bowie state university fine and performing arts...

Bowie State university fine and performing arts center

Mechanical Systems Existing Conditions Evaluation

Technical Report 3

Zack Lippert – Mechanical

Advisor: Steve Treado

Location: Bowie, MD

ContentsExecutive Summary....................................................................................................................... 2

Building Overview..........................................................................................................................2

Design Objectives.......................................................................................................................... 2

Site and Mechanical Systems Cost.................................................................................................2

Design Conditions..........................................................................................................................3

Design Requirements.....................................................................................................................3

Energy Sources and Rates..............................................................................................................4

Annual Energy Use.........................................................................................................................4

Equipment Overview.....................................................................................................................7

Systems Operation and Schematics...............................................................................................8

Air Side...................................................................................................................................8

Water Side.............................................................................................................................9

Lost Usable Space........................................................................................................................ 10

LEED Evaluation........................................................................................................................... 11

Energy and Atmosphere......................................................................................................11

Indoor Environmental Quality..............................................................................................13

Overall Evaluation........................................................................................................................16

References................................................................................................................................... 17

BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center 10/22/2011 Zack Lippert

Executive Summary This report is intended to summarize the mechanical systems of the Bowie State

University (BSU) Fine and Performing Arts Center. It goes into detail about the design, energy use, function and cost of the project. The building utilizes a VAV system to heat and cool the various spaces throughout the building. The HVAC system was designed in accordance with the ASHRAE Standard 62.1. LEED was not considered for this project, however given the HVAC design; numerous points would have been awarded for the “Energy and Atmosphere” and “Indoor Environmental Quality” sections. Although the building did not strive for LEED status, it did use several energy saving techniques including VFDs on all of the fans and pumps, as well as pretreating all of the ventilation air with enthalpy wheels.

Building OverviewBowie State University’s new Fine and Performing Arts Center is a 123,000 square foot

mixed use building that contains a 400 and 200-seat theatre, a recital hall, class rooms, offices, an art gallery, a large atrium and workshops for creating scenery and costumes. The north side of the building has a large expanse of glass with different colored panes spaced in a pattern to look like sheet music. The numerous acoustical considerations have made this a wonderful building to enjoy musical and theatrical performances.

There are 3 MAUs with enthalpy wheels that provide ventilation air to the 16 AHUs, which provide conditioned air to the building through VAV systems. There are two 1,712 MBH gas-fired boilers and one 305 ton air cooled chiller on site.

Design ObjectivesThere were several design objectives for the mechanical systems in this building. All of

the spaces had to be provided with adequate ventilation air as required by ASHRAE standards. Also, the spaces needed to be kept at a certain temperature and humidity to keep the occupants comfortable, and a good indoor air quality was important as well. All of these objectives were to be obtained while minimizing the operating costs of the system. The performing spaces posed a challenge to occupant comfort because there are two groups of people in the same space; the performers, who would be moving, and exerting energy and the crowd who would be stationary for the extent of the performances.


Site and Mechanical Systems CostThere was no upfront cost for the site in this project because it was already own by the

university and it not being used.

The total cost of the mechanical system for this project was $6,781,479 which represents 8.6% of the overall project cost. For this project, the cost per square foot for the mechanical system is $55/SF. The majority of this price came from the installation, labor and materials for the ducts, pipes and wiring. Table 1 shows a breakdown of the overall cost.

Description of Work

Cost

General $1,370,000.00

Major Equipment $2,039,950.00

Installation, Labor and Materials

$2,885,050.00

Change Orders $486,479.00Total $6,781,479.0

0Table 1: Mechanical System Costs

Design ConditionsThe outdoor design conditions for the BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center are based

off of climate data in the 2009 ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals from Baltimore, Maryland which is only thirty miles away from Bowie. Table 2 shows the design temperatures used.

Design Outside Air Temperatures Dry Bulb Wet Bulb

Summer 91°F 77 °FWinter 13°F N/A

Table 2: Design OA Temperatures

Design RequirementsVentilation

The BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center requirements for ventilation are defined by ASHRAE Standard 62.1. The purpose of Standard 62.1 is to set minimum ventilation standards to ensure that the HVAC systems provide enough outdoor air to increase occupant comfort and well-being. The amount of ventilation air that is required is based on occupancy, room type and room area. All of the AHUs for this building were calculated and found to be providing adequate


CFM of outside air. A detailed analysis of this project’s compliance with Standard 62.1 can be found in Technical Report 1.

Heating and Cooling Loads

A Trane Trace model was created for the second technical report to determine the heating and cooling loads. The results from the load calculations compared to the actual designed values are provided in Table 3. The peak heating and cooling loads from the Trace calculations are both much less than the equipment in the building is sized for. An attempt to get the designer’s load calculations was made but at the time of the publication, they were unavailable.

Peak Heating(MBH)

Peak Cooling(tons)

Supply Air(cfm)

Ventilation Air(cfm)

BSU Trace Model 749.3 211.3 95,012 23,777BSU Designed 3424 304.9 81,635 42,635

Table 3: Load Calculation Results vs. Actual Design Conditions

Energy Sources and RatesThe rates that were used for the cost estimate were obtained from Baltimore Gas and Electric and are represented in Table 4.

Rate DemandNatural Gas $0.20/therm N/AElectricity $0.0927/kWh $3.95/kW

Table 4: Energy Rates

Annual Energy UseAnnual energy utilization data could not be obtained for this building because it has just

finished completion. However, an energy simulation was done for Technical Report 2. The results of the Trane Trace energy analysis are in Charts 1 and 2. Chart 1 shows that natural gas


consumption peaks in the winter and drops to zero in the summer. This is because only the boiler uses natural gas and the building does not need heated in the summer. Also, the electric consumption peaks in the summer and decreases in the winter but only by about half. The chiller has an electric condenser which consumes most of the energy for space cooling, which is why the electric consumption peaks in the hottest months. Unlike the gas however, it doesn’t drop to zero when it’s not cooling because there are still lighting and receptacles loads. Chart 2 shows how the total energy consumed in the year is distributed. Lighting is the largest, which seems reasonable considering the large amount of lights required for the several performing arts spaces. Table 5 shows the estimated energy consumption by type of energy and building component.

Chart 1: Monthly Energy Consumption


28.4%

17.9%

5.4%

38.0%

10.4%

Percent of Total Building Energy

Primary Heating

Primary Cooling

Pumps

Lighting

Recptacles

Chart 2: Building Energy Consumption

Energy UsageElectric

Consumption (kWh)

Gas Consumptio

n (kBtu)

Primary Heating - 735,866Heating

Accessories 11,516 -

Cooling Compressor 126,451 -

Condenser Fans 16,434 -Cooling

Accessories 375 -

Pumps 42,981 -Lighting 304,208 -

Receptacles 83,475 -Total 585,440 735,866

Table 5: Energy Consumption Summary


Equipment OverviewThe building is conditioned by a Variable Air Volume (VAV) system. Outside air is

brought into the three Make-up Air Units (MAUs) where it is preconditioned by enthalpy wheels and heating/cooling coils. In heating mode, the enthalpy wheel takes the heat and moisture from the return air and transfers it to the outdoor air. On the contrary, during cooling mode it removes the heat and moisture from the outside air and rejects it to the cooler, dryer air being exhausted. The MAUs use variable frequency drives to send preconditioned air to the 16 AHUs where it is further heated or cooled before going to the VAV boxes throughout the building. The building contains both fan powered VAV boxes and damper controlled VAV boxes. These units are specified in Tables 6 and 7.

Unit Area Served Min OA (CFM) Enthalpy WheelMAU-1 AHUs-1, 3, 9 9500 YesMAU-2 AHUs-2, 7, 10, 14 9030 YesMAU-3 AHUs-8, 11, 12 17400 Yes

Table 6: Mixed Air Units

Unit Area Served CFM Min OA (CFM)

Enthalpy Wheel

AHU-1 Main Theater 7000 4000 NoAHU-2 Recital Hall 4850 3700 NoAHU-3 Main Stage 3750 2900 NoAHU-4 Black Box Theater 6200 3500 YesAHU-5 Movement Studio 4200 1800 NoAHU-6 Choral Room 1950 900 NoAHU-7 Instrument Ensemble 2700 2700 NoAHU-8 Art Gallery 4500 2900 NoAHU-9 2nd Floor, East 6185 2600 No

AHU-10 2nd Floor, Lobby & Lounge 5500 2250 NoAHU-11 North Wing 1st Floor 9300 4000 NoAHU-12 North Wing 2nd & 3rd Floor 19800 10500 NoAHU-13 West Offices 1900 475 NoAHU-14 Instructional Offices 800 380 NoAHU-15 1st Floor Electrical Room 1600 30 NoAHU-16 3rd Floor Electrical Room 1700 0 No

Table 7: Air Handling Units


The water for the HVAC systems is cooled by one 305 ton air cooled chiller. The heating water is heated by two natural gas fired bent water tube boilers. Specifications for both the chiller and boilers can be found in Tables 8 and 9.

Unit Capacity (tons) EER GPM EWT (°F) LWT (°F)ACC-1 305 10.7 730 55 45

Table 8: Chiller

Unit Type Fuel MBH GPM EWT (F) LWT (F) EfficiencyB-1 Bent Water Tube Natural Gas 1712 114 150 180 81.5%B-2 Bent Water Tube Natural Gas 1712 114 150 180 81.5%

Table 9: Boilers

The pumps are set up in a primary/secondary system and they provide heating and chilled water to the MAUs, AHUs and Fan Coil Units. The primary pumps are constant speed and the secondary pumps have variable speed drives. Specifications for the pumps are in Table 10.

Pump Serves GPM Efficiency VSDP-1 Primary Chilled Water 560 77% NoP-2 Primary Chilled Water 560 77% NoP-3 Chilled Water 600 70% YesP-4 Chilled Water 600 70% YesP-5 Not UsedP-6 Not UsedP-7 Primary Heating Water 100 62% NoP-8 Primary Heating Water 100 62% NoP-9 Secondary Heating Water 130 74% Yes

P-10 Secondary Heating Water 130 74% YesTable 10: Pumps

Systems Operation and Schematics

Air SideThe rooms are conditioned through a VAV system. Ventilation air is brought into the

space through 3 make-up air units (MAUs). The air is preconditioned by enthalpy wheels that in heating mode take heat and moisture from the return air and transfers it to the supply air. During cooling mode it takes the heat and moisture from the supply air and rejects it to the exhaust air. The MAUs have heating and cooling coils to further condition the air. Fans with variable frequency drives (VFDs) then send the air to the AHUs where it is mixed with the return air and heated or cooled to needs of the specific spaces that it will be conditioning. The AHUs


also have VFDs which are used to distribute the air to the spaces through VAV boxes. Some spaces have fan powered VAV boxes while others have damper controlled VAV boxes. All of the VAV boxes have electric reheat coils to bring the supply air temperatures up to the required supply temperature. All of the space conditioning is controlled by a direct digital control system. All of the MAUs, AHUs, and VAVs have numerous sensors including pressure, temperature and humidity sensors.

Water SideThe chilled water is cooled by an air cooled chiller located on the side of the building. It

is then pumped to the coiling coils in the MAUs and AHUs by four variable speed pumps. Figure 1 shows the chilled water schematic for the building. The heating hot water is provided by two natural gas fired boilers. The heating hot water is set up in a similar manner to the chilled water system. Four variable speed pumps provide the AHUs and MAUs with the hot water they need. A schematic of the heating hot water system can be seen in Figure 2.

Figure 1: Chilled Water Schematic


P-1

P-2 P-4

P-3

Figure 2: Heating Hot Water Schematic

Lost Usable SpaceThe lost usable space due to the mechanical system is comprised of mechanical rooms,

penthouses and vertical shafts for the duct work. The BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center has four mechanical rooms, all on the ground floor. Also, there are 4 penthouses and numerous vertical shafts throughout the building. The lost floor space due to the mechanical system comes to 10,336 square feet. The breakdown is shown in Table 11. The total space lost is over


P-7

P-8

P-9

P-10

8% of the total building square footage, however the mechanical rooms and penthouses are in undesirable locations and out of the way. The vertical shafts make up the smallest portion and care was taken to reduce that number of chases needed.

Mechanical Rooms Penthouses Shaft Space TotalSquare Footage 3554 6537 245 10,336

Table 11: Lost Usable Floor Space

LEED EvaluationThe Bowie State University Fine and Performing Arts Center did not apply for LEED

Certification and therefore there is no LEED Scorecard for the building. However, an analysis of the points relating to the mechanical systems has been provided below. The sections looked at for this report are “Energy and Atmosphere” and “Indoor Environmental Quality”.

Energy and Atmosphere

EA Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy SystemsThis prerequisite requires the building to be commissioned by a Commissioning

Authority (CxA) that has at least 2 years of experience, and that the commissioning process be well documented and reported. This project was commissioned by Eaton Corporation. Therefore this building meets this prerequisite.

EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy PerformanceThis prerequisite is included to ensure buildings are using energy efficiently. It requires

that the building complies with ASHRAE 90.1-2004. In Technical Report 1, an in depth analysis of the building’s compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 was performed and found it to meet all of the requirements.

EA Prerequisite 3: Fundamental Refrigerant ManagementThis prerequisite is intended to ensure that buildings do no cause ozone depletion by

using CFC-based refrigerants. The BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center used all new HVAC equipment that was specified to not have CFC refrigerants.

EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy PerformanceThis credit is designed to encourage buildings to be increasingly energy efficient. It can

earn a LEED score of 1-10 points and there are 3 options for getting point. The first option is a whole building energy simulation with the results compared to the baseline building that complies with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004. Option 2 is only for office buildings under 20,000 square feet which makes it not an option for this building. Option 3 only allows the building to


receive 1 point and it requires it to comply with all applicable criteria for the Advanced Buildings Benchmark for that particular climate zone. A whole building energy simulation was not performed for this building and therefore the points from this credit cannot be determined at this time.

EA Credit 2: On-Site Renewable EnergyThis credit is intended to reduce the impact associated with fossil fuel energy use. It

requires the building to use on-site renewable energy. The building can be awarded one to three points based on what percent of the building’s total energy use is offset by renewable energy. The BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center does not have any on-site renewable energy systems and therefore it would receive zero points for this credit.

EA Credit 3: Enhanced CommissioningThe purpose of this credit is to get the Commissioning Authority involved early in the

design process and continue after the performance verification is completed. This credit requires that a CxA be selected before the construction document phase and that authority continue reviewing building operation within 10 months after substantial completion with the building staff. Also, the CxA must review the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and design documents. The BSU project did not include the CxA until later in the design process and thus would not receive a point for this credit.

EA Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant ManagementThis credit is intended to reduce the building’s impact on depleting the ozone and

minimize global warming caused by refrigeration chemicals. This credit has two options. The first is simply, do not use refrigerants. The second option is more complex and has several equations to determine if a refrigerant meets the necessary requirements. This building uses R-407C from the ASHRAE Standard 34 code which complies with this credit. This project would receive 1 point for this credit.

EA Credit 5: Measurement & VerificationThis credit ensures that the building continues to operate as it was designed for at least

a year. It requires that a measurement and verification (M&V) plan be created in accordance with the International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol. An M&V plan was created for this project and is currently in use. Therefore, this building would receive one point for this credit.

EA Credit 6: Green PowerThe purpose of this credit is to encourage the owners to invest in grid-source renewable

energy technologies. In order to obtain the one point for this credit, 35% of the building’s electricity must come from renewable resources in at least a two year contract.


Indoor Environmental Quality

EQ Prerequisite 1: Minimum IAQ PerformanceThis credit is used to establish a minimum indoor air quality (IAQ) for the building. In

order to meet this prerequisite the building must meet the requirements for the ASHRAE 62.1-2004 Standard. Technical Report 1 did an in depth analysis on Standard 62.1 and found the building to be in compliance with the standard.

EQ Prerequisite 2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) ControlTobacco smoke is terrible for IAQ; therefore this prerequisite is intended to minimize

the amount of smoke in the building. There are two options for commercial buildings to meet this prerequisite. The first is to prohibit smoking in the building and up to 25 feet away from doors, operable windows and outdoor air intakes. The second option is to have designated smoking rooms that are exhausted directly outside. The BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center is in compliance by prohibiting smoking in and around the building.

EQ Credit 1: Outdoor Air Delivery MonitoringThe purpose of this credit is to ensure the comfort of the occupants in the space by

monitoring the ventilation system. To receive a point for this credit, the building must have permanently installed monitoring system for ventilation and carbon dioxide detectors. If the levels vary by 10% of what the system was designed for an alarm must signal the building operator. This building has a BACnet control system with CO2 sensors and ventilation monitoring, therefore it would get one point for this credit.

EQ Credit 2: Increased VentilationThis credit is intended improve IAQ by increasing outdoor air ventilation. In order to

receive a point for this credit the building must exceed ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004 by 30%. The BSU project did exceed the minimum standards but it did not reach the 30% required and consequently they would receive no points for this credit.

EQ Credit 3.1: Construction IAQ Management Plan: During ConstructionThe purpose of this credit is to improve IAQ during construction to keep the

construction workers and occupants safe and comfortable. An IAQ management plan must be developed and implemented for the construction and pre-occupancy stages. The plan must meet the IAQ guidelines from the SMACNA control measures. Also, all absorptive materials must be protected from moisture and all AHUs must have filters with a MERV of 8.

EQ Credit 3.2: Construction IAQ Management Plan: Before OccupancyThe purpose of this credit is to improve IAQ during construction to keep the

construction workers and occupants safe and comfortable. The IAQ management plan must


include measures to make sure the building is good to occupy after construction. To get the point for this credit the building can either be flushed out or air testing can be done.

EQ Credit 4.1: Low-Emitting Materials: Adhesives & SealantsThis credit is designed to reduce the amount of contaminants in the building and

increase the comfort and well-being of the occupants. This credit requires that all sealants and adhesives used on the interior of the building have VOC levels lower that the limits specified in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168 and Green Seal Standards.

EQ Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & CoatingsThis credit is designed to reduce the amount of contaminants in the building and

increase the comfort and well-being of the occupants. In order to get the one point for this credit, all paints and coatings must have a VOC content lower than that allowed by the SCAQMD and Green Seal Standards.

EQ Credit 4.3: Low-Emitting Materials: Carpet SystemsThis credit is designed to reduce the amount of contaminants in the building and

increase the comfort and well-being of the occupants. In order to get the one point for this credit, all carpets and cushions must meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus program.

EQ Credit 4.4: Low-Emitting Materials: Composite Wood & Agrifiber ProductsThis credit is designed to reduce the amount of contaminants in the building and

increase the comfort and well-being of the occupants. In order to get the one point for this credit, all composite wood and agrifiber cannot contain added urea-formaldehyde resin.

EQ Credit 5: Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source ControlThe purpose of this credit is to reduce the amount of exposure that the occupants have

to chemical and other potentially hazardous particulates. To get a point for this credit, entryways must have a system for preventing dirt and particulates from entering the building. Also, areas with hazardous gases and chemicals must be negatively pressurized so that they cannot spread to other parts of the building. Lastly, the mechanical system must have a filtration rate of MERV 13 or better. The BSU Fine and Performing Arts Center meets the first two criteria for this credit but the filtration system uses MERV 7 filters. Therefore this project would receive no points for this credit.

EQ Credit 6.1: Controllability of Systems: LightingThis credit is included to promote productivity and comfort for the occupants of the

building. At least 90% of the building occupants must be able to adjust the lighting in the space to suit their own needs or the needs of a group. This building has multiple lighting options for


group spaces like classrooms and conference rooms, and the offices have overhead lighting and task lighting on the desks. Therefore this project meets the requirements for the one point awarded for this credit.

EQ Credit 6.2: Controllability of Systems: Thermal ComfortThe purpose of this credit is to increase occupant comfort and productivity by providing

the occupants with the ability to control the temperature of the spaces. In order to get the point for this credit, a minimum of 50% of the building must have comfort controls or operable windows. The BSU project does not meet these requirements because the offices and large performance spaces cannot be individually changed by the occupants.

EQ Credit 7.1: Thermal Comfort: DesignThis credit is designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of the occupants. To get a

point for this credit, the HVAC system must be designed in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004. This building was design to the specifications of this stand and as a result would receive a point for this credit.

EQ Credit 7.2: Thermal Comfort: VerificationThis credit verifies that the system is operating the way it was intended when it was

designed. To receive this point, a thermal comfort survey of building occupants must be given 6-18 months after the building is first occupied. If 20% or more of the occupants are uncomfortable, corrective action must be taken.

EQ Credit 8.1: Daylight & Views: Daylight 75% of SpacesThis credit is designed to connect the indoor spaces with the outside through daylighting

and views of outside. There are three options for obtaining the one point for this credit. The first option is calculation based, and it shows that at least 75% of the regularly occupied spaces have sufficient glazing. The second option is to demonstrate through computer simulation that 75% of the building receives 25 footcandles or more from daylight. The third option is measuring the footcandles over a ten foot grid for all occupied spaces. For 75% of the building 25 footcandles must be observed. The BSU building has a large glass curtain wall and sky lights throughout the building. The spaces without windows are performance spaces and not regularly occupied so they would be excluded from the calculations. Therefore this building would receive this point.

EQ Credit 8.2: Daylight & Views: Views for 90% of SpacesThis credit is designed to connect the indoor spaces with the outside through daylighting

and views of outside. To get this point 90% of all regularly occupied spaces must have a direct line of site to the outdoor environment via glazing between 2’6” and 7’6” above the finished


floor. The BSU project does not meet these requirements and would not receive a point for this credit.

Overall EvaluationThe mechanical systems for the Bowie State University Fine and Performing Arts Center

were carefully planned and effectively met the owner’s requirements. The entire HVAC system is tied into a DDC system with a user friendly interface so that the building can be easily monitored and controlled by the building operator. The building saves energy by utilizing an enthalpy wheel to pretreat outdoor air, and by using VFD and VSD on all of the fans and pumps. The building did not submit an application for LEED accreditation, but if it had, the mechanical system would have received several points for energy and atmosphere as well as indoor environmental quality. While the building as a whole met all the necessary standards and requirements, there are some changes that could have been made to improve the building. These will be discussed in the Thesis Proposal Report.


References

ASHRAE.2007, ANSI/ASHRAE, Standard 62.1-2007, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineer, Inc. Atlanta, GA.

ASHRAE.2007, ANSI/ASHRAE, Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Building Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. Atlanta, GA.

ASHRAE, 2009 Fundamentals.

EYP Architecture & Engineering, P.C. Architectural Construction Documents. EYP Architecture & Engineering, Washington D.C.

EYP Architecture & Engineering, P.C. Electrical Construction Documents. EYP Architecture & Engineering, Washington D.C.

EYP Architecture & Engineering, P.C. Mechanical Construction Documents. EYP Architecture & Engineering, Washington D.C.
