Watt's Right in Laboratory MEP Design

Joseph DelPozzo, LEED® AP, WSP Flack + Kurtz
Sam Pinto, Van Andel Institute

Often engineers begin a project by implementing standard energy-efficient strategies in the HVAC system concepts and utilizing an established ASHRAE lighting and power load density design criteria. At the recently completed Van Andel Institute Phase II project, WSP Flack+Kurtz had a unique opportunity to go beyond the standard design features by utilizing an existing, fully operational, seven-year-old research facility as a "real" basis of design. With the help of the owner, the team used the Phase I building as a performance model to study and assist in developing, improving, and right sizing the HVAC and electrical systems for Phase II.

These comprehensive studies not only provided significant energy savings, but provided an opportunity to effectively minimize space and capital costs for major HVAC and electrical equipment for the 240,000-square-foot Phase II expansion. A few of the performance measures taken were: to monitor the electrical consumption of specific laboratory spaces to trend plug loads and understand peak load estimates; to review the onsite steam plant and the implementation of condensate heat recovery; and to optimize the new chiller plant. The use of measured Phase I data offered an opportunity to solidify the load calculations by utilizing a source of energy efficiency that is typically not used. This data resulted in significant savings in infrastructure distribution and was an approach of right-sizing that was embraced by a highly motivated owner who had been an advocate of energy-conscious designs.

Although obtaining LEED certification was a project goal, the objective was to achieve it with sustainable features that made sense and were right for the long-term. Many opportunities were created along the way by investigating the existing Phase I building and exploring the possibilities to improve and enhance the energy performance in the design of Phase II systems. Additional sustainable features adopted for Phase II were: the use of triple pane insulated glass with low-emittance; shades; low albedo roof coverings and green roofs; photovoltaics; day lighting controls; intelligent building controls; and commissioning. These technologies, along with the right-sizing approach, enabled a true optimal delivery of the HVAC and electrical systems.

Our presentation will provide analytical results from the plug load studies, which cascaded into equipment and energy savings by understanding peak loads while avoiding equipment oversizing and its inherent inefficiencies of part load operation. The energy saving benefits of utilizing real data will be highlighted by lower motor horsepower and the reduction of laboratory air loads, which minimized the chiller and heating infrastructure.

Biographies:

Joseph DelPozzo is a senior vice president with WSP Flack + Kurtz and is an extremely motivated electrical engineer whose primary responsibility is the design and management of building engineering systems. His value-conscious designs are based on early communication with the entire design team to develop creative system concepts that respond to the owner's and architectural goals of the project.

Mr. DelPozzo is the single point source for communicating with the design team. His knowledge of many mechanical system requirements allows him to represent all disciplines and enhances his ability to develop integrated building design concepts. As project manager, he is responsible for maintaining a high level of sustainability and cost control for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, while ensuring that all documentation maintains established quality control procedures.

Mr. DelPozzo was the project manager and has applied his expertise to several significant science and technology project types, including the Van Andel Institute II, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and the award winning Michael F. Price Center at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

He is also certified by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions; is a LEED Accredited Professional; a member of IEEE & IESNA; and is a licensed PE in three states.

Sam Pinto, ASHRAE, AEE, IFMA, and NFPA, is the facilities director at the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who manages a staff of 25 engineers, supervisors, and coordinators. He has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University and has 25 years experience in managing, operating, and directing science and technology facilities. His recent experience has been the development, implementation, and construction of the newly completed LEED Gold 240,000-square-foot expansion at Van Andel Institute, which included being the liaison between the design team and the owner. Mr. Pinto has been highly successful in exploring and implementing a variety of energy conservation measures specifically in HVAC systems, lighting systems, and intelligent building control systems.