Case Study: Furman University Charles H. Townes Center for Science Michael K. Mantai, PE, CCP President System WorCx
AIA Quality Assurance Learning Objectives 1. Case study example of Chilled Beam technology in laboratory. 2. Issues with phased construction projects. 3. Issues with implementing innovative technologies. 4. Lessons learned in commissioning approach.
Charles H. Townes Center for Science Departments of Biology, Chemistry, EES, Physics 85,000 GSF New; 120,000 GSF Renovation Phase 1: New + Renovation (35%); Phase 2: Renovation (65%) Project Cost: $ 62.3M; Construction Cost: $37.8M (GMP)
Charles H. Townes Center for Science
Charles H. Townes Center for Science New Existing New
Basis of Design Campus chilled water system for cooling Separate loops for chilled beams and AHUs Gas and Electric boilers for heating All pumps on VFDs VAV terminal units with reheat for ventilation to spaces Phoenix laboratory air valves Perimeter ceiling-mounted radiant heaters Radiant floor heating/cooling in Commons and Reading Room
Basis of Design Low-flow fume hoods (50 fpm face velocityconstant volume) 6 Air Changes per Hour occupied 4 ACH unoccupied via occupancy sensors Lighting load 1.2 W/sf Equipment load 6.4 W/sf Ventilation, chilled water, hot water on emergency power (partial capacity)
ENERGY ENERGY WHEEL WHEEL Basis of Design All exhaust (including fume hoods) through energy recovery wheels
Basis of Design Chilled Beams (Active) AIR SUPPLY LOW PROFILE
Basis of Design Condensation Sensors
Basis of Design Radiant Floor Heating/Cooling
Basis of Design Radiant Floor Heating/Cooling
Basis of Design
Design Phase Commissioning Design Reviews Design Development 50% CD 100% CD Team Meetings Integrated Design Team Controls Review Meeting
Contractual Arrangements Design Team A/E in same firm contracted to the University Commissioning Provider Direct contract to the University Construction Manager Selected on qualifications; GMP contract Subcontractors Local; experienced with projects at the University Test and Balance Direct contract to the University
Phasing Phase I Phase II
Phasing Issues Commissioning Plan Test all Systems as if complete Contractor Plan Temporary use; completeness and functionality not a priority Central Equipment New boilers and pumps in Phase II portion of building
Phase I Results Issues Basic coordination not happening Emergency Power system inoperable No heating (outside temperature 95 F, inside temperature 65 F) contaminated new equipment (air handling units, pumps, boilers) Warranties started before performance demonstrated
Coordination?
Emergency Power
Emergency Power
Boiler and Pump Room
Phase II Commissioning Results Issues Exhaust fan capacity Chilled beam condensate sensors Excessive reheat Incomplete items/general responsiveness Controls issues
Exhaust Fan Capacity (typical) Design 16,400 CFM @ 6.0 SP 1824 RPM Future capacity Variable Speed Actual 14,214 CFM @ 5.43 SP Max fan RPM Run at 100%
Exhaust Fan Capacity (typical)
Exhaust Fan Capacity (typical) Design X X Actual
Exhaust Fan Capacity (typical) Corrective Actions Static pressure profile of entire duct runs Replace high loss fittings Remove dampers/filters (temporarily) Correct faulty occupancy sensor relays to allow setback of room exhaust
Chilled Beam Condensate Sensors -Approx. 30% of sensors in alarm -Some sensors painted
Chilled Beam Condensate Sensors Corrective Actions:
Excessive Reheat Ventilation Air 55 F supply air (dehumidification) 6 ACH (minimum) Chilled Beams 60 F chilled water Handle sensible loads
Excessive Reheat Findings Most chilled beam control valves closed Ventilation air terminal units in reheat Ventilation air overcooling rooms Equipment loads significantly less than BOD Corrective actions AHU Supply Air Temperature Reset control Reduce minimum supply air to some rooms
Radiant Floor Heating/Cooling Tested OK Has not operated in heating season Owner has chosen not to operate in cooling season
Summary of Findings >400 issues Many controls issues (sensors, programming, incomplete items) Many items corrected by Owner Most issues outstanding
Lessons Learned/Room for Improvement Fan configuration considerations Load estimations Condensate sensors not needed Energy recovery reheat Hourly contract arrangement reduces time on site? Issues resolution
AIA Quality Assurance Portland Energy Conservation, Inc is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-aia members are available on request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.
Michael K. Mantai, PE, LEED AP, CEM, CCP 704-996-9924, mmantai@systemworcx.com