July/August 2023 | VOL XXIV, ISSUE 4 | |
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West Plains Engineering has four regional offices in the upper Midwest, and if you look closely, you’ll see these locations weren't chosen at random. Each of our offices is placed in close proximity to major higher education institutions…in part because we understand these campuses require as much attention and resources as a small city.
And like any city, the infrastructure for these campuses is ground zero for MEP systems.
In this edition of Plains Talk, we dive down into the network of mechanical and electrical services behind creating classrooms, laboratories, dorms, dining halls… and everything in between…to support higher education.
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Campus Steam Tunnel Design | |
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Steam tunnels play a pivotal role in the efficient functioning of modern campuses, providing a network for distributing heat, hot water, and power. As their name suggests, these underground passages serve as conduits for steam, making them an integral part of the campus-wide MEP system functionality.
Campus steam tunnels serve as a lifeline for both educational facilities and critical infrastructure. HVAC systems rely on steam-generated heat for temperature regulation, and hot water distribution supports domestic needs and research activities. Steam turbines also generate electricity, which can enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
Design Challenges
Designing MEP systems for campus steam tunnels presents unique challenges due to the complex nature of the networks. One primary challenge is maintaining optimal heat transfer efficiency, as the loss of heat during steam distribution can lead to energy waste and decreased performance. Proper insulation, pressure regulation, and monitoring systems are essential to minimize heat loss and maximize energy utilization.
Another challenge lies in the integration of safety measures. Steam tunnels require sophisticated safety protocols, as they can pose risks such as pressure leaks, temperature fluctuations, and potential exposure to high-pressure steam. Incorporating fail-safe mechanisms, emergency shutdown systems, and advanced monitoring tools are crucial.
Solutions
Control systems, such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Building Management Systems (BMS), enable real-time monitoring, remote control, and predictive maintenance. These technologies optimize steam production, distribution, and consumption, while enhancing safety monitoring and leading to energy savings and reduced operational costs.
Innovation and sustainability play a pivotal role in overcoming some of the performance challenges posed for campus steam tunnels. Some campuses harness waste heat from nearby industrial processes or power plants, minimizing the environmental impact of steam generation. Utilizing co-generation systems, where steam turbines produce both electricity and heat, further enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. Thermal energy storage systems store excess steam during periods of low demand and release it when demand peaks, ensuring efficient steam utilization and reducing wastage.
Another cutting-edge approach involves the use of advanced materials for steam pipe insulation. High-performance insulating materials with lower thermal conductivity can significantly reduce heat loss during steam distribution. Moreover, smart sensors embedded within steam pipes can detect anomalies and potential leaks, enabling swift responses to prevent energy wastage and hazards.
Civil Collaboration
Successful MEP design for steam tunnels hinges on a multidisciplinary approach with civil engineers. While MEP engineers focus on the intricate details of systems within the steam tunnels, civil engineers are responsible for designing and managing the physical structures that house these systems. The synergy between the two disciplines is vital for creating a comprehensive and holistic solution that addresses both technical intricacies and structural integrity.
One of the primary ways in which this collaboration occurs is through design integration. Civil engineers design the layout, structure, and foundation of steam tunnel pathways and chambers. MEP engineers then work to seamlessly integrate the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components within these spaces. This collaboration ensures that the systems not only fit within the allocated space but also operate optimally without compromising the structural integrity of the tunnels.
Collaboration continues during the construction phase. MEP engineers and civil engineers work hand in hand to oversee the installation of MEP systems and their integration with the tunnel's structure. Regular communication is essential to address any unforeseen challenges and ensure that the installation aligns with the original design intent.
Maintenance is another area where collaboration shines. Civil engineers provide input on access points, ventilation, and structural inspections, while MEP engineers ensure that maintenance activities do not disrupt the overall functionality of the steam tunnel systems.
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Article collaboratively authored by WPE mechanical engineering staff. | |
SD Mines Utility Infrastructure Study & Upgrades | |
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Universities often need to improve their campus infrastructure to support their goals, enrollment growth, and modernization. This was the case for the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where plans for growth and strategic advancements took our team back to our school for a comprehensive utility infrastructure study.
West Plains Engineering led the effort, supported by FMG Engineering and Albertson Engineering for civil and structural review, respectively. The study was performed as step one in utility upgrades needed for the campus master and strategic plans.
The study focused on gas line improvements, chilled water system upgrades, expansion and repair of the campus utility tunnel system, campus drainage improvements, water/sewer improvements, and ADA accessibility to campus buildings.
The team identified numerous improvements and broke them down into phases with budgets that were manageable over a period of years using available maintenance and operations funds. The phased work was also prioritized based on safety concerns and immediate needs. The study also resulted in a follow-on project to address the most pressing of the improvements.
This Phase 1 project provided an additional chiller that increased the chilled water capacity by approximately 100 percent. The project also replaced various gas lines, provided for new steam and chilled water piping insulation for a portion of the piping in the tunnel, repaired structural components of the existing tunnel; added 2 new water meter pits and a new sidewalk that improved ADA accessibility from the lower to the upper campus area.
Phase 2 immediately followed and provided new steam and chilled water piping insulation for another portion of piping in the tunnel, replaced various steam valves, made structural repairs to some additional sections of the utility tunnel, and replaced, repaired, and provided additional sidewalk.
Additional phases since have focused on replacing failed steam expansion joints, providing additional steam isolation valves, and repairing structural components and providing tunnel waterproofing.
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David Dowling has been a Mechanical Designer in our Rapid City office since 2007 and has been the mechanical lead for multiple phases of grades to the utility infrastructure at SD Mines.
Email David
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SDSU SW Quadrant Utility Repairs & Extensions | |
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The South Dakota State University campus has grown exponentially in recent years. Increased enrollment, expansion of educational offerings, and the success of athletics programs quickly generated the need for repurposing existing facilities and adding new buildings to the Jackrabbit landscape.
To support these exciting developments, WPE partnered with the university to upgrade the steam/condensate and expand the chilled water distribution systems serving the buildings on the southwest quadrant of the main campus. The scope of this effort was complex in that it combined multiple tasks that dovetailed together to assure buildings remained online throughout the process. Coordinating the schedule of each task was vital.
Central Chiller Plant
The first step was taking existing loads on the south campus chiller plant and adding new (and future) loads from the expansion of the system to access the capacity of the plant. Following this analysis and discussions with SDSU facilities personnel, the decision was made that the existing plant was adequate to handle the loads at this time and no new equipment was added.
Chilled Water Distribution
The most significant portion of the project that followed involved the extension of chilled water distribution from the south campus chiller plant to the SW quadrant. Beginning with a connection to existing chilled water distribution mains in a vault near the SW corner of the Avera Science Center, the new piping mains were extended underground to the south and into the existing utility tunnel to the south of Lincoln Hall. The piping was sized to handle all the cooling needs for buildings on the SW quadrant, including Lincoln Hall, Pugsley Center, Crothers Engineering Hall, Daktronics Engineering Hall, Harding Hall, AME, and Wintrode Student Success Center. Previous to this project, AME, Daktronics, and Harding Hall were served chilled water from mains to the north of AME. Taps were also installed in the utility tunnel from these mains. This project delivered new chilled water piping and connections to these taps to allow a loop system on the SW quadrant. This allows all the buildings to be fed chilled water from either direction, providing some redundancy in the piping system. Within the tunnel, taps in the chilled water piping were also provided for future connection and extension to Pugsley Center and Crothers Engineering Hall.
Structural Review and Tunnel Infrastructure
During the expansion of the chilled water system, the east/west utility tunnel adjacent to Crothers Engineering Hall, Lincoln Hall, and Pugsley Center was reviewed for structural integrity and operational efficiency. Addressing water intrusion, which posed a significant threat to the tunnel's structural floor integrity, was a top priority. It was determined that ground water was intruding the floor and wall joint in multiple locations. Adding drain tile on the exterior perimeter was cost prohibitive, and on the interior was not possible since the floor was structural, so the decision was made to add multiple sump pumps within the tunnel. Water from the sumps was then pumped to the exterior of the tunnel and into an existing underground storm drain system. These pumps were also connected to the campus BAS system for monitoring.
Tunnel Lighting
New LED lighting was installed within the east/west utility tunnel adjacent to Crothers Engineering Hall, Lincoln Hall, and Pugsley Center. New switches were also installed for the lighting, with all switches and lighting rated for installation in a damp environment.
Steam Condensate Piping Replacement
A majority of the existing low pressure steam condensate return piping in the utility tunnel was replaced due to deterioration. Existing expansion joints and anchors from the previous system were reused in this application.
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Stuart Oster, P.E. is a Mechanical Engineer and head of the Mechanical Department in Sioux Falls. He recently celebrated 10 years with WPE, and was the Project Manager and lead mechanical for the SW quadrant utilities project at South Dakota State University.
Email Stu
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Northwest College Medium Voltage Upgrades | |
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In this edition, we've dedicated extensive attention to the mechanical infrastructure of university campuses. However, it's crucial not to overlook the equally vital electrical backbone that powers these institutions. Indeed, virtually nothing can function without a reliable electrical system.
Many university campuses, especially those in the Upper Midwest, boast a rich history, with buildings that have stood for nearly a century. Over time, these campuses have had to evolve and adapt to keep pace with modern technological advancements. In particular, administrators and facilities personnel have undertaken significant projects to enhance the performance and efficiency of their electrical systems to meet the growing demands of today's world.
In 2019, our Power Division worked with Northwest College in Powell, WY on a study and upgrade to the campus’s entire medium voltage electrical distribution system. The project focused on determining the replacement of underground cable and equipment based on an anticipated upgrade from the Powell Electrical System to 12.47kV from 4160V.
During an extensive study phase, our team was able to determine the condition of the entire medium voltage distribution infrastructure on campus and devise a phasing plan for replacement, along with estimated costs for each option.
One of the biggest challenges we identified would be keeping the power online during any cable and transformer replacements. Our plan included reducing outage time by installing new equipment first before disconnection and changeover to the new equipment.
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Daren Beckloff, P.E. is an Electrical Engineer and Power Division Manager for West Plains Engineering. He has supported work on the electrical infrastructures serving higher education campuses across South Dakota and Wyoming, and was the lead electrical engineer on the study and upgrades to the Northwest College medium voltage system.
Email Daren
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West Plains Engineering News | |
Check out some of our recently completed and ongoing projects featured in the news! | |
The more the merrier! We've recently added a couple more new faces to our team. | |
Melissa Maxwell joined our Cedar Rapids office as an administrative assistant (aka multi-tasking, all-knowing chaos ninja who makes our working world go-round). We’re excited to have her on board supporting our team and clients in Iowa! | |
Please join us in welcoming Jarrett Rieman to Rapid City. Jarrett is the newest Electrical Designer in our growing Power Division, which specializes in transmission and distribution system design across the upper Midwest. | |
We hit the jackpot in 2013, adding a trio of outstanding new faces to our Sioux Falls office. Check out who celebrated a decade with us in August! | |
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Mike Fisher, P.E.
Electrical Engineer
& Office Manager
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Stuart Oster, P.E.
Mechanical Engineer
& Department Head
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Dustin Torguson
Mechanical Designer
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Lenn George Recognized For Community Involvement | |
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Our own Lenn George was recognized in August by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce as their Diplomat of the Month. Lenn volunteers with the organization, which represents more than 2,000 members in the Sioux Falls area and serves as the voice for business. As the first friendly face you see when you walk into our office, we're pretty proud of the way Lenn has served us for more than a decade.
Congratulations Lenn!
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