Universal was no longer dependent on SCE for 480 VAC power and could generate their own electricity, so peak charges were no longer an issue. “ But when Universal installed their own 12 kV switchgear, it changed their operating plan.

During the night the system would build ice, then melt it during the day to provide cooling to avoid paying peak demand charges for electricity. It initially made sense to use a thermal storage system because, at that time, Southern California Edison provided incentives to use electricity during the off-peak hours of midnight to 6:00 a.m. The old system was a massive thermal storage system using two large screw compressors. “Nobody wants to refund tickets for uncomfortable customers.

“The CityWalk Stadium 19 complex requires reliable, efficient cooling 365 days a year,” says a systems specialist for Air Treatment Corporation, who oversaw the project. We’ve had absolutely no problems…a couple little bugs initially that were corrected by Multistack right away, but it has been running perfectly… and the control system not only takes care of the chiller, it even corrects for problems out in the system.” Steve Hamm, Director-Technical Services, Universal Studios Hollywood, said “The Multistack chiller is a real workhorse. Because comfort is so critical, AMC worked with Los Angeles-based Air Treatment Corporation to install a Multistack centrifugal chiller with MagLev variable speed compressors to deliver reliable, efficient, precise temperature control under any conditions Eighteen screens plus a huge seven-story, 422-seat IMAX auditorium create an amazing movie-viewing experience, with digital surround sound and stadium-style rocker seats.

Creating the best movie-going experience for film lovers is critical for AMC Universal’s CityWalk theater complex, located north of Los Angeles in Universal City.

Universal citywalk theatre