RACA Journal August 2022 | Page 37

Project

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© RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits

© RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits

3 utilise heat recovery technology . There are five de-centralised hot water plants across the facility and each plant is made up of two heat accumulator tanks . Each tank is coupled to 2-of booster units and 1-of heat exchange ( HEX ) units that are connected to the closest VRF system . Each tank and its subcomponents can act independently if maintenance is required on the other set .

There are also numerous isolation rooms located within the facility which are served by standalone extraction systems that ensure correct air pressure cascading at all times in order to protect both the patient and the staff . In addition , all isolation rooms are monitored by a separate control system which continuously measures the air flow within the treatment room and provides both a visual and audible alarm should the correct conditions not be maintained .

The basement ventilation system comprises of large axial extract fans and numerous centrifugal jet movement fans . These movement fans push the air into these large extraction zones that are then vented to atmosphere on the ground floor . The fans are linked to carbon monoxide ( CO ) monitors and are controlled by the average reading across a number of de-centralised zones . The entire basement ventilation fan system is also fire rated as they provide a secondary function as a smoke extraction system in the event of a fire within the space .

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded across the world more facilities are looking at being prepared for future outbreaks . Netcare requested that Spoormaker and Partners as the mechanical consultants , investigate design interventions that can be implemented during the construction of the hospital that will enable the facility to be better equipped to handle the different operating parameters that are required in these instances .

The following HVAC design interventions were implemented :

© RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits © RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits © RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits

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Wards

• Wards and other clinical areas served by a ducted system ( except the ICU ’ s and theatres ) are designed to go into full fresh air mode during a pandemic period .