P972 Ground Source Heat Pump

The purpose of this project is to replace the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in 10 buildings with new renewable energy high-efficiency Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems, coupled with an Underground Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (USTES) System. This project will couple GHPs with a form of USTES commonly known within the industry as Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES). A BTES system involves the installation of a nonconventional, closed-loop vertical ground-loop heat exchanger (GHX) rarely utilized in the United States. A BTES system are a “cousin” of conventional US GHX systems using closed-loop u-bends in vertical grouted boreholes, but differs since its boreholes are piped in a series of concentric cylinders and not in parallel within an orthogonal grid formation. Project includes 3 well fields for a total of a little more than 300 tons of air-conditioning.

Project includes clearing/grubbing of three (3) sites, replacement of exterior/interior mechanical equipment, installation of piping in existing buildings, covered walkways for above ground piping, interior/exterior electric. All building interior mechanical systems will consist of a combination of high efficiency water-to-water heat pumps, high-efficiency water source heat pump units and hydronic distribution systems consisting of both end-suction or double suction centrifugal pumps and associated hydronic accessories. All heat pump condenser water (HPW), BTES water, chilled water (CHW) and heating hot water (HW) pumps will be provided with variable frequency drives. The entire system will be provided with a new BACnet, direct digital control (DDC) system capable of being integrated into the MCLB Albany base wide control system.