The HVAC system project carried out by MultiFRIO for the company Concord in the La Lima Free Trade Zone, in Cartago, received the final prize in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025, a recognition that highlights technical excellence in air conditioning and energy efficiency solutions in Latin America
By CALA AWARDS
The project began on August 7, 2024, and its first cleanroom is expected to begin operations in July 2025. The implementation was carried out under the advice of Ingenya Consultores and covers a large-scale infrastructure for a 53,000 m2 medical device production factory, divided into administrative and production areas.
The HVAC system implemented is composed of:
5 chillers of 1,070 TR each (Trane brand)
4 x 2,600 gpm centrifugal chilled water pumps (Bell & Gossett brand)
3 x 3,000 gpm centrifugal condensate water pumps
3 x 600 gpm reheat water pumps
8 x 1,200 gpm enclosed cooling towers (Baltimore Aircoil Company brand)
76 air handlers
15 direct expansion equipment for IT rooms
41 extraction and ventilation systems, including process extractors
1,603 valves between cut-off, control, balance and check (brands such as Belimo)
A BMS management system with Schneider Electric platform, 18 main controllers and 30 field controllers
The design includes additional components such as variable frequency drives (ABB), air terminals (Price), dampers (Greenheck, Pottorff, United Enertech) and exhaust fans (Twin City and Greenheck).
Design and Operating Elements
The project implemented standards of energy efficiency, environmental preservation, technological innovation, safety in operations and excellence in its execution. Technologies such as chillers with adaptive speed regulators and autonomous pressure valves were used, along with a BMS system that facilitates real-time monitoring using pressure, temperature and CO2 sensors.
R514a, which is used in chillers, does not damage the ozone layer and has a reduced global warming potential. In addition, alternative water resources, such as condensation water and rainwater, were used to decrease water use in procedures such as humidification and replenishment of cooling towers.
The air conditioning system has been designed with redundancies and automation to ensure reliability in vital operations, such as the particular temperature and air quality conditions in clean rooms.
Currently, the project is in the process of LEED Silver certification and was recognized with the Ecological Blue Flag in the category of sustainable construction. According to MultiFRIO, it is the largest HVAC system built in a single stage in Costa Rica.
