Children’s National Medical Center Chiller Plant

Historically, Washington Hospital Center supplied the Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) its chilled water needs. Because of the planned expansion of the Washington Hospital Center, CNMC had to build its own facility within a tight timeframe.

CNMC turned to Harris, a long time preferred mechanical contractor, to serve as the prime contractor for the entire project. A new building structure was built adjacent to the glass facade of the building and the emergency room vehicle ramp.

Due to the allotted space and ambulance drive aisle, the floor of the new plant sloped in two different directions causing variable floor elevations as much as three feet. This caused constant layout, fabrication and rigging challenges daily. Additionally, the entire structure rested on top of underground parking garages and electrical vaults requiring meticulous coordination.

Craning the numerous sections of 20-inch pipe vertically within the six-story glass facade was a daunting challenge. All work occurred without service interruptions to hospital.

Items installed include:
• 6,000-ton chilled water capacity (two 2,400-ton and one 1,200-ton)
• 600 feet of 20-inch pipe
• Five 1,200-ton cooling towers
• Eight condenser water and chilled water pumps