| 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 Daniel Saxton. 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. |
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Dan Saxton's Thesis Proposal
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This is a proposal of alternative systems in relation to the mechanical system design as well as two additional breadth topics. The main areas to be studied will be radiant heated and cooled flooring for the ground floor, and the study of natural ventilation capabilities.
(The Revised Proposal involves the eliminiation of the passive solar design study in favor of exploring radiant cooled flooring, as well as a change in the second breadth from Architectural to Acoustical analysis, and the updated Acoustical breadth description is listed below)
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Mechanical Depth
Proposal
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It is proposed that radiant heating and radiant cooling will provide needed relief for the building loads in the STEM Center, which lies in a moderate climate. These techniques should aid in the lowering of operating utility costs as well as energy usage and subsequent harmful emissions. Natural ventilation is suggested to be an improvement of the already excellent building sustainability and quality. Study of natural ventilation techniques will include analysis in the way of computational fluid dynamics.
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Construction Breadth
Proposal |
With the use of radiant heated flooring, the construction implications will be assessed as a breadth analysis. This will include modification of floor insulation and construction processes. Upon completion of all of these areas, a full life cycle cost analysis will be performed to assess the overall financial effects of the proposed systems.
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Acoustical Breadth
Proposal |
As an addtional breadth analysis, the acoustics of the current and proposed mechanical systems will be studied to see the acoustical effects of the proposed changes on this educational building. With the decreased buildingload through the implementation of the aforementioned mechanical systems, there is potential for acoustical improvement.
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MAE Proposal |
In regards to naturally ventilating the STEM Center, a full study of the wind and fluid dynamics of the site and surrounding buildings will need to be conducted to ensure its effectiveness. Knowledge and methods learned through masters-level coursework in AE 559 Computational Fluid Dynamics will allow for an accurate study. Additionally, the in-depth knowledge of heating concepts in AE 558 Centralized Heating Systems and AE 557 Centralized Cooling Systems
will be utilized in the analysis of implementing alternative heating systems 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 explanation of this capstone design course and its requirements click here.
Senior Thesis Main Page | Penn State | PSU AE | AE Computer Labs | Contact Dan
This page was last updated on 4/19/11 by Daniel A. Saxton and is hosted by the AE Department ©2010 |
