Santa Fe Community College Highlights Efficiency of Modular Chilling Units

Santa Fe Community College is utilizing modular chilling units to improve the efficiency of its campus cooling infrastructure, according to Facilities and Operations Director Dobby Schmidt. The units are part of a broader effort to modernize the institution’s climate control systems through a microgrid approach, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican on July 23, 2026.

During a tour of the facilities, Schmidt detailed how the modular chilling units provide a scalable and efficient method for managing temperature control across the campus. These systems allow the college to maintain cooling capacity without the constraints of traditional, centralized chiller plants that can be more difficult to upgrade or repair without disrupting entire building wings.

The implementation of these units is tied to the college’s focus on microgrid technology. By decentralizing the cooling process, the institution can better manage energy loads and reduce the risk of widespread system failures. This strategy aligns with modern infrastructure trends that prioritize resiliency and energy efficiency in public institutional settings.

Schmidt’s presentation of the equipment highlighted the operational advantages of modularity. Unlike legacy systems, modular units can be added or replaced in stages, allowing the college to align its infrastructure growth with actual campus expansion and usage patterns. This approach reduces initial capital expenditure and allows for more precise energy consumption based on the specific needs of different campus zones.

The shift toward these modular systems is intended to lower the long-term operational costs for Santa Fe Community College. By improving the efficiency of the chilling process, the college reduces the electricity required to cool its facilities, which is a significant portion of the institutional energy budget.

The use of a microgrid framework for these utilities means the college is moving toward a more autonomous energy posture. This setup allows the campus to potentially isolate specific sectors of its power and cooling grid, ensuring that critical areas remain operational even if a primary utility line or a central piece of equipment fails.