Amtrak’s Chicago Station Enhances Passenger Experience and Energy Efficiency with Innovative Air Curtain Solution
Amtrak, the national passenger railroad company serving 46 U.S. states, is committed to providing safe, efficient, and high-quality service to its customers. To uphold this mission, Amtrak’s Chicago station partnered with Gunn & Pegelow to implement an innovative heating approach — commercial air curtain solutions.
The Gunn & Pegelow team worked with Jacobs Engineering and Amtrak Engineers to design the perfect commercial air curtain opportunity for the Chicago station. With unique design challenges, the team devised an innovative idea to provide a better environment for customers and lower energy costs.
Challenges Faced by Amtrak’s Chicago Station
Chicago’s extreme winter weather posed a significant problem for the station. When trains arrived or departed, the open doors allowed cold air to rush inside. This both created discomfort for passengers and increased energy costs. To address this issue, Amtrak sought a solution that would maintain a comfortable environment while reducing energy consumption. Gunn & Pegelow’s recommended commercial air curtains from Mars Air were the perfect fit.
Gunn & Pegelow’s Commercial Air Curtain Solution
Gunn & Pegelow provided a custom-designed commercial air curtain system to create an invisible barrier between indoor and outdoor environments. The project, a collaborative effort involving Jacobs Engineering and Amtrak engineers, required careful consideration of the unique challenges posed by the station environment.
Our Process
The first major hurdle was overcoming the locomotive exhaust, which comes out of the top of the train and can exceed 600°F. At this temperature, any equipment placed directly above the locomotive would be damaged due to the extreme heat. With that in mind, the Gunn & Pegelow team suggested a vertical mount kit, creating an air barrier from side to side instead of overhanging the doors. This resulted in an effective solution and improved the life span of the units.
The team also created a specially designed control panel to manage all four air curtains simultaneously, ensuring optimal performance. Overall, sixteen Mars Air Curtains were installed, with four units per door across four doors.
The implementation of this air curtain solution has significantly improved the Chicago station’s energy efficiency and passenger comfort. Not to mention, this solution reduces the heating load required to maintain a comfortable temperature. This decreases the frequency and duration of heating system operation, leading to lower energy consumption and costs.
Contact Gunn & Pegelow for Expert HVAC Solutions
If you need a custom commercial air curtain system, trust the Gunn & Pegelow team. As industry leaders, we provide support for various sectors, offering a seamless implementation every time. In the case of Chicago’s Amtrak station, our approach resulted in reduced heating costs and a more enjoyable customer experience.
When you work with Gunn & Pegelow, you get a team of experts who are dedicated to your project’s success. We’ll be there every step of the way, from the initial concept to ongoing maintenance. Contact us to get started.