January 29, 2025 in Advisory Notes
Reducing Exposure to Metals in Drinking Water
Lead contamination in drinking water remains a critical public health issue in Australia and has been highlighted by studies and reports, including th...
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Gardener Point campus’ Trigeneration system had become unviable as a result of market shifts in gas and electricity costs and was to be removed to create space for a new chiller. As the system formed an integral part of the campus’s electrical site infrastructure, this posed challenges both in de-commissioning and removal.
Following a competitive tender process A.G. Coombs were appointed as Design and Construction contractor for these works.
A.G. Coombs Advisory provided the detailed engineering design and technical support required including the electrical and mechanical services, controls and fire protection elements.
The project delivery team was assembled by A.G. Coombs and involved specialist sub-contractors who constructed the original facility.
These organisations were engaged during the bid-phase of the project and
supported its delivery throughout. A.G. Coombs Service were engaged to provide design input and commissioning services, supporting a seamless transition from design and construction into operation and warranty maintenance for the new plant.
Delivery
The Project was delivered in four key phases:
- Electrical and controls decommissioning of the trigeneration system while maintaining electrical supply services to the campus
without interruption. - Demolition and removal of trigeneration plant and equipment. Modification to the building structure and fabric to accommodate the new chiller installation.
- Installation and commissioning of the new chiller including operational integration into the existing chilled water and condenser water infrastructure. Upgraded plant room ventilation and updated Building Management and Control System strategies.
- Modification, fault finding and recommissioning of existing electrical infrastructure controls and main switchboard arrangements including removal of trigeneration related elements. Full facility electrical blackout and re-energisation testing.
Close collaboration between QUT staff, University stakeholders and the
A.G. Coombs Design and Construction team ensured that these key phases were completed with no unscheduled disruptions to campus operations.
Outcomes
- High complexity electrical and demolition aspects of the project completed without incident.
- Removal of redundant closely integrated trigeneration and electrical elements in a live facility with no interruption to operation.
- Whole-of-life approach to project from design, construction through to operational and maintenance aspects supported seamless delivery of updated fully operational high-quality system.
