Pepperdine University: Distributed Chiller Plants | P2S

Pepperdine University

Distributed Chiller Plants

Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Resilience

Pepperdine University, a prestigious private institution, initiated a transformative project to modernize its central cooling infrastructure across the Seaver Central Campus. The goal was to develop a comprehensive Distributed Chiller Plant system that supports seven existing buildings, delivering increased redundancy and energy efficiency while reducing operational costs. The result of this project was development of a robust Distributed Chiller Plant system serving seven buildings, enhancing redundancy, energy efficiency, and scalability for future growth.

P2S provided complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for this $12 million project, applying advanced MEP strategies to ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure that aligns with the university’s long-term objectives.

$ 12,000,000

Construction Cost

7

Buildings

Transforming Campus Cooling with Strategic Upgrades

The Distributed Chiller Plant project at Pepperdine University exemplifies forward-thinking MEP engineering and increases not only operational efficiency but also long-term campus resilience. During the design phase, P2S collaborated closely with the university and design teams to develop a comprehensive strategy that integrated a central chilled water loop, replacing outdated HVAC systems across seven buildings.

Resiliency was a cornerstone of this project, ensuring that critical cooling infrastructure can withstand disruptions and maintain operations. The system’s redundancy was bolstered by integrating buffer tanks and loop connections across all buildings, creating a stable and reliable infrastructure that minimizes the risk of downtime. This holistic approach supports the university's sustainability goals while providing flexibility for future campus expansions without significant retrofitting costs.

Distributed Chiller Plant Grid: Redefining Campus Infrastructure

The focus of this project was the development of a distributed chiller plant grid, connecting multiple buildings across the Seaver Central Campus. P2S assessed existing chiller plants to identify optimal locations for distributed connections, emphasizing consolidation and efficient load distribution. By replacing older chiller systems and reconfiguring them for a centralized loop, the project established a flexible, energy-efficient infrastructure.

This distributed grid supports effective chiller staging and load management, aligning with Pepperdine’s energy conservation goals. The design not only achieves immediate operational efficiency, but also accommodates future campus growth, providing a scalable solution for evolving demands.

Optimized Controls and Reliable Chilled Water Infrastructure

Upgraded control systems played a pivotal role in achieving the project’s efficiency and resiliency targets. P2S integrated advanced control technologies, linking the entire system to Pepperdine’s campus control system. The optimized sequence of operations enabled precise chiller staging, maximizing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

This robust infrastructure supports continuous campus cooling, minimizing potential downtime and contributing to a more reliable and sustainable campus environment.

Building a Sustainable Future at Pepperdine

The Distributed Chiller Plant system at Pepperdine University represents a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure development. By focusing on centralized cooling, efficient load management, and robust control systems, P2S delivered a project that not only meets current needs but also aligns with Pepperdine’s long-term vision for a resilient, energy-efficient campus.

As the prime consultant, P2S played a crucial role in coordinating and managing a team of specialized engineers and consultants to ensure the project’s success. We brought together all the necessary experts in a room and fostered a collaborative environment where ideas were shared, and challenges were addressed efficiently.

As private universities like Pepperdine seek sustainable and scalable infrastructure, P2S remains committed to providing innovative solutions that drive energy conservation and future-readiness. Through strategic MEP design, we create environments where students can thrive both today and in the years to come.

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