To meet the growing cooling and energy efficiency needs of the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), Energir undertook to connect several pavilions to the chilled water network in downtown Montreal, one of the largest district heating and cooling networks in Canada. The aim of the project was to double cooling capacity, while optimizing the flexibility and energy resilience of the ÉTS facilities. To this end, the chilled water plant was modernized to enable efficient cooling of some 1.8 million square meters, promoting a continuous, high-performance supply of thermal energy for all connected pavilions.

Artelia was commissioned to design and supervise this ambitious technical expansion, including the addition of a new 2400-ton chiller with oil-free magnetic suspension compressor to optimize performance in confined spaces. Our teams also developed a bespoke solution to connect ten pavilions via an extensive pipe network, while updating control sequences and integrating variable-frequency drive systems for maximum energy efficiency. This project reinforces the resilience and efficiency of the ÉTS infrastructure, while paving the way for future energy capacity expansions to meet the evolving needs of the campus.