The Energy Centre is a 25,000 square foot facility housing the central hot water heating, distribution, and heat recovery equipment. The heating plant consists of 3 separate 15 MW fire-tube boilers, 3 central hot water distribution pumps, and a heat recovery condensing economizer.
The central plant is supported by a control room with all PLC and local control equipment, as well as standby power and distribution – with provisions for a future boiler, pump, and cogeneration plant. The facility also serves as the head office of UBC Energy and Water Services (Utilities), with approximately 25 people working in the space.
CES was hired by UBC Infrastructure Development/Project Services for complete LEED EAp1 and EAc3 commissioning of building systems, as well as full service comprehensive commissioning of all plant and associated systems. Scope included ALL building and central plant equipment, including boilers, distribution pumps, condensing economizer (Heat Recovery) and Plant Control System (PCS/PLC), building mechanical (HVAC and Plumbing, BMS Controls), electrical (Normal and Emergency power distribution, Fire Alarm and Lighting and controls systems), as well as energy transfer stations (ETS) within the building.
CES also served as Hazardous-Assessment Lead, coordinating, documenting, and verifying that potential hazards surrounding plant design, operation, and maintenance were corrected or mitigated. CES also served at main BCSA liaison, tracking requirements and coordinating with UBC AHJ’s to ensure all regulatory requirements were met surrounding plant startup, initial operation, occupancy, and full-time operation. Scope of services also included comprehensive warranty phase commissioning, energy and combustion performance validation, and troubleshooting. As a result of excessive vibration and noise, CES led a vibration analysis and resolution process through the warranty period.
