Lyle Hallman pool was first opened on September 16, 1990. The original mechanical system serving the natatorium consisted of a combination of an air handling unit and heat recovery ventilator. In early 2017, the City of Kitchener contracted MNE Engineering to design a replacement system that would deliver improved space conditioning, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. MNE then asked O’Dell to help support their design with DRY-O-TRON.
Challenges
The primary challenge in replacing existing equipment often involves access and spatial considerations. This project was no exception, as access was initially limited to a single man door, alongside an undersized mechanical room cluttered with ductwork and electrical panels.
The Solution
To meet the customer requirements and address the project challenges, we selected a DRY-O-TRON dehumidification unit. We determined that the best choice would be the field-assembled model DSFA-162 with LEEDeR design, Smart Saver air-to-air heat recovery, and an auxiliary hot water heating coil.
To facilitate the installation, the City upgraded the single man door to a double door, allowing us to design the unit in five sections that could fit through the larger opening. The splits were strategically chosen to minimize the labor required for on-site assembly.
The DRY-O-TRON® LEEDeR units feature a simplified refrigeration circuit, which reduces the refrigerant charge. The heat of evaporation is transferred into a glycol system for recovery, either for pool water heating or space heating, with excess heat being rejected through a dry cooler located outdoors. The LEEDeR’s internal piping configuration further simplified field assembly.
Energy savings were enhanced by the Smart Saver heat pipe solution, which provides 50% sensible heat recovery on outdoor air. The unit was configured optimally for this solution, with outdoor air connections at the top and exhaust near the bottom.
O’Dell provided full factory start-up and commissioning to ensure a smooth project turnover and optimal system operation. Thanks to the flexibility of the DRY-O-TRON model, we successfully designed a highly efficient unit while overcoming the project’s physical constraints.
Our Approach
Our team collaborated closely with MNE Engineering and the City of Kitchener throughout the design and installation process. By carefully assessing the site and understanding the specific needs of the natatorium, we tailored our solution to ensure maximum efficiency and performance while adhering to the spatial limitations.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of the DRY-O-TRON dehumidification unit at the Lyle Hallman pool exemplifies our dedication to delivering innovative HVAC solutions. This project not only enhanced indoor air quality and energy efficiency but also showcased our ability to navigate complex challenges and ensure optimal system performance for community facilities.