NY: Upgrades to Grand Central Terminal To Cut Energy Consumption

The new cooling system will be controlled by a state-of-the-art Building Management System that will optimize the operation of the pumps, cooling towers and chillers using variable speed fans to control air flow based on demand and temperature fluctuations and will result in energy savings.

In addition, 53 air handling units will be upgraded by replacing valves, dampers, sensors and coils as needed.

Portions of the old steam pipe network will be replaced with new steel pipes to alleviate stress that is causing reoccurring leaks. Pressure reducing stations also will be replaced to deliver the proper pressures needed at each different location.

Two existing air compressors will be replaced. The compressed air is used to test the air-brakes on all Metro-North trains before each and every trip. They are also used to power valves for pneumatic controls throughout the Terminal. Thousands of feet of pipes and several compressors throughout the building will be replaced with modern equipment.

This project is a partnership between Metro-North and its Grand Central Terminal Department and NYPA. NYPA’s team is managing the design, implementation and commissioning.

Over the past year, Metro-North undertook $1.5 million in energy efficiency improvements in Grand Central including 11 new escalator controllers that save 25-40 percent in electricity, 2,600 new lighting fixtures, 59 new motors of 5 horsepower or greater and a new sewage ejector. Meters also were installed on the steam, chilled water, compressed air and gateway electric feeders to collect data for the metering and verification portion of the project.