Perimeter Heating Requirements and Approaches in the Laboratory Environment

David W. Madigan, vanZelm Heywood & Shadford, Inc.
Daniel M. Arons, Tsoi Kobus & Associates, Inc.

Objectives:

Laboratories present unique challenges in terms of maintaining proper environments for occupants while also satisfying ventilation and heat rejection requirements. When occupants work adjacent to exterior walls/ windows, there is often a need (perceived or real) for dedicated perimeter heat, even though the overall space requires cooling. The installation of a dedicated perimeter heating system involves first cost/resource issues, environmental comfort issues and energy use issues. There exists no clear methodology for determining when and how perimeter heat should be provided to best satisfy the competing priorities of environmental comfort and capital cost/energy use. This paper examines the qualitative issues which affect the need for perimeter heating in labs and develops a quantitative methodology to assess this need based on a parametric analysis. In addition, various approaches for perimeter heating will be examined to suggest which best satisfy environmental, first cost, and operational goals.

Findings:

This paper will examine the various factors which effect the need for perimeter heat in laboratories including:

- Laboratory Space Planning
- Climate and Ambient Conditions
- Exterior Wall and Glazing Efficiency
- Laboratory Heat Loads
- Laboratory Air Distribution
- Occupant Comfort Factors
- Daylighting and direct radiation issues

The effect of each of these factors on the need for perimeter heat will be examined on a qualitative basis. A quantitative methodology for assessing the impact of each of these variables will be presented in order to provide a tool to support the decision making process. Using the approach developed, models of a number of typical scenarios will presented. Based on the range of scenarios modeled, general guidelines will be developed for when perimeter heat should be provided.

In addition, the effect of three different perimeter heating approaches: Overhead air based, perimeter convective, and radiant ceiling panels will be reviewed with regard to their use in the laboratory environment and their effect on occupant comfort and energy use.

In conclusion, some general recommendations on how to deal with this issue as part of an integrated laboratory design process will be presented.

Labs21 Connection:

Seeking to develop a methodology for the application of perimeter heating technologies in modern, high-performance laboratories, this presentation will discuss the impact of system selection and application in the following areas which are primary to the Labs21 Approach:

- Optimization of facility energy use
- Controllability of systems for occupant comfort
- Reduction in the use of materials and resources

This topic is consistent with the practice of developing integrated design approaches that take into account the impact of various programming, construction material selection, operation, and environmental system selection in the overall laboratory design process. Our objective is to utilize life-cycle cost analysis techniques, comprehensive energy modeling, and a whole building/ facility viewpoint as references to make qualitative and environmentally conscious decisions in this area.

Avoiding the inefficiencies of overly conservative design, this presentation will lay out a methodology by which design professionals, facility managers, and planners may logically evaluate the need for perimeter heating systems in high-performance laboratories.

Biographies:

Dave Madigan, P.E., is a principal of vanZelm Heywood Shadford Inc. of West Hartford, CT, vanZelm is a 90-person mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm that specializes in many areas of design including hospital/healthcare, college & university, pharmaceutical, public and private schools and industrial. Dave received his B.C.E. in Civil Engineering from Villanova University in 1981, and an MS in Energy Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1984.

A LEED™ 2.0 accredited professional and frequent speaker on sustainable design, Dave has worked on numerous projects with sustainable design objectives, of particular note is Dave's experience in the design and planning of high efficiency, sustainable laboratory facilities.

Examples of science center and laboratory projects that Dave has managed can be found at Amherst College, Cornell University, Yale University, and University of Connecticut. Dave has recently completed a sustainable focused utilities master plan for the new science and engineering complex at Smith College, and is the principal-in-charge for the new biology center at Clark University, which is being designed for LEED™ certification.

Dan Arons, Tsoi Kobus & Associates, Inc. leading expert in sustainable design, is an accomplished project architect and project manager of complex renovation and new construction projects for institutional, corporate, and R&D clients. He is a meticulous and thorough team leader with the ability to coordinate extensive information and large multi-disciplinary project teams.

Dan consults to universities, developers, and other clients on sustainable building practices, policies, and project implementation. He has presented at national and international conferences on such topics as energy efficient building design for cold climates, campus guidelines for green buildings, and advanced building facades. Dan also teaches design with an emphasis on innovative construction technology and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Prior to joining TK&A, Dan worked for Payette Associates in Boston, where he led major institutional and urban design projects, including fee negotiation, client contact, budget and schedule control, bidding and construction administration, and coordination of in-house engineering staff and outside consultants.