Riverbanks Zoo & Garden selected Blackstone for a comprehensive mechanical upgrade of equipment and systems at the Birdhouse – home of the Penguin Coast and Asian Trek exhibits, each with separate and distinct environmental requirements. Blackstone’s extensive experience working in-and-around ongoing operations, as well as sensitive healthcare settings, was a competitive advantage.
As prime contractor, Blackstone was responsible for all aspects of this complex and logistically difficult HVAC renovation project. Blackstone’s full scope of work included demolition of the existing system and replacement of new refrigeration units, chillers, AHUs, heat exchangers, exhaust fan, piping, pumps, valves, and ductwork.
The entire project revolved around the specific needs of the Birdhouse inhabitants.
For the Asian Trek exhibit, which requires a 72-degree space temperature, a CDQ Air Handling Unit (AHU) removes moisture from the air by means of a desiccant wheel – a rotating drum filled with desiccant that absorbs moisture and lowers the dew point of the air. (See project gallery)
The Penguin Coast exhibit is served by a chilled water system that utilizes 30% propylene glycol—a non-toxic, animal/people safe fluid that prevents corrosion and freezing—to provide operation at super-cooled air conditions. The penguins exhibit must be maintained at a cool 46-degree environment temperature, with the penguin pool water at 46 degrees.
To minimize downtime for the popular attraction, the project was executed on an accelerated schedule. Timely equipment delivery and efficient installation was critical to the project’s success. The tight, confined project site in a high-foot-traffic area of the Zoo presented its own challenges.
New equipment installation included (2) 80-ton air cooled chillers; (1) 17,000 CFM rooftop Air Handling Unit (AHU), (1) 12,000 CFM rooftop AHU, and (1) 7500 CFM CDQ (Cool Dry Quiet) AHU; (2) evaporator units, an air separator, a plate and frame heat exchanger and associated fans.
Want to see the demolition and installation of the rooftop air handler units? Watch Now
