THE OPPORTUNITY

PS&S provided professional design services for the replacement of the existing ground-mounted chiller at the Biotechnology High School located in Freehold Township, New Jersey. Services included architecture, MEP, cost estimating, bid administration, construction administration, and closeout services.

THE CHALLENGE

The replacement of the existing exterior-mounted air-cooled Chiller was proposed to be in-kind and fit within the constraints of the existing enclosure walls of the facility. The existing Chiller has met its useful life based on ASHRAE life cycle guidelines, approximately 15-20 years. The Chiller has (3) three compressors. Two (2) compressors have failed. As a result, cooling will not work adequately for the building. The (2) two broken compressors in the Chiller could be replaced, but there are no guarantee’s the third compressor or any other components inside the existing Chiller will not fail soon. Therefore, PS&S suggested the replacement of the Chiller in-kind. The replacement Chiller is eligible for an energy rebate. The project is taking place during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. Availability of material has been limited and costs of products and materials has increased due to its limited availability. The project cost for this work was estimated to be $350,000.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S developed a plan to replace the Chiller in-kind. While the students were still occupying the building, PS&S suggested the District rent a temporary chiller to operate the heating and cooling system for the building during occupancy. A rental unit was delivered and installed to allow for the phasing of the replacement chiller while the temporary unit was on site. Upgrades to power, piping, and the concrete slab are required to house the new, more energy-efficient unit in the same location. To prevent damage to equipment from potential power surges, a surge suppression device was designed for the main power service into the building. VFD control devices and the BMS controls will be replaced with the new Chiller as part of the project. The project cost for the work was estimated to be $350,000 and the bid award was $345,000 for the base bid work.