This project involved the conversion of the boiler system at an existing 187,000 SF school facility. The scope included replacing three #4 oil-fired firebox boilers with three new 125-horsepower, B100-ready, biofuel-fired, low-pressure steam boilers. Velocity designed a new fuel oil system with upgraded fuel-handling transfer pumps, a fuel oil polisher, and electric fuel oil heaters. Additional upgrades included new vacuum pump sets, combustion air intake, chimney liner, and boiler feedwater equipment, resulting in a fully modernized and energy-efficient boiler plant.
The project also delivered a comprehensive climate control modernization throughout the school, including new thermostats, control valves, and steam traps in all occupied spaces and mechanical rooms. Controls for all air-handling units were upgraded to provide advanced energy-efficient operation, improved diagnostics, and full integration with the facility’s mechanical systems. All existing starters were replaced with new hand-off-auto (HOA) starters.
To support long-term operation and maintenance, Velocity implemented a new building management system (BMS). Architectural, electrical, and plumbing trades provided associated design services to support the boiler conversion and climate control work. Because the existing fire alarm system lacked carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring capabilities, the project also includes installation of a new stand-alone addressable CO detection system for the school and a dedicated gas leak detection system for the new boiler plant.
