Thesis Proposal
The project proposal includes a description of the current systems, as well as a proposed re-design. The re-design includes changing over to an active chilled beam system with the incorperation of a thermal storage system. The active chilled beam system was chosen to limit possible contamination of adjacent spaces due to air quality issues. The thermal storage system will be design to help offset the heating and cooling costs of the building. Both passive and active system will be compared to find the most effective system.
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Updated Mechanical Project Proposal
Mechanical Project Proposal
Executive summary
Breadth Topics
Daylighting
Daylighting was the original breadth topic considered. Several different aspects would be considered in a daylight study. Currently the building has daylight harvesting sensors and programmed dimmers in order to minimize the electric light usage. However, the quality and quantity of available daylight is questionable. From studies in AE 565 (daylighting) the use of daylight in a space is very specific. There must be a minimum level at the task plane, there cannot be direct sunlight in the space, too much daylight could also have an impact on the HVAC equipment. Modeling the building and running daylight simulation would be an appropriate breadth topic. This would provide the necessary information regarding whether there is enough available daylight given the site location and building orientation to justify the additional expenses of daylight sensors and dimming systems. Possible redesigns might include modifying the existing system by rewiring luminaires, removing some sensors in locations were dimming is not an option, incorporating shades/louvers, or even changing the glazing type/layout to increase the efficiency/quality of daylight entering the space. Two references, one regarding daylight quality and lighting techniques and the other discussing the effect daylight has on HVAC systems are included in the references.
Acoustics
Acoustics are an important part of any design, especially in a school. For a second breadth topic an evaluation of the individual classrooms and labs from an acoustical perspective would be appropriate. This would include evaluating the reverberation times, checking the NC ratings for the HVAC equipment, and checking the transmission loss through the walls to adjacent spaces. Possible redesigns could include changing the materials in the rooms, changing the room layout, or changing the wall constructions.
MAE
For my master level research I will include topics from two class: AE 565 and AE 557. AE 565 includes knowledge to help complete the daylighting breadth as described above. From AE 557 I plan to include a thermal energy storage system. I will evaluate which system will be the most appropriate for the location and use of the building and complete an economic analysis to see if it will be cost effective to include in a re-design. |
