How Aircon Rentals Delivered Temporary Cooling Solutions for Queensland University’s Energy Plant

Project Overview: Temporary Cooling Solutions for a University Energy Plant

At Aircon Rentals, we specialize in delivering efficient temporary cooling solutions under challenging circumstances.

In this “Chill Chat” interview, we sat down with Mr. Andrew Mura, National Sales Engineer at Aircon Rentals, to discuss a recent project at Queensland University. This project highlights our ability to provide quick, reliable, and effective cooling systems tailored to complex situations.

Sam: Hi Andrew, let’s talk about the Queensland University project. What was the project about?

Andrew: The project involved providing temporary cooling solutions for the central energy plant at Queensland University. This plant supplies two precincts with approximately 5,000 kW of cooling. Unfortunately, one of the chillers failed, significantly reducing their cooling capacity. We were engaged to supply 1,000 kW of supplemental cooling using our 200 kW chillers. These were ideal for the site due to its restricted space and low noise requirements.

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Sam: What made this site unique?

Andrew: The site is located next to one of the university’s central libraries, so maintaining low noise levels was critical. We had worked there about two years earlier, providing additional temporary cooling during a cooling tower upgrade. That prior experience helped us navigate the site’s unique challenges, like the location of the chilled water pipe and delivery constraints. Since cranes couldn’t be used, we relied on forklifts to manoeuvre the units into position.

Challenges in Delivering Temporary Cooling Solutions for the University

Sam: What were the main challenges of this project?

Andrew: The biggest challenges were the site location and timing. This occurred just two weeks before Christmas, during the peak of summer, which added urgency to restore cooling quickly. The reduced cooling capacity affected various faculties, creating pressure from the facility management team and university staff. On top of that, we had to work closely with the electrical contractor to disconnect and prepare the mains for the temporary chillers.

Executing the Temporary Cooling Solution: Planning and Installation

Sam: How did your collaboration with the contractor contribute to the project’s success?

Andrew: Clear planning and swift execution were key. After finalising the necessary paperwork and safety plans, we installed and commissioned the temporary cooling system within five days. This allowed the university’s faculties to function under nearly optimal conditions. Collaboration with the contractor and the university team was crucial to overcoming logistical and time constraints.

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Sam: Have you worked on similar university projects, and how did that experience help here?

Andrew: Yes, we’ve completed many university projects across Australia. These campuses are often tight on space due to ongoing expansions. Our previous work at this particular site gave us a strong understanding of the layout, plant room locations, and logistical needs. Without that familiarity, the setup would have taken significantly longer.

Sam: How long did the project take from inquiry to commissioning?

Andrew: From the initial inquiry to commissioning, it took about five days. The total project duration was approximately four weeks, giving the university enough time to diagnose and repair the failed chiller component over the Christmas period.

Lessons Learned from Providing Temporary Cooling Solutions

Sam: Did this project bring any new learnings or challenges for Aircon Rentals?

Andrew: The main learning point was related to electrical connections. Meeting the additional capacity requirements required close coordination with the electrical contractor. From an installation perspective, we replicated much of what we had done previously at the site. This time, we focused on refining our logistics and ensuring all controls were in place.

Sam: What about the bump-out process? Any challenges there?

Andrew: The bump-out process will have similar logistical challenges. With students returning after the Christmas break, pedestrian traffic around the campus increases significantly. We’ll need to carefully manage traffic and coordinate with the client to block a road during the morning to safely remove the equipment. Communication with the client will be essential to ensure a smooth process.

Sam: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Andrew: Not much, but I’d emphasize the importance of communication and planning. These were key to the project’s success and will remain critical for the bump-out phase.

Sam: Thanks, Andrew. It’s great to see how Aircon Rentals continues to deliver effective temporary cooling solutions in challenging environments.

 

To learn more about how Andrew Mura and the Aircon Rentals team can assist with your cooling needs, feel free to reach out via email at andrew.mura@aircon.com.au or call him directly at 0407 514 401.