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“We tried to push the envelope with the architect and general contractor,” Hipsky says. “By providing a facility with better insulated walls, roof, and windows, we were able to minimize the loads and reduce energy consumption.”

In addition to the energy efficiency requirements, the maintenance building posed additional mechanical challenges. To accurately engineer the correct vehicle exhaust system, Harrington Engineering's design team had to research and fully understand the specifications of the various specialized vehicles that would be serviced in the facility — many of which have high exhaust temperatures and rates.

An in-floor radiant heating system and an infrared radiant heating system in the ceiling were designed to provide a comfortable indoor temperature in the maintenance building year-round, even given frequent openings and closings of the facility's two large bay doors.

Finally, due to anti-terrorism equipment location restrictions, Harrington had to engineer a way to effectively fit all the necessary equipment into the maintenance facility's cavity ceiling instead of on the roof or next to the building. The equipment that had to be placed within the tight space included a make-up air unit, building exhaust system, vehicle exhaust system, overhead radiant heaters, light fixtures, sprinklers, piping, and an overhead crane.

“I give all the credit to our field personnel and our CAD Group,” Hipsky says. “This is a great example of how we are able to combine our field experience with our design expertise to solve a complex coordination issue across all trades.”

An extensive commissioning process is always a hallmark of Harrington Engineering's work. In this case, Harrington performed a complete “startup system check” of all the installed systems, including the building controls and building management systems. When the facility was officially commissioned by a third-party (as required by the government contract), it passed with flying colors.

“Harrington Engineering is a very professional organization. Their design met all the requirements and standards of the Department of the Army, and their installation was exceptional,” says Andrew Smith, project engineer, Army Corps of Engineers. “I received constant compliments on the work they did. Everyone involved with this project was very impressed with Harrington's professional installation, knowledge, and compliance with the requirements.”

Harrington Engineering can't promise that the Army Strong soldiers who visit the Armed Forces Reserve Center won't be made a little uncomfortable by a tough sergeant or a 10-mile run. But the company's high quality HVAC design and installation will ensure that our troops' time at the center will be as comfortable as it can possibly be.

Winner at a Glance

Company:

Harrington Engineering, Rocky Hill, CT

Project Name/Location:

Armed Forces Reserve Center, New Windsor, NY

Total Mechanical System Cost:

$7.4 million

Product Keys to Success:

• Trane air-cooled chiller
• Trane modular air handling units
• Trane single-duct VAV terminals
• Trane packaged rooftop unit
• Trane gas-fired makeup air units
• Trane fan coil unit
• AAON split system
• Anemostat diffusers and registers
• Mitsubishi ductless split systems
• Xetex heat recovery units
• Monoxivent vehicle exhaust systems
• Twin City fans and ventilators
• Patterson pumps and hydronic equipment
• Detroit Radiant tubular infrared heaters
• Fulton boilers
• Rittling unit heaters
• CaptiveAire kitchen hoods
• Delta Controls energy management system