UAMS PDC
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Primary Data Center (PDC), located in Little Rock, Arkansas, was completed and opened in 2010. The new building houses the computer servers and networking equipment used in the support of UAMS’ missions – education, patient care, and research. Additionally, this building contains a few offices for the administrative staff members.
The ENERGY STAR energy performance score for the PDC is 77 and is a result of many initiatives that have been incorporated into the building to conserve energy. Lighting conservation initiatives include using T-8 and T-5 fixtures. The facility’s exit signs are LED, and the mechanical rooms have light switches with timers to turn off the lights after a period of unoccupied time. The facility’s management has a progressive on-going commissioning and retro-commissioning process and an energy management system to provide feedback on its effectiveness. All of the building’s fans and motors are energy efficient with variable frequency drives (VFDs).
One of the PDS’s biggest energy saving features is its central energy plant, which serves the PDC as a district energy plant. This new energy plant has a state-of-the-art heat pump-chiller system, which utilizes technology from the Middle East and was the first of its kind built in the United States. In addition to new high efficiency chillers and boilers, new efficient cooling towers and VFDs also accompanied the energy plant. The energy plant also has diesel back-up generators capable of providing energy for 48 hours without the need to refuel. This energy plant operates under an OIS (Optional Interruption of Service) partnership with Entergy Arkansas. Under this partnership, the energy plant will remove itself from the local energy grid during peak times and be self-sufficient for its energy needs. In return for this partnership, Entergy provides significant discounts on the energy rates. The energy plant also provides hot water for use by the occupants and guests of the PDC. This state-of-the-art energy plant has provided significant energy savings for both the PDC and the entire UAMS campus.
The project’s financing, initial investment, and implementation time all refer to the construction of the PDC, which includes the energy efficiency initiatives implemented in the design and construction.
Energy management for the PDC and the UAMS campus is assisted by TME, Inc., the campus’ energy consultants. TME provided great insight and planning for the energy savings achieved through the design and implementation of the new energy plant and other energy usage initiatives.
Communications:
Unavailable
Testimonial:
“With the mission to improve the health, healthcare, and well-being of Arkansans and of others in the region, nation, and the world, UAMS strives to improve healthcare through scientific discovery and research. Reducing energy consumption and receiving the ENERGY STAR for our PDC are key accomplishments in this mission.”
Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.
Building Owner:*
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Property Manager:*
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Year(s) Labeled (Rating):
2012 (77)
Facility Type: Data Center
Total Floorspace: 12944 sf
Year Constructed: 2010
Contract Type: Single Turn-Key Contract
Financing Type: Internal Capital
Technologies Used:
| Stage 1-Recommissioning |
| Stage 2-Lighting |
| Stage 3-Load Reductions |
| Stage 4-Fan Systems |
| Stage 5-Heating and Cooling Plant |
| Other Technologies/Strategies |
For More Info:
Jonathan Flannery
Director of Engineering and Operations
501-686-5858
JFlannery@uams.edu