Hits: 0
Mechanical and Electrical Construction Discussion Question 3
Respond to the following e-mail.
Dear Project Manager-
I have some exciting news that may change the direction of the project drastically. We have secured funds from a new investor that will allow us to expand our campus much sooner then we initially thought. The HVAC design currently uses baseboard electric heaters around the perimeter, with a central forced-air heating and cooling system in the office space. The lab space design involves a 3 pipe hydronic piping system using gas fired boilers and electric chillers to produce heating and cooling. Considering we now plan to begin design on three more buildings immediately with the intention of having them all constructed within the next 7 years I would like to discuss the possibility of a district energy system. What are the benefits? Could the central utility plant be built in a way that would allow for expansion as the additional buildings are built? I know we have broken ground, but I am confident that the design build capabilities of your firm will allow for construction to continue as design changes are made.
Regards-Owner
G G
Dear Owner
HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is based on the principle of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. HVAC is the techonology of indoor and vehicular environment comfort.
According to question, HVAC design currently uses baseboard electric heaters around the perimeter, with a central forced air heating and cooling system in office. The lab space design involves a 3-pipe hydronic piping system using gas-fired boilers and electric chillers to produce heating and cooling.
This HVAC design has several benefits like it will provide: Mechanical and Electrical Construction
Thermal comfort which is the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and is assessed by subjective evaluation.
Maintaining standard of thermal comfort for occupants of buildings or other-enclosures is one of the important goals of HVAC.
Acceptable indoor air quality which means it provides the air quality within and around buildings and structures.
Make sure that poor indoor air quality reduces productivity and learning in office so take care of air quality.
Safe and Healthy building these conditions are regulated with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoor.
Better process of exchanging or replacing air in any space.
Districtic energy systems
Heating Energy: In united states specially, Water heating is more efficient than others for heating buildings. And Forced systems have several benefits such as:
It gives us better air conditioning effects.
It provides energy saving of up to 15-20%
Air conditioning energy: Air conditioning and heater type devices move heat rather than convert it from one form to another. It increases efficiency but from this heat, thermal efficiencies do not appropriately describe the performance of these devices.
Yes, central utility plant can be built in a way that would allow for expansion as the additional buildings are built. because it will be led to the better air quality, exchange of thermal energy i.e., heat between physical systems. As per HVAC design reconstructing of building can be done with more benefits.
Regards-Project Manager-Mechanical and Electrical Construction
Respond to GG
L G
Dear Owner
I want to congratulate you on a superb job of securing additional funds for an immediate expansion of the current project. It shows your hard work and integrity have earned the reputation of becoming a means of increasing your business revenues; and those are very commendable traits that not everyone possesses. Additionally, I need you to know we are here to accommodate the needs of your projects. By implementing a centralized utility plant, the series of buildings you now propose would be best served under this design arrangement. Having broken ground does not impair the proposal at all, as the project has recently begun, and we have yet to begin the permanent power install from the traditional grid system.
We should meet at your earliest convenience to discuss the new possibilities and create strategies to make the most of them.
My thoughts are elevated in learning of your newest achievement, and I am eager to work with you on the next step in your continued solidification as a major developer.
Best Regards,
Respond to LG
X C
Dear Owner,
We are extremely excited to hear of the opportunity to construct a district energy system (DES). It is our intention to make this project a success, not only in terms of functionality but cost and schedule as well. While the news is exciting, as you mentioned on your note, we need to perform an evaluation of the benefits of this initiative, we will make a professional recommendation and will let the ultimate decision for you to make. Mechanical and Electrical Construction
Certainly, the central utility plant can be built in a way that allows for expansion of the new buildings, we do not see that as a problem and in fact it is strongly recommended should the decision be to go with the DES initiative. As far as having broken ground, we share your thought that our design allows for changes at this phase of the project.
On the DES initiative, the following are advantages, disadvantages, and factors to consider as the decision is made: Mechanical and Electrical Construction
Advantages
- It requires less fuel and displaces the need to install separate space heating and cooling and hot water systems in each building.
- Can achieve energy efficiencies of 80%
- It utilizes sources of thermal energy such as “waste” heat from industrial processes, and locally produced renewable fuels.
- Helps local communities reduce operating costs.
- Environmental impacts significantly reduced.
- Potential for Federal grants.
Disadvantages
- It requires a significant up-front investment – $M
- Connecting combined heat and power (CHP) plants to the grid can be problematic.
In summary, while the benefits outweigh the disadvantages in number, a further analysis needs to be performed to derive the cost estimate of the up-front investment.
Please do not hesitate and give us a call to further discuss in more detail. Mechanical and Electrical Construction
Project Manager.
Respond to X C