Energy Management

Powering Efficiency: JMT’s Energy-Saving Designs for BWI Modernization Project

JMT provided significant mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and security system engineering services as well as the design for 50,000 SF of the Terminal BC Connector and Concourse C modernization project.

Location: Anne Arundel County, MD
Client: MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration 

JMT’s engineers applied a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the airflow within the connector to predict the performance of the HVAC system. The CFD model took into consideration the large architectural volume created by 30-foot ceilings, large exterior glass walls and a polymer fabric type ceiling. The resulting air distribution system was optimized by selecting the configuration which met both the performance requirements as proven by the CFD model as well as the architectural aesthetics of the space. A total of 105,000 CFM of new VAV AHUs were added.

JMT’s design focused on keeping safety and reliability at the forefront and included a new 4,000-amp double-ended medium voltage secondary selective sectionalized power distribution system to provide the required power to the expanded terminal and concourse. The power distribution system – consisting of a switchboard, panel board, dry type transformers, conduit, and wiring and other associated electrical items – was also integrated into the overall renovation with an emphasis on maintaining NEC code compliance of the electrical system, as well as coordinating with the mechanical, architectural and structural systems.

Taking initiative with saving energy, JMT designed a new interior lighting system to use high efficiency LED fixtures that were selected specifically to accommodate low maintenance requirements. The lighting system was designed with emergency power to provide life safety, as well as a connection to the building control system, allowing for automatic switching to reduce energy consumption when adequate light was available.

Innovative Energy Strategies: JMT’s Approach to Water Treatment Efficiency

JMT conducted an energy audit and baseline analysis to produce an energy management plan to implement energy optimization opportunities. 

Location: Harrisburg, PA 
Client: Capital Region Water 

JMT’s team of facility experts, energy innovators, and procurement specialists identified where there was an energy deficit and developed strategies for energy optimization in Capital Region Water’s (CRW) Harrisburg water and wastewater treatment processes. CRW had anticipated its annual electricity demand to increase more than 40% due to wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Through our study and resulting long-term and sustainable energy management and optimization program recommendations, as well as immediate, no cost/low-cost actions, CRW realized immediate savings and energy reductions, in turn saving taxpayers money. 

Our team conducted a two-day, on-site energy audit and base line analysis to produce an energy management plan to implement short- and long-term energy optimization opportunities. This was a critical first step for CRW to establish a comprehensive energy management program aimed at reducing energy and increasing alternative energy usage while simultaneously enhancing system resiliency. 

JMT developed a strategy for procuring natural gas and electricity under an arrangement that benefited from CRW’s consumption profile. Our team made recommendations that included energy demand reductions, production of alternatives, and purchase of renewable energy to mitigate potential environmental and public health consequences while insulating the community and customers from energy rate volatility. 

Our on-site assessment of CRW’s two major facilities (water and wastewater plants) involved collecting data, interviewing staff, performing operations review, coordinating with a sub-metering contractor, and identifying a list of preliminary energy conservation measures. 

Electrifying Philadelphia: JMT’s Visionary Engineering for SEPTA’s Next-Gen Streetcars

JMT provided electrical engineering and project management services for six city transit routes located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is a public transportation company that services over 300 million riders every year.

Location: Philadelphia, PA 
Client: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

SEPTA’s current streetcars, best known as their rapid transit buses, have been in existence and running for an extended time and now need several upgrades. The modern streetcars will be built to hold a larger capacity of passengers and will require a higher amperage due to that heavier load and electric componentry. JMT completed a comprehensive study that gathers data about the existing models, traction power, and passenger riding patterns to assess the most effective way to implement the new infrastructure. JMT completed an assessment on the usage of power needed for the fleet cars to integrate a new power system into the updated models. JMT delivered electrical engineering on the project to compliment the new amperage to be distributed throughout the modern models. Also, JMT helped with management services to provide SEPTA with adequate reviews and study material to plan the project. JMT’s studies and analyses are part of a 10-year master plan to provide systematic updates to SEPTA’s overall rail-trolley system.

Energy-Smart Renovation: JMT’s HVAC Overhaul at BWI Concourse

JMT has undertaken a significant project to upgrade the mechanical, electrical, and architectural systems within the 90,000-square-foot DX and DY Concourse at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. This comprehensive renovation focuses on enhancing the HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency and operational performance.

Location: Anne Arundel County, MD
Client: Maryland Aviation Administration

The primary components of the HVAC upgrade include replacing rooftop air handling units, VAV boxes, and modifying chilled and heating water piping. Additionally, the project involves upgrading the building automation system and expanding the Concourse’s chiller plant. One of the key challenges was the capacity expansion of the chilled water plant, which required careful consideration of space limitations and minimizing construction impacts on building and airfield operations. To address these challenges, JMT leveraged advanced building information modeling (BIM) techniques. Lidar scanning of the existing plant was performed to develop a dimensionally accurate Revit model, allowing for the evaluation of multiple equipment configurations within the available space. This effort was crucial in designing an equipment layout that not only increased the existing plant capacity but also allowed for future expansion by installing an additional chiller.

The project included replacing the entire primary loop of the chilled water system and the condenser water system, including cooling towers. The Revit model captured both new and existing components to ensure seamless integration of the larger chillers and confirmed constructability within the relatively small mechanical room. This modeling also facilitated coordination with airfield operations managers and the contractor’s phasing to limit time and operational impacts during construction. An essential aspect of the chiller plant upgrade was the implementation of an optimization program within the building automation system. This program is designed to reduce energy consumption by determining the ideal combination of cooling towers, chillers, and pumps needed to meet the cooling demands of the concourse. The optimization algorithm evaluates the efficiencies of each piece of equipment at various operating points to minimize the energy required to maintain system setpoints.”