Iowa State University Lab Animal Resource Facility HVAC Improvements

Iowa State University | Ames, IA

West Plains Engineering provided mechanical and electrical engineering services for the mechanical system upgrade of the existing Lab Animal Resource Facility. This project removed all existing ductwork in the space. Existing supply and return mains that pass thru to serve other spaces were kept live, sealed and re-insulated. A 100 percent outside air unit was added to the new penthouse that was constructed to allow a dedicated unit to serve this space as required by the National Institute of Health. An existing air handling unit was ducted from the roof to the new supply air main to allow for redundancy. A new fume exhaust fan was installed on the existing roof to remove any and all contaminants. Precision control valves were installed on both the supply and exhaust to maintain pressure relationships, and used to provide heating and cooling to each space. Electrically a new emergency feeder and transfer switch was provided to the new penthouse along with a normal feed from penthouse #1. The emergency system was expanded to include two panel boards on the main floor and additional receptacles were installed in each room. A second transfer switch was added to provide emergency power to the backup AHU.