The Glen at Willow Valley is a 140,000 sq. ft. life care facility serving assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care residents. The project required an HVAC system that met strict energy‑efficiency goals and Pennsylvania Department of Health ventilation and pressure requirements. A FläktGroup SEMCO Dual Wheel Energy Recovery Unit was selected to deliver pre‑conditioned outside air efficiently throughout the building.
Key Facts
- Five‑level, 140,000 sq. ft. facility
- 94 assisted living patients
- 120 skilled nursing care patients
- 60 Alzheimer’s and dementia care patients
- County required high‑quality, energy‑efficient construction
- HVAC required to be 15–20% more cost‑effective than comparable facilities
- Pennsylvania Department of Health mandates strict outside/exhaust air and pressure requirements
- Energy Recovery Unit located on the roof
- Provides 30,000 CFM of pre‑conditioned outside air
- 75% efficiency level
- Humidification system maintains 30–50% humidity and 75°F leaving air temperature
- Energy use: 45,000 BTUH/sq. ft. (guideline for nursing homes: 160,000 BTUH/sq. ft.)
- Total energy cost including gas: $0.69/sq. ft.
- Mechanical system cost 15% lower than similar facilities
- Operates approximately 35% more efficiently than conventional systems
Challenge
Meet strict energy‑efficiency targets and comply with Pennsylvania Department of Health requirements for outside air, exhaust air, and room pressure standards.
Solution
The design team implemented a FläktGroup SEMCO Dual Wheel Energy Recovery Unit to supply 30,000 CFM of pre‑conditioned outside air at 75% efficiency. The system recovers sensible energy through desiccant‑coated wheels, uses a humidification system to stabilize leaving air conditions, and delivers conditioned air via a galvanized duct system.
Results
- 30,000 CFM of treated outside air with 75% energy recovery
- Reduced first costs by replacing conventional HVAC equipment
- Lower capacity and peak energy demand for ventilation air
- Dehumidification of incoming air reduced refrigeration latent load
- Pre‑humidification reduced or eliminated humidification needs in heating season
- HVAC system stayed within guaranteed maximum price
- Mechanical system cost 15% less than comparable facilities
- Approximately 35% more efficient than conventional systems
- Energy cost: $0.69/sq. ft.
- Energy use: 45,000 BTUH/sq. ft., far below nursing home guideline of 160,000 BTUH/sq. ft.
Products Used
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