KCI was tasked with analyzing the performance of existing air handling units and designing replacements with digital controls for Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital’s main building and pharmacy storage area in the annex building.
Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital is a 24/7 trauma center serving the Houston community, and during the course of the project, it was critical that daily operations of the center were not interrupted. KCI was originally contracted to perform MEP design services, crafting replacements for 17 of the main building’s air handling units; however, tight mechanical space and budgetary concerns led the team to refurbishing the units, which included upgrading each with more efficient fans, insulation and coils to increase energy savings and redundancy required by the hospital. Large temporary air handling units capable of providing cooling and heating during the refurbishment were also designed to ensure day-to-day functions of the hospital could remain uninterrupted.
The multi-zone unit serving the pharmacy storage area and the offices in the annex building was found to be deficient in capacity. Our team designed a new variable air volume air handling unit that complied with the latest energy codes. As part of the replacement, a portion of the existing ductwork was re-designed to handle additional air needed to achieve room temperature requirements. Following completion of the project, KCI coordinated with an independent commissioning authority to verify operation.
