Energy-Efficient Plumbing and Medical Gas Design with Heat Pump Technology for IVF Clinic - Walnut Creek, CA
Category: Medical Facilities
Square Footage: 8,400 sq ft
Services Provided: Plumbing, Process Piping
Completion Date: 2023
Owner: Collab Fertility Medical
Architect: LPA Design Studios
Contractor: Bellanti Plumbing
Project Description
Pragmatic Professional Engineers (PPE) delivered a highly efficient plumbing and medical gas design for an IVF fertility clinic in Walnut Creek, CA, featuring cutting-edge heat pump technology. The use of heat pumps in the water heating system ensures energy efficiency, aligning with the clinic’s sustainability goals and reducing operational costs.
Pragmatic PE was responsible for the plumbing, medical gas, and process piping systems, incorporating an electric hybrid heat pump to provide hot water. The system supports new restrooms, lab sinks, and emergency fixtures, ensuring energy-efficient and reliable hot water delivery. This heat pump-based solution reduces energy consumption while maintaining water temperature for health and safety.
Key elements of the design include:
Heat Pump Water Heater: An electric hybrid heat pump water heater with an 80-gallon storage capacity was installed. With a 4.07 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), this system delivers superior energy efficiency. The design maintains a hot water storage temperature of 140°F to prevent legionella growth and ensures a recovery rate of 27 gallons per hour at a 90°F temperature rise.
Plumbing System: The design included Type "L" copper piping for both domestic hot and cold water systems, ensuring durability and reliability. The system was engineered to maintain optimal flow and pressure for various fixtures such as lab sinks, restrooms, and emergency fixtures.
Medical Gas Systems: The medical gas design covered vacuum, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide distribution, ensuring precise gas flow control throughout the facility. This included nitrogen and oxygen changeover panels and a vacuum system designed for use during medical procedures and with lab equipment.
Energy Efficiency: The inclusion of this heat pump technology played a significant role in reducing energy usage compared to conventional water heaters. The programmable recirculation pump further optimized energy consumption by ensuring consistent hot water delivery with minimal waste.
The IVF clinic’s infrastructure now benefits from a sustainable, energy-efficient water heating system, which enhances both operational performance and environmental responsibility. The design of the plumbing and medical gas systems ensures compliance with California Plumbing Code standards, reduces energy costs through the use of heat pump technology, and supports the facility’s advanced medical treatments.