The existing HVAC system serving the Hampton Air and Space Museum utilizes an ice builder/storage system to enable the building to generate chilled water on off peak electrical hours on a reduced electrical rate schedule. The central system serves the entire cooling needs of the building including small loads which require cooling 365 days a year thus requiring the operation of one of the 140 ton ice harvester machines. In addition the connection of the office area air distribution system with the main gallery air handling unit resulted in a mix match of load requirements creating comfort problems in the office area an the over use of hot water reheat.

The new design provided for a dedicated air handling unit and distribution for the office area with a small dedicated boiler for reheat. This arrangement will provide better creature comfort for its occupants without the overuse of the reheat system. Small dedicated split systems were provided for the areas requiring 365 day cooling. The result will allow the shut down the large ice building chillers in off peak times which will result in considerable energy and maintenance savings. The central cooling tower was also replaced under this design with a more energy efficient unit. The addition of variable frequency drives serving the cooling tower fans will reduce operating cost during off peak hours.