The Missionary Benedictine Sisters Monastery, Norfolk, Nebraska, a 113,000 square foot facility, underwent extensive remodeling including updated HVAC equipment and controls. Several issues developed on start-up of the new systems, including very high and uncontrollable humidity in summer months, boiler issues, water heater corrosion, condensation throughout the building and the spread of mold within the envelope. In 2011, GES Tech Group (GES) was retained to conduct a complete evaluation of the issues and recommend corrective measures.
The GES investigation found that the renovation contractor had recommended an HVAC system that featured a “comfort control” concept that involved proportional control of cooling loop fluid temperatures based on sensible load demand. This design feature resulted in cooling coil temperatures above dew points in many interior spaces. The HVAC design had overlooked de-humidification in what should have been an HVACD design approach. The percentage of total cooling load did not include sufficient latent load factors, resulting in wide spread discomfort, condensation and mold growth. GES recommended dedicated ventilation and de-humidification additions to the system. Chiller, boiler, domestic hot water heater, and mold issues were also addressed by GES.
GES also assisted the Monastery during legal proceedings resulting from the deficiencies identified during the investigation.
