The Cost of Directional Airflow

Victoria Herman, Merrick & Company
Joby Evans, Merrick & Company

Many laboratories need directional airflow. There are two rules of thumb for determining how much: (1) percentage of total ventilation, or (2) a fixed volume per door. There is a lot of math behind each of these approaches, but what's often ignored is the difference in costs.

A practical tipping point exists between these two strategies, and it's bound by several factors. Sensor error and system stability are notable examples. In the end, it's energy that drives the debate. How can we leverage design and technology to deliver more efficient operations? Further, how can we reduce construction costs in the process?

In this presentation I'll use a combination of large open labs, small procedure rooms, and vivaria as case studies. These represent a range of containment levels and control strategies. Since these labs use 100% outside air, it's important to capture every opportunity for savings. I will present each scenario under both design philosophy and will show the difference in costs.

Learning Objectives

  • Participants will be able to determine appropriate strategies for maintaining directional airflow.
  • Participants will be able to assess opportunities for savings in existing facilities.
  • Participants will be able to specify the proper criteria for determining directional airflow in dynamic and flexible operations.

Biography:

Victoria Herman, PE, LEED AP BD+C has over six years of experience in mechanical engineering for government and commercial facilities for new and rehabilitation projects.  She has significant experience in the design of sustainable mechanical systems that meet LEED requirements and has a broad knowledge of the LEED certification process. She has extensive experience in calculating building heating and cooling loads, duct sizing and design, and energy modeling for sustainable projects. She has worked on over twenty successful LEED design projects and managed the LEED coordination for several of the project teams.

John B. (Joby) Evans, Jr., PE, CAC, CxA, CBCP, CEM, LEED BD+C

Joby has over 30 years in facilities commissioning, engineering, and energy management. He is proficient in commissioning high containment facilities, analyzing the interaction between designs and energy consumption in commercial and industrial facilities and has extensive experience in building commissioning and system design and coordination. He has performed re-commissioning and retro-commissioning on many facilities.

 

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