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Collin County parking garage lower level opened provisionally; engineers test fixes after 91 dBA fan noise
Summary
The county's parking garage lower level received a provisional use approval from McKinney; initial testing found exhaust fans producing about 91 decibels—the design team installed a variable frequency drive (VFD) and is testing measures to lower noise to the mid-60s while preserving ventilation performance.
County Director of Building Projects Sandeep Katuria updated the court on the county parking garage construction and a ventilation issue on the lower level. The City of McKinney approved provisional use of the lower level on July 16; staff anticipates substantial completion of the full garage near the end of the month.
During startup testing, staff measured fan noise at roughly 91 decibels, well above manufacturer guidance and typical comfort levels. Engineers found the installed axial propeller fans were producing static pressure about ten times the design assumptions, contributing to elevated noise. As an immediate mitigation, staff turned the fans off and began coordinated testing with the fan manufacturer and Summit Engineering.
Katuria said the team installed a variable frequency drive (VFD) and was programming and testing it to reduce the fan speed and bring measured sound levels into the mid-60s while keeping the required airflow for life-safety purposes. If the VFD alone does not suffice, staff is evaluating acoustical panels, additional gas-detection sensors, signage limiting idling and smoking, and other measures. Katuria offered to return with an update in a few days after ongoing testing.
The court asked whether the reduced fan settings would still provide required life-safety ventilation; staff said modeling and on-site testing were being combined to ensure both noise and safety requirements are met.
