56th CES keeps things cool

A U.S. Air Force Airman and government civilian assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron weld together new piping during a renovation of the base gym and chapel heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The renovation project seeks to utilize existing HVAC systems at the base gym to power a new and improved system being installed at the base chapel. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Victoria Powe)

56th CES keeps things cool

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron pump water through a new pipe system during a renovation of the base gym and chapel heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The renovation project seeks to utilize existing HVAC systems at the base gym to power a new and improved system being installed at the base chapel. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Victoria Powe)

56th CES keeps things cool

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron carve out a trench during a renovation of the base gym and chapel heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The renovation project seeks to utilize existing HVAC systems at the base gym to power a new and improved system being installed at the base chapel. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Victoria Powe)

56th CES keeps things cool

Published Aug. 13, 2024
By Senior Airman Jakob Hambright
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron is conducting a major upgrade renovation to an existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system at the base chapel and gym at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

The project seeks to utilize existing HVAC systems at the base gym to power a new and improved system being installed at the base chapel.

“Our main gym by itself has two 175-ton chillers providing air conditioning to the entire building,” said 2nd Lt. Victoria Powe, 56th CES asset management plans manager. “Just one of the chillers running at 90 percent was able to adequately support the gym’s demand for air conditioning. Therefore, both chillers running would overwork them and decrease their overall lifespan.”

After examining the current condition of the system, 56th CES engineers determined that connecting the chapel system to the gym’s chillers would be able to provide enough air conditioning to both buildings, furthering the lifespan of the gym’s HVAC system.

The 56th CES is executing the renovation as a troop training project, where most of the work is conducted by 56th CES engineers, instead of being contracted out.

“With this project, we’re focusing on our Airmen getting the hands-on training and experience for them to learn,” said Powe. “Nine CE career fields are taking part in this project, and this is the first TTP for us since the installation of the gym’s chillers.”

On top of the training and experience that Airmen are receiving, the in-house project is also saving the 56th CES funds and resources.

“Instead of installing a new chiller and cooling tower at the base chapel, we’re replacing them with a plate and frame heat exchanger, which is more energy efficient and requires less regular maintenance,” said Powe. “We’re also investing into polypropylene piping, which is 80 percent lighter than normal metal piping, and allows for more flexibility, easier installation and repair, and a lifespan of over 20 years.”

With an estimated completion time of late August, the Airmen of the 56th CES seek to continue supporting vital functions of Luke AFB with newfound knowledge and experience gained from this project, while improving the quality of life of its Airmen and families.