Project Brief

As Prime Consultant, KeRi designed the conversion of P.S. 171Q from on-site fossil-fuel use to the exclusive use of all-electric energy. Existing steam boilers and steam radiators are removed and a new utility room is provided. The existing 1,200A electrical service is upgraded to a new 7,000A service. A new 300-ton central heat-pump chiller/heater with a dual-temperature distribution system and terminal fan-coil units provides both heating and cooling, while new 420 kW supplemental electric boilers provide backup in the event of chiller failure or capacity deration during extreme outdoor temperatures. Two new 125 MBH domestic heat-pump hot water heaters were also provided. The construction cost was approximately $20 million.

P.S. 171Q is a three-story, 91,000 SF school built in 1951 with 40 classrooms, an auditorium, a cafeteria and a gymnasium. KeRi's field survey found three original #4 oil-fired steam boilers, one no longer safe to operate, a gas-fired water heater, window air conditioners in the classrooms, and a building eligible for the State Historic Preservation Office register with solar panels across most of the roof, which limited new rooftop equipment. KeRi compared the SCA's all-electric system options against those conditions before selecting the design.

New custom dedicated outdoor air units with energy recovery wheels fit inside the existing fan rooms on each floor, floor-mounted fan coil units serve the classrooms, air handling units serve the gymnasium and auditorium, and unit ventilators, cabinet heaters and fin tube radiation cover offices, corridors and stairs. KeRi's energy model projects savings of about 35,200 gallons of fuel oil and 22,700 therms of gas a year, 4,998 MMBtu of energy and 380.6 tons of CO2e annually. The design also went through a flood risk assessment, a geothermal feasibility check, acoustical review of the fan coil units, Con Edison service negotiations, and BCC, FDNY and IEH filings from the 50 percent submission in 2024 through turnover and addenda in 2026.

MEP Engineering Scope

What We Engineered

Full building electrification and electrical service upgrade:

• Removal of existing steam boilers and radiators; new utility room
• Electrical service upgrade from 1,200A to 7,000A
• New 300-ton central heat-pump chiller/heater with dual-temp distribution and terminal fan-coil units
• New 420 kW supplemental electric boilers for backup
• Two new 125 MBH domestic heat-pump hot water heaters
• Custom DOAS units with energy recovery wheels in the existing fan rooms
• Floor-mounted fan coil units in classrooms and air handling units for the gym and auditorium
• Energy model projecting 380.6 tons of CO2e and 35,200 gallons of fuel oil saved each year

The Challenge

Converting P.S. 171Q to all-electric energy meant removing entrenched steam boilers and radiators, finding room for a new central heat-pump plant, and growing the electrical service nearly six-fold, all while keeping reliable heat through New York winters.

Our Solution

As Prime Consultant, KeRi designed a 300-ton central heat-pump chiller/heater with dual-temperature distribution and fan-coil terminals, backed by 420 kW of supplemental electric boilers for cold-snap and failure scenarios, and upgraded the service from 1,200A to 7,000A to support the conversion.