Memphis VA Medical Center Install Additional SCI Emergency Generator Install Operating Room Isolated Power Systems Memphis, TN Project Details - Install Additional SCI Emergency Generator   In order to correct the deficiencies of their domestic hot water system, Lexington Medical Center, contracted with Harrell Design Group to provide contract documents that included how water is distributed and circulated, stored, heated and cooled, treated and monitored. The project scope of work also included recommendations and the design of system corrections to improve the facility’s legionella prevention program. We coordinated all efforts of a floor-by-floor analysis with the Engineering staff to research and survey, verify the as-built drawings, analyze the existing conditions, and provide a list of dead legs and cross connections and their locations. During the initial survey phase, it became apparent that no reliable as-built drawings existed for the building. During the investigate services phase of the project, HDG uncovered a number of unidentified plumbing dead legs and a lack of other measures now used for legionella prevention. The plumbing system design included modifications to these existing systems to comply with new legionella requirements. Harrell Design Group retained a plumbing contractor who had extensive experience in the building to assist with an intensive survey of the entire building. HDG and our contractor spent two (2) months on site continuously documenting the existing hot and cold water distribution system. The survey process included cutting observation holes in shafts, chases, and other concealed spaces. A small video camera was used to verify the piping in these areas. At the conclusion of the documentation phase, HDG prepared a list of deficiencies for all areas. Construction Documents were then created to include the identification of instances where dead legs of hot water lines which could foster [...]

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center 4B South Replace AHU Charleston, SC Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC designed and provided construction period services for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center to replace several air handling units that were serving the adjacent medical ward, teams rooms, the existing Infusion Therapy Center, offices, and proposed space for a new in-patient medical ward. HDG evaluated the existing zones and developed a phased construction plan to maintain service to all occupied space during construction and allow for completion and occupancy of the new Infusion Therapy Center prior to the renovation of the medical ward. The first phase of the project re-routed ductwork service by AHU-3 to the new Infusion Therapy Center. This required above ceiling work and construction of new duct shaft through the floor above. Once the duct was re-routed, HDG provided first party commissioning of the unit to insure proper operation and performance prior to occupancy. A new roof mounted air-handling unit was designed and installed to service the renovated medical ward. This work required significant coordination of ductwork with a very small and congested ceiling cavity. Also, in addition to thorough detailing in the construction documents, HDG worked closely with the contractor to insure proper installation and operation of fire dampers and duct penetration of lateral bracing walls and spanning of building expansion joints.   Project Cost: $4,500,000

Alexandria VA Medical Center Building 7 Air Handler Replacements Alexandria, LA Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC provided engineering and architectural design services for the air handler replacement at the VA Medical Center in Alexandria, LA. The intent of this project was to replace 10 of the air handling units of Building 7 in order to improve the air conditioning capabilities of the hospital. HDG was asked to divide the scope of work into several similar projects to facilitate both funding and construction. The units recommended for replacement serve all major departments such as surgery, emergency, laboratory, radiology, as well as, patient and administrative areas. The scope of work required that the equipment (temporary and permanent) be designed to withstand Category 4 hurricane wind and rain. HDG also created a complex phasing plan to keep everything operational during construction. Phase A of this project is currently under construction.   Project Cost: $4,100,000

Salem VA Medical Center Upgrade Utility Plant Salem, VA Project Details   The Salem VA Medical Center is presently served by a central steam plant which was constructed in the 1939. The project scope of work included a new campus infrastructure master plan which incorporated a full evaluation of the existing underground steam distribution system, including the pump condensate return system.  Although the central boilers and related plant equipment have been replaced once, they have now exceeded their useful lives.  The age of the existing building severely limits options for renovations.  Harrell Design Group conducted a study to identify options for upgrading the existing plant.  Following completion of the study, the VA concluded that the best option was to replace the existing plant with a new building.  This new plant will include (2) 500 BHP water tube boilers and (1) 250 BHP water tube boiler.  All boilers will be dual fuel natural gas/fuel oil.  The facility will be fully backed-up with a new diesel fuel emergency generator.  Stand by fuel tanks will be provided on-site for (10) days of normal operations following a utility interruption.   The boiler plant will be constructed near the existing boiler plant and the existing plant will be decommissioned.  The new building will be designed to be expanded to accommodate a new chiller plant. The project scope of work included a new 500 foot-long ten-foot-wide by ten-foot-high underground steam distribution tunnel to connect the new steam system to the existing steam and condensate return systems. The facility design also incorporates a new fully redundant PLC controls system for boiler burner control, make-up water, and steam boiler control.  System status is displayed on a graphics-based 42” touch screen monitor located within full view of boilers and the firing aisle. [...]

Nashville VA Medical Center Replace AHU 3A for Sterile Processing Supply Nashville, TN Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC is providing the design for the replacement of the outdated, problematic air handing unit system serving Sterile Processing Supply for proper monitoring, control, optimization, and reliability. The project consists of the following objectives: Replace air handling unit (AHU-3A) and heat recovery system, as well as modify main ductwork and controls. AHU-3A system encompasses Air Handling Units, heat recovery, exhaust fans, terminal units and main duct distribution. Project will ensure pressure relationship, temperature and humidity levels remain compliant with VA design criteria in related spaces. This project will improve the condition of the facility by correcting the deficiency on the Facility Condition Assessment report, (FCA #289304 Mechanical, F rating) with the replacement and modernization of the air handling unit system. Improve reliability, monitoring, control and energy efficiency. Use non-priority native BACnet DDC controls and variable speed drives. Implement energy optimization control, such as reset of discharge air temperature, optimal start/stop, occupied/unoccupied and economizer modes. Use DDC and variable speed drives. Integrate new Direct Digital Controls (DDC) controls with existing Alerton or Honeywell DDC frontend systems. VA staff shall be able to quickly shut down AHU and air intakes during an emergency response to an airborne contaminant threat. Upgrade SPS terminal unit box controls on AHU-3A system. Install thermostats in common spaces with resets, setback and override. Also, use occupancy sensing in select areas for flow and temperature setback. New automated control system shall provide tight control of temperature, pressure relationships and humidity, providing a quality care environment.   Project Size:   N/A                              Project Cost:   $715,000

Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center Construct a Parking Garage Clarksburg, WV Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC is currently providing design services to the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center to construct a new parking structure at the campus of the Clarksburg VA Medical Center. This structure will be for both patient and staff use and will be designed to allow for additional levels at a future date if required. The capturing of existing green space, to provide new surface parking, will also be considered. The project will help to alleviate current issues of blocked walkways and fire lanes due to patient being forced to park their cars illegally. Upgraded area lighting and security cameras will be used to improve patient and staff safety as well as provide safe, accessible, and convenient parking to elderly and handicapped patients. The project will include covered walkways between the parking garage and the main hospital. Project Cost: $11,400,000

Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Correct Critical FCA Mechanical Deficiencies in Bldg. 801 Augusta, Georgia   Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC is currently providing design services for the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center to Correct Critical FCA Mechanical Deficiencies in Bldg. 801 in Augusta, GA.  This project will replace old and beyond end of life cycle air handling units (AHUs) in the Downtown facility. AHU numbers 1G, 1F, 1E, 2E, 2D3, 2D4, and 2D2 are all in varying degrees of disrepair and need to be replaced. The most egregious ones have condensate pans that are rusting through and are not serviceable. The chilled water, hot water and steam lines feeding these units must have isolation valves to ensure future maintenance can be achieved without shutting off service to other areas of the facility. Existing fire dampers are not serviceable to three units. Finally, all pneumatic controls shall be replaced with DDC (BacNet) to match the existing system (Metasys) and tied into both building management center and the operations plant. The project will address FCA issues and will make required energy and sustainability upgrades. Project objectives include:  Replacement of aged AHUs with continued operations for areas served. Phased approach to keep from taxing of adjacent AHU’s and power systems.  Ensuring continued ease of maintenance is central to design. This will include electric, plumbing and, coil cleaning, and filter replacement. All new drives and controls shall be similar to other AHU’s in the facility.  Energy efficiency and cost savings will be considered in all design decisions. Design to applicable sections of the Energy Requirements and Design Guide for specific energy guidance.  Equipment training for maintenance staff and energy engineer.   Project Size: 7,000 SF Project Cost: $5,000,000

Viera Outpatient Facility Install Emergency Generators Viera, FL Project Details   The Viera Outpatient Facility was originally designed with minimal emergency power generation and emergency power distribution.  Harrell Design Group, PC (HDG) was contracted to design upgrades to both the facility generation capacity and the emergency power distribution system.  The original project scope of work was to provide one additional unparalleled generator and increase the critical branch distribution system capacity.  Following the initial Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) meetings, HDG concluded that the original scope of work would not meet the required needs of the facility, which were driven by the need to provide emergency shelter and medical care following a hurricane or other natural disaster.  HDG worked closely with the VA staff to increase the emergency power capacity to 3,000kW from the originally planned 800kW.    The new Generator Sets shall be located in adjacent to an existing chiller yard.  The Emergency and Standby Power System is being designed to include all the provisions for a fully functional system including but not limited to: generator set(s), generator paralleling controls, switchgear, automatic transfer switches (ATSs), low voltage panel boards and circuit breakers, electrical metering, ground fault protection and indication, day tank, batteries and battery charger, control panel(s), automatic load shedding, load bank, control and annunciation components, surge suppression devices, and grounding connections.  The project requires a system that will integrate the existing solar cell system and maintain its integrity, in addition to considering full integration and operability with the partial UPS system in the clinic, and the two existing normal power feeds.  Due to limited space in the facility, the new generator design includes sound-attenuated, walk-in enclosures.  The new paralleling switchgear is located in a matching conditioned, walk-in enclosure. Project Size:  8,300 SF Project [...]

Erie VA Medical Center Boiler Plant Replacement Erie, PA Project Details   The Erie VA Medical Center was being served by a central steam plant which was constructed in the 1960’s.  HDG was been contracted to design an upgrade to the existing plant or a new plant.  Since the equipment had exceeded their useful lives, HDG conducted a study to analyze all viable options for the plant upgrade. The project required an extensive amount of subsurface utility investigation to accommodate a new telecommunications duct bank from the building to the main hospital building, extension of new steam and condensate return piping, and new electrical medium voltage utility feeders. The scope of the investigative work began with an above ground utility survey of storm water and sanitary sewer piping with manhole inverts noted. Following the visible utility survey work, ground penetrating radar and magnetic sensing was used to locate routing of additional utilities. Vacuum excavation was then utilized to locate exact elevations of subsurface piping and utilities. Profiles were then constructed of the new and existing piping systems to verify elevation coordination at crossing points. The site was particularly congested which required significant individual utility identification at each investigation phase. Project Size:  9,000 SF                      Project Cost: $6,480,000

WJB Dorn VA Medical Center New Boiler Plant Columbia, SC Project Details   The project scope of work included a new campus infrastructure master plan which incorporated a full evaluation of the existing underground steam distribution system, including the pump condensate return system. WJB Dorn VA Medical Center is presently served by a central steam plant which was constructed in the 1960’s.  Since the plant and equipment have exceeded their useful lives, a new central boiler plant consisting of (2) 500 BHP water tube boilers and (1) relocated 400 BHP fire tube boiler with space allocated for a future 300 BHP water tube boiler is being designed.  All boilers will be dual fuel natural gas/fuel oil.  The facility will be fully backed-up with a new diesel fuel emergency generator.  Stand by fuel tanks will be provided on-site for (10) days of normal operations following a utility interruption.   The boiler plant will be constructed adjacent to the existing boiler plant and the existing plant will be decommissioned. This project included approximately 500 feet of exterior overhead steam and condensate return piping. The new steam distribution system will connect to the existing in the basement of existing water plant.  The facility design also incorporates a new fully redundant PLC controls system for boiler burner control, make-up water, and steam boiler control.  System status is displayed on a graphics-based 42” touch screen monitor located within full view of boilers and the firing aisle. The project incorporates the new energy control center (ECC).  The ECC design includes monitoring of all critical energy management, emergency generators, medical gas system, pneumatic tube system and fire alarm systems.  Power transfer from emergency source is provided using closed transition bypass isolation automatic transfer switches. Project Size:  11,736 SF Project Cost: [...]

Martinsburg VA Medical Center Install Emergency Generators Martinsburg, WV Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC performed design and construction period services to install emergency generators at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV to upgrade the existing 13.8 kv power distribution system and the installation of new emergency generators to supply to entire electrical load of the VA Medical Center campus.. The project required major reconfiguring of the existing medium voltage switching logic and required splicing and relocation of both 13.8 kv substation feeders to the campus. The design also included a new building to house the generators and paralleling switchgear.  The design includes three (3) 2000 kw 15 kv class emergency generators in outdoor acoustical enclosures, a new 15 kv class generator paralleling switchgear in a condition outdoor enclosure, and two (2) 15 kv class closed transition automatic transfer switches. Provisions are included for a future fourth 2000 kw emergency generator. The project design includes dual hot standby programmable logic controllers and an interface to the existing campus medium voltage power distribution switchgear to enable controlled load adding and load shedding functions. In order to properly size and specify the control sequences for the new system, a comprehensive study of the existing emergency power system was conducted including reviewing the existing normal and emergency loads and interface requirements with approximately ten (10) emergency generators currently serving the hospital and other campus buildings. Project Size: 212,000 SF Project Cost: $5,260,000

Birmingham VA Medical Center Update Hot and Cold Water System Drawings  Birmingham, AL Project Details   The Birmingham VA Medical Center requested that Harrell Design Group provide current as-built diagrams of their potable water site distribution including hot and cold domestic water systems. Each diagram was to include how water is distributed and circulated, stored, heated and cooled, treated and monitored. The project scope of work also included recommendations and the design of system corrections to improve the facility’s on-going legionella prevention program. We coordinated all efforts of a floor-by-floor analysis (14-story building) with the VA Engineering staff to research and survey, verify the as-built drawings, analyze the existing conditions, and provide a list of dead legs and cross connections and their locations. During the initial survey phase, it became apparent that no reliable as-built drawings existed for the building. Harrell Design Group retained a plumbing contractor who had extensive experience in the building to assist with an intensive survey of the entire building. HDG and our contractor spent nearly 4 months on site continuously documenting the existing hot and cold water distribution system. The survey process included cutting observation holes in shafts, chases, and other concealed spaces. A small video camera was used to verify the piping in these areas. The survey process was complicated due to a lack of consistent system identification and flow direction arrows on the piping. To assist with pipe identification in the future, HDG installed these labels at no cost to the government. At the conclusion of the documentation phase, HDG prepared a list of deficiencies for all areas. Construction Documents were then created to include the identification of instances where dead legs of hot water lines could foster the growth of legionella bacteria exist, cross [...]

Asheville VA Medical Center Building 47 Fire Alarm Upgrades Asheville, NC Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC (HDG) was commissioned by the VA to perform a code analysis on the existing hospital fire alarm systems and design a full system replacement. The initial study performed by HDG found that the facility was actually served by 4 separate fire alarm systems, some in the same areas, with limited communication and annunciation between the systems. HDG designed a new system which was installed in a multi-year, phased upgrade. In many areas, the existing systems were no longer code compliant due to code changes and facility upgrades that did not include fully code compliant devices and locations. In many locations, duct smoke detectors were found to be poorly located and not capable of functioning in accordance with manufacturer requirements. In some locations, fire/smoke dampers were incorrectly controlled, partly as a result of smoke compartment changes done as part of multiple renovation projects. During our life safety code review, we discovered that some walls designated as fire and fire/smoke walls were no longer required to be rated. These walls were changed and some dampers were removed. HDG designed a new voice capable fire alarm system which allowed the fire alarm system to be used as a mass notification and evacuation system. All separate fire alarm systems were removed, new devices installed, and combined into a single fire alarm system with graphics computer for the entire building.   Project Size: 435,000 SF Project Cost: $2,600,000

Asheville VA Medical Center Building 15 Exterior Maintenance Repairs Asheville, NC Project Details   Building 15 is the VAMC Asheville’s four story engineering and facilities building. As part of the Exterior Maintenance Project, HDG provided a complete assessment of the building’s stucco veneer, doors and windows, cast stone details, roof fascia and soffits and other components of the facades. Deficiencies were identified and a probable cost estimate was developed to help the VA establish a scope of work which was within budget and most critical for the building’s performance and long term maintenance. Repairs included: cleaning and repairing stucco, re- caulking joints, replacing damaged roof fascia and soffits, scraping and painting metal doors and frames, and cleaning and repair of existing stone detailing.   Project Size: All facades of multi-story administration building Project Cost: $250,000

G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center Replace Air Handling Units Jackson, MS Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC was contracted by the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS to provide services for the design and construction of an in-patient medical ward renovation to increase the number of private beds and to provide a more patient centered care environment. Prior to beginning design of the new mechanical systems, HDG conducted a thorough survey and analysis of existing air handling units serving the project area and adjacent spaces. Based on survey data and new loads associated with the proposed floor plan and occupancies, two new roof mounted air handling units were designed to service the newly renovated medical ward, as well as adjacent spaces within the facility. The new units and ductwork design were carefully coordinated with the existing structure and floor plans to provide vertical shafts to and from the project area. All work required significant coordination with the VA to minimize disruption in occupied spaces and to minimize the need for fire dampers and other maintenance issues.   Project Cost: $5,000,000

Lexington Medical Center Domestic Hot Water System Corrections West Columbia, SC Project Details   In order to correct the deficiencies of their domestic hot water system, Lexington Medical Center, contracted with Harrell Design Group to provide contract documents that included how water is distributed and circulated, stored, heated and cooled, treated and monitored. The project scope of work also included recommendations and the design of system corrections to improve the facility’s legionella prevention program. We coordinated all efforts of a floor-by-floor analysis with the Engineering staff to research and survey, verify the as-built drawings, analyze the existing conditions, and provide a list of dead legs and cross connections and their locations. During the initial survey phase, it became apparent that no reliable as-built drawings existed for the building. During the investigate services phase of the project, HDG uncovered a number of unidentified plumbing dead legs and a lack of other measures now used for legionella prevention. The plumbing system design included modifications to these existing systems to comply with new legionella requirements. Harrell Design Group retained a plumbing contractor who had extensive experience in the building to assist with an intensive survey of the entire building. HDG and our contractor spent two (2) months on site continuously documenting the existing hot and cold water distribution system. The survey process included cutting observation holes in shafts, chases, and other concealed spaces. A small video camera was used to verify the piping in these areas. At the conclusion of the documentation phase, HDG prepared a list of deficiencies for all areas. Construction Documents were then created to include the identification of instances where dead legs of hot water lines which could foster the growth of Legionella bacteria exist, cross connections between hot and cold [...]

Dublin VA Medical Center HVAC Renovations and Upgrades Dublin, GA Project Details   In 2009 the Dublin VA Medical Center in Georgia contracted Harrell Design Group, PC to provide A/E services for the design and construction of an in-patient medical ward renovation. At that time, design of a new air handling unit to serve the renovated ward was being handled by another firm. Shortly after beginning programming, HDG reviewed the proposed AHU design and expressed concern over placement of the new unit in the existing attic. At no cost to the VA, HDG conducted structural evaluation of the existing attic floor (including laboratory testing of concrete core samples) and determined that it could not support the proposed AHU. The VA asked HDG to takeover design of the new AHU and associated ductwork. The final design included two new air-handling units located in a new mechanical yard adjacent to the renovated medical ward. One of the greatest challenges on this project was coordination of new ductwork with the existing structural system. It was discovered that existing concrete floor beams at the first floor, second floor, and attic were not aligned. New ductwork required more bends than would be typical in new construction. Duct bends, sizing, turning vanes, and access doors were carefully considered to make sure that static pressure is as low as possible, noise is minimized, and VA engineering staff have easy access to fire dampers and turning vanes. Another challenge occurred during construction when it was discovered that the units were not performing in accordance with the specifications. Again, at no cost to the VA, HDG made numerous trips to the project site to evaluate the test and balance reports and to observe system operation. It was determined that the unit [...]

Conway Medical Center Replace Air Handling Units Conway, SC Project Details   Harrell Design Group, PC designed and provided construction administration for the replacement of three 50,000 cfm air-handling units serving primary care spaces at Conway Medical Center. To insure that the new units could be installed without disruption of Hospital operations, an additional 50,000 cfm unit was provided for temporary service during construction. This unit was sized and specified so that it could be used to serve another bed tower project at a later date. The project addressed and corrected capacity issues, and building pressurization issues in all patient primary care areas, facility-wide. Units were replaced one at a time, with each unit installation requiring approximately eight to twelve weeks. New units were sized for an increase in outside air connections to meet current building ventilation requirements. Due to space constraints all units were custom type with built-in redundancy. Each new unit is controlled by variable frequency drives. The project also included installation of a new AHU to serve the laundry area, as well as, a new unit to provide additional cooling and ventilation capacity for the hospitals central storage warehouse.   Project Cost: $4,500,000

Lexington Medical Center Central Energy Plant Expansion Including Boiler Improvements Columbia, SC Project Details   Harrell Design Group provided extensive demolition, renovation, and addition to the hospital’s central energy plant performed in a complex phasing plan. Chilled water, ice storage, (medium temperature) heating hot water, steam, and emergency power were more than doubled in capacity, and a new controls system was provided. The existing underground piping distribution (Chilled water, hot water, and steam) was replaced with new piping routed through a new central utility 1,000 feet long, 10 feet high by 12 feet wide tunnel connecting the hospital to the energy plant. The existing ice storage plant was doubled in capacity, and combined with a low temperature glycol system to provide sub-cooling for the Surgery Suite, to enable 55°F operating rooms. All systems were studied with the hospital master plan to allow future capacity. Total new chilled water capacity is 3850 tons. Hot water capacity is 1100 Boiler Horsepower, and the emergency power capacity is 3.5 MW. New steam generation capacity is 1000 Boiler Horsepower. The system includes waterside economizers (for winter operations requiring chilled water equipment, such as computer room air conditioning units), ice storage energy conversion (glycol-to-chilled water) via plate-frame heat exchangers, and cooling tower filtration systems. A detailed phasing plan was completed to allow the existing system to remain in service while the energy plant and site piping were renovated.   Project Size: 17,000 SF Project Cost: $18,000,000