A completely new hospital is being built in the Kontinkangas district of Oulu, Finland, designed to be the world’s smartest, under the OYS 2030 modernization program. The objective of the construction project is to build safe, healthy and functional care facilities for specialized healthcare services. The project includes considerations for future needs and opportunities already at the design stage, especially the use, service and conversion flexibility of the facilities, but also the features of the technical building services.
Future® Clean is the solution for hospitals
In hospital environments, ventilation technology is a key factor for patient safety. Strict hygiene requirements were exactly the reason why the Oulu University Hospital chose AHUs developed and manufactured by Koja. The Koja Future Clean model meets the requirements of the VDI 6022 and DIN 1946-4 standards, making it an excellent choice for hospital HVAC.
Future Clean AHUs feature a sealed inner housing surface, and their material can withstand both cleaning and disinfection. The cleaning of different machine functions is further aided by large, optionally hinged access panels and pull-out components.
Koja Netto+® system saves energy
Hospitals and other facilities with extreme hygiene requirements can only use liquid circulation heat recovery. This is due to the absolute need to ensure that the supply air and exhaust air streams never meet and mix.
The Koja Netto+ liquid circulation heat recovery system is the perfect solution, delivered fully tested and equipped from the factory. The Netto+ system was included in all of the new OYS AHUs.
The Koja Netto+ system includes advanced solutions for the issues of conventional liquid circulation heat recovery systems, such as poor efficiency in the cold, congealing of the heat transfer fluid and unnecessary defrosting cycles. The pump controls include an energy saving valve that allows for optimal flow and high efficiency regardless of outdoor temperature.
Tailored electrical and automation equipment
The electrical and automation equipment of the AHUs was tailored according to the customer’s wishes in collaboration with Siemens. Manufactured at Koja’s Jalasjärvi factory in Finland, the AHUs include dedicated switchgear as well as I/O modules and field devices supplied by Siemens, who won the automation contract.
The installation, wiring, connection and testing of devices at the factory saves a considerable amount of time at the worksite. The field devices were also indicated with signs in accordance with customer instructions.
Delivery as complete assemblies on frames, including pump groups
All AHUs were delivered fully assembled on frames, avoiding any need to assemble modules at the worksite, which is the usual method. In addition to electrical and automation equipment, the pump groups were also installed in the AHUs at the factory.
The deliveries received by the worksite were ready for use after simply being lifted into place in a machine or equipment room. Considering this was repeated for a total of 217 AHUs, the time savings were in the order of months.
Koja R&D Center performs FAT in actual conditions
The AHUs underwent factory acceptance testing (FAT) in advance at the Koja R&D Center in Tampere, Finland. For each stage of the project (A, B and F), the true performance and automation functionality of one AHU was verified by tests with participants from all project parties from designers to contractors.
In FAT, the chosen AHU was operated at the desired flow rates in actual conditions in both summer and winter scenarios. FAT verifies that the machine performs as designed and that the automation functions can produce the desired indoor air quality in all circumstances. Practical tests are the best way to spot any issues and respond to them in advance to save critical time during construction.
Multiple sets of tests have been completed for the OYS project, and the cooperation has developed as the stages have advanced. The success of FAT has been measured from customer feedback, which indicates satisfaction with the cooperation and the results that support the success of the project. For example, the participants have given the following feedback:
Jukka-Pekka Holappa, A-Insinöörit Rakennuttaminen Oy, HVAC Supervisor:
“If the heating curve error discovered in FAT had only been detected at the worksite, we’d need to deploy the fix to each machine individually.”
Jarkko Uutela, NCC Suomi Oy, Building Services Engineering Specialist:
“First of all, we could test functionality to make sure we’re getting the product we wanted. Second, we could already proceed with functional tests in the early stages of the project. In addition, I could deepen my own knowledge and understanding of AHU functions.”
Tapani Idman, Granlund Oy, Business Director / Ventilation Project Manager (OYS B):
“Especially in terms of condition management, the assembly and automation are good to test in advance because the service area’s facilities are more or less critical.”
