Implementation of Low-Flow Fume Hood Conversion
Robert Bucey, P.E., CEM, LEED AP®, Jacobs Engineering
This presentation will be delivered as a case study that demonstrates the results of an energy conservation/retro-commissioning program that was implemented at Children's Hospital Boston, one of the largest pediatric medical centers in the United States, with over 4 million square feet of space and 8,500 employees. The focus will be on the conversion of 90 existing traditional fume hoods to "low flow" type utilizing "conversion kits" that afford a reduction in exhaust airflow of 50 percent or more, while meeting or exceeding the containment requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110.
As part of an ongoing initiative, Children's Hospital identified a need to further reduce its utility expenditures by reducing energy consumption. Having more than 800,000 square feet of clinical research space at its Longwood Avenue Campus, laboratories became the initial focus of the program. This was then followed by several specific clinical areas.
One of the primary challenges, as all of the "low-hanging fruit" was picked, was to identify energy conservation measures that could be implemented in a phased manner while maintaining business continuity and not disrupting an already stretched operational staff.
The result of the energy study portion of the program was a prioritized list of capital projects that would achieve significant energy savings and could be implemented utilizing a phased approach. The primary energy conservation measure that was implemented involved the conversion of 90 fume hoods from conventional hoods to "low-flow" type. The process included the installation of a "conversion kit" that was able to reduce the fume hood exhaust requirements by more than 50 percent while maintaining all of the required containment qualities. All of the hoods were performance tested in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110. Many controls modifications were made in conjunction with the fume hood modifications, including air exchange reduction during unoccupied periods.
A key element to the success of this project was having access to the entire operational staff as well as obtaining "buy in" from the research community and the environmental health and safety personnel prior to implementation of the proposed energy conservation measures.
The outcome of the program is the successful implementation of unique energy conservation measures. This program not only provided means to reduce energy consumption; it facilitated repairs and upgrades to the building automation system as well as increased the level of awareness around laboratory and fume hood safety.
Biography:
Robert Bucey is a regional manager for Jacobs Engineering' s national commissioning practice. His more than 18 years experience includes overall program and project management for energy, commissioning, and design projects, with particular focus in the health care, research, data center, and federal/U.S. Department of Defense market sectors.