MKK Portfolio

MKK was selected by the University of Wyoming as the commissioning authority/commissioning agent for an $18.5 million major maintenance/renovation contract which includes multiple buildings across UW’s campus and encompassing 196,000 SF. The commissioning scope of services included: pre-functional testing, TAB verifications, and functional acceptance testing; and systems integration of various types of laboratory services, HVAC, and fire systems into the physical, health, and biological sciences facilities.

Mechanical improvements included the addition of TSI Valves (Phoenix Valve Equivalent) room pressure controls and fume hood exhaust controls. As part of the HVAC upgrades, forced ventilation to the laboratory spaces was installed—the first time since 1968. The previous system was unsafe and would allow air to pass from room to room, rather than be maintained through a controlled system. The new system consists of three custom-built variable air volume (VAV) air handlers. These units use high efficiency, high speed direct drive fans for fine-tuning the system supply air flow. They also employ exhaust air heat recovery using heat pipes for reduction of outside ventilation air energy use. The air from the heat pipes is routed to special plum dilution fans. Cooling is provided by direct evaporative cooling in the exhaust air stream, as well as in the supply air stream. Additionally, ANSI 117 mandated fire alarm improvements were made which includes additional life safety disaster warning systems such as fire sprinklers, horns, strobes, smoke detection, fire\smoke dampers, and fire control integration with the TSI equipment through Johnson BACnet Controls where none of these safety devices had previously existed. Upgrades also included changes to the existing heating hot water infrastructure, such as upgrading the existing manual or pneumatic control valves and thermostats with DDC (direct digital control) control valves, space temperature sensors, and room controllers. The controllers now have the ability to connect to the existing Campus Building Automation System network.

Electrical improvements consisted of adding new automatic transfer switches with load shedding capabilities to the existing emergency generator. The HVAC upgrades required significant additional switchboard and distribution board electrical services. Segregation of the non-essential, non-life safety equipment commenced during these electrical upgrades and MKK validated functional performance of said equipment.

MKK is conducting warranty services and continues supporting fine-tuning of the HVAC upgrades to the laboratory spaces due to the significant changes regarding operating the facilities, as compared to the original design intent. The electrical consumption of the facilities is being monitored and evaluated as part of the warranty services.