Utility Studies

An important aspect of many Atkinson Engineering Inc. projects is to study existing institution utility systems to assess capacity and demand loads. This usually involves identifying and cost estimating means of increasing capacity to satisfy building additions or renovations.

Some of these projects are as follows:

McMaster University - PCB Transformer Replacement Study - Identification of transformers in the Central Utilities Plant which are due for government mandated replacement and investigating the most feasible approach and sequencing to install new units sized to meet current and future needs without interrupting operations.

McMaster University - Clarke Centre 13.8 KV Feed/Breaker Study - Investigation to assess the building loading on one of the high voltage switchgear and cost estimate to correct distribution problems.

McMaster University - Clarke Centre Underground Diesel Tank Evaluation - A study and report to determine compliance with applicable Fire and Fuel Safety Codes with recommendations for upgrade modifications.

McMaster University - Piping Network Study - Analysis of campus chilled water supply and return, steam and condensate piping using computer pipe flow modelling to identify areas of high velocities and pressure drop. The working model can be used to analyze effects of additional loads from proposed new buildings to aid in campus expansion programme.

McMaster University - Cooling Tower Water Pumping Analysis - Computer modelling of the 8-cell tower condenser water system to determine effects of piping configuration changes, pump changes, and tower upgrades followed by recommendations.

McMaster University - Campus Emergency Power Study - Field investigation, measurements and analysis of the existing campus emergency power grid. Recommendations included alterations and upgrades to the infrastructure and sizing of new emergency generator equipment for existing and projected future loads along with cost estimates.

McMaster University - A.N. Bourns Undergraduate Chemistry Facilities - Preliminary Utilities Study - A review and report on compressed air, chilled water and steam on existing loads and proposed future loads for the Undergraduate Chemistry Facility renovation, addition for chemistry research and potential HVAC upgrades leading to recommendations for a new service tunnel to the building.

McMaster University Medical Centre - Emergency Power Review - Analysis of the hospital's emergency power capacity and loads to determine the feasibility of providing surplus power to the McMaster University campus infrastructure.

McMaster University - Wentworth House Natural Gas Study - Analysis of the gas piping supply to the building to determine feasibility of additional kitchen equipment loads.

McMaster University - Residences Gas Dryer Conversion - An investigation and report on the technical feasibility of converting electric clothes dryers to gas with respect to the additional loads on the campus gas piping infrastructure.

McMaster University - Clarke Centre Gas Survey - Field review and documentation on AutoCAD drawings of natural gas piping to the boilers in the Central Utilities Plant.

McMaster University - Clarke Centre Cooling Tower Equipment Review & Cost Estimate - A report to evaluate the costs for chiller equipment removal and new chiller replacement, rework of the chilled water pumping and piping system, retrofit of eight existing cooling towers, and recommendations for plant efficiency improvements.

McMaster University - Residences Sprinkler Study - A survey and report on four buildings with respect to compliance with the NFPA 13 Sprinkler Code.

McMaster University - Commons Building Natural Gas Study - A review of the existing gas piping and loads to determine the feasibility of adding additional gas-fired cooking equipment. Report on the findings was included.