UIC Outpatient Care Center New Chiller Installation
CLIENT: University of Illinois at Chicago, UI Health
PROJECT: Rooftop Chiller Installation
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
In 2017, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) engaged Autumn Construction Services through their JOC program for a project involving the installation of two fan coolers. The initiative arose from the University's need to address a specific challenge: while the campus had a chiller plant, it remained inactive during winter. Consequently, critical medical equipment at the Outpatient Care Center (OCC) such as MRI, CAT, and X-ray machines lacked sufficient cooling during the colder months. To remedy this, UIC and Air Stack opted for free cooling units, essentially large fans designed to dissipate the heat generated by the critical equipment. This system uses the cold temperatures of Chicago's climate to enhance water cooling efficiency. Over the past few years, this approach has proven successful for UIC.
Now, looking to further optimize their cooling infrastructure, UIC engaged with Autumn Construction once again to incorporate an actual 30-ton chiller alongside the existing free cooling units at the OCC building. This additional chiller will empower the building to generate more chilled water during transitional seasons, such as early fall and spring. Come summer, the facility will seamlessly transition back to utilizing the campus chilled water system. This mechanical enhancement ensures optimal cooling performance year-round for UIC's critical medical equipment and facilities.
