Cator, Ruma & Associates was selected to provide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for the Green Center roof replacement and system upgrades project. The project entailed controls upgrades on several existing air handling units, and a remodel of approximately 44,000 SF of the second floor. 

The new space consisted of classrooms, computer rooms, office space, and a refresh of the 1,000-seat auditorium. As part of the project, we provided six (6) new custom air handling units, as well as controls upgrades and refurbishment of two existing air handling units. Additionally, a new heating water systems and domestic water heater for the entire building was provided.

A unique aspect of the project was that the building had remained largely untouched since the original 1972 construction due to wide-spread use of asbestos containing materials throughout the ceiling space. As such, the existing pneumatic control system had seen minimal upgrades in nearly 50 years.

Cator, Ruma & Associates updated the head end system to allow all of the new equipment to be direct digital controls (DDC). We also performed controls upgrades on two existing units to convert them to DDC controls. This included replacement of components such as control valves, temperature sensors, airflow measuring stations, and damper actuators. Additionally, the sequence of operation for the existing equipment was updated to accommodate the new components. 

The updated building automation system now allows the owner to have better control of the equipment, as well as allow for constant monitoring of its operation. Provisions were also made to allow for future conversion of the remaining pneumatically controlled equipment to be converted to DDC.