Technology and Engineering Development (TED) Building

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility

Newport News, VA

David Blum | Mechanical Option | Architectural Engineering | The Pennsylvania State University

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Proposal

Revised Thesis Proposal (1/20/2011)

Proposal

The Thesis Proposal discusses the currently designed mechanical system as well as design alternatives to be studied throughout the Spring 2010 semester.

 

Mechanical Alternative 1: Resizing and Optimizing the Geothermal Well Field

The focus of this alternative is to resize the geothermal system to full load capacity, utilizing the land occupied by a group of trees previously determined off limits.  Additionally, the parameters associated with the geothermal system can be optimized, including pipe size, material, and grout/backfill type.  The benefits associated with this redesign are the elimination of the closed circuit cooler, which includes its associated fan and pump energy, and the possibility of creating cooler operating condenser temperatures for the central heat pumps.

Mechanical Alternative 2: Radiant Slabs with DOAS

This alternative proposes to replace the existing, more traditional, VAV system with radiant slabs coupled with a DOAS system.  This replacement will take place in the first floor work and second floor office spaces. Radiant floors present an interesting opportunity for the examination of slab thermal storage; where the thermal capacitance of the concrete floor slab can be used to shift and shave central plant cooling and heating loads. A study of humidity in the building is also warranted by the effective humidity control required when using radiant systems.

Breadth 1: Construction Process

Geothermal well fields are often dismissed by building owners due to a high cost and time of installment.  Enlarging the field currently utilized by the TED will have a significant effect on the existing construction schedule and cost.  Additionally, laying radiant system piping into the concrete will affect the cost and time needed to pour these slabs.  An analysis must be completed on how both of these changes would affect the TED construction schedule and associated costs.

Breadth 2: Structural Impact

Converting currently designed floor slabs into radiant thermal slabs will have an effect on the structural integrity of the slabs as well as the dead load created by the slabs.  An analysis must be completed on the effect of thermal expansion and contraction during heating and cooling of the slab. Additionally, the added weight of water and piping running through the slab could increase its dead load on the supporting structure.  An analysis must be completed on the effect of this on supporting members.

 

 

The Revised Thesis Proposal (1/20/2011) includes changes and examinations suggested by the faculty.

Further examinations were performed on geothermal loop types and radiant slab optimization techniques.

Breadth 2 was changed from analyzing the radiant slab's impact on the supporting structure to analyzing the impact on the electrical system as described below.

Updated Breadth 2: Electrical System Impact Analysis

Converting currently designed floor slabs into radiant thermal slabs should have a significant effect on the size of the electrical system.  By addressing a portion of the sensible load in each space the radiant slab is applied, less conditioned air will need to be supplied to each space; a change that can drastically reduce the associated fan power.  Additionally, a lesser quantity of air to condition will require a lesser amount of chilled water and lower distribution pump power.  The use of the thermal capacitance of the slab will allow peak cooling or heating demand to be shaved and distributed more evenly throughout the day; lessening the total electrical load of the HVAC system.  An analysis of the electrical system loads will be done to properly resize important components such as transformers, main panels, breakers, and conduit.

 

 

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‐inprogress
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 Blum. 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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This page was last updated on 1/20/2011, by David Blum and is hosted by the AE Department ©2010