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Froedtert Hospital Electrical Engineering

Pavilion Building Electrical System Features The project included the replacement of the entire electrical distribution system within a partially occupied 120,000 square foot building. This included not only the normal power distribution but also the emergency power distribution system. Also included in the project were upgrades to the existing fire alarm system, new lighting systems, and powering of all new HVAC systems. The main challenge was to find an appropriate location for electrical distribution equipment to feed the building. The existing main distribution was unfortunately located within an area of the hospital that would be demolished as part of the next phase of this project. After close examination it was decided to locate the main power distribution for the Pavilion in the DynaCare Laboratory Building. This Lab Building is a new 100,000 square foot building located just north of the building. HGA worked closely with the construction manager to develop a successful implementation schedule. Building Power A new Unit Substation was installed within the Lab Building to serve the Pavilion Building. A main electrical room was created on the first level of the M-Wing. Power was fed from the Lab Building, to this room and then up the building. New risers were established to feed normal power to each floor. Existing panelboards were replaced with new equipment. Temporary power connections were used to keep the systems up and running until the Lab Building was complete and permanent power became available. Emergency Power Froedtert Hospital was originally a county-owned Hospital, served from a county-owned and operated power plant. The power plant provided emergency power to the hospital by utilizing a series of loop switches and underground feeders. Subsequent codes prohibited that form of emergency power. An on-site generator was required to meet current code requirements. The problem once again became finding a location to house a new emergency generator. The solution was to back-feed the Pavilion from a new dedicated generator located within the DynaCare Lab Building. The main emergency distribution panel, and transfer switches, were also located in the Lab Building. The generator was installed and used to feed the Pavilion building's life safety and critical loads, plus the new air handling systems. The air handling systems were required for smoke control and therefore needed to be on emergency power. Fire Alarm System The existing Johnson Controls fire alarm system was extended into the Pavilion Building. The system consisted of standard pull stations, audio, and visual devices. Smoke detection was provided at smoke zone separations. These detectors operate smoke dampers in the ductwork. Duct detection was provided in the main air handling system. Fireman's phone jacks were provided in the stairwells because of the building classification as a high-rise.