RMF Engineering recently completed their work on the removal and replacement of the existing glycol runaround-type heat recovery and exhaust air system at the University of Maryland (UMB) School of Medicine’s Frank S. Bressler Research Building (BRB).

RMF provided the mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering as well as construction administration services for the building, which was constructed in 1974 as an addition to Howard Hall, one of the primary teaching facilities of the School of Medicine. The building contains research labs, classrooms, offices, and support spaces. As one of the most energy intensive buildings on campus, UMB wanted a more reliable and easier-to-maintain system that could reclaim as much energy as practical from the building’s exhaust air.

RMF worked with UMB to design a new system and led the demolition and removal of the existing aged equipment. During design, the team created a 3D rendering and model that offered a compelling before-and-after look at the project's scope and complexity alongside the finished product. Project highlights include:

• The installation of a new system with 465,000 CFM total exhaust capacity across six high-velocity rooftop fans, maximizing efficiency by recovering up to 5,683,000 BTU/HR from exhaust air to precondition incoming makeup air.

• The primary reason the project could be installed without disrupting building operations was the manifolded exhaust design located directly above the existing energy recovery modules that connects the dilution fans above the manifold ductwork.

• A custom structural support system was engineered to support hoist equipment for ongoing fan maintenance and to facilitate the phased placement of exhaust fans over the energy recovery modules during construction.

• Construction phasing allowed the building to remain fully occupied, requiring careful sequencing to keep ventilation operational at all times alongside coordinated staging, access planning, and road closures for equipment installation.

• Replaced the Heating Hot Water system pumps, heat exchangers, and piping.