NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Centers

• Modular design to fit unique space specs
• Reduced sound and noise
• Pre-engineered & pre-packaged
• Maintenance-free
• Significant energy & maintenance savings

The Situation

NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Centers

Project location: San Diego, CA

Situation: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Science Centers had five belt-driven centrifugal fans operating inefficiently, inflating monthly costs. Constant replacing and repairing of the existing system's belts, VFDs, sheaves, AC motors, and bearings forced the research facility to seek a long-term solution. The maintenance added to already high operating costs and outdated functionality.

Facilities Manager Matthew Vogel decided to increase building operations by replacing the system with a solution prioritizing tailored fit, increased access, controllability, and sound/vibration mitigation.

The Process

Administering Atmosphere for Air & Ocean Professionals.

Mechanical contractor, Applied Mechanical Solutions and Q-PAC's San Diego-based manufacturers' rep, Vertical Systems, were integral in the selection and design of Q-PAC's FS1 Fan System. Q-PAC's engineer traveled with drawings to San Diego to collaborate with Applied Mechanical Solutions to develop the best possible solution. The team's retrofit solution emphasized customized modularity, lightweight components, reliability via redundancy, efficient energy usage, and noise/vibration mitigation.

Located two stories underground, the mechanical room and AHU were challenging to access. Using site visits and detailed design drawings, the team pre-engineered a simple solution for seamless installation that met all project specs and requirements.

The Results

A Simple Solution for a High-Impact Facility.

Q-PAC's FS1 Fan System met the distinct needs of the offices, general occupancy spaces, and laboratories at the NOAA Fisheries Science Centers. Q-PAC, Applied Mechanical Solutions, and Vertical System's solution replaced the outdated centrifugal system and immediately increased operational efficiencies. Customized integration into the complex space, the FS1 Fan System enhanced the facility's energy usage while creating a stable environment for the center's critical research.