RMF Engineering has completed work on a $10-million update to the air handling units of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (DHSU, formerly known as SUNY Downstate Medical Center), modernizing systems to support the medical and education operations of the facility. DHSU is the only academic medical center in Brooklyn, training more New York City doctors than any other medical college. Of the five total rooftop-mounted air handling units, RMF’s assessment and design addressed the replacement of three AHUs serving the Labor & Delivery, NICU and PIRR/MRI critical care units while maintaining uninterrupted operations.
Developed in coordination with the State University Construction Fund and DHSU, RMF’s implementation plan included concept-level phasing and sequencing plans for replacing the three AHUs serving the L&D, NICU and PIRR/MRI critical care units. RMF’s team designed the new AHUs and reheat system components: heat exchangers, circulation pumps and associated valving. The new AHUs are custom variable air volume units using R-410a refrigerant, which has since been phased out. During design, DHSU elected to proceed with R-410a due to the uncertainty at the time of what future refrigerants would be common in the industry moving forward. They are sized to accommodate more outside air than required by code and incorporate high-rating filters and ultraviolet lighting to improve indoor air quality. The existing electrical and building automation systems were extended to provide power and controls for the new equipment.
The project was completed in three construction phases and used newly installed equipment, including temporary units requested by DHSU, which were installed for NICU and PIRR/MRI areas during construction, to provide temporary air while subsequent equipment was replaced. Construction staging was planned to coordinate with DHSU operations and remain within the urban site’s limited available space. The project team also included Azar Design Co as the architect, Siracuse Engineers PC as structural engineer and Encorus Group provided hazmat/abatement services.
