Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Challenge

When the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum lost part of its boiler plant during a rare November arctic cold snap, the museum knew it had to act quickly to stay in business, and prevent damage to the building and its collection of historical artifacts. To further raise the stakes, the museum had upcoming corporate events on site that they would be forced to cancel without heat. The museum sought a fast heating solution, with a sizable capacity to handle the needs of the 40,000 sq ft hangar. In order to maintain its budget, cost efficiency was also a priority for the museum.

Solution

During its search for a quick solution to its heating issue, a local mechanical contractor referred the museum to Trane. After a thorough assessment of the museum's situation, Trane Rental Service specialists recommended a portable Trane 500,000 BTU electric heater unit. The unit was ordered for a fast overnight delivery from a nearby Trane Rental Services location.

Providing needed capacity and flexibility

The Trane 500,000 BTU electric heater was designed for warehouse-type applications that need extra capacity, such as the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum hangar. The lightweight unit was forklifted into the facility and flexible duct work was installed in areas where heat was desired.  Wheels on the portable electric unit provided the museum with flexibility to move the heater from the hangar perimeter to the center depending on needs. During the day, the unit was first wheeled around to the wings of the building to warm up offices and conference rooms; then moved to the core of the hangar for corporate events and other functions taking place in the evenings. For greater airflow and quieter operation during special events, the heater design incorporates a twospeed fan operation.

Results

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Trane Rental Services acted quickly to employ a portable Trane 500,000 BTU electric heater to keep museum staff and guests comfortable during frigid winter temperatures. The electric heater unit was a cost effective way for the museum to continue its normal business operations and protect its historical artifacts throughout the winter season.

"We held our annual Gala on a Saturday night," said Scott Shinkle, facilities manager, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. "The Trane heating unit made the difference."