of two (2) 25 Mega Btu/hr output high temperature hot water generators with three (3) 10 Mega Btu/hr output high temperature hot water generators.
- Designed the replacement of four (4) cooling towers with four (4) 1,000-Ton cooling towers with variable frequency drives (VFD).
- Replacemnt of chilled water, condenser water and high temperature hot water pumps, piping distribution and hydronic accessories.
- Designed the replacement of air handling units, 3-way to 2-way control valves, multiple supply and exhaust fans, air distribution and accessories.
- Direct digital control system design for all central plant equipment.
Electrical system
- 15kV, 1200A switchgear which feeds all distribution substations located in different buildings.
- Five (5) new 480V/277V substations located in different buildings.
- Designed MCC’s and switchboards in the main electrical room.
- Modified existing standby emergency power system and designed new 1.5MW standby emergency power distribution system, which provides back-up power to selected loads in different buildings.
- Designed metering and monitoring system for the entire electrical power distribution system at Salk institute.
Plumbing system
- Industrial cold water system and domestic hot water system.
- Natural gas service to high temperature hot water generators.
- Designed make-up water system for chilled and condenser water system.
Results
Due to the use of high efficiency equipment and variable flow system that will match actual loads.We estimate that Salk’s new central plant will be at least 20% more efficient than the previous,
P2S completed the design of this project on time and within allocated budget. By meeting project goals and objectives, the new equipment enables Salk and its teams to utilize the facility as planned—and with increased flexibility.
