VAV vs. CAV: Right Answers to the Wrong Questions

Gurdaver Singh, P.E., LEED® AP, Gurrmann & Blaevoet Consulting Engineers
  
CAV systems have always been the tradition when choosing ventilation systems for laboratories for years. Recently, VAV systems have increased their popularity as an alternative that improves energy efficiency. VAV vs. CAV, is one better than the other? Is that the right question to ask?

This presentation will provide examination of the pros and cons of each system, identify opportunities and benefits, and give real life examples of modern laboratory design. It will focus on implementation techniques of VAV systems and how to overcome hurdles, challenges, and myths; we will also explore ideas of hybrid versions using mixed mode systems such as natural ventilation, CAV systems with night setback, and chilled beams.

The audience will learn how to choose the appropriate solution based on process needs, client requirements, environmental health and safety issues, as well as sustainability goals.

Biography:

Gurdaver Singh, P.E., LEED AP, brings over 18 years of experience as principal engineer in mechanical and electrical design. Having worked with a large consultancy in the United Kingdom and an award-winning MEP consulting firm with headquarters in San Francisco, Gurdaver's recent experience includes laboratories in both hospital and university/institutional settings for teaching, academic, and clinical research with values over $500 million. A strong proponent of sustainable design, he is familiar with both LEED and BREEAM (UK) sustainable design criteria. Gurdaver has presented the Naraghi Hall of Science at Cleveland State University at Stanislaus, a LEED registered project, at the Labs21 2005 Annual Conference.

He is currently designing a 100,000 square foot biomedical research laboratory facility including a 20,000 square foot vivarium and a potential stem cell research center at University of California at Santa Cruz and the Science and Natural Resources Building for Columbia Community College in California. Gurdaver is a registered mechanical engineer in California, chartered engineer (C.Eng.) in the UK, and a LEED Accredited Professional. He received a Bachelor of Science with Honors in mechanical engineering from Dundee University in the UK.

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