Utilizing Energy Recovery and Optimizing Air Exchange Rates in Laboratory Buildings to Achieve Optimal Energy and Air Quality Results
John Swift, P.E., CEM, LEED AP®, Cannon Design
During this presentation, the speaker will share information on the effort to design systems that conserve energy and are both environmentally conscious and cost effective, by incorporating active chilled beams with a centralized desiccant wheel energy recovery air handling system into the design of multiple laboratory building projects. This system is proposed to serve all of the occupied spaces in flexible and adaptable laboratory buildings, with the exception of the vivarium and the utility rooms.
The speaker will discuss the positive energy reduction impact of reducing air changes in laboratory spaces while maintaining safe and healthy indoor air quality levels for the building occupants.
The speaker will review such design concepts as:
- 12 air changes per hour (ACH) as a base line.
- Six ACH as an alternative maximum air exchange rate.
- A minimum air exchange rate of two ACH.
It is important to note that published air exchange rate standards are guidelines for general laboratory areas, and that there are no ACH codes that require a minimum ACH rate. In fact, current best design and operating practices for modern-day laboratories recognize that the number of ACH has little to do with occupant safety and research effectiveness.
The speaker will present theoretical analyses utilizing computational fluid dynamics software, as well as a case study for a specific project (a large biotechnology laboratory building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) as part of the findings. The speaker will incorporate the use of a dynamic air monitoring system to control air exchange rates while optimizing air quality into the study. High efficiency filters will be utilized, as well as chilled beams to deal with high sensible heat loads.
The presenter will look to prove that the proposed dynamic air monitoring system with once-through air utilizing minimum efficiency recording value 16 filters and delivered to the laboratory spaces at a maximum rate of six ACH (occupied) and two ACH (unoccupied) will provide a laboratory facility with:
- A state-of-the-art system that is safe, healthy, and effective.
- Optimal thermal comfort and air quality.
- Controlled space pressurization based on fume hood usage and pollutant control.
- 30+ percent energy savings.
- Flexibility for future iterations of space planning and equipment concentrations.
- Optimized construction costs by reducing air handling unit sizes, duct sizes, shaft sizes, and penthouse sizes throughout the building.
Biography:
John Swift's total commitment to an integrated design process and sustainable strategies make him a national leader in the design of high-performance laboratory environments. Mr. Swift focuses on the optimization of occupant comfort while minimizing energy and water usage by supporting his architectural colleagues in achieving the clients' visions for their facilities.
Mr. Swift is leading the charge in addressing the major water shortages around the globe through his work as the chair of the proposed ASHRAE Standard for Water Efficiency in Buildings. Mr. Swift is also the vice-chair of ASHRAE Technical Committee 2.8 Building Environmental Impacts and Sustainability, and is the senior editor of the ASHRAE Green Guide.
Mr. Swift recently served on Governor Patrick's Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force, and was an original contributor to the development of the Labs21 Environmental Performance Criteria guidelines.