THESIS PROPOSAL

The purpose of the thesis proposal is to summarize the work of the three technical reports and provide a framework for the Temple University Tyler School of Art mechanical systems redesign. The existing mechanical systems of the Tyler School of Art are explained in these reports. The redesign will research improvements that could provide energy efficient and cost effective mechanical design solutions.

INITIAL THESIS PROPOSAL

Depth - The current mechanical system uses a joint variable air volume reheat (VAVR) and constant air volume reheat (CAVR) system. The proposed redesign will use a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) couple with chilled beams. This system allows the sensible and latent loads to be handled separately, which can greatly increase the energy savings and efficiency. The use of energy recovery ventilators (ERV) will also be considered in the redesign.

INITIAL DEPTH CONSIDERATIONS

Breadth 1 - The Tyler School department layouts will be reconsidered in a way to maximize the use of energy recovery. The goal is an energy efficient architectural building layout. The redesign will not eliminate any of the programs and spaces in the present design.

Breadth 2 - A detailed cost estimate will be performed, which will be compared to the original mechanical design. The cost estimate will include a payback period analysis for the energy savings associated with the use of the DOAS/chilled beams coupled system.

INITIAL BREADTH TOPICS

NOTE: As the thesis developed and evolved, the breadth topics were reconsidered. Breadth 2 was still executed in its entirety, but Breadth 1 was altered to an electrical breadth. With the addition and removal of a significant amount of electrical driven mechanical equipment, it made sense to look at the electrical considerations that can then translate into additional first cost savings.