Benefits of Integrated Control Systems: Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY

Eric J. Lindstrom, PE, Cannon Design
Walter A. Pangborn, Ph.D., Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute

Today's laboratory facilities incorporate numerous control systems that provide or enhance critical functions such as life safety, energy conservation, alarm management, and security. Examples of control systems for laboratories can include:

• Temperature and Humidity Control
• Laboratory Airflow
• Alarm Management
• Fire Alarm/Detection/Suppression
• Access Control
• Security
• Closed Circuit TV
• Normal, Life Safety, and Standby Power Monitoring

This presentation will explore how laboratory facilities can significantly benefit by sharing information between such systems. Traditional facilities often implement control systems as separate entities, each with its own infrastructure, installer, and post-occupancy service. This can result in buildings that are more difficult and expensive to operate on a life cycle cost basis. More importantly, the control systems as a whole are not utilized to their maximum potential.

For its new research headquarters, the Hauptman-Woodward Institute (HWI) demanded a building of "world class" caliber—not an idle term for an institution led by a Nobel laureate. A gateway to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, this 72,000 square foot, $21.5 million building, and its systems, mirror the institution's commitment to innovation and the leading-edge research it pursues.

In HWI's facility, opened in March 2005, all control systems operate under a common web-based platform, allowing for simultaneous communication between systems. For example, access control devices directly communicate with laboratory airflow devices, allowing for reduced ventilation levels during unoccupied periods. Power monitoring devices communicate with the HVAC equipment to limit electrical demand. Optimization potential is virtually limitless.

HWI's primary objectives for integrating control systems are to minimize both energy consumption and maintenance costs over the life of the building. In recognition of its energy efficient systems and control strategies, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) authorized a $400,000 incentive grant, the maximum achievable under its program.

Labs21 Connection:

This team collaborated with NYSERDA early in the design process to model the effectiveness of proposed energy saving measures. Appropriate measures were incorporated based on cost benefit, and integrated as part of the building design. As a final step, the laboratory HVAC and control systems were commissioned to assure design intent.

The A/E/CM team also collaborated with the local contracting community to assure maximum potential of the integrated system. During the design process, they hosted all vendors of individual systems for a roundtable work session, discovering synergies between individual control systems. The team also allowed all vendors to comment on draft specifications, assuring an open process. All control systems were subsequently bid under one contract, requiring single source responsibility for the integrated system.

Although the focus of the presentation will be on the building's control systems, it will also note several other sustainable attributes. The laboratory block is completely surrounded by semitransparent-channeled glass that maximizes natural daylight. Conventional windows punctuate the north and atrium facades, allowing views out. HVAC systems utilize variable air volume supply and exhaust to reduce airflow during low load and unoccupied periods. A glycol run-around loop recovers heat from exhaust air and pre-conditions ventilation air.

Biographies:

Eric J. Lindstrom, PE, LEED™ is one of Cannon Design's leading authorities on sustainable design. Mr. Lindstrom is knowledgeable in the design and function of mechanical systems for facilities that demand environmentally responsible solutions. He conducts in-house seminars in "green" education, facilitates LEED™ certification efforts, and coordinates firm activities with the U.S. Green Building Council, which administers the LEED™ program.

Mr. Lindstrom's skills include all aspects of the design of mechanical engineering systems—from central heating and cooling plants to distribution, control, and integrated systems analysis. He has applied these skills on projects of all types and in a wide variety of laboratory types including colleges and universities, research facilities, government, and healthcare facilities. Mr. Lindstrom designed the mechanical systems for recently completed Hauptman Woodward Institute's new research facility in Buffalo, NY.

Mr. Lindstrom holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering from Penn State University and is registered in New York State. He is also Past President of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Niagara Frontier Chapter (ASHRAE), and is LEED™ Accredited.

Walter A. Pangborn, Ph.D. has been a Research Scientist and Head of the X-ray Diffraction Laboratories at the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute (HWI) since 1977. In 2001, Dr. Pangborn was named Associate Professor in the newly formed UB Department of Structural Biology and Executive Vice President of the Institute.

In his role of Executive Vice President, Dr. Pangborn has taken on many administrative responsibilities including overseeing HWI's new building project. He played a vital role in the construction of our new Structural Biology Research Center dealing with the architects, contractors, interior designers, and building maintenance. He continues to manage all aspects of building operation.

As an Associate Professor, Dr. Pangborn has been actively involved in curriculum development for this new Department of Structural Biology. In his role as teacher, he is currently training graduate students in x-ray diffraction methods and techniques as well as on-site data collection at various synchrotron facilities around the country. This role extends as a mentor to high school and college students who participate in HWI's summer internship program.

As an expert in x-ray diffraction analysis, Dr. Pangborn has served on over 50 different research initiatives, collaborating with over 60 individuals from institutions around the world such as Laval University in Quebec, Indiana University, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute in Russia, Karolinska Institute in Sweden, St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Tennessee, and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. This research has encompassed various areas including devices and protocols for crystal growth, protein electrostatics, and structural studies for proteins and steroids related to many diseases such as AIDS, cancer, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and Polycystic Kidney Disease. This work has earned him recognition in over 80 papers, 125 abstracts, and 6 book chapters.

Back to the Agenda