Realities in the Application of Chilled Beams to Laboratory Design

Bruce McLay, P.E., LEED® AP, and Geoff McMahon, P.E., LEED AP, Affiliated Engineers NW, Inc.

Beyond the buzz surrounding chilled beams, a number of practical design considerations emerge as chilled beam based laboratory designs progress. The marketplace is beginning to embrace the use of chilled beams in the lab environment. As with the evolution of any technology, unforeseen challenges and opportunities emerge, making thorough assessment of initial applications all the more critical.

This paper will discuss these practical considerations under the following broad categories:

• Analysis - Challenges and opportunities in accurately assessing benefits of this technology with existing tools.
• Performance Assessment - Discussion of available tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system configuration.
• Permitting - Issues and strategies for energy code compliance.
• Architectural Impacts - Opportunities for improved building efficiency and challenges in coordination.
• Mechanical Design Impacts - Rethinking standard practices to optimize the chilled beam system.
• Procurement - Discussion of the realities of the chilled beam marketplace in the U.S.
• Operations and Maintenance - Discussion of chilled beam operating benefits and challenges.
  

Labs21 Connection:

From 2005 to 2006, chilled beams have gone from auspicious sustainable technology to first major lab applications in the U.S. The process of reconciling a new technology with the realities of payback, coordination, integration and operation will set the course of that technology's future viability. AEI offers firsthand experience from several projects. As these designs have progressed, some preconceptions about chilled beam designs have proven to be different than envisioned, while others have been true to the original concept. Ultimately, many hidden benefits of chilled beams are prominent in their successful implementation.

Biographies:

Bruce A. McLay, P.E., LEED AP, received his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. His professional affiliations include ASHRAE and AEE.

At Affiliated Engineers NW, Inc., Mr. McLay has served as mechanical project engineer and project manager on a number of our most technically complex facilities. His experience, spanning both new construction and renovation, includes HVAC systems design, central heating and cooling plants, utility distribution, energy management controls, and airside designs.

Mr. McLay has extensive research facility experience which encompasses both basic and applied research, animal holding, containment, and the design for requisite support utilities. His experience includes mechanical design with laminar flow, close control of humidity and temperature, supply and exhaust filtering, and special attention to air pressure balance and control.

Mr. McLay has served as a lead engineer for projects at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Amgen Corporation, Chiron Corporation, and Genentech.

Geoffrey P. McMahon, P.E., LEED AP, received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. His professional affiliations include ASHRAE.

Mr. McMahon's experience and engineering expertise are in the areas of management, analysis, and design of mechanical, electrical, and piping systems for functionally driven facilities. His background includes all phases of mechanical, electrical, and piping systems' development from conceptual design through layout and construction supervision.

Mr. McMahon has a strong understanding of the key issues involved in the design of technically driven facilities. He has led numerous teams in the master planning, programming, and design of mechanical, electrical, and piping systems for research and development and health care facility projects.

Mr. McMahon has worked on numerous laboratory projects for clients such as the National Institutes of Health, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Amgen Corporation, Chiron Corporation, and Genentech.

Back to the Agenda