Pennsylvania State University

Erdman Anthony has provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) design for various buildings on Pennsylvania State University’s main campus. Our work has addressed issues related to air and water quality, climate control, and facility operations.

At the Noll Laboratory, our team designed modifications for select HVAC systems and components and also designed electrical power systems to support new components and emergency power system upgrades. Our designs involved modifying the existing air distribution systems to accommodate variable air volume (VAV) supply air terminals and providing pressure-independent volumetric tracking fume hood exhaust systems for the facility. Founded in 1973, the lab is dedicated to research in the field of human physiology and its relationship to health and disease.

At the Eva J. Pell Laboratory, our team provided mechanical and electrical design and structural services for the boiler room’s ventilation system. The temperature in the 1,000-gross-square-foot space was above 100 degrees Fahrenheit at times, which had the potential to affect the operation of the building’s mechanical equipment. Our design included adding steam trap blankets and pipe insulation, as well as installing a new ventilation system with a custom exterior air handling unit to keep the temperature in the space between 80 and 85 degrees. The work required a great deal of coordination with stakeholders to confirm the equipment would fit in the space allocated at the lab.

At the Armsby Building, our team performed a plumbing study and provided design services associated with evaluating the existing domestic water system. The project included confirming compliance with current code and comparing the plumbing installation with the university’s current design standards. Users of the 40,000-gross-square-foot building, which was built in 1905 and houses various academic departments, had raised concerns about water quality and a lack of hot water at remote fixtures.

Our team also did a plumbing evaluation at the Reber Building, which houses the mechanical engineering department’s administrative offices and a lab where prototyping equipment is available for student use.

The university community now has access to improved facilities for studying matters that have broad societal impact, including aging, obesity, and agricultural economics.