Drive Reliable Energy Savings in Commercial Buildings with Aircuity CO2+
Did you know HVAC costs in commercial buildings represent 1/3 of the total energy use? Aircuity CO2+ is an exciting new addition to the market place as it delivers reliable CO2 demand control ventilation (DCV) to reduce energy use, enhance the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for occupants and provide insightful data on building ventilation performance.
Aircuity CO2+ offers:
Accurate CO2 measurement for the life of the building
Maintained energy savings
Comprehensive reporting on IEQ conditions
Zero maintenance requirements for building staff
All system maintenance performed in utility area of building
Single point of digital integration for any size building
The majority of building ventilation systems run at constant levels, regardless of the actual occupancy at any given time. Vacant conference rooms, offices or classrooms are typically overventilated, but when these spaces are fully occupied they quickly become underventilated, leading to uncomfortable, unhappy occupants and lower productivity. Adjusting ventilation rates to match these changing conditions allows for energy savings and a better IEQ.
Aircuity is the most reliable method of DCV, specifically designed to overcome the deficiencies of discrete sensing systems. Discrete sensors become inaccurate over time, typically reporting CO2 levels higher than actual conditions, which will cause the building to become overventilated again, eliminating energy savings. Trying to calibrate and replace a large number of discrete sensors on a regular basis is difficult and results in higher life cycle costs. Aircuity’s remote sampling, centralized sensing architecture significantly reduces the number of sensors and utilizes a unique differential measurement approach to ensure accurate and reliable measurements of IEQ parameters for superior DCV. Aircuity takes air samples from variable occupancy spaces throughout a building and routes these back to a centralized sensing suite (SST). With just a few sensors centrally located, Aircuity is able to provide a maintenance program that assures proper system functionality by replacing sensors every six months with factory calibrated sensors.
In addition to offering reliable DCV, the newly designed system architecture allows for a cost-effective approach. The new SST550 utilizes Alternating Limb™ functionality, which significantly increases the number of areas sampled, when systems are configured in a “balanced” manner as shown below.
Alternating Limb System Architecture: CO2 Application
When considering life cycle costs such as annual calibration, sensor replacement and estimated 5 year operating and maintenance costs, Aircuity’s CO2 DCV solution costs significantly less (see table). This new product makes it possible for customers to have it all—and makes Aircuity CO2+ the right choice for nearly any CO2 monitoring project.
How much less is Aircuity compared to discrete sensing?
About the Customer Baptist Health Lexington (known for many years as Central Baptist Hospital), is a 383 bed tertiary care facility located in Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 1954, Baptist Health is renowned for its regional leading cancer care as well as its Heart Institute. Since the first baby was delivered there 2 hours after the hospital opened in 1954, Baptist Health has been known as the “baby” hospital in Central Kentucky, delivering over 4000 babies annually.
Problem In the mid-2000’s, Baptist Health built an 8-story addition to the hospital to house their new Heart Institute as well as outpatient services and medical offices. Before the addition to the building (which raised the existing structure from 3 stories to 8 stories), grease exhausted from the existing cafeteria was simply exhausted above the 3-story structure. Now, with the five additional stories, this same exhaust was being carried by prevailing winds into the new taller structure causing odor issues as well as potential sanitary issues in the new addition as fresh air intakes were built into the façade of the new building facing the kitchen exhaust.
Solution Three Strobic Air Tri-Stack® fans, specially designed to handle kitchen grease exhaust, were installed. Applying the Tri-Stack’s® proven technology to both dilute and prevent re-entrainment of the exhaust fumes, Strobic Air designed a high temperature variant of the Tri-Stack® that incorporates the use of all steel construction, high temperature coating (rated to 1000° F), and sloped plenum floor with grease trap. These added features allow the Strobic Air Tri-Stack® Exhaust Systems to meet the following standards:
• Independently tested and certified to meet UL 762 Standard for Power Roof Ventilators for Restaurant Exhaust Appliances. • Designed to meet NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.
Results Thanks to the installation of the Strobic Air Tri-Stack® fans, Baptist Health has cured their kitchen grease exhaust issue. Due to the Tri-Stack’s® ability to provide very high dilution rates, typically 300-400% for restaurant applications, combined with its ability to create and maintain virtual plume heights of 30-50 feet without tall stacks and guy wires, the grease from the hospital’s kitchen exhaust is no longer detected by the patients and staff in the new addition, nor is grease building up on the windows or façade of the new structure.
Customer Feedback “We had used Tri-Stack® fans on traditional lab applications at the hospital so we were aware of how they worked and the quality of their construction. In this instance, with the fresh air intakes of the new building facing the kitchen, it was vitally important that we didn’t exhaust grease into sick patient rooms. We looked at several other options with our consulting engineer (Sam Claxton, CMTA), but in the end, the Strobic Air Tri-Stacks® were much more cost effective and fit our aesthetics much better than tall chimneys with stacks and guy wires.” – Bill Byrd, Director of Engineering, Baptist Health Lexington
For more information on Strobic Air’s Tri-Stack Fans, please click here.
While ensuring your critical spaces are safe, Phoenix Control’s laboratory and healthcare airflow control systems can also provide important data to help facility owners reduce energy costs, ensure compliance to industry standards and quickly troubleshoot equipment issues. Phoenix Controls offer multiple solutions to view this information, from elegant room-level monitors to building-wide dashboard products that provide analysis of real-time data. Phoenix Controls also offers critical space integration solutions that provide a cost effective path to getting the data required into your building management system (BMS).
Network Integration
Phoenix Controls offers critical space integration solutions for integrating to legacy BMS. Highlights include:
Choice of centralized or distributed architecture
Support for multiple integration protocols including BACnet over IP or BACnet MS/TP
Web pages to easily monitor the health or diagnose any problems from your valve control systems using a standard browser
Optional I/O modules for integrating third party devices into one room level solution
Standard web-based Test and Balance tool for use by balancers
Room Integrator
The Phoenix Controls Room Integrator is a flexible integration solution that seamlessly integrates laboratory and healthcare airflow control devices to building automation networks. The Room Integrator’s primary purpose is providing the protocol translation and HVAC data integration between the company’s environmental control systems to BACnet®-capable Building Automation Systems (BAS). The integrator performs bidirectional translation between room-level devices using the LonWorks® technology and the BAS utilizing either BACnet over IP or MS/TP to manage read requests and write commands.
Room Controller
The Phoenix Controls Room Controller is a multi-purpose solution seamlessly integrating laboratory and healthcare airflow control devices to building automation networks while providing a platform for custom control logic. It performs:
Protocol translation and data integration between the company’s environmental control systems to BACnet®-capable Building Automation Systems (BAS).
Bidirectional translation between room-level devices using LonWorks® technology and the BAS utilizing either BACnet over IP or MS/TP to manage read requests and write commands.
The Room Controller offers a graphical programming environment and configurable inputs and outputs to extend control functions provided by on-site valve controllers. Using optional 16- or 34-point I/O modules, or via a wide range of field busses, it can also be used to provide local control for hard-wired third party devices: typically room-level lighting control, advanced temperature control sequences, or integrating air quality sensors to the building’s front-end visualization system.
Room Manager
Phoenix Controls Room Manager software is used to centrally manage your Room Integrator and Room Controller integration devices. It includes the Phoenix Controls Workbench configuration software to install and commission new devices. Room Manager can be used as centralized integration point for all installed Phoenix Control devices when a minimal number of IP addresses are required. The software also includes a web server and serves web pages indicating the health of all devices as well as diagnostic tools to trouble shoot any room network or device problems. Room Manager can be easily upgraded to a Phoenix Control Supervisor to provide a complete airflow control system solution that includes front end dashboards, data trending, airflow analytics and alarm management.
Introduction We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Aircuity CO2+, our new solution for CO2 based DCV applications. Aircuity CO2+ offers a cost-effective and easier to implement solution for buildings where CO2 is the primary driver of ventilation requirements. Imagine almost two times (2X) the coverage per Sensor Suite at 20-30% lower cost as compared to today’s offering. This translates not only to significant first-cost savings, but also to a reduction of the on-going costs of maintaining the energy savings entitlement through OAS and Advisor services.
Better cost efficiency is achieved via new system components, which have been optimized specifically around CO2 sensing requirements, thus doubling the capacity of our system. Additionally, OptiNet® now incorporates pre-programmed DCV logic to support a wide range of applications, from DCV applications involving individual zones to that of large-scale multi-zone systems. Having this logic ‘built in’ helps to minimize the project’s dependency on the BAS vendor programming of a DCV sequence, thereby ensuring a better quality solution that’s easier and less costly to implement.
Included in this package are:
Guidelines to help estimate a job
Preliminary pricing
Draft Product Data Sheets, Guide Spec and Sequence of Operations to include with submittals
A draft of the Office Building DCV Applications Primer, which will be incorporated into the Engineering Guide Detailed pricing and specific layout recommendations will follow.
Background While the existing Aircuity solution for CO2 based DCV control has better long-term reliability and stability and lower life cycle costs than an approach using discrete sensors, our higher first cost sometimes discourages owners from choosing Aircuity. With Aircuity CO2+ owners will see a substantial improvement in both first and life cycle costs, resulting in a more competitive solution.
Aircuity CO2+ is more competitive: Using a solutions-based value pricing approach you can expect to achieve 20-30% cost savings on both first-cost and on-going services compared to our previous non-lab solution. This significant value improvement will make us more competitive in the larger, straight CO2 DCV market with a solution that is easier to implement.
Aircuity CO2+ provides increased coverage: Optimizing the layout and leveraging Alternating Limb™ sequencing can almost double the number of sensed locations per SST. In a highly optimized layout you can expect to support up to 60 Test Areas per SST. Greater density allows you to optimize ventilation across a larger footprint without adding another SST.
Aircuity CO2+ will deliver vastly improved performance: New application functionality provides the configurability and embedded logic to reset VAV boxes serving both individual spaces and multiple spaces while factoring in outside air fraction and reset of the outside air damper to achieve the most efficient ventilation scheme. The Primer provides details including a sequence of operations for the many different ways this powerful capability can be applied.
What does this mean for you? Release to Spec means that the design and internal testing is complete, manufacturing processes are in place, and pilot production quantities have been built and verified. So why isn’t this a full “Sales Release”? We are completing field testing, evaluating the results of the installation, start-up and run-time performance, and making final adjustments to the tools, products and processes. Once complete AIRCUITY CO2+ will be confirmed as “Release to Ship”.
The goal of “Release to Spec” is to provide you the information you need to initiate the sales cycle as soon as possible so we can both realize revenue opportunities sooner. We plan to “Release to Ship” by Q4 of this year.
ALN Magazine: Lost in Data Overload? Building Information Management Can Help
The above graph shows the distribution of hourly temperature and humidity measurements from 12AM to 12PM each day of the week.
In today’s smart buildings where thousands or tens of thousands of parameters are being measured, the amount of data streaming to professionals responsible for animal care, energy conservation, health and safety, and facilities can quickly become overwhelming. Not only are there the standard building systems, there will most likely be a plethora of specialized systems as well. Fortunately for users and building operators, solutions are evolving in terms of remote data storage, diagnostic analytics, and data visualization, which can relieve users from having to cope with these large volumes of data to achieve some productive benefit.Reasons for collecting data are many and well established. The desire for energy related data is driven by corporate goals and in some cases government mandates to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases. The advent of smaller, more economical sensors and controllers allow for monitoring of practically everything. Now think of a building with all of its control systems and all the parameters that can conceivably be measured and you get thousands or tens of thousands of data points.Service providers often utilize data centers rather than servers to collect and store large volumes of data. Your business is to manage a facility or support or perform research. Their business is to manage your data, ensure its integrity, and make it available on demand. Some of these service providers will apply their domain expertise to provide analysis or diagnostic services while others will simply make the data available to third parties for analytic services.
What should you do with this data and how can it be transformed into actionable information? Read the full article to find out.
Aircuity Events
We hope that you can join us at one of these upcoming conferences:Tradeline: Research Facilities May 7 – 8 St. Petersburg, FL
An ESA Makes Airside Efficiency EasyAircuity’s new offering makes it easy for any institution to make immediate impact on their HVAC energy use
Aircuity makes it simple for any institution to develop and deploy their airside reduction program with it’s new offering- an energy services agreement (ESA). Some may not have the resources or dedicated capital funds, but they are aware that an airside efficiency program is an important part of their overall sustainability goals. That’s were an ESA comes in. This offering from Aircuity allows an institution to start making an immediate and large impact on HVAC energy costs without funding the program out of their capital projects budget. It provides the perfect vehicle for starting and expanding an airside efficiency program while only using the utility/operating expenses budget.
An ESA Allows for: • No capital outlay • A portfolio approach • Easy implementation process • Lower implementation risk • Faster deployment of energy projects across a portfolio
Under an ESA: • All design and construction costs are covered •Positive net cash flow from day 1 •Payments are made for measured quantities of energy saved •Payments likely to be treated as an operating expenses under the utility budget
Sound like a good fit and want to find out more? Send us an email.
Smart Business: Jackson LaboratoryHartford Business Journal: JAX Lands $1.2M Energize Incentive
Photo courtesy of Jackson Labs
To help its sustainability efforts, the Jackson Laboratory of Bar Harbor, Maine, received a $1.2 million Energize Connecticut incentive for its new Farmington facility, which has since been certified LEED Gold. Prior to construction of the Genomic Medicine lab in Farmington, which opened in October, Senior Facilities Director John Fitzpatrick worked with Hartford utility Eversource Energy to utilize Energize Connecticut programs and create a customized plan to reduce the lab’s energy footprint.The energy-saving measures implemented during construction of the 184,000 square foot building will save JAX Genomic Medicine more than $620,000 a year on its energy bill. The total cost of the efficiency portion of the project was roughly $2.4 million, so after incentives covered half of that, the payback will be less than two years. That helped achieve the Gold level of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program.
One of the most effective measures installed was a facility monitoring system by Aircuity used to regulate ventilation throughout the labs. For climates like Connecticut’s where it is cold in the winter and hot and humid in the summer, an Aircuity system reduces the amount of outside air required to provide safe ventilation rates in the facility, therefore minimizing the amount of energy to heat or cool the building. Standard occupied ventilation rates typically call for air to be refreshed 12 times per hour. JAX Genomic Medicine’s Aircuity system is so effective that laboratory air only has to be refreshed four times per hour, an energy savings of 66% compared to standard control systems.
Other energy efficiency measures include pipe and duct insulation, energy saving light bulbs and occupancy sensors, high efficiency air handling and control systems, and customized water cooling technology.
“JAX Genomic Medicine is a great example of how commercial and industrial customers achieve bottom line savings, even before the shovels hit the ground on a new construction project,” said Enoch Lenge, energy efficiency spokesperson at Eversource.
The last day to complete the I2SL benchmarking survey is May 15th. Click here to take the brief survey and help ensure the next version of this helpful tool is tailored to the needs of today’s industry professional. Input from all is welcomed!
The Traccel® brand of products are designed specifically for life science facilities and can easily accommodate changes in airflow demands, reduce future HVAC renovation costs, maintain the environmental integrity of a research facility, and help earn the points to achieve an organization’s LEED goals.
Controlling these factors contributes directly to your operating margins, reducing risk and lowering facility costs. If there is one constant factor within the life science industry, there will be change. Change to accommodate new research or a new faculty member. It is essential to make the smart choices in facility mechanical design now, so that costs of change are less in the future.
Advantages and Benefits
Flexibility
Less testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) means faster commissioning–Phoenix Controls venturi valves meter flow and don’t measure flow. Devices that measure flow, like a terminal box, must typically be field characterized for the installation condition. Imagine commissioning a new or reconfigured HVAC system by just turning the fans on. TAB is virtually eliminated with venturi valves.
Integrates easily with LonTalk® or BACnet® networks–Traccel® is offered in a LonMark®-certified or BTL BACnet®-certified controller and seamlessly plugs into the open LON or native BACnet network.
Pressure-independent operation–Design up to 30% shorter duct runs throughout the HVAC system. Traccel valves operate accurately even with short or angled duct sections. Precise airflow delivery rate is never compromised when there are changes in static pressure. Use the Traccel-TX Shut-off Valve option to eliminate the need for extra dampers and controls to isolate the mechanical ductwork.
Shut-off capability–In life sciences, needs for gaseous decontamination or HVAC isolation are not always considered during the planning stage. Planning a valve up front that can control airflow precisely with low-leakage shut-off can save thousands of dollars.
Operational Costs
Energy Conservation
High turndown ratios saves energy–The design of the venturi valve body and cone assembly means higher turndown ratios than a traditional VAV terminal box–up to 20:1 versus 3:1. With better accuracy, you are saving energy with lower air volume and it will not compromise room pressurization.
Reduced Maintenances Costs
No flow sensors means no maintenance – All venturi valves are characterized for their full flow range at the factory, with a 48-point flow table loaded onto the controller. This means there are no flow sensors to clean, ever.
Fewer controllers per room – The Traccel controller provide a full electronic platform to control temperature and monitor humidity and pressure, eliminating the need for additional controllers in the space.
Tiered control platforms (TP, TX, SO/EO) – There are many different applications within a life science facility. Having a choice of three control schemes (TP, TX, and SO/EO) allows you to distribute costs and value where it is required, such as the demanding decontamination applications versus less demanding conference rooms and office spaces adjacent to the labs.
No flow sensors means no maintenance – All venturi valves are characterized for their full flow range at the factory, with a 48-point flow table loaded onto the controller. This means there are no flow sensors to clean, ever.
Fewer controllers per room – The Traccel controller provide a full electronic platform to control temperature and monitor humidity and pressure, eliminating the need for additional controllers in the space.
Tiered control platforms (TP, TX, SO/EO) – There are many different applications within a life science facility. Having a choice of three control schemes (TP, TX, and SO/EO) allows you to distribute costs and value where it is required, such as the demanding decontamination applications versus less demanding conference rooms and office spaces adjacent to the labs.
Applications
The Traccel® controllers and venturi valves are designed specifically for collaborative Life Science facilities. These facilities are typically anchored by an open bench lab with support alcoves that house various types of fume hoods, state of the art equipment or animal holding spaces. All these spaces together require a stable, accurate airflow control system that only a venturi valve can offer. Even adjacent support lab spaces such as equipment rooms and microscopy rooms or even conference rooms, offices and corridors may seem less critical in precisely controlling airflow. But in reality, every adjacent space to a lab space affects the ventilation and stability throughout the building.
For those Life Science facilities that need a controller to accommodate a more complex control scheme or meet the demands of a high speed VAV fume hood, the Celeris control system is a perfect fit. The Celeris system is a platform designed to provide a safe and comfortable work environment while managing a complex ventilation control scheme. With platform flexibility offered in Traccel, Celeris or a combination of both, the airflow demands for all styles of Life Science research facilities are covered.
Pandemic Response – Phoenix Controls healthcare systems provide immediate room conversions that contain highly contagious disease and assure the integrity of surrounding spaces and their occupants. Activated by either the BMS or a local wall switch mounted external to the room; Theris Pandemic Mode overrides normal control to achieve negative room pressure, drive return valves to shutoff, increase exhaust, and command supply to a predetermined setting including shutoff. Environmental settings for heating, cooling, auxiliary control, humidity, and other parameters can also be configured and activated when the room converts. If an APM2 is wired into the room, a status banner can be displayed on-screen and an audible alarm sounded to alert healthcare staff and provide live data for pressure, ACH, temperature, and humidity.
Once the crisis is past, on command the room can be seamlessly moved to decontamination mode, then reverted to use without down time or lengthy transitions.
With high energy prices and greater consequences for healthcare-associated infections, reliable and effective hospital ventilation is more important today than ever before. The Theris® family of venturi valves is designed specifically for the airflow control needs of hospitals, offering both constant volume (CV) and variable air volume (VAV) systems that are maintenance-free, energy efficient, and provides reliable space pressurization to improve infection control. Consider these facts linking national healthcare issues to ventilation:Infection Control – Effective October 1, 2008 Medicare will not reimburse hospitals for eleven “Never Events,” some of which are airborne related healthcare-associated infections. Better ventilation means better control of airborne pathogens.
Energy Consumption – Hospitals run 24×7 and are the second largest energy consumers in the U.S. by type of facility. Properly controlled reduced ventilation in unoccupied spaces contributes directly to energy savings.
Environmental Comfort – Improved climate control ensures comfort of medical staff during surgery and enhances overall staff productivity. Additionally, climate control for proper temperature and humidity is essential for both speed of recovery and overall patient satisfaction.
Pandemic Influenza and Emergency Preparedness – OSHA and CDC studies show that there is not enough isolation rooms for a pandemic or for other surge events in the U.S. Patient rooms, Intensive Care Units and Emergency Departments should be designed to convert to isolation or protective environments as needed.
Profitability – Regulations place a great burden on hospital performance and profitability. Reliable and accurate ventilation equipment can improve regulatory compliance, decrease energy and maintenance costs, and reduce liability costs related to healthcare-associated infections.
Theris valves control air volume and directional airflow in the critical spaces of healthcare facilities, such as isolation rooms, operating rooms, in-hospital pharmacies, and patient rooms designed for pandemic events. Theris meets all national and state healthcare engineering regulatory requirements set forth by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Lab Design for Sustainable Construction The design of labs for sustainable construction and operation has become a major driver in the A/E/C industry over the past 10 to 15 years. Most large academic, government and corporate lab clients are looking for sustainable design approaches at a minimum, and third-party certification, such as LEED, in many cases. This sustainable trend is driven heavily by the high construction and operating costs of laboratories and the quick payback potential sustainable design approaches provide for end users.
LEED serves as the most common third-party certification in the U.S. for sustainable design, with other systems such as BREEAM applied in other countries. Many new academic, government and corporate laboratories are required to meet LEED Silver requirements at least. Sustainable laboratories are also a driving force to attract some of the world’s most talented researchers and professors, leading to noted scientific discoveries.
The LEED credit choices related to sustainable sites, water usage and materials are driven less by lab programs and more by typical site/project/owner-specific influences. However, the approach to addressing energy and indoor environmental quality credits is more directly impacted by laboratory operational constraints and regulatory requirements. According to Josh Yacknowitz, PE, LEED AP, Arup, some examples include challenges in getting a high number of energy-conservation credits due to the high fresh air rates and process loads in labs, the utility of doing enhanced commissioning to ensure more robust and better-calibrated MEP systems and difficulty in providing individual thermal and lighting controllability within certain types of open laboratories.
However, to create a sustainable building, the A/E/C firm must consider all aspects–from MEP systems, to lighting, to materials and even the orientation of the building.
Sustainable HVAC/equipment Energy-efficient technologies are focusing on many significant components. There’s an active discussion about appropriate air change rates in wet labs in occupied and unoccupied modes. While safety remains the critical factor, there’s significant data that indicates labs can reduce air change rates and maintain safe environments. Many institutions actively monitor air quality in labs to control air change rates, which has a positive end result on lab energy use.
Demand-controlled ventilation is a common sustainable solution becoming more prevalent in certain lab types where pollutants of concern are well understood. This ventilation strategy uses sensors to monitor spaces for a range of pollutants, allowing minimum air change rates during unoccupied periods to be reduced when pollutant levels are below some threshold value, saving thermal and fan energy related to once-through air. “The use of fast-acting lab-grade airflow control devices and systems has also become more standardized, and has provided the designer with greater latitude to develop tight environmental control schemes and centralized HVAC systems which are right-sized for the peak anticipated loads,” says Yacknowitz.
In addition, heat recovery on both general and lab exhaust is becoming a more common energy-saving technique. “Ways to minimize the air volumes with strategies like setbacks in unoccupied times or sensors that can monitor the air to adjust the flow allows us to have higher air change rates only when needed, rather than ubiquitously as was done in the past,” says Andrea Love, AIA, LEEP AP, Director of Building Science, Payette.
Five years ago, it was revolutionary to put chilled beam heating and cooling in a lab; the concern was that air wasn’t moving through at the necessary exchange rates. Humidity was also a problem with this type of hydronic heating and cooling system early on. Europeans have used chilled beams for over 10 years, but they don’t have the humidity extremes seen in the U.S. However, today, chilled beam technology has become viable in laboratories, as they are a more efficient use of space than air ducts. And active chilled beams are more widely accepted in laboratory spaces where air recirculation is considered safe. Chilled beams save energy in that they reduce the overall fan energy associated with moving air for cooling. And, when compared to typical all-air systems, they enable greater flexibility, reduce energy and increase comfort, all with a rapid ROI, according to Blake Jackson, AIA, LEED AP, Tsoi/Kobus & Associates Inc.
Labs are also shifting towards decoupling ventilation and space-conditioning air because using air for both is expensive, energy intensive and inefficient. “Filtered fume hoods are gaining traction, as they filter room air of contaminants, releasing the clean air directly back into the space,” says Jackson. This significantly reduces exhaust demand, need for dedicated fume hood exhaust and further reduces concern of cross-contamination should enthalpy wheels be utilized.
Heat pumps are also becoming more commercially viable, according Jackson, as they come in an array of shapes and sizes–from small air-source variable-refrigerant flow (VRF) systems up to large-scale ground-coupled heat-recovery chiller plants. “These are more effective than boilers, because instead of turning fuel into heat, they simply transfer heat from one space to another,” says Jackson.
Other HVAC strategies such as enthalpy wheels for high-efficiency thermal transfer rom exhaust air stream to supply air stream; heat-shift chillers for redistribution of waste heat output from high-energy-load zones to other zones in the building; solar energy and geothermal solutions where land area is available to eliminate carbon fuel-based chillers and boilers are also common in today’s labs.
In addition to HVAC items, low-flow and flow-limiting devices on water fixtures are more widely used in laboratories today. Also, various technologies for managing airflow through fume hoods have become more widely accepted, including such measures as zone presence sensors to reduce face velocity when an operator isn’t present, automatic sash closers and constant face velocity flow control, according to Yacknowitz.
Emerging as an important trend is also a focus on integrating utilities and building technologies into adaptive, reusable and flexible spaces for science. “The concept of adaptive labs is of interest to clients who can remain flexible in their programming over time while lowering replacement costs,” says Bill Harris, Practice Leader, Principal, Perkins+Will.
Systemized utility racks allow laboratory personnel to quickly rearrange laboratory benches to address pressing research needs, instead of engaging in costly and wasteful renovations that would have been the only solution a few years ago. “The programming requirements of our clients can change very quickly, and ultimately, the most sustainable solution for addressing evolutions in the workplace is one that doesn’t require new construction, but instead focuses on adaptability to most efficiently meet their goals,” says Harris.
A/E/C firms are also seeing building management systems (BMS) and related controls becoming more sophisticated as they offer technological solutions to reducing energy consumption, both initially and long term, with significant results.
As energy costs rise and laboratories become more air-tight, Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) is also becoming more typical, as the envelope will play a greater role in driving energy consumption. “Several products are available to minimize thermal bridging, and greater QA/QC collaboration on projects yields a better product,” says Jackson.
Let the light shine As lab designers want to make lab spaces more comfortable, they’re addressing features which have historically made laboratories difficult places to work: overly bright light levels and excessive noise. Going back beyond three years, scientists claimed to need 100 footcandles (fc) of light on the bench. The need for energy efficiency has forced the question: Do researchers really need that much light?
The answer, of course, varies from lab to lab, depending on the research conducted. But overall, instead of blanketing a lab with fc, designers use a more targeted design. The new focus is on finding the most efficient combination of task lighting and overhead lighting.
In order to provide an effective and efficient solution, most lab design firms provide ambient (direct/indirect) lighting combined with task lighting at the bench. This approach is a logical means of balancing energy efficiency and visual acuity, as well as the increased emphasis on effective daylighting and the control systems necessary to realize these efficiencies.
Firms have seen an increase in LED light usage. Whereas in the past LEDs were only reserved for “feature lighting due to the high costs, according to Jackson, as their costs continue to fall, LEDs are increasingly being used for ambient lighting, back-of-house lighting and task lighting.
Sustainable materials Overall, labs are searching for ways to customize their spaces without driving up costs. Many vendors are now able to accommodate these needs by working with designers and researchers to create benches and casework that’s mobile, light, adaptable and highly functional at a reasonable cost. Comfort and safety are important in the laboratory environment as well. “Flooring that meets safety standards and is ergonomically supportive is key,” says Jackson. “We specify finishes that will stand up to the intensity of use, are sustainable (VOC free, recycled content) and are going to perform over the life of the building.”
As with most sustainable construction, materials which have low volatile organic compound (VOC) content are becoming preferred. “This mostly impacts adhesive, paint and finish materials specifications,” says Yacknowitz. The use of low ozone-depleting and global warming potential refrigerants in equipment such as chillers, direct-expansion air conditioners, cold rooms, freezers and ice makers are also quite common in laboratory settings.
A/E/C firms have also observed an increased focus on the materials that go into a building’s facade and how they may impact the overall performance. “Things such as thermal breaks to improve the thermal performance, which were hardly considered three years ago, are now becoming more conventional,” says Love. “There has also been an increasing emphasis on how the facade design may impact the building performance, looking at things like how much glass and where should it be to balance between performance, aesthetics, daylight and the connections between occupants and the exterior,” continues Love.
What’s next for sustainable labs? Beyond high-efficiency equipment, sustainable materials and improved technologies, the most important contributor to healthier environment is the end user. “Engaging scientists and staff to be more aware of the material and energy consumption of their own spaces encourages the type of efficient operations that are at the center of sustainable projects and performance,” says Harris. Implementing direct feedback and local control, whether at the lab bench, fume hood or office, helps the individual recognize the importance of their personal behavior in defining sustainable outcomes for their workplaces.
Some standard approaches and benchmarks in determining minimum air change rates in laboratory spaces and within fume hood have led to very energy-intensive HVAC systems. “These rates are often prescriptive, typically set by owner safety management in response to a range of values commonly used in the industry,” says Yacknowitz. “There is an opportunity to employ a risk-based approach to determine these minimum rates on a space-by-space basis, which could lead to a significant downsizing of central HVAC systems and resulting energy use.” A risk-based approach will require rigorous methodologies, and direct involvement by safety, facilities and user groups to be effective. The potential capital and operational savings, as well as overall carbon generation, are potentially huge, according to Yacknowitz.
Resiliency is also an increasingly important consideration in sustainable laboratory design. “Today, the conversation considers ‘one-off’ events: natural disasters, power disruption and more,” says Jackson. “In the future, I project needing to consider how a building adapts to these challenges and to climate change over time.”
Nailor’s matching “ULTRA PLUS” energy recovery module has helped us to take energy savings even further while helping to meet the more stringent LEED® and Municipal energy savings demands. This component provides constant tempered air which not only recovers energy efficiently but also improves indoor air quality (IAQ). It is remotely mounted and connected to the top outside air BTR connection/internal mixing port (interconnecting piping and installation by other). It has been designed to work in conjunction with the Engineered Comfort vertical stack fan coil product offering. The KANAIRE® module was designed SPECIFICALLY for Multi-Unit residential High-Rise buildings in extreme climates and comes with these standard features: Factory set constant ventilation rate with multiple selection for balanced supply and exhaust, high speed intermittent pure exhaust for up to three bathrooms (100 – 200 CFM); super low noise levels, simple remote exhaust activation; balanced flow rates; auto-defrost and non-recirculating; leak proof washable sensible or enthalpic cores; anti-mold and fungus/bacteria protection; three filter options with a unique quick release hanging system; comes in a rugged compact size (19″ x 19″ x 8.5″ high) and it’s NOT affected by wind or stack effect.
Nailor offers a full range of commercial quality air distribution products. Experience has built a solid reputation for design and engineering excellence, performance, flexibility and creativity. Whether the project uses a factory ready product or requires customization, Nailor is capable and ready to provide a complete solution.
We are pleased to announce the addition of the model series 33SZ, Fan Powered Chilled Water Terminal to our already efficient and flexible terminal unit lineup. The 33SZ is a fan powered terminal that includes a cooling induction coil to use in conjunction with a DOAS (dedicated outdoor air system) and is useful in a variety of commercial applications, such as office spaces, classrooms, critical environments and laboratories.
FEATURES
The 33SZ Series is available in both low profile and standard unit heights. Standard EPIC ECM motors provide the quiet, wide turn down ratios and energy efficiency pioneered by Nailor. Similar in overall construction to the standard fan terminal units, features including electric heat, hot water reheat, 2, 4 and 6 row induction chilled water coils, multiple liner options and low profle design, permit the 33SZ series to provide zone sensible cooling while the dedicated primary inlet delivers ventilation and latent cooling.
MATERIAL
Each 33SZ is constructed with heavy gauge galvanized steel and the seemingly small details, like integral drip pans and numerous coil configurations, provide for a reliable, long lasting and flexible product.
20 ga. (1.0) galvanized casing.
Available IAQ liner offerings.
Ultra-energy efficient ECM with solid state EPIC volume controller.
CONSIDER THE FACTS
FPCWT 33SZ Series terminals are constructed with a draw-thru induction chilled water coil.
Benefits:
The unit can be used in a variety of applications ranging from zone sensible cooling, supplemental heating, or even used together with a rooftop AHU to take advantage of economizer modes. Depending on application, the 33SZ provides a universal product in a footprint similar to well established fan powered terminals. Additionally, the ducted discharge can service a larger zone than say, a chilled beam product.
Simplicity:
More versatile than a chilled beam or standard fan powered terminal.
Industry familiar installation and operation.
Effective overhead ventilation control.
Flexibility with reheat and various control schemes.
Quick Design Features:
An ideal cost effective solution for complying with ASHRAE standard 62.1 ventilation requirements.
Designed for use with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS air handler)
Standard and Low-Profile designs with IAQ liner options.
Draw-Thru Induction Coil available in 2, 4 or 6 rows for maximum capacity.
Direct Drive Epic Fan Technology®.
Airflow capacities* of 200-2000 CFM *Capacities are dictated by cabinet size and available options.
Available electric or hot water supplementary heat versions.
Integral condensate drip pan as standard; drain pan optional.
MERV 8 induced air filters; Ductable Filter Rack optional.
Pressure independent primary supply damper with integrated airflow sensor.
Flexibility of diffuser selection allows for better turn-down, aesthetic, performance and cost options.
Versatility of load diversity for both 33SZ and rooftop units, save energy over typical constant volume systems, such as active chilled beam systems.
Nailor has launched the 33 SZ DOAS Box Q boot (Stealth) for use on sensible only fan powered boxes. The Q boot has been especially designed for the most demanding applications where premium quality design and performance characteristics are desired. Utilizing “Stealth” design technology, this DOAS terminal unit has low sound levels that lead the industry.
The Q boot (Stealth) design provides significant reductions in radiated sound levels.
Designing a world-class research facility requires careful planning, right down to the exhaust systems. The Integrative Science Com- plex (ISC) at the Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, is a unique approach to scientific research and technology problem solving, by bring- ing together scientists and researchers with different specialties and disciplines. Because of the nature of the research equipment at ISC, of the two-building ISC facility. Part of his responsibility was the choice of lab- oratory ventilation systems. Since the university’s most recent science building was built, around 1990, a great deal had changed in fume hood exhaust technology. Tepfer came to rely on the experience of Dave Knigh- ton, mechanical engineer on the ISC design project. Knighton had been involved previously on several construction projects there, even the choice of a laboratory workstation exhaust system was critical to the success of the facility. Although the facility was being designed to demanding noise and vibration specifications, ISC laboratory workstations still required venting to the atmosphere, and in such a way that introduced minimal noise and vibration to the new facility or to surrounding buildings. The scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) used in the Univ. of Oregon’s materials science and nanotechnology research efforts, for example, rely on an extremely stable foundation for accurate imaging of microscopic structures and could not tolerate excessive vibration from a workstation exhaust system and still maintain measurement accuracy. In addition, the proximity of the ISC facility to high-use spaces, including other departments and outdoor areas, meant the system had to be quiet.
As planning associate at the Univ. of Oregon, Fred Tepfer is the project planner in charge of the design and had experience with several different types of fume exhaust systems, including mixed-flow impeller exhaust fan systems. The first of the two buildings to be constructed for the new facility represented a particular challenge for an exhaust system, because the building would be located underground between two existing research buildings. In fact, scientists in these other two buildings had voiced concerns that excessive noise and vibration from the new facility could disrupt their operations. Because the new building would be below grade, the exhaust plume would have to reach that much higher to clear the bound- ary layers of the other buildings. The below-grade architecture was necessary for maintaining a noise- and vibration-free environment for using sensitive scientific instruments. Knighton explains, “The only available location was the adjacent Dept. of Neuroscience building. Originally, we were going to locate the exhaust fans directly on the roof of that building, adjacent to a penthouse.” The design team reviewed conventional belt-driven centrifugal exhaust fan installations, but excessive noise ruled out that option. Ultimately, the operational re- quirements were decided by the six SEMs and sensitive photolithography equipment for forming the fine- featured masks of semiconductor devices. Even the smallest amount of vibration can ruin the delicately patterned semiconductor masks.
Mixed-flow impeller technology Direct drive mixed-flow impeller systems operate on a unique principle of diluting contaminated exhaust air with unconditioned, outside ambient air via a by- pass mixing plenum and bypass dampers. The diluted process air is accelerated through an optimized dis- charge nozzle/windband where nearly twice as much additional fresh air is entrained into the exhaust plume before leaving the fan assembly. Additional fresh air is entrained into the exhaust plume after it leaves the fan assembly through natural aspiration. The combination of added mass and high discharge velocity minimizes the risk of contaminated exhaust being re-entrained into building fresh air intakes, doors, windows, or other openings. As an example, a mixed-flow fan moving 80,000 cfm of combined building and bypass air at an exit velocity of 6300 ft/min can send an exhaust air jet plume up to 120 ft high in a 10 mph crosswind. This extremely high velocity exceeds ANSI Z.9.5 Standards by more than twice the minimum recommendation of 3000 FPM. Because up to 170% of free outside air is induced into the exhaust airstream, a substantially greater airflow is possible for a given amount of exhaust providing excellent dilution capabilities and greater effective stack heights over conventional centrifugal fans without additional horsepower. A typical reduction of $.44 per CFM at $.10/kWh provides an approximate two year R.O.I. Energy consumption for mixed flow fans is about 25% lower than conventional centrifugal fans. Mixed-flow systems are designed to operate continuously and direct drive motor bearings can reasonably be expected to last 100,000 hours. The system’s mixed flow wheel make it ideally suited for constant volume or variable air volume (VAV) applications, along with built-in redundancy, and design flexibility. VAV capabilities are achieved via the bypass mixing plenum or by using variable fre- quency drives to provide optimum energy savings.
Installation worries The main 44-in-dia stainless-steel exhaust duct for the new ISC facility runs up a spare shaft for the eleva- tor. Because of the size and capacity of the fans on the roof, there was concern that their vibration might be transmitted through the concrete in the Neuroscience building to the laboratories on the third floor. But those initial concerns appear to be unfounded. “You can stand up there next to the fans and put your hand on them and there’s no vibration,” says Knighton. “Even if they were sitting right on the steel structure, they probably would have been fine.” Along with the low vibration levels, concerns about noise from the fans were also unfounded. As installed, the 44-in-dia stainless-steel duct runs from the roof down through the elevator shaft to the basement ceiling, then turning and running adjacent to the build- ing’s main entryway stairs (which run from the ground level to the basement). Knighton admits that he had more than a few sleep- less nights until the startup of the exhaust fans. “As you come down the stairs you can touch the stainless- steel duct—it’s that close,” he explains. “But all you can hear is a faint airflow noise with up to 17,000 cfm being exhausted through the duct when we tested both fans operating at close to their peak capacity, a high rate that would never be used in the building.” He credits the use of mixed-flow impeller technology. “It has to be directly attributable to these mixed-flow fans. It is remarkable when you consider that we avoided the use of sound attenuators at the fans or in the duct.” By avoiding the use of the sound attenuators, the facility realizes greater efficiency from the exhaust system with resulting lower energy usage than systems employing sound suppression. Two low profile mixed-flow impeller systems (Tri- Stack systems from Strobic Air Corp., Harleysville, Pa.,) were installed with service for multiple laboratories. The success of the installation has brought an unexpected dividend, says Tepfer: “One thing that is interesting about the facility is that it’s attracting interest on the part of the equipment manufacturers; they all want to get their instruments into this space, so they’re ap- proaching us with pretty attractive deals for upgrades and new toys.” —Paul Livingstone
Engineered Comfort offers a full range of commercial quality fan coil products. Experience has built a solid reputation for design and engineering excellence, performance, flexibility and creativity. Whether your project requires a standard or customized design, Engineered Comfort is capable and ready to provide a complete solution.
Having pioneered, in recent years, the introduction of the ultra-energy efficient EC motor to the fan coil market along with the EPIC Fan Technology, we now are pleased to announce the addition of the EZstat Direct Digital Controls (DDC) to our product line.
Features The single component DDC fan coil thermostat, EZstat, has arrived! The EZstat is an all-in-one space mounted fan coil controller ready for standalone or BACnet operation right out of the box. The EZstat includes a wide range of factory configured control sequences for two and four pipe fan coil units. Standalone EZstat operation requires no special programming, software applications, or setup tools to configure and commission. All options can be set by using only the five front panel buttons and the easy- to-read menus in the full color display.
The EZstat possesses a multitude of features and capabilities that make it stand out against its’ competition. • Cost-effective combination of networking, application, and sensor options • Drop-in replacement for most antiquated and bulky competitor’s controllers with separate temperature sensors • Options include two- or four-pipe heating/ cooling, VAV modulating fan control, and two-way On/Off (for heating application, only) or modulating valves. • Auto 2-pipe changeover when used with a mode sensor • Colored backlit display which displays temperatures in either °F or °C.
Consider this The attractive and sleek design is ideal for new installations or upgrades of older, less capable thermostats. BeneFits: • EZstat installation requires only mounting the backplate to a wall or electrical box, connecting wires to screw terminals, and plugging the EZstat into the backplate. • The full color display is easy to read across a room even in bright sunlight. • The EZstat meets or exceeds BACnet® Application Specific Controller (ASC) specifications in the ANSI/ASHRAE BACnet Standard 135-2008. This enables the controller to integrate seamlessly with either a future or existing BACnet BAS network
Approaching a million venturi valves installed worldwide and with a reputation for performance and durability, Phoenix Controls further distances itself from the competition by providing a new standard 5-year warranty on all valve products shipped after January 1, 2014.
The 5-year warranty covers all of Phoenix Controls valves including the Celeris with its 1 second speed of response, the Traccel tracking pair valve, and the Theris extensively used in healthcare applications. In addition to the valve bodies, the warranty covers valve controllers, actuators, and firmware against defects in material and workmanship for a period of sixty (60) months from the date of shipment.
Rich Stakutis, General Manager of Phoenix Controls, says the longer warranty is a “powerful demonstration of confidence” in the valves’ quality. “Our valves have stood the test of time, they are durable and reliable. We have valves that have been installed for 20+ years and are still delivering the same performance today that they did on the day they were installed.”
Phoenix Controls manufactures and markets air control solutions for room pressurization and airflow in critical spaces. The valves are virtually maintenance free and used extensively in wet chemistry labs, healthcare settings, pharmaceutical, and animal holding facilities, For more information please visit www.phoenixcontrols.com.
Phoenix Controls is a business of Honeywell International, Inc. and Phoenix Controls is a registered trademark of Honeywell International, Inc. Phoenix Controls Quality Management System is registered to ISO 9001:2008. Phoenix Controls valves are OSHPD Seismic Certification Preapproved and calibrated on air stations NVLAP Accredited (Lab Code 200992- 0), a program administered by NIST.
Aircuity says clients have asked for Windows 7 upgrades since Microsoft recently discontinued support of the Windows XP operating system. Aircuity is offering a software upgrade, but also explains that their IMS services function as an embedded controller, not a personal computer, so most of the security concerns are unfounded:
Many of the applications on a personal computer that are susceptible to attack by a virus or hackers are simply not installed on the IMS.
Many of the ports that are vulnerable on a PC are closed on the IMS, which significantly reduces these risks
Most importantly, the IMS is not used as an email or a web client, which could provide a means for malicious files to infiltrate the computer
That all said, to be responsive to its clients Aircuity will ship all new equipment with Windows 7 and offers a path for “voluntary upgrades” of existing equipment. Click for the full Aircuity Sales Bulletin or contact your MEG representative to the best path for you and your clients.
Case Study – Baptist Health Lexington:
Product Features:
Less testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) means faster commissioning–Phoenix Controls venturi valves meter flow and don’t measure flow. Devices that measure flow, like a terminal box, must typically be field characterized for the installation condition. Imagine commissioning a new or reconfigured HVAC system by just turning the fans on. TAB is virtually eliminated with venturi valves.
Pandemic Response – Phoenix Controls healthcare systems provide immediate room conversions that contain highly contagious disease and assure the integrity of surrounding spaces and their occupants. Activated by either the BMS or a local wall switch mounted external to the room; Theris Pandemic Mode overrides normal control to achieve negative room pressure, drive return valves to shutoff, increase exhaust, and command supply to a predetermined setting including shutoff. Environmental settings for heating, cooling, auxiliary control, humidity, and other parameters can also be configured and activated when the room converts. If an APM2 is wired into the room, a status banner can be displayed on-screen and an audible alarm sounded to alert healthcare staff and provide live data for pressure, ACH, temperature, and humidity.
With high energy prices and greater consequences for healthcare-associated infections, reliable and effective hospital ventilation is more important today than ever before. The Theris® family of venturi valves is designed specifically for the airflow control needs of hospitals, offering both constant volume (CV) and variable air volume (VAV) systems that are maintenance-free, energy efficient, and provides reliable space pressurization to improve infection control.
embedded controller, not a personal computer, so most of the security concerns are unfounded: