City of San Diego - Fan Wall Installation
This fan wall retrofit project for the City of San Diego laboratory reflects a successful collaboration between A.O. Reed and the client. Our team worked closely with facility stakeholders to evaluate challenges with their aging air-handling system and develop a long-term solution. The laboratory relied on equipment with obsolete parts that were increasingly difficult to maintain, creating operational challenges and threatening the facility's ability to remain fully functional. Through extensive brainstorming and collaboration, A.O. Reed helped identify a fan wall retrofit as the most effective approach to restore reliability, improve efficiency, and return the laboratory to full operation.
The project involved transitioning the existing air handler system to a modern fan wall configuration designed to meet the laboratory's critical ventilation needs. A.O. Reed's role extended beyond installation; our team also helped the client evaluate replacement options and develop a practical solution for equipment that could no longer be supported due to obsolete components. From demolishing the existing system to installing and commissioning the new equipment, A.O. Reed remained actively involved in every phase of the project to ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption to facility operations.
One of the most significant features of the new system is its built-in redundancy and enhanced reliability. The fan wall includes multiple fans, each with its own Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). This design lets the system automatically adjust airflow and maintain performance even if an individual fan motor fails. If a fan fails, the remaining fans automatically ramp up to compensate for the lost airflow, ensuring continued operation and reducing downtime risk. This technology improves system resiliency, increases energy efficiency, and provides greater operational flexibility than traditional air handling equipment.
A.O. Reed has proudly served the City of San Diego for more than five years, and this project reflects the trust and partnership built over that time. Completed on September 1, 2026, the project successfully restored a critical laboratory environment with a modern, reliable HVAC solution designed to support ongoing operations for years to come. By helping bring the laboratory back into service, the project supports the continued operation of an important public facility while providing the client with a sustainable, dependable ventilation system.
The best aspect of the project was witnessing the entire transformation process, from the initial demolition and removal of the existing equipment to the successful startup of the new fan wall system. Seeing the project evolve from concept to completion, and knowing our team played a key role in developing and implementing the solution, made it a particularly rewarding experience and a strong example of A.O. Reed's commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and client service.
