Comprehensive Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering for Tesla Commercial Facility - San Jose, CA

Image Credit: Google

Category: Commercial

Overall Area: 30,767 Sq.Ft.

Services Provided: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing

Completion Date: 2023

Owner: Tesla

Architect: Tesla

Project Description

Pragmatic Professional Engineers provided an integrated solution for Tesla's new commercial facility, ensuring that the building's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems met the high standards required for operational efficiency and safety.

Pragmatic PE handled the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing scopes of work, ensuring seamless integration across all systems.

• Mechanical Scope of Work
  The mechanical scope for the Tesla facility focused on optimizing and enhancing the existing HVAC systems to meet the demands of new and existing equipment. We incorporated a new Variable Air Volume (VAV) box into the existing system, utilizing 26 pre-existing VAV boxes and the existing ductwork to improve overall efficiency. Additionally, we integrated three existing rooftop AC units with the VAV boxes to further optimize the HVAC performance. To address the heat and fumes generated by various tools, as well as to remove harmful fumes from the paint booth, we designed and installed three new exhaust fans, ensuring a safer and more comfortable working environment. The project also involved designing new ductwork and air distribution systems to ensure efficient airflow throughout the building, including the installation of a dedicated air-cooled chiller for the laminator to provide precise temperature control. This was complemented by the design and installation of processed chilled water piping to meet the cooling requirements of the facility's tools.

• Electrical Scope of Work
  Our electrical engineering efforts for the Tesla facility involved a comprehensive upgrade of the building's power distribution system. This included the installation of a new 800A, 277/480V, 3-phase distribution panel, which provided power to various critical equipment. We also added multiple 480V-120/208V transformers to support the project's electrical needs. In addition to these upgrades, we designed and implemented an indoor lighting system, replacing outdated 2x2 light fixtures and track lighting with modern linear LED fixtures, some equipped with 90-minute battery backup drivers. New exit signs with LED lighting were installed, selected based on photometric calculations specific to the building. Furthermore, we installed two-compartment power poles in the open office space to provide additional power and data connections. To ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical system, we performed complete short circuit and arc fault calculations across the entire distribution system, including the main switchboards and all downstream panels and devices.

• Plumbing Scope of Work
  The plumbing work for Tesla’s facility involved the design and implementation of advanced systems to meet the building's operational needs. We installed new clean dry air (CDA) and deionized water equipment, along with the necessary piping distribution, in accordance with the Plumbing & Process Piping Equipment Matrix. To support the interior lab equipment, we installed ejector pump systems to address the insufficient invert levels for gravity drains, integrating these pumps with the existing sanitary sewer through a sampling port. Additionally, we installed new lab sinks, along with associated water heaters and ejector pumps, ensuring they were effectively connected to the existing sanitary sewer. This plumbing design was critical in maintaining efficient water distribution, air supply, and waste management throughout the facility.

The project successfully delivered a well-coordinated, high-quality facility for Tesla. The collaboration between the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams resulted in an integrated system that meets all operational needs, enhances safety, and improves energy efficiency. Pragmatic PE's expertise in delivering complex engineering solutions played a key role in exceeding the project's requirements.