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Design Standards Conference Buildings Ex
Design Standards Conference Buildings Ex
Design 3
PARKING
TRANSPORT
FACILITIES – SIGNAGE
KEY DESIGN CRITERIA – PROVIDE
1. Clear signage on main access routes starting as far away from the venue as
possible.
2. External signage to roof level sufficient for identification of venue.
3. External signage at ground level sufficient for direction of pedestrian and
vehicular traffic.
4. Temporary customizing e.g. with electronic display to enable specific events to be
announced.
5. Flagpoles for clients’ flags or banners.
6. External and flood lighting consistent with the image of the venue.
7. All external signs using universal/international symbols.
Design standards for Research Laboratory
OVERVIEW
Research Laboratories are workplaces for the conduct of scientific research. This WBDG
Building Type page will summarize the key architectural, engineering, operational,
safety, and sustainability considerations for the design of Research Laboratories.
BUILDING ATTRIBUTES
Labs designed with overhead connects and
disconnects allow for flexibility and fast hook
up of equipment.
A. Architectural Considerations
Labs designed with overhead connects and disconnects
Over the past 30 years, architects, engineers, allow for flexibility and fast hook up of equipment.
Flexibility: The lab module, as Jonas Salk explained, should "encourage change" within
the building. Research is changing all the time, and buildings must allow for reasonable
change.
Many private research companies make physical changes to an average of 25% of their
labs each year. Most academic institutions annually change the layout of 5 to 10% of
their labs.
Expansion: The use of lab planning modules allows the building to adapt easily to
needed expansions or contractions without sacrificing facility functionality.
A common laboratory module has a width of approximately 10 ft. 6 in. but will vary in
depth from 20-30 ft. The depth is based on the size necessary for the lab and the cost-
effectiveness of the structural system. The 10 ft. 6 in. dimension is based on two rows of
casework and equipment (each row 2 ft. 6 in. deep) on each wall, a 5 ft. aisle, and 6 in.
for the wall thickness that separates one lab from another. The 5 ft. aisle width should be
considered a minimum because of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA).
Two-Directional Lab Module—Another level of flexibility can be achieved by designing
a lab module that works in both directions. This allows the casework to be organized in
either direction. This concept is more flexible than the basic lab module concept but may
require more space. The use of a two-directional grid is beneficial to accommodate
different lengths of run for casework. The casework may have to be moved to create a
different type or size of workstation.
Three-Dimensional Lab Module—The three-dimensional lab module planning concept
combines the basic lab module or a two-directional lab module with any lab corridor
arrangement for each floor of a building. This means that a three-dimensional lab module
can have a single-corridor arrangement on one floor, a two-corridor layout on another,
and so on. To create a three-dimensional lab module:
Do the end users want a view from their labs to the exterior, or will the labs be located
on the interior, with wall space used for casework and equipment?
Some researchers do not want or cannot have natural light in their research spaces.
Special instruments and equipment, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
apparatus, electron microscopes, and lasers cannot function properly in natural light.
Natural daylight is not desired invivarium facilities or in some support spaces, so these
are located in the interior of the building.
Zoning the building between lab and non-lab spaces will reduce costs. Labs require
100% outside air while non-lab spaces can be designed with re-circulated air, like
an office building.
Adjacencies with corridors can be organized with a single, two corridor (racetrack), or a
three corridor scheme. There are number of variations to organize each type. Illustrated
below are three ways to organize a single corridor scheme:
Single corridor lab design with labs and office adjacent to each
Open labs vs. closed labs. An increasing number of research institutions are creating
"open" labs to support team-based work. The open lab concept is significantly different
from that of the "closed" lab of the past, which was based on accommodating the
individual principle investigator. In open labs, researchers share not only the space itself
but also equipment, bench space, and support staff. The open lab format facilitates
communication between scientists and makes the lab more easily adaptable for future
needs. A wide variety of labs—from wet biology and chemistry labs, to engineering labs,
to dry computer science facilities—are now being designed as open labs.
Flexibility
In today's lab, the ability to expand, reconfigure, and permit multiple uses has become a
key concern. The following should be considered to achieve this:
Flexible partitions—These can be taken down and put back up in another location,
allowing lab spaces to be configured in a variety of sizes.
Overhead service carriers—These are hung from the ceiling. They can have utilities like
piping, electric, data, light fixtures, and snorkel exhausts. They afford maximum
flexibility as services are lifted off the floor, allowing free floor space to be configured as
needed.
Service Corridor
Lab spaces adjoin a centrally located corridor where all utility services are located.
Maintenance personnel are afforded constant access to main ducts, shutoff valves, and
electric panel boxes without having to enter the lab. This service corridor can be doubled
up as an equipment/utility corridor where common lab equipment like autoclaves, freezer
rooms, etc. can be located.
B. Engineering Considerations
Typically, more than 50% of the construction cost of a laboratory building is attributed to
engineering systems. Hence, the close coordination of these ensures a flexible and
successfully operating lab facility. The following engineering issues are discussed here:
structural systems, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and piping systems.
Structural Systems
Once the basic lab module is determined, the structural grid should be evaluated. In most
cases, the structural grid equals 2 basic lab modules. If the typical module is 10 ft. 6 in. x
30 ft., the structural grid would be 21 ft. x 30 ft. A good rule of thumb is to add the two
dimensions of the structural grid; if the sum equals a number in the low 50's, then the
structural grid would be efficient and cost-effective.
Mechanical Systems
The location of main vertical supply/exhaust shafts as well as horizontal ductwork is very
crucial in designing a flexible lab. Key issues to consider include: efficiency and flexibility,
modular design, initial costs, long-term operational costs, building height and massing,
and design image.
The various design options for the mechanical systems are illustrated below:
Shafts in the middle of the building Shafts at the end of the building
Electrical Systems
Three types of power are generally used for most laboratory projects:Normal power
circuits are connected to the utility supply only, without any backup system. Loads that
are typically on normal power include some HVAC equipment, general lighting, and
most lab equipment.
Emergency power is created with generators that will back up equipment such as
refrigerators, freezers, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, emergency lighting,
exhaust fans, animal facilities, and environmental rooms. Examples of safe and efficient
emergency power equipment include distributed energy resources (DER),microturbines,
and fuel cells.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is used for data recording, certain computers,
microprocessor-controlled equipment, and possibly the vivarium area. The UPS can be
either a central unit or a portable system, such as distributed energy resources
(DER), microturbines, fuel cells, and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
Load estimation
Site distribution
Power quality
Management of electrical cable trays/panel boxes
Lighting design
o User expectations
o Illumination levels
o Uniformity
o Lighting distribution—indirect, direct, combination
o Luminaire location and orientation—lighting parallel to casework and lighting
perpendicular to casework
Telephone and data systems
Piping Systems
There are several key design goals to strive for in designing laboratory piping systems:
Provide a flexible design that allows for easy renovation and modifications.
Provide appropriate plumbing systems for each laboratory based on the lab
programming.
Provide systems that minimize energy usage.
Provide equipment arrangements that minimize downtime in the event of a failure.
Locate shutoff valves where they are accessible and easily understood.
Accomplish all of the preceding goals within the construction budget.
C. Operations and Maintenance
Cost Savings
The following cost saving items can be considered without compromising quality and
flexibility:
E. Sustainability Considerations
The typical laboratory uses far more energy and water per square foot than the typical
office building due to intensive ventilation requirements and
other health and safety concerns. Therefore, designers should strive to create sustainable,
high performance, and low-energy laboratories that will:
Minimize overall environmental impacts;
Protect occupant safety; and
Optimize whole building efficiency on a life-cycle basis.
Academic labs are primarily teaching facilities but also include some research labs that
engage in public interest or profit generating research.
Government labs include those run by federal agencies and those operated by state
government do research in the public interest.
Design of labs for the private sector, run by corporations, is usually driven by the need
to enhance the research operation's profit making potential.
For GSA, the unit costs for this building type are based on the construction quality and
design features in the following table . This information is based on GSA's benchmark
interpretation and could be different for other owners.
EMERGING ISSUES
LEED® Application Guide for Laboratory Facilities (LEED-AGL)—Because research
facilities present a unique challenge for energy efficiency and sustainable design, the U.S.
Green Building Council(USGBC) has formed the LEED-AGL Committee to develop a
guide that helps project teams apply LEED credits in the design and construction of
laboratory facilities.
SPACE ATTRIBUTES
Auditorium spaces are designed to accommodate large audiences. As such, they tend to
have wide spans and are multiple-stories high in order to accommodate seating, sightline,
and acoustical requirements. Raised stage/dais floors and special lighting equipment are
often required as well. Typical features of Auditorium space types include the list of
applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a complete list and
definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on
the titles below.
Functional / Operational
Productive
Sustainable
Secure / Safe
Fire and Life Safety: Proper notification systems, lighting, and signage are required to
facilitate safe and speedy evacuations during an emergency in the Auditorium spaces.
Step lights recessed into floor risers at each seating tier and wall mounted low light level
sconce lights along side walls are typical. Sprinklers should be provided per code and
under stage platforms to suppress fires.
Example Program
Auditorium
Description Qty. SF Space Sum Tenant Tenant
Tenant Occupiable Areas Each Req'd. Actual Usable USF
SF Factor
Entrance 2,096
Lobby 1 1,500 1,500
Entrance Vestibules 1 96 96
Coat Check 1 150 150
Retail Area 1 200 200
Media Library 1 150 150
Main Auditorium 4,800
Seating (300 seats) 1 3,600 3,600
Stage 1 1,200 1,200
Support Spaces 1,300
Projection/Control Room 1 300 300
Equipment Storage 1 300 300
Rear Projection Room 1 400 400
Public Toilets (Male 1 120 120
Public Toilets (Female) 1 180 180
Tenant Suite 8,196 8,196 1.14 9,375
Tenant Usable Areas 18,750
Example Plans
1. easy to reach
2. The area should commensurate with the number of suites and the expected public
to avoid crowding.
3. The nature and diversity of the ground while avoiding the elements that are
difficult to control.
4. The nature of the surrounding area of the exhibition and the angles that can show
the site.
5. Exhibition's quality and selecting the appropriate location with a study for its
relation with the city.
1. Studying the available possibilities of the site and ensuring that there is natural
advantages and archaeological areas could be used for the benefit of the design.
2. The areas of the site would be divided in line with the type of the assigned service
to each zone.
3. Entrances: You must provide a sufficient number of them and distributing them so
that they do not lead to a movement breakthrough.
4. Suites: they are the key element in the exhibition, distributed according to a
number of considerations such as the nature of the land, buildings, green spaces
and natural and artificial lakes.
1. Idle speed, which aims to give the nearby idea about the exhibition, consists of
small hanging carts or moving corridors.
2. Quick Speed which gives an idea of the site by a fast electric train. The speed of
stairs depends on the size and quality of the exhibition.
1. Site Treatment
2. The study of the visual relationships between buildings and spaces
3. The base of the site, and this is explained:
Site Treatment: It is either to be towards to confirm the nature of the site and maintain
it or to eliminate what confirms this character and modify it.
Study of visual relationships between buildings and spaces.
2. The free design exhibitions: where found the free composition, but the basic problem
is how to find the homogeneity and the vacuum continuation. The success of the design
in terms of the visual side is to achieve a comfort to the viewer emotionally and visually
through satiate the desires and the multifaceted needs of visitors of the exhibition as
much as possible to get to the wanted homogeneity and continuation. Thus, thus we
guarantee a perspective relationship leads to homogeneity and continuation gradually
with the devoted space for the suites. Also, It should study the various relationships for
blocks whether buildings, trees or blanks at night as lighting interferes in materializing
buildings as vacuum units, where lighting brings out the aesthetic aspects of the building
or turning the building from a heavy lit blocks to light Lighting at night. The Site Lighting
is affected by the type of building and the nature of the construction materials and its
size and composition in space. Some believe that the shadows are caused by lighting
and this is wrong, generally lighting must adhere with its architectural foundations to fit
with the demands of her role without emotion or stress.
Site Furniture : includes plants, fountains, light poles and other technical elements
which are not visual Interestingness only but it has a core function as making a strong
influence on the climate of the site. The Fountain and water bodies give a thin and
reversing sense balanced with dryness of the building. The light poles give a sense of
the building's shape; it must be careful not to be ugly during the day, either keeping
them above the eye level or by simplifying its form.
2. Nature of the exhibits determines the subject of exhibition and the responsible
significantly affect the exhibition. For example, if the exhibition was for the
purpose of trade, it must study and coordinate the exhibits.
The point of the responsible also has a large effect on shape and size of the suite,
in the major international exhibitions, countries compete in the establishment of
huge buildings and innovative structural ideas, contrary to the small surrounding
galleries. The exhibits' nature is affected the quality of presentation, whether
permanent or temporary or mobile.
The limited walk line: used if the goal of the exhibition is to provide a sequential topic
and everyone should see everything. It should consider the following:
1. The limited space should not exceed 100 Meter, providing free places to avoid feeling
of unexpected implementation with the diversity of the surrounded axis.
3. Having a sufficient place in front of walk lines, so that the visitor can stand and
contemplate what is displayed without blocking the passage.
4. The art Exhibits must be placed in separate places because People do not stop to see
them all.
The unlimited walk line: It followed in most of exhibitions, which do not need this
sequence, such as commercial markets, where the harmony between the different
suites. This in the free projection to leave a chance for the visitor to walk around. This
kind takes many forms: It can be in a form of a sequence of showrooms bound with
lanes. The routes should not be similar in front of the viewer so did not feel he strayed
the way or that he did not see everything. Also, to avoid the straight lanes in projection.
The winding lanes are the best, offering exciting and change.
Inner emptiness
Inner emptiness: that any architectural vacuum is not only a center contains man who
practices his activities in. The exhibitions do not depart from this definition, there is a
certain relationship between the exhibition and what it contains, who enters and the
success of the exhibition depends on the extent to which this relationship meets right
from the study and through three basic demands:
Exhibitions is required to have your vacuum dynamic, whatever shape and size, it offers
the viewer a sense of excitement and curiosity, with a safe movement without getting
bored.
1. Crusty facilities
2. Kabilh installations
3. Steric truss
4. Membranous installations
Types of Structural Systems
1. Wood Frame
A wood frame is a type of lightweight
structural system. Wood frame
constructions are frequently used for
office buildings, schools, government
buildings, retail buildings, apartments and
homes. Buildings with wood-based
structural systems are strong and
lightweight, which make them very stable
in areas that experience earthquakes. How
strong the wood is depends on the
condition of the wood frame, any knots or
splits in the wood, the moisture content of
the wood and the direction of the grain. Wood Frame
1. Precast Concrete
3. Shear Frame
A shear frame structural system is one in which the joints are placed in orthogonal
directions. This helps the building resist wind force from any direction. The wind
resistance is due to bending of the frame columns and shears. Many times these
systems create grid-like surfaces, particularly when lightweight building material
is used. Ultimately, deeper frames mean less bending. This is because more force
is transferred to the bottom of the building. However, at some point the deepness
of the frame will interfere with other building components, such as ductwork and
HVAC systems.
4. Flat Plate System
The flat plate system was one of the first
systems used in high-rise buildings. This
system uses shear heads or reinforced
steel at the columns, and then flat plates
between the columns. These flat rate
plates are typically made of concrete and
modern versions can be precast. The
design uses bars that form concentric
rings that are then strengthened with
orthogonal and diagonal bars between
the columns. The thickness of the plate
is a main factor in determining the load
bearing of the frame.
Flat Plate System
5. Steel Structures
6. Quonset Hut
These steel building structures are in the shape of an arch or a "curve" and are
defined as self-supporting structures. Assembling a Quonset building is begun by
laying each individual piece of the arch onto the ground, bolting them together
and then assembling them onto the foundation. Quonset Hut buildings come in
two different styles: the older full arch structure and the updated, modified
counterpart which is designed to take up less space. Quonset buildings are
frequently used for the storage of feed and grain, as well as other smaller
structures. These types of buildings are the least expensive to construct and the
easiest of the three to build; however, insulating them can be somewhat
expensive.
7. I-Beam
I-Beam structures are the
most common types of steel
buildings. A steel truss,
which consists of two
sidewall sections and two
roof sections, is what
supports the building. Once
assembled on the ground,
each solid steel beam truss
is raised and then bolted into
the foundation of concrete.
These structures are great
for wide, large buildings
such as airplane hangars.
I-Beam structures
Although they are common
and sturdy structures, they
are usually limited to a boxy rectangular or square shape.
cases studies
Level 1 map
Capacity Chart
Capacity Chart . PDF : http://www.qatarconvention.com/app/media/1203
The conversion of the building should respond to the increased needs of the ARC which
demanded various sizes of studio spaces, meeting-lecture-exhibition spaces, workshop,
offices, computer labs, cafeteria etc. These requirements led us to organize a very
flexible interior space: the industrial, high ceiling space may finally keep its original,
completely open plan character or may be divided up to a variety of studios,
amphitheater, lecture and exhibition spaces when it is needed through the sliding
dividing panels. The arrangement of the panels can provide each time different and
diverse spatial conditions, while they serve as well for the acoustic needs and as
surfaces for the pin ups of the students work during reviews and exhibitions.
Elevations 01
The 2 floors of the northern existing part of the building accommodate the entrance
with the reception’s ‘box’, the cafeteria that ensures the everyday warm welcoming and
the livelihood of the front area of the building, the offices , the computer lab. The
vertical communications are organized in the north extension of the building.
ABSTRACT
Buildings with complex geometry need
careful coordination during the design
phase to ensure a successful construction
Figure 1The KAPSARC complex from a bird's eye view, showing
phase. Even though the facades of the
the Research Center in the upper right of the image. Render ©
Zaha Hadid Architects.
King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and
Research Center (KAPSARC) have a complex faceted geometry with few parallel planes,
they are buildable out of GRC because of careful research and coordination between
architects and engineers during the design phases. The design of projects that have
complicated geometry can suffer if coordination does not occur early enough in the
design process. Undesirable compromises can creep in, especially in the construction
process, which can then undermine the architectural intent. This was avoided in the
design of the facades of KAPSARC through careful design, research, and coordination
between the architects and façade engineers.
To achieve the original aesthetic intent of the facades of the KAPSARC project, Zaha
Hadid Architects worked with Arup Facades Engineering to determine façade systems
and materials and develop a set of facades design parameters early in the design
process. The selection of the façade materials and systems and the parameters
regarding elements of the façade including use of GRC as the cladding material, the
sizing of the GRC panels, the punched window design and interface with the GRC, and
the joint sizes between the GRC panels, were fed into the architect‟ s renderings and 3D
models of the facades. Then the rules developed to establish the parameters GRC of the
facade were used by the design team refine the aesthetic appearance of the façade.
In addition, other metrics such as thermal performance of the façade were taken into
account. Technical and performance drivers also influenced the selection of GRC, from
climate issues to sustainability requirements. For example, rules regarding percentage of
glazing to opaque walling and wall build-up were also developed by the engineers and
coordinated with the architect. In this way a coordinated façade was designed that both
met the aesthetic requirements as well as the functional requirements.
INTRODUCTION
KAPSARC is a center for energy and environmental research and policy studies in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia. The client is Saudi Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia and a
global oil company that manages the world‟ s largest crude reserves.i At KAPSARC,
environmental experts will come from around the world to research energy and the
environment. The researchers at KAPSARC will also engage in collaborative research
with similar research centers around the world.ii As a center for energy research the
complex has a sustainable agenda and is targeting a LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) rating of Platinum, the highest rating possible. The LEED rating
reflects the projects goals of being in the forefront of sustainability and design, as well
as research. LEED impacted all aspects of the design, from the layout of buildings and
landscaping on the site to the mechanical systems. The façade design was also heavily
impacted by LEED requirements.
King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre
The Entire complex will be LEED Platinum Rated upon completion, which is the highest
level achievable under U.S. Green Building Council specifications.
1. Basement
2. Research Center
3. Library
4. Conference Center
5. Musalla
6. IT Center and Backup
7. Ancillary Buildings
8. Canopy
Basement
The Basement area links the Research Center, Library, and Conference Center. It has a
Public Access Tunnel and also contains all major plant rooms area. The basement level is
at 6.70 SSL and a total gross area of 16,785 m2. As it lies below the flood level, the
basement area is waterproofed on all sides.
Research Center
The Research Center is the hub of KAPSARC. It consists of 3 levels, measuring 23,685 Sq.
m. This area combines the three main departments: Administration, Research and
Executive. The Research Center accommodates a daily population of around 350. The
building is made of a group of similar 3 dimensional cells, organized around a central
courtyard with North-South orientation. A multi level public lobby also links all
departments from parking to the place of the ICON.
Library
The public face of , the Library is directly connected to the Place of the Icon. It is made
up of 5 interlocking hexagonal cells that vary in height. It consists of 2 levels spread over
14,832 m2. The KAPSARC library has been designed to be cutting edge, and houses both
a digital library (books obtained from online sources, to save paper) and physical shelves
to store books.
Conference Center
Musalla is located in the center of the Master Plan. The Musallla comprises of 4 cells,
and combines a lobby, courtyard and a Prayer Room. The Musalla is spread over 1320
m2, with Structural Steel, Façade and Finishes.
Canopy
The entire site is under the cover of a unique Canopy at the ground level, which covers
an area of 11,800 m2, made in a hexagonal grid, with Treated Exposed Steel and PTFE
(Polytetra- Fluoro-Ethylene-Teflon based material) as the shading material.
site analysis
High-Performance HVAC
INTRODUCTION
Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC systems) account for 39% of the energy
used in commercial buildings in the United States. Consequently, almost any business or
government agency has the potential to realize significant savings by improving its
control of HVAC operations and improving the efficiency of the system it uses.
The use of high performance HVAC equipment can result in considerable energy,
emissions, and cost savings (10%-40%). Whole building design coupled with an
"extended comfort zone" can produce much greater savings (40%-70%). Extended
comfort includes employing concepts such as providing warmer, but drier air using
desiccant dehumidification in summer, or cooler air with warmer windows and warmer
walls in winter. In addition, high-performance HVAC can provide increased user thermal
comfort, and contribute to improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
Given the range and complexity of the subject, this information should be viewed as
only a starting point to access information from the many trade associations, agencies,
and manufacturers linked throughout the text.
DESCRIPTION
Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
The term HVAC refers to the three disciplines of Heating, Ventilating, and Air-
Conditioning. A fourth discipline, Controls, pervades the entire HVAC field. Controls
determine how HVAC systems operate to meet the design goals of comfort, safety, and
cost-effective operation.
Heating can be accomplished by heating the air within a space (e.g. supply air systems,
perimeter fin-tube "radiators"), or by heating the occupants directly by radiation (e.g.
floor/ceiling/wall radiation or radiant panels).
Ventilating maintains an adequate mixture of gases in the air we breath (e.g. not too
much CO2), controls odors, and removes contaminants from occupied spaces. "Clean"
air helps keep occupants healthy and productive. Ventilation can be accomplished
passively through natural ventilation, or actively through mechanical distribution
systems powered by fans.
Air-conditioning refers to the sensible and latent cooling of air. Sensible cooling involves
the control of air temperature while latent cooling involves the control of air humidity.
Room air is cooled by transferring heat between spaces, such as with a water loop heat
pump system, or by rejecting it to the outside air via air-cooled or water-cooled
equipment. Heat can also be rejected to the ground using geothermal exchange. Cool air
is not comfortable if it is too humid. Air is dehumidified by condensing its moisture on a
cold surface, such as part of mechanical cooling), or by removing the moisture through
absorption (desiccant dehumidification). In dry climates, humidification may be required
for comfort instead of dehumidification. Evaporative humidification also cools the air.
Further, in such climates it is possible to use radiant cooling systems, similar to the
radiant heating systems mentioned above.
Controls ensure occupant comfort, provide safe operation of the equipment, and in a
modern HVAC control system enable judicious use of energy resources. HVAC systems
are sized to meet heating and cooling loads that historically occur only 1% to 2.5% of the
time. It is the function of the controls to ensure that the HVAC systems perform
properly, reliably, and efficiently during those conditions that occur 97.5% to 99% of the
time.
Each HVAC discipline has specific design requirements and each has opportunities for
energy savings. It must be understood, however, that energy savings in one area may
augment or diminish savings in another. This applies to interactions between
components of an HVAC system, as well as between the HVAC system and the lighting
and envelope systems. Therefore, understanding how one system or subsystem affects
another is essential to making the most of the available opportunities for energy
savings. This design approach is known as whole building design.
Impact on Building Energy Performance Goals
Employing high-performance HVAC equipment in conjunction with whole building
design can result in significant energy savings. Typically, a 30% reduction in annual
energy costs can be achieved with a simple payback period of about three to five years.
And, if the payback threshold is extended to seven years, the savings can be about 40%.
These figures apply to buildings that offer conventional comfort (e.g., 70°F in winter,
76°F in summer).
If the comfort zone is extended through natural ventilation and air movement in
summer, and through lower air temperatures in winter (made possible by highly-
insulated and, therefore, warmer wall and window surfaces), even higher savings can be
achieved. For example, a typical office building minimally complying with the ASHRAE
Standard 90.1-1989 might use 75,000 Btu/sq.ft./yr. The goal for many federal buildings
is 50,000 Btu/sq.ft./yr. A highly energy-efficient building using conventional comfort
could have an energy use of 40,000 Btu/sq.ft./yr. or even less. A building designed and
operated with extended comfort strategies might only use 20,000 to 30,000
Btu/sq.ft./yr.
However, note that highly energy-efficient design utilizing high-performance HVAC
equipment often requires more effort and more collaboration from the design team
than a conventional, sequential approach.
Heating Controls
The first three controls increase energy efficiency by reducing on/off cycling of boilers.
The fourth improves the efficiency during operation.
1. Modulating flame—The heat input to the boiler can be adjusted continually (modulated)
up or down to match the heating load required. Modulating flame boilers have a
minimum turn-down ratio, below which the boiler cycles off. This ratio is 25% for most
boilers, but some can be turned down to as low as 10%.
2. Step-fired—The heat input to the boiler changes in steps, usually high/low/off.
Compared to steady-state units, the capacity of the boiler can come closer to the
required heating load.
3. Modular boilers—Another energy-efficient measure is to assemble groups of smaller
boilers into modular plants. As the heating load increases, a new boiler enters on-line,
augmenting the capacity of the heating system in a gradual manner. As the heating load
decreases, the boilers are taken off-line one by one.
4. Oxygen trim systems continuously adjust the amount of combustion air to achieve high
combustion efficiency. They are usually cost-effective for large boilers that have
modulating flame controls.
Ventilation Systems
Ventilation systems deliver conditioned air to occupied spaces. Depending on the
building type, ventilation air may be comprised of 100% outside air, such as in a
laboratory building, or some mixture of re-circulated interior air and outside air. In
commercial and institutional buildings, there are a number of different types of systems
for delivering this air:
1. Constant air volume (CAV) systems deliver a constant rate of air while varying the
temperature of the supply air. If more than one zone is served by a CAV system, the
supply air is cooled at a central location to meet the need of the zone with highest
demand. The other zones get overcooled or, if comfort is to be maintained, the air is
reheated at the terminal units. CAV systems with reheat are inefficient because they
expend energy to cool air that will be heated again. CAV systems with reheat, however,
provide superior comfort in any zone. Constant airflow reduces pockets of "dead" air,
and reheat provides close control of the space temperature.
2. Variable air volume (VAV) systems vary the amount of air supplied to a zone while
holding the supply air temperature constant. This strategy saves fan energy and uses
less reheat than in a CAV system. VAV systems, however, can have problems assuring
uniform space temperature at low airflow rates. At times, the minimum airflow required
for ventilation or for proper temperature control may be higher than is required to meet
the space load. When this occurs reheat may be required.
3. Low-flow air diffusers in VAV systems help maintain uniform air distribution in a space at
low airflows. These devices can be passive or active. Passive low flow diffusers are
designed to mix the supply air with the room air efficiently at low flow. Active diffusers
actually move the outlet vanes of the diffuser to maintain good mixing at low flow.
Active diffusers can also be used as VAV terminal units.
4. Fan-powered VAV terminal units provide another method to improve air distribution at
low load conditions. These units combine the benefits of a VAV system, by reducing
central fan energy and reheat energy, with the benefits of a CAV system, by maintaining
good airflow. There are two major types, series and parallel: Series fan-powered units
maintain constant airflow to the zone at all times; parallel fan-powered units allow the
airflow to the zone to vary somewhat, but do not allow the airflow in the zone to drop
below a desired level. Both, however, allow the central fan to throttle down to the
minimum airflow required for ventilation.
5. Raised floor air distribution delivers air low in the space, at low velocity and relatively
high temperature compared to traditional plenum mounted distribution systems.
Delivering air through a series of adjustable floor-mounted registers permits room air to
be stratified with lower temperatures in the bottom portion of the room where people
are located and high temperatures towards the ceiling. This system type is attracting
increasing interest because it has the potential to save energy and to provide a high
degree of individual comfort control. These systems have historically used constant-
volume air delivery. Manufacturers are now beginning to offer VAV systems that are
more easily designed, installed, and operated with raised floor plenum systems.
Heat Recovery
Air is blown across copper coils to reject heat from this residential air-cooled condenser.
Heat Recovery is an important component of many energy efficient HVAC systems.
Absorption chiller/heaters can use a fraction (typically 50%) of the heat input for cooling
and the rest for heating.
o Gas-fired, engine driven chillers retrieve much of the heat rejected (usually 20% - 50%).
Cogeneration
Cogeneration is a process in which electric power is generated at the facility where the
waste heat is recovered to produce service hot water, process heat, or absorption
cooling. Currently, packaged cogeneration systems between about 60-600 kW are
widely available. Extensive research and marketing efforts are underway for smaller
systems (as low as 4 kW).
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells use chemical processes to generate electricity. The heat generated by fuel
cells can also be recovered, as in cogeneration. Currently, the minimum size for a fuel
cell in building applications is 200 kW. Note that fuel cells need continuous, full-load
operation.
APPLICATION
The benefits of high performance, energy-efficient HVAC systems are universal.
Therefore, high performance HVAC systems can be installed in all different types of
buildings, including office buildings, schools, hospitals, and courthouses.
Reference
Planning a Conference Centre – February 2008 _ www.IAPCO.org
29 CFR 1910.1450: OSHA—Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories
ISEA Z358.1—Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment
ANSI/AIHA—American National Standard Z9.5 for Laboratory Ventilation
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
(AAALAC) standards
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and National Institutes of Health—Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition. December 2009.
Department of Veterans Affairs Research Laboratory Design Guide
Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service, P100 by the General Services
Administration (GSA).
National Institutes of Health—NIH Design Policy and Guidelines
National Institutes of Health (NIH)—Guidelines for the Laboratory Use of Chemical
Carcinogens, Pub. No. 81-2385
NFPA 30—Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
NFPA 45—Fire Protection for Laboratories using Chemical
Tri-Services Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS)—UFGS, organized by
MasterFormat™ divisions, are for use in specifying construction for the military services.
Several UFGS exist for safety-related topics.
Publications
Building Type Basics for Research Laboratories, 2nd Edition by Daniel Watch. New York:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2008. ISBN# 978-0-470-16333-7.
CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th ed. by A. K. Furr. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press,
1995.
Design and Planning of Research and Clinical Laboratory Facilities by Leonard Mayer.
New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1995.
Design for Research: Principals of Laboratory Architecture by Susan Braybrooke. New
York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993.
Guidelines for Laboratory Design: Health and Safety Considerations, 4th Edition by Louis
J. DiBerardinis, et al. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013.
Guidelines for Planning and Design of Biomedical Research Laboratory Facilities by The
American Institute of Architects, Center for Advanced Technology Facilities Design.
Washington, DC: The American Institute of Architects, 1999.
Handbook of Facilities Planning, Vol. 1: Laboratory Facilities by T. Ruys. New York, NY:
Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1990.
Laboratories, A Briefing and Design Guide by Walter Hain. London, UK: E & FN Spon,
1995.
Laboratory by Earl Walls Associates, May 2000.
Laboratory Design from the Editors of R&D Magazine.
Laboratory Design, Construction, and Renovation: Participants, Process, and Product by
National Research Council, Committee on Design, Construction, and Renovation of
Laboratory Facilities. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000.
Planning Academic Research Facilities: A Guidebook by National Science Foundation.
Washington, DC: National Science Foundation, 1992.
Research and Development in Industry: 1995-96 by National Science Foundation,
Division of Science Resources Studies. Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation, 1998.
Science and Engineering Research Facilities at Colleges and Universities by National
Science Foundation, Division of Science Resources Studies. Arlington, VA, 1998.
Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21)—Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Labs21 is a voluntary program
dedicated to improving the environmental performance of U.S. laboratories.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories (LBNL) Building 90, Room 4000, 1 Cyclotron
Road, Berkeley, CA 94720
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 1617 Cole Boulevard, Building 15, Phone:
(303) 275-4363
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830,
Phone: (423) 576-2900, Fax: (423) 574-4444
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington
99352, Phone: (509) 375-2121, Fax: (509) 372-4791
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), 4100 North Fairfax, Arlington, VA,
Phone: (703) 524-8800, Fax: (703) 528-3816
American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), 4001 North 9th Street, Suite 226,
Arlington, VA 22203-1900, Phone: (703) 522-7350, Fax: (703) 522-2665
ASHRAE, 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329-2305, Phone: (404) 636-8400, Fax:
(404) 321-5478
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), Dept. 192, P.O. Box 1026, Lilburn, GA 30226,
Phone: (404) 925-9558, Fax: (404) 381-9865
Cooling Technology Institute, 2611 FM 1960 West, Suite H-200, Houston, TX 77068-
3730, Phone: (281) 583-4087, Fax: (281) 537-1721
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), 3412 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc., 6700 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 120,
Columbia, MD 21046, Phone: (410) 953-7150, Fax: (410) 953-7151
Geothermal Resources Council (GRC), P.O. Box 1350 - 2001 Second Street, Suite 5, Davis,
CA 95617-1350, Phone: (530) 758-2360, Fax: (530) 758-2839
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)
International Energy Agency (IEA) Heat Pump Centre, SP Energy Technology,
Industrigatan 4, Box 857 SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden, Phone: +46 33 16 5519 (contact:
Monica Axell), Fax: +46 33 13 1979
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), P.O. Box
221230, Chantilly, VA 20153-1230, Phone: (703) 803-2980, Fax: (703) 803-3732
Trade Publications
Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News, P.O. Box 3210, Northbrook, IL 60065-
3210, Phone: (800) 837-8337, Fax: (248) 362-0317
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Journal
Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 1350 E. Touhy Ave, Des Plaines IL 60018
Energy User News, 1 Chilton Way, Radnor, PA 19089, Phone: (610) 964-4161, Fax: (610)
964-4647
Engineered Systems Magazine, P.O. Box 4270, Troy, MI 48099-4270, Phone: (248) 362-
3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317
HPAC Interactive (Heating/Piping/Air-Conditioning Magazine), 1100 Superior Ave.,
Cleveland, OH 44114, Phone: (216) 696-7000, Fax: (216) 696-3432
Books
Building Technology: Mechanical and Electrical Systems, 2nd Edition by Stein, Benjamin.
New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997.
Energy-Efficient Design and Construction for Commercial Buildings by Steven Winter
Associates, Inc. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997. ISBN 0-07-071159-3.
Energy-Efficient Operation of Commercial Buildings: Redefining the Energy Manager's
Job by Herzog, Peter. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997. ISBN 0-07-028468-7.
Simplified Design of HVAC Systems, by Bobenhausen, William. New York: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc., 1994.
Articles
HVAC Characteristics and Occupant Health (PDF 430 KB, 4 pgs) by W.K. Sieber, M.R.
Petersen, L.T. Stayner, R. Malkin, M.J. Mendell, K.M. Wallingford, T.G. Wilcox, M.S.
Crandall, and L. Reed.ASHRAE Journal, September 2002.
Ventilation Rates and Health (PDF 115 KB, 5 pgs) by Olli Seppänen, Fellow ASHRAE,
William J. Fisk, P.E., Member ASHRAE, and Mark J. Mendell, Ph.D. ASHRAE Journal,
August 2002.
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