Duke University – Library Services Center Renovation

Duke University’s Library Service Center (LSC) is a high-density archival storage facility located 10 minutes from Duke’s main campus. Opened in 2001 to store and preserve the expanding collections of Duke University Libraries, the LSC currently stores over 6 million items. The LSC experienced issues with two direct-expansion HVAC units that condition the LSC’s 50,000-sf high-bay storage area. The age of the units, along with the increased cost and low supply of R-22 refrigerant drove the need for replacement.

Precis designed the replacement of two large direct expansion (Dx) air-handling units (AHUs), including new condensing units and evaporating coils, and upgrading to utilize a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. In addition, Precis upgraded the system with fully automated controls that tie back to the campus-wide building automation system (BAS). The new system maintains the facility at 50 degrees and 35 percent relative humidity for optimal archival preservation.