Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas
Project Start: December, 2007 (design)
Project End: scheduled for completion in summer, 2010
SF Heated/Cooled:
Correctional Facility: 194,000 sf
Warehouse: 10,000 sf
Pump House: 5,500 sf
Ground Loops: 480 loops x 270 ft dp
System Size:
Correctional Facility: 300 tons
Warehouse: 15 tons
Pump House: 5 tons
Architect: HSMM – AECOM
Detention facilities present so many design challenges (especially in the area of security), that achieving LEED certification has rarely been considered. Now that paradigm is changing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to incorporate more energy-efficient technology in their facilities, including geothermal heat pumps. The Ft. Leavenworth project has been designed to achieve LEED certification.
AECOM performed life cycle analysis on several HVAC systems and determined that geothermal would provide the greatest cost efficiency. Geothermal is also a good choice because no rooftop mechanical equipment is required – ideal from a security standpoint.
Meline Engineering was hired by AECOM to design the geothermal field loop. Meline also collaborated with AECOM on the on the design of the mechanical system design, distribution, controls, and integration with the ground loop. Even the large walk-in coolers were connected to the ground loop with water-cooled refrigeration equipment instead of conventional air-cooled rooftop equipment.
