USF Yuengling Center Special Needs Shelter

The Yuengling Center Special Needs hurricane shelter upgrade focused on enhancing the facility’s emergency resilience through targeted mechanical and electrical improvements. WGI designed and implemented a robust 155-ton trailer-mounted mobile chiller system with integrated pumps and motorized valves, allowing for automatic transition from the USF central plant to the mobile unit during power outages. To ensure reliable power backup, a 1000 kW mobile generator system was installed, featuring two 500 kW diesel engines that operate in parallel for improved fuel economy and redundancy.

During an initial evaluation phase, WGI identified the critical shelter areas and determined the necessary capacities for the mobile chiller and generator systems. Detailed engineering documents were then developed to guide the construction phase, ensuring that all upgrades integrated seamlessly with existing infrastructure. Close coordination with USF and Hillsborough County, along with on-site testing, verified the functionality and reliability of the system under emergency conditions.

Project Highlights:

• New 155-ton mobile chiller with automatic switch-over capability for uninterrupted cooling.
• 1000 kW mobile generator system with dual 500 kW diesel engines for fuel efficiency and redundancy.
• Comprehensive evaluation and engineering documentation to support precise implementation.
• Collaborative testing with USF and Hillsborough County to confirm system performance.