Enbridge required a mission-critical dispatch office for their operations, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conceived early in the first wave of cases, the space needed to be operational before the inevitable second wave, with a design that would allow for 24/7 operation during and post-pandemic.
Challenges
WalterFedy specified a variable air volume (VAV) air handling solution that could operate between 15 and 100% outdoor air and deliver optimal energy recovery. Additionally, the unit needed a “Pandemic Mode” to deliver 100% outdoor air at full airflow when activated. Ensuring the system met these stringent requirements while providing efficient and effective conditioning posed significant challenges.
The Solution
We delivered a 5,200-cfm air handling unit from Bousquet Technologies, incorporating their SuperBlock energy recovery device. The SuperBlock, a regenerative heat exchanger, offers up to 95% efficiency and unique advantages such as capacity control for free cooling, variable airflow compatibility, minimal cross contamination, desiccant treatment for enhanced latent energy performance, and simple integration into air handling configurations.
The AHU provided tempered air to the space, with VAV boxes delivering final conditioning via hot water coils. The unit included integral heating and cooling, addressing the wide range of operating modes required. Notably, only 5-KW of post heating was needed, thanks to a fully modulating electric heater. Without energy recovery, the unit would have required 115-KW to achieve the same performance. Additionally, the unit was designed with 16-tons of integral DX cooling, featuring a digital scroll lead compressor to accommodate the VAV application and varied outdoor air capacities.
Our Approach
Our team worked closely with WalterFedy to ensure the air handling unit met all specified requirements. By incorporating the highly efficient SuperBlock energy recovery device and designing for variable airflow and capacity control, we provided a solution that not only met the immediate needs but also offered long-term energy efficiency and reliability. The collaboration and careful planning ensured that the unit was capable of operating in multiple modes, including a specialized “Pandemic Mode,” to provide 100% outdoor air when needed.
Conclusion
Our work with Enbridge and WalterFedy on the mission-critical dispatch office demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions for complex projects. The air handling unit’s impressive energy recovery and flexible operation highlight our ability to meet stringent requirements and adapt to evolving challenges. Contact us to learn how we can help you achieve optimal performance and energy efficiency in your projects.
