Front Range Community College Central Plant Distribution System

This project involved construction of a new Central Heating and Cooling plant to serve all campus buildings and replacement of outdated air handling units. The heating systems include:

• Two (2) 3,000 MBH heating hot water boilers
• Operating at 230 degrees F with 85% efficiency
• Equipped with combination gas and oil burners for interruptible gas pricing advantages
• Separated combustion air design to maximize efficiency

Schendt Engineering Corporation designed the Central Heating plant and site heating hot water and chilled water distribution system up to heat exchangers within buildings. Seward Mechanical Systems designed the chilled water plant and air handling system replacements within the buildings.

The heating hot water distribution system utilizes a primary/secondary pumping system with variable frequency drives on the secondary pumps. Heat exchangers were installed in each building to maximize campus distribution system reliability in the event of a pipe failure in any building.

Site heating hot water distribution piping consisted of pre-insulated piping with:

• Steel carrier pipe with welded fittings
• Polyisocyanurate foam insulation
• High density polyethylene jacket with pressure testable joints

Site chilled water distribution piping consisted of DR-11 high density polyethylene pipe with fusion welded joints and fittings, providing innovative pre-insulated piping systems.

A valve vault was constructed to provide access to distribution system isolation, vent, and drain valves where the distribution system branched to various campus buildings. The vault featured:

• Cast-in-place concrete construction
• Lighting and ventilation systems
• Sump pumps for drainage management
• Access ladder with H-20 loading rated hatch access

Project features innovative central plant design with modern controls and efficient distribution infrastructure for the growing campus.

Project Status: Design 90% Complete, Project on hold

Estimated Construction Cost: $2,400,000