The Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center (ATC) and The Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall (RJF Hall) are getting new swing chillers! What is a swing chiller? And why do the ATC and RJF need new ones?
Let’s define a chiller first. Mechanical cooling devices called chillers cool the air in many large buildings. A chiller has refrigerant that cools the water; the water then cools the air as it circulates through the building’s air handling system.
What is a swing chiller? A swing chiller is a small chiller that is used during periods of low cooling demand (nights and weekends) to avoid running a large, less efficient full-size chiller at part load. Swing chillers are needed during colder weather when there is less demand for cooling, but buildings still require it (IT rooms, labs). Together, the large and small chillers can more efficiently meet the building's varying cooling needs. Swing chillers can run in conjunction with the main chillers during high demand (hot summer days) to share the load.
Where are swing chillers located? The ATC and RJF swing chiller equipment are located on the roof of each building as well as inside mechanical rooms. Piping that connects them from the outside to the inside. Each swing chiller is designed for its specific building. Chillers are air-cooled units that release heat directly into the atmosphere, therefore, rooftop placement provides unobstructed access to ambient air.
Planning this project took several months. The architect drew up plans and worked with DHE Plumbing and Mechanical, the project’s contractor, and GRCC. The project physically started at the ATC on Monday, November 17th, with some roof demolition and work in the mechanical room. This work ensured everything would be ready for the crane lift on November 22nd.
Early Saturday morning, November 22nd, 2025, with permission from the City of Grand Rapids, Fountain Street was closed. ATC Building Manager Tina Watson, contractor DHE Plumbing and crane company Gelock, were on site for the removal of the old swing chiller and the placement of the new one on the roof of the ATC. It was a successful morning and this part of the ATC project is complete!
ATC and RJF are due for swing chiller replacements due to age, deficiencies, and outdated parts.
Check back soon to learn about the next steps of the ATC chiller replacement.
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