Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems installed in hospitals can be complex because they typically must run – all while keeping precise levels of temperature control and humidity for the well-being of ill and injured patients. Plus, hospital admins must ensure that medical equipment is properly cooled so that it continues working optimally.
The standard hospital HVAC layout ranges from traditional chiller/broiler systems to more modern variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, geothermal pumps and air curtains. Aside from chillers and broilers, these other alternative methods can save energy.
Below are some examples we found of three different hospitals, in three different cities across the nation, using three different HVAC systems.
Alabama Hospital Using a VRF System
Administrators at Choctaw General Hospital in Butler, Alabama chose a VRF system because of one major feature: the freedom to create temperature zones throughout the hospital that would allow patients to control the climate of their individual room for personalized comfort. In addition, the hospital has also been able to lower their energy costs during peak seasons.
VRF systems are quiet and easy to maintain. In addition, instead of having to go completely offline to service, VRF systems can be serviced in sections. This means that patients and employees in other parts of the hospital can remain comfortable during maintenance or repairs.
Pennsylvania Health Center Employing Air Curtains
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center devised a hybrid HVAC system consisting of high-efficiency boilers, chillers and a DX system on the roof. In addition, they also installed 11 air curtains designed to keep entrances free of outdoor infiltration—10 of which were installed in the ceilings at entryways. They placed the eleventh curtain by the entrance to the ER to help cut down on infiltration caused by ambulance fumes, which improved the indoor air quality of the facility.
Mississippi Facility Saves with Geothermal Pumps
Mississippi’s Methodist LeBonhuer Health center wanted to install a HVAC system that would not only work for their current needs, but also be able to grow and evolve with them as the healthcare system changes. Geothermal pumps have the benefit of providing large energy savings, while costing about the same as installing a traditional HVAC system.
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