Air Traffic Control Tower – HVAC System Improvements

The ATC building was built in 2012 and consists of a single storey base building with an 8-storey circular control tower, with the visual control room located at the top level. the general accommodation is located on the ground floor and top 4 levels

Our client reported historic issues with the heating and cooling systems, which have been apparent since the project was completed. Issues have escalated over recent years due to higher than anticipated summer temperatures, causing poor occupant comfort and loss of service to some temperature sensitive equipment.

The Challenge

To provide a robust system which meets the required operational temperature levels throughout the whole building, whilst also ensuring there was no impact to the critical 24/7 ATC operation.

Consideration was required to protect the specialist equipment and systems, and also maintain minimum noise levels, especially in the visual control room.

The Solution

Completed relevant surveys to assess the current systems and recommended required modifications which were made to the VCR FCU pipework and replacement valves, upgrade of CHW primary and secondary pump set, additional CRAC unit with external condenser and addition of ductwork mounted cooling coil to the main AHU.

Replacement supply and extract grilles and destratification fan install plus associated controls for the VCR. New side stream filtration equipments including civils, enclosure, pump, tank, pipework, controls with updates to VCR FCU BMS controls plus other BMS updates for HVAC system changes. rebalancing and testing of new supplies carried out to ensure system meet the relevant requirements for our client.

The Outcome

We completed an upgrade which meet the required heating and cooling needs to meet both levels for the occupants and essential equipment.

With improved operational efficiency and working conditions, this has also complied with improvements to energy efficiency.

Specialist

Specialist scaffolding system used to create a protection zone above the air traffic control main equipment room.

Installation

Methods of ‘silent install’ used to ensure that there was no interruption to the live air traffic control teams during communication with aircraft.

Access

Due to limited access points to the 8-storey circular control tower, teams descended via the spiral staircase.