Year:
2017
Location:
Cape Canaveral, FL
Summary:
  • LC, HVAC Renovations
  • Upgrades include: new motors, variable frequency drive (VFD) controls
  • New control system for chillers, chilled water system, and VFD

CCAFS Launch Complexes 40 & 41

In 2017, our team at Core Electric was contracted to support a critical HVAC renovation and electrical system upgrade project at one of the launch complexes in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This project involved highly technical renovations to the chiller and chilled water systems, as well as integration of advanced variable frequency drive (VFD) controls to improve energy efficiency and operational flexibility. With over two decades of experience in the electrical contracting field—spanning residential, commercial, aerospace, and defense sectors—we brought both depth and precision to every phase of the operation.

Our scope of work included replacing outdated HVAC motors and integrating VFD systems, which allowed for more responsive and efficient motor operation under dynamic load conditions. These upgrades are essential in high-demand environments such as Cape Canaveral, where climate control systems must perform with absolute reliability in support of sensitive equipment and mission-critical operations. The installation of VFDs also offered enhanced energy management capabilities, reducing overall power consumption and aligning with modern sustainability objectives.

A major component of the project was the complete overhaul and replacement of the control system governing the facility’s chillers and chilled water distribution. Our engineers and electricians worked closely with the client’s technical leads to design and implement a robust control architecture that could integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure while delivering improved performance. We upgraded the control panels, deployed programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and installed networked sensors and actuators to facilitate remote monitoring and fine-grained system control.

This was not a standard commercial retrofit. The work required a deep understanding of both legacy systems and modern automation protocols. We conducted extensive site assessments, verified as-built documentation, and customized our designs to accommodate the complex layout and mission-specific needs of the launch facility. At every step, our team emphasized minimal downtime and ensured that all transitions occurred with meticulous scheduling and coordination.

What made this project particularly rewarding was the high degree of collaboration it required—not only within our own project teams but also with facility operations staff, HVAC specialists, and third-party systems vendors. Our electricians were instrumental in ensuring clean power distribution to new control systems, carefully managing harmonics, and protecting sensitive circuits with appropriate surge and grounding strategies.

Safety and compliance were top priorities. We followed rigorous quality control measures and ensured that all electrical work adhered to the National Electrical Code (NEC), Department of Defense (DoD) specifications, and any specialized aerospace requirements. The project was completed on schedule and passed all inspection and commissioning phases with zero deficiencies.

This HVAC renovation and control system upgrade exemplifies the kind of complex, high-stakes work we take pride in at Core Electric. Our ability to blend technical sophistication with rock-solid field execution continues to make us a trusted partner for aerospace and defense clients operating on the Space Coast and beyond.

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