Completed in 1997, the Main Central Utility Plant Renovation at the University of West Florida was a complete renovation of the campus' main central utility plant. The project upgraded the plant's main electrical distribution system and replaced two 1,200 ton water-cooled centrifugal chillers. The project had a construction budget of 1.7 million dollars and was completed on time and within budget.
The existing central plant consisted of two large steam boilers operating at almost 200 psig. The steam went through two pressure reducing stations and into large water-to-water heat exchangers. Water circulating through the heat exchangers was heated for the campus buildings. SCG installed two, smaller hot water boilers that were considerably more energy efficient than the old units. The old heat exchangers were completely eliminated and campus hot water was heated in one step. The capital cost saving was almost $500,000. The increased energy efficiency from the entire system was in the 20% range. With the new system, new piping and some improved operating practices, the University saved over $500,000 in energy costs the first year.
Much of the underground hot and chilled water distribution piping that serves the numerous buildings on campus had been in service for more than 25 to 30 years. Testing and inspection of pipe sections demonstrated that the system was in need of replacement.
Schmidt Consulting Group, Inc. designed a new campus-wide hot/chilled water distribution system to replace deteriorated underground hot and chilled water piping for the University. The project was completed in phases to minimize disruption of campus activities. The overall construction budget, including run-out piping to buildings and cut-over of the new piping systems to full service, was over 9 million dollars.
Campus Electrical Distribution System
Schmidt Consulting Group, Inc. performed a campus electrical distribution study in 1996 in which we recommended several improvements and alterations to the campus 12KV distribution system. The second phase of the project began in late 1999 and included a renovation of the entire campus distribution system. The project involved the upgrade and replacement of over 25 pieces of medium voltage switches and sectionalizing gear and over 10,000 feet of underground conductors. The project had a construction budget of 1.8 million dollars and was designed on time and within budget. It was also featured in The Line magazine's October 2003 issue.
"Schmidt Consulting Group, Inc. has been very responsive during this rating period. The job has progressed steadily despite its' complexity and requirement for multiple outages. There have been unforeseen issues, but all have been dealt with immediately by the engineer. This firm is very proficient with electrical distribution systems like UWF's. The engineer of record has worked very well with the contractor in clarifying and resolving technical issues that have arisen. This firm is very professional, competent, and is an asset to the University of West Florida. All personnel work well with UWF staff and all have the University's best interest at heart." - Earl Smith, Project Manager, The University of West Florida
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This site is dedicated to the memory of our beloved Randy S. Ponzini, 1951 to 2006