Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. (CESI) is known for delivering innovative and effective air handling solutions, particularly in environments where precise control and reliability are non-negotiable. Bryan McManus, Sales Engineer for CESI, recently shared insights into an exciting new project: installing an Air Wise Air Handling Unit (AHU) designed to serve a remote laboratory and office space at a prominent children’s hospital on the East Coast.
Upgrading an Aging System
“The building is split between lab space and office space,” McManus explains, “and it currently relies on an existing unit located on the roof that is 20 to 25 years old.” Despite the property managers’ best efforts to maintain the old unit, it simply isn’t up to the current standards or equipped with the advanced technology available in today’s market. Recognizing the critical nature of the location, CESI proposed an Air Wise replacement unit, a solution that promises both reliability and efficiency.
Meeting the Demands of a 100% Outside Air Unit
One of the key challenges in this project is that the Air Wise unit will be responsible for providing 100% outside air to the space. This feature alone makes it a critical component in the facility’s HVAC system. “The Air Wise unit is pretty complex,” says McManus. “Since it’s the only unit serving the space, its performance is vital to the operations of both the lab and office areas.”
The reliance on 100% outside air means that the system has to be robust enough to handle a variety of environmental conditions. For instance, it incorporates a snow melt system, which is essential for ensuring that snow doesn’t get sucked into the unit, causing issues with condensation. This feature is particularly important in regions where snowfall is common, as it prevents potential damage or operational inefficiencies caused by ice buildup.
Designing for Optimal Efficiency
The Air Wise unit also boasts an advanced Direct Expansion (DX) system, which includes eighteen stages of DX cooling. This level of variability is crucial for the lab and office spaces, where temperature and humidity requirements can differ significantly.
“The property can vary the load and run the compressors at different rates to provide maximum efficiency for the space,” McManus notes. “This capability ensures that the system can adapt to the changing needs of the building, offering tailored environmental control that is both energy-efficient and effective.”
Delivering Clean Air with UV Light and Humidification Systems
Air quality is paramount in all areas of this property. To address this, the Air Wise unit is equipped with a built-in ultraviolet (UV) light system that helps maintain the cleanliness of the unit’s interior.
These UV lights are strategically placed to shine on the coils and other hard-to-reach areas, killing bacteria and preventing the growth of mold or other contaminants. “This ensures that the air circulating through the building is as clean as possible,” McManus emphasizes.
In addition to the UV system, the Air Wise unit includes a built-in humidification system, allowing operators to fine-tune the moisture levels in the air. This is particularly important for laboratory spaces, where specific humidity levels may be required to protect sensitive equipment or samples. The system’s flexibility ensures that both the lab and office areas can maintain the optimal environment for their respective needs.
Customizing for Enhanced Serviceability and Usability
Understanding the importance of usability and serviceability, CESI worked closely with the property owners to develop a custom-built solution that would maximize both. “We designed an elongated vestibule next to the air tunnel,” McManus explains. “This area will be conditioned during both the cold winter months and the hot summer months.”Â
This vestibule serves a dual purpose. Not only does it provide a comfortable working environment for service personnel, but it also offers additional storage space. The property owners plan to use this area to store supplies, such as filters and cleaning kits, which will be easily accessible for maintenance tasks. “In essence, CESI is providing a room on the roof,” McManus adds, highlighting the innovative approach taken to meet the client’s needs.
Ensuring Reliability and Redundancy
Another standout feature of the Air Wise unit is its next-generation technology fans. These fans are part of a fan wall system, which offers both variability and redundancy. “If one fan were to go down, we have extra fans in place to ensure continuous operation,” McManus points out. “This redundancy is critical in a healthcare environment, where downtime can have serious consequences.”
Moreover, these fans are designed to be extremely efficient, contributing to the overall energy savings of the building. This efficiency is not only beneficial from an operational standpoint but also aligns with the broader goals of reducing the organization’s carbon footprint and operating costs.
Providing Cost-Effective Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of the Air Wise unit is its custom design, which fits perfectly onto the existing roof without requiring costly structural modifications. “They don’t have to replace the roof,” McManus notes, “and that’s a very cost-effective way of doing things. By avoiding the need for extensive roof work, CESI was able to provide a solution that met the client’s needs with minimal disruption.”
Partnering for Success
The collaboration of CESI, , the project engineers, and the children’s hospital represents a successful partnership focused on innovation, reliability, and efficiency. The Air Wise AHU is more than just an upgrade—it’s a critical investment in the future of the hospital’s operations, ensuring that the remote lab and office spaces can function optimally for years to come.
Bryan McManus and the CESI team have demonstrated their commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of healthcare environments, making a lasting impact on the hospital’s ability to provide care and conduct research.
Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. proudly represents Air Wise in the Philadelphia region, Central PA, Delaware, and Maryland. Contact us today to discover if Air Wise can be a part of your next project.
