Category

Central Plant Design

Packaged Utility Plants:  Are They Really Plug-And-Play?

By | Central Plant Construction, Central Plant Design, Design-Build Construction, Packaged Utility Plants

Over the past few years, the central utility plant construction industry has experienced increased use of pre-manufactured, or “packaged”, central utility plant strategies.  This factory-built approach to delivering central cooling, heating and power has the potential to positively impact project schedules, costs and quality.

However, there are some misconceptions.  For example, owners and contractors may be tempted to think these packaged solutions are “plug-and-play” – where all the coordination happens before shipment, driven completely by the packaged plant manufacturer.  In that case, on-site field work for assembly, start-up and commissioning is more of an afterthought. Read More

The importance of Design in Central Utility Plant Construction

By | Boiler Plant Construction, Central Plant Construction, Central Plant Design, Design-Build Construction

Commercial construction is a complex endeavor, made even more so when you consider the mechanical systems needed to effectively control large commercial and industrial spaces.  Consider a hospital, or large university dormitory — each has very specific needs for heating, cooling, electricity, water, wastewater and fire suppression systems.  However, the nature of the building’s use significantly changes the construction approach needed. Read More