TAI completed the design and commissioning for a replacement building automation system serving this 37 floor approximately 600,000SF high rise building in downtown Baltimore. The project included an upgraded building automation system that controls over 18 custom air handling units, multiple heating and ventilating units, and return/exhaust fans. The control sequences were designed to utilize existing equipment to properly pressurize the building and automatically counter act a “stack effect” condition that is inherent in high rise construction.

TAI specifically provided permit & construction documents (mechanical design), construction administration, and controls verification services.

Specific mechanical design included:

• Performed a detailed review of the existing documentation on the air & hydronic systems in the building.
• Field survey the existing area conditions related to the existing chillers, cooling towers, heat exchanger, tenant dry cooler, air handling units, core fan coil and unit heaters, and exhaust fans located in the building.
• TAI interviewed the Building Operators to help understand the current operation of the building and the evolution of the system from the existing drawings that are available.
• Provided the design for a new automatic temperature controls system to serve the existing chillers, cooling towers, heat exchanger, tenant dry cooler, air handling units, makeup air units, core fan coil and unit heaters, and exhaust fans in the building.
• TAI provided a schematic riser diagram of all air handling units, exhaust fans, chilled water, and steam systems.
• Provided a control sequence for all major systems and equipment in the building.
• Provided book specifications for a new automatic temperature control system including new sensors, valves, and actuators.

The project also included the upgraded control sequences for a 2500-ton chilled water plant with included energy optimization strategies.

After the completion of the construction phase of the project TAI’s commissioning team worked with the controls contractor and building owner to test the control system and ensure it met the design intent. TAI also worked to optimize the operation of the building chiller plant and air handling units during the commissioning phase. TAI also returned to the building to conduct seasonal testing of the mechanical systems.

The building owner continues to save a significant amount of operating costs due to this successful project.