Job Profile: One World Trade Center
Location: New York, NY
Issue: Supply HVAC equipment and solutions that meet stringent New York/New Jersey Port Authority requirements
Solution: (166) Daikin customized cooling self-contained systems
Project Summary
At 1,776 feet tall, One World Trade Center—the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere—rises above the Manhattan skyline. Opened in November, 2014 and owned/developed by WTC Tower 1 LLC, the skyscraper has raised new standards of design, construction, and prestige. Managed and operated by the Durst Organization, One World Trade Center is thought to be the most recognized and desirable office building in the world.
The design of all mechanical and life-safety systems at One World Trade Center had to meet the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) strict building-code requirements. As a result, HVAC equipment was highly customized to meet efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), and sound-performance requirements (among other factors), as systems are located on occupied office floors. Self-contained units were specified to feature high water pressure shell and tube condensers, a variable frequency fan drive, a BAS control system, customized energy efficient scroll compressors, and waterside economizers.
Unique Solutions
PANYNJ became familiar with Daikin’s equipment and project work through Prem Air New York, Daikin’s representative. Based on the ability to meet IAQ, low-noise, and other technical and operational specifications established by design engineer Jaros, Baum & Bolles Consulting Engineers, Daikin was selected as the manufacturer that could meet the specification requirements. Daikin provided 166 packaged self-contained cooling systems to accommodate more than 50 floors of the 104-story building.
Design of the HVAC was highly collaborative among many construction and mechanical firms involved on the project, with Daikin providing project management. “This is a project of a lifetime and was a first for Daikin in that we had never made equipment to match the customer’s unique need with this level of customization before,” says Robert Lisse, PMP, Northeast regional project manager with Daikin.
The prototype self-contained system was subject to strict sound requirements. After the prototype met initial approval by developers, a mock-up of an office floor was created. “We invited piping and ductwork mechanical firms into the mock-up, and as a result of the collaboration, several changes were made to the HVAC equipment design,” Lisse says. The effort included 3-D design to simulate maintenance access. The result was the moving of plumbing and fire-rated walls to allow for optimal maintenance and service of the HVAC self-contained system.
Daikin self-contained unit
Outcome
Visitors and office workers are ensured of comfort given the reliability and quiet operation of the Daikin systems that serve more than one half of the floors at One World Trade Center. Customer Durst Organization is realizing the benefits of reduced operational costs of the self-contained units that greatly exceed ASHRAE Standard 90.1 guidelines and do not require specialized staff to maintain. “This is a historic project and we are very proud to have contributed,” Lisse concludes.
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