UNM Economics Building
Overview
The project was to provide a mechanical and electrical upgrade to a 21,415 square foot, 2-story building that was constructed in 1952. Testudo Engineering designed a HVAC upgrade, as well as a complete control change out from the existing pneumatic system to a direct digital control (DDC) system, plus a lighting renovation to update fluorescent light fixtures to LED with upgraded lighting controls integrated into the new DDC system.
design scope
The existing building was conditioned by 2 central air handlers located in the basement mechanical room. Cooling was provided by the campus chilled water, while heating was provided via the campus steam system. Testudo Engineering designed a new system utilizing 2 new VAV air handling units with chilled water and heating water coils. A new heating water loop was extended through the building to serve the heating coils at the air handling units and the reheat coils at the new VAV terminal units. The existing steam system was demolished back to the main entry in the basement mechanical area and reconfigured to serve a new heating water system for the HVAC and domestic hot water. A new steam to domestic hot water heat exchanger was installed. All original fluorescent recessed and surface-mounted fixtures were replaced with energy-saving LED fixtures controlled by dimming switches, occupancy sensors, or wireless controllers.