RMF Engineering to Lead Chiller Upgrade at University at Albany

BALTIMORE – RMF Engineering has been selected by State University Construction Fund to lead a chiller upgrade at University at Albany (UAlbany). Announced as part of UAlbany’s $30 million decarbonization plan, the project replaces two aging absorption chillers in the 1960s-built central power plant with high-efficiency electric centrifugal chillers and heat recovery chillers, which will be connected to a new geothermal bore field in the Dutch Quad parking lot on the Uptown Campus. 

“We are proud to support State University of New York and University at Albany in advancing its decarbonization goals and implementing leading sustainable practices on campus,” says Eric Chrencik, PE, Project Manager at RMF Engineering. “The shift toward low-carbon infrastructure reflects the integrated, forward-thinking engineering we’re excited to deliver, combining reliable chiller technology with an energy efficient approach to meet the specific operational needs of the University.” 

RMF is also designing modifications to domestic hot water systems in more than 25 buildings as well as the installation of new low-temperature hot water piping to the campus’ athletic facilities. These upgrades will allow the central plant gas-fired boilers to shut down during the summer months. The heat recovery chillers and ground source heat exchanger will supplement the cooling load and provide 100 percent of heating and domestic hot water loads. The heat recovery chillers and ground source heat exchanger will also provide 100 percent of the heating, cooling and domestic hot water to achieve an all-electric  renovated Physical Education building.

The new Dutch Quad geothermal well field will have between 90 and 135 bore holes as deep as 800 feet. Crews began drilling geothermal test bores in the Dutch Quad parking lot in March. Overall, the project will increase chilled water generating capacity while reducing UAlbany’s annual natural gas usage by an estimated 16 percent. 

UAlbany’s decarbonization project will aid in State University of New York’s (SUNY) push to decarbonize its footprint across the state as New York moves to meet the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which requires an 85 percent reduction in New York’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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