462 First Avenue New York, NY 10016 David Sivin - Mechanical Option
Proposal
This thesis provides an overview, critique and proposed redesign of the mechanical systems of the Bellevue Ambulatory Care Pavilion. The current central cooling system includes an older but refurbished centrifugal chiller plant; the proposed redesigned system will include a local absorption chiller plant. The current central heating system taps high pressure steam from a main municipal line; the proposed redesigned system will include a local boiler plant. The feasibility, energy and cost savings of this redesign will be assesed.
To fulfill the M.A.E. requirements for this thesis, parametric studies through computer software (EES) will be peformed for the new absorption chiller plant. These studies will yield kw/ton profiles according to varying generator temperatures and tonnages. Similar studies were pursued in AE 557 (Central Cooling Systems) for single-stage absorption chillers.
Architectural Breadth
A proposed redesign of this entrance lobby would relocate the swing and revolving doors while reworking the orientation of the short stairways and ramps into the open atrium to ensure smooth occupant flow. Through this redesign, a new layout can minimize open-door time, which should reduce air infiltration and exfiltration. By using computational fluid dynamics software (Fluent), the behavior of the indoor air can be determined and minimum air loss can be verified. In addition, Autodesk Revit will help provide renderings and models of the new entrance lobby appearance.
Structural Breadth
The absorption chiller plant and condenser boiler plant will affect the total load on their respective floor structures. While adding more equipment will call for a stronger structural layout, other types of structural systems which use less steel for more loads can be utilized. Hand calculations and computer simulations through RAM (structural engineering software) will help model the modified structural system for this area of the building. Also, additional research of optimum structural systems will help determine how to minimize the cost of this redesign.
However, in the case that the relocated equipment is on a slab on grade or foundation level, the structural changes will be minimal. Therefore, an alternative lighting breadth will be pursued.
Lighting Breadth (Alternative)
In the case that the structural breadth is determined inadequate, an alternative lighting breadth will be pursued. Designing a new architectural layout for the entrance lobby will likely call for a revised lighting scheme. Through computer renderings, an optimum lighting distribution plan can be designed. Also, selecting more energy efficient equipment (bulbs, ballasts, luminaires, etc.) will hopefully end up reducing initial and/or operational costs for the building.
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The Capstone Project Electronic Portfolio (CPEP) is a web-based project and information center. It contains material produced for a year-long senior thesis class. Its purpose, in addition to providing central storage of individual assignments, is to foster communication and collaboration between student, faculty consultant, course instructors, and industry consultants. This website is dedicated to the research and analysis conducted via guidelines provided by the department of architectural engineering. For an explantion of this capstone design course and its requirements, click here.
Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of cpep, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of David Sivin. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design. This page was last updated on 11/26/08.