DM Engineers successfully completed the selection and design of the electrical and fire alarm systems for a state-of-the-art 2500kW diesel emergency generator in March 2024. This generator was specifically developed to provide critical backup power for the ASC 2 South project and the newly completed ED Expansion building, ensuring uninterrupted operation during emergencies.
The generator is housed within a custom-designed outdoor enclosure built to mitigate sound and withstand harsh weather conditions. This enclosure includes advanced features such as automatic transfer switches, emergency distribution panels, and an innovative fuel pump system, ensuring seamless and efficient operation.
As part of the project, a specialized underground fuel tank with a capacity of 20,000 gallons was meticulously designed and installed. This tank serves as a vital component of the system, offering long-term, reliable fuel storage to support the generator’s functionality and guarantee power availability when it is needed most.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) recently renovated the 4th and 5th Floor Tissue Culture Rooms to support new laboratory functions. The project included significant upgrades to HVAC systems, laboratory medical gases, plumbing, and electrical/lighting systems. To ensure seamless integration of these systems, CUIMC enlisted DM Engineers to provide comprehensive commissioning services.
DM Engineers served as the client’s technical expert, managing the commissioning process from construction through to occupancy. Their role involved overseeing the installation, testing, and verification of all systems to meet CUIMC’s commissioning standards and project specifications.
Through a meticulous and detail-oriented approach, DM Engineers ensured the systems were installed correctly and operated efficiently. This resulted in a fully optimized and compliant laboratory space, ready for seamless operation.
DM Engineers PLLC was tasked with delivering comprehensive MEP design and coordination services for a significant upgrade to Jamaica Hospital’s fuel oil system, which included replacement of critical infrastructure components and alignment with the hospital’s broader modernization initiatives. The project focused on the removal of outdated diesel and fuel oil storage tanks, fuel pumps, control panels, and filtration systems, which were replaced by a new, robust fuel oil system to ensure reliable service to the building’s boilers and emergency generator. DM Engineers PLLC designed and specified two new underground storage tanks: one for diesel fuel and one for fuel oil, to support the continuous operation of critical systems during emergency conditions.
This project also entailed the installation of new fuel piping within the building and an upgrade to the fuel oil controls, designed to optimize the system’s operational reliability and facilitate future expansion. The placement of the replacement tanks at the front of the main building was strategically planned and coordinated with simultaneous renovations to the hospital’s main entrance, underscoring DM Engineers’ ability to integrate complex MEP design within a multifaceted construction environment. Through close collaboration with EES and the installing contractor, DM Engineers ensured that the sizing, specifications, and installation methodologies for the new system components aligned with Jamaica Hospital’s modernization goals, particularly those of its Emergency Department, enhancing both operational efficiency and compliance with current standards.
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center sought to significantly enhance the HVAC equipment in the A/B building data center and the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) room to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The existing system in the data center provides a robust total cooling capacity, while the UPS room by supplemental units. DM Engineers was entrusted with the comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and fire alarm design for this critical upgrade. Our design included provisions for additional redundancy capacity to future-proof the facility against potential failures.
The project was meticulously planned in a phased manner to ensure seamless, uninterrupted operation of both the data center and the UPS room. This approach involved the strategic implementation of backup systems to maintain critical operations during HVAC interruptions. By prioritizing reliability and minimizing downtime, DM Engineers ensured that the upgraded HVAC systems would support the hospital’s mission-critical activities effectively and efficiently.
Bishop Walker, situated within One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS), is presently in the process of renovating a section of around 2,000 Gross Square Feet within the first-floor radiology suite. This renovation encompasses the upgrade of two X-ray rooms with state-of-the-art imaging equipment, along- de adjustments being implemented to enhance the functionality of the mammogram, ultrasound, and office areas. The MEP design for the necessary spatial reconfigurations has already been expertly crafted by DM Engineers, and the construction phase of the project is now in progress. OBHS aims to revamp roughly 2,000 Gross Square Feet of the current radiology suite on the first floor. This comprehensive renovation project encompasses the integration of advanced radiology imaging equipment into two out of the three X-ray rooms. Furthermore, it involves meticulous modifications to enhance the functionality and layout of the mammogram, ultrasound, and office spaces. Taking on the role of MEP engineers, DM Engineers are entrusted with designing the essential services required to seamlessly facilitate these spatial relocations.
DM Engineers served as the technical expert for the renovation of the One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS) Inpatient Behavioral Health unit on the 8th floor, a 24,000-square-foot space. The project was executed in two phases, with the west half of the floor completed first, followed by the east half. Our commissioning services began during the construction phase and continued through to occupancy, ensuring that all MEP/FP systems were upgraded and brought into compliance with current codes.
We commissioned key mechanical and electrical systems, including a 105-ton chiller (CH-1), two air handling units (AHU-1 and AHU-2), enthalpy recovery wheels, radiant heating panels, heat exchangers, condensate and HVAC pumps, and exhaust fans. In addition, we verified the performance of computer room AC units, active chilled beams (sampled at 30%), fire and smoke dampers, mechanical piping, and ductwork. Fire life safety systems were integrated, including fire protection piping, plumbing drainage, waste, vent, and domestic water systems. Our scope extended to medical gas systems, the building management systems (BMS) for listed equipment, electrical systems for both power and controls and the lighting and control systems for the space. DM Engineers ensured all systems were tested, documented, and operational prior to final occupancy, delivering a fully functional and compliant facility.
Putnam Hospital engaged DM Engineers to provide technical direction for the renovation of the HVAC equipment serving Operating Rooms 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as other medical areas and basement service corridors. Our team performed a detailed study of the air handling unit configuration, ductwork layout, flow requirements, cooling and dehumidification needs, and local controls/reheats for the operating rooms. Subsequently, we developed construction documents for the upgrade of the Operating Rooms and the Ambulatory Surgical Unit, including the installation of rooftop units totaling over 100 tons of cooling capacity in two units. The upgrade encompassed electrical, mechanical, and control enhancements, with structural engineering support provided by a subconsul- tant.
DM Engineers was also engaged in a design-build project to replace the basement air handling unit serving additional critical OR space. The replacement included a new air handling unit with chilled water and a new supplemental direct expansion unit to support operations during shoulder months. The new AHU also provided necessary humidification and hospital-grade filtration to ensure optimal environmental conditions for sensitive medical procedures.
DM Engineers is currently providing ongoing commissioning services for the Wakefield Electrical Chiller #2 project at Montefiore Wakefield Hospital. Our team has been actively involved since the design phase, where we reviewed design documents, including plans and specifications, to ensure alignment with the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). We developed a comprehensive commissioning plan and are coordinating with the project team to integrate the new 700-ton electric chiller into the existing Building Management System (BMS). Additionally, we have participated- ted in controls integration meetings and continue to prepare for upcoming functional tests to validate system performance. As the project moves through the construction phase, DM Engineers is overseeing the installation of the chiller and associated systems. We are conducting detailed inspections, managing the MEP deficiency log, and coordinating the functional performance tests. Our work includes calibration, system adjustments, and ensuring that the new chiller is properly integrated with the hospital’s chilled water pumps and BMS. As the project progresses, we will continue to provide troubleshooting, address any operational issues, and ensure the system meets design and performance criteria. Comprehensive staff training and documentation are also being prepared to support long-term operational success.
DM Engineers assumes the role of the client’s technical authority, initiating commissioning services from the design phase through the Occupancy Phase. CUIMC’s engagement of DM Engineers under-scores its commitment to project success. DM’s responsibilities span from conducting thorough design reviews to supervising post-occupancy performance evaluations. This exacting commissioning process ensures the seamless operation of all newly installed systems and components, aligning them precisely with project specifications. Consequently, DM’s meticulous approach contributes significantly to the overall success of the project, enhancing the functionality of the Anatomical Gift Morgue spaces.
DM Engineers involvement in the commissioning process for the One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS) project encompasses a multifaceted approach. This includes developing and reviewing the Commissioning Plan (Cx Plan) and submittals, meticulously examining construction checklists, and actively participating in the observation of system installations and startups. Additionally, DM played a pivotal role in crafting functional tests, executing them, and ensuring thorough Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) verification. Management of MEP deficiencies and issues is handled through a comprehensive log, while the review of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals and training sessions ensures that end-users are well-equipped to manage the facility effectively. The engineer takes charge of compiling the Commissioning Record, capturing the entire process’s intricacies. Regular attendance at weekly construction meetings and the planning and execution of dedicated commissioning meetings further solidify the engineer’s integral role in steering the project toward successful commissioning and occupancy.
