Case Study: Beyond VAV—The Next Generation of High-Performance Laboratory Designs
Gurdaver Singh, LEED® AP, Guttmann & Blaevoet Consulting Engineers
For decades, constant air volume (CAV) systems have been the traditional system choice for laboratories. Recently, variable air volume (VAV) systems have increased in popularity as a result of growing concern for energy efficiency. What else is pushing the envelope to improve energy efficiency in laboratories?
The Biomedical Sciences Building at the University of California, Santa Cruz will be home to the latest generation of interdisciplinary research laboratory spaces for bimolecular engineering, including stem cell research and a vivarium.
Our presentation will identify opportunities and benefits, and provide real-life examples of techniques used to maximize energy efficiency for the modern day laboratory.
We will focus on implementation techniques of VAV systems and how to overcome hurdles, challenges, and myths. We will also explore ideas of hybrid designs using mixed mode systems including natural ventilation, CAV systems with night setback, CFD analysis to minimize air change rates, chilled beams to minimize reheat, and the use of purge ventilation when required.
We will also discuss good sustainable design practices that have been implemented for the facility, such as low pressure drop ductwork, selection criteria for the air handling units (AHUs) and exhaust fans, variable speed pumping, lighting controls, and daylighting.
We will provide examination of the pros/cons of each system and the decisions made during design.
We will describe the BIM process that the design team, owner, and contractor went through to ensure a fast track construction period. We will illustrate the benefits of providing a BIM model for laboratories.
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 is a principal at Guttmann & Blaevoet, a certified green business and an award-winning mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering firm serving universities and colleges in California. Mr. Singh is currently designing teaching, academic, research, and clinical spaces for higher education clients with total values over $200 million, including the Biomedical Research Laboratory Building at the University of California, Santa Cruz. A frequent contributor at national and regional conferences and seminars, Mr. Singh has previously presented at the Labs21 Annual Conference in 2005 and 2008, and the This Way to Sustainability conference in 2008. He also taught a HVAC 101 class for the University of California, Davis in 2008. He is a registered mechanical engineer in California and a LEED Accredited Professional.