By RICHARD PEKSA, ABB Drives
ThermAir Systems, a leading HVACR and engineering company based in Arizona, was contracted to install an addition to an HVAC system on a high-stakes project for a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) tuberculosis laboratory in Phoenix, AZ.
This large laboratory, belonging to one of the top 5 largest medical companies in the U.S., required expansion to its main lab to scale to meet increasing demands. Known for its expertise in HVACR systems and engineering solutions, ThermAir Systems operates out of Mesa and Tucson, serving a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, data centers, and battery plants. ABB, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, partnered with ThermAir to provide advanced HVACR solutions, ensuring the highest levels of safety and efficiency in this critical environment.
Challenges
The primary challenge was maintaining the laboratory's pressurization to prevent the spread of tuberculosis bacteria. In a BSL-3 lab, the airflow and pressurization must be meticulously controlled to ensure containment of airborne pathogens. Any failure in the HVACR system could potentially reverse the lab's pressurization, leading to hazardous situations that could affect workers and sensitive equipment.
“The specialized nature of the lab requires constant pressurization," said representative engineer Ryan Hirschi. "Reversal of the pressurization would push diseases into places you don't want them to go.”
Also, the importance of redundant drives as “redundant VFDs are critical to the overall safety related to backup systems and continuous operation,” he added.
Additionally, this lab required specialized filtration and isolation systems, necessitating robust and reliable equipment to handle the demands of the lab and the arid hot environment it was placed in.
Solutions
Due to "round-the-clock usage” and the constant need to maintain exact pressurization, ABB's ACH580 variable frequency drives were selected. Specifically, Redundant VFDs were chosen for their outstanding performance and reliability in mission-critical applications. The project utilized a variety of ACH580 ABB drives, each tailored to specific HVACR components.
Redundant Drive Packages are critical for laboratories as they ensure continuous operation and allow seamless transfer to a backup drive in case of primary drive failure.
This feature is essential for maintaining uninterrupted airflow and pressurization in the lab. A NEMA Type 3R enclosure was installed to protect against challenging environments that are typical for rooftop installations. For additional safety, the package also included a Bluetooth control panel alongside industry standard safety features such as: overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, and ground fault protection, ensuring both equipment and personnel safety
Implementation
The installation of ABB drives was executed by K Corp (Karber Corporation), with careful coordination between engineering and ThermAir Systems to meet the stringent requirements of the project. The drives were installed on various air-handling units (AHUs) and exhaust fans, each configured to maintain optimal airflow and pressurization within the lab.
Results
The successful implementation of ABB drives ensured the tuberculosis laboratory met its rigorous safety and operational standards. The redundant drive systems provide an extra layer of protection such that any potential drive failure would reduce the possibilities of the lab's pressurization or containment capabilities. Feedback from the contractor has highlighted the reliability and ease of use of these drives, further solidifying their choice for future projects.
Conclusion
The collaboration between ThermAir Systems and ABB exemplifies the critical role of advanced HVACR solutions in ensuring the safety and efficiency of sensitive laboratory environments. Selecting HVACR-specific drives provided the necessary reliability, safety features, and control needed for this high-stakes application.
For more information on ABB's HVACR drive solutions, visit Drives for HVAC | ABB.
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A mechanical engineering graduate of Marquette University, the author has 10 years of experience in the HVAC industry, supporting various types of HVAC equipment. He has spent five years as a Regional Sales Manager for HVAC with ABB Drives in New Berlin, WI and previously as an application engineer, working with VFDs on harmonics and mitigation strategies.