Project Spotlight – Energy Efficient Cooling Tower Upgrade

Project Address:

22 West 26th Street, New York, NY, 10010

Objective:

The objective of this project was to upgrade the existing cooling tower system of a multi-family elevator building, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency while meeting the cooling demands of the residents.

Type of Building/Year Built/Number of Stories:

The building is a 12-story multi-family elevator building constructed in 1910, comprising 21 residential units and a total of 22 units.

Services Provided:

HLZAE was tasked with designing an energy-efficient cooling tower system to replace the existing one, which had reached the end of its life cycle. The design focused on implementing a self-modulating cooling tower capable of adjusting its operation based on the building’s cooling demands, thus reducing energy consumption. Additionally, HLZAE replaced the condenser water pumps and tanks in the basement feeding the cooling tower system. Furthermore, we replaced the existing steel dunnage after an inspection revealed significant corrosion and deterioration in the steel posts associated with the cooling tower.

Project Highlights:

The project involved the removal of the existing cooling tower from the building’s roof and the installation of the new tower. Due to logistical constraints, a crane was necessary to lift the old tower off the roof and place the new one. To streamline the process and minimize disruption, HLZAE and the contractor coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to obtain a permit to temporarily shut down West 26th Street during the crane operation. This ensured that the removal and installation could be completed efficiently and safely within a single day.

Results:

The successful implementation of the energy-efficient cooling tower system has led to several positive outcomes. Firstly, the building now benefits from improved energy efficiency, as the new tower can adjust its operation according to the cooling needs, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower utility costs for residents. Secondly, the replacement of the aging components such as condenser water pumps and dunnage has enhanced the reliability and longevity of the cooling system, reducing the risk of downtime and costly repairs in the future. Overall, the project exemplifies how strategic upgrades to building systems can result in both environmental and financial benefits for property owners and residents alike.