ASHRAE Journal - November 2014 - 73

2014 ASHRAE TECHNOLOGY AWARD CASE STUDIES

TABLE 1 Annual consumption of existing and renovated building.
EXISTING BUILDING RENOVATED BUILDING
RENOVATED
(SIMULATION)
(SIMULATION) BUILDING (MEASURED)

STEAM

TOTAL

kBtu/ft2

180

kBtu/ft2

600

Savings

27%

780

335

202

44%

Savings
kBtu/ft2

130

37%

Savings

114

66%

449

332

43%

59%

using a main workbench area (in the center) surrounded by fume hoods installed alongside the walls.
One of the project objectives, in relation to the
improvement of comfort and safety levels, was to limit
exposure to contaminants. Therefore, a glass wall was
installed between the laboratory and the write-ups area
for researchers (Photo 1). Hence, the researchers can
safely work and take notes, and still see what is happening in the lab, without being in contact with any contaminants. The two zones are independently ventilated.
The obsolete laboratory equipment was replaced by
newly designed VAV hoods that modulate the exhaust
flow in regards to the sash position (height). The hoods
are also equipped with occupancy sensors that modulate
the face velocity at the hood for 60 fpm (0.3 m/s) (nonoccupied) to 100 fpm (0.5 m/s) (occupied).
Also, the thermal insulation is installed on the exterior of the ducts rather than on the inside and silencers
are used to ensure the ventilation system's cleanliness
and the quality of air distributed. Ventilation ducts and
plenum are constructed to reduce the opportunity for
growth and dissemination of micro-organisms through
the system. Construction complies with SMACNA standards, National Building Codes of Canada and to NFPA
when applicable. Ventilation systems are designed to
keep a negative pressure in laboratory areas to protect
contaminant-free areas.
The supply building system is 100% fresh air, including
the air supply to the office areas. Consequently, the air
quality requirements as defined in ASHRAE Standard
62.1-2007 are exceeded. Also, ventilation in labs use low
velocity displacement ventilation instead of dilution
ventilation. Air is supplied along the central portion of
the lab using laminar diffusers and is exhausted on the
perimeter wall with the fume hoods. This distribution
pattern ensures laminar flow of air entering the fume
hoods and prevents any contaminated air from exiting

PHOTO CREDIT NFOE et assosiés, architectes

ELECTRICITY

PHOTO 1 A glass wall was installed between the laboratory and the researchers'
write-ups area to limit exposure to contaminants.

the hoods. The air supply in the write-ups area is transferred into the lab to reduce the air needed for the fume
hoods.
Thermal comfort was analyzed using ASHRAE
Standard 55-2004. All zones in the building can maintain effective temperatures within the ASHRAE comfort
zone as defined in Standard 55-2004 for an average
occupant activity of 1.2 met with clothing of 1 clo. Light,
primarily sedentary activity and typical indoor clothing
are the general design conditions. A minimum humidity level of 30% is maintained during winter using steam
humidifiers installed in the main air-handling units.
During summer, a maximum of 60% relative humidity is
allowed.
Another significant improvement in relation to air
quality is the installation of high plume fans on the
building's roof. These fans operate on a principle of
internal and external exhaust stream dilution to substantially dilute exhaust stream, reducing contaminant
concentrations in the air. Before the renovations, several
complaints were received about the odors released by
the exhaust air. To reduce the risk of foul odors, carbon
filters were installed in the exhaust system. For supply
air, the system includes a combination of MERV 8 and
MERV 14 filters, which provide excellent air quality in
accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007.

Innovation
Because laboratories require large amounts of supply
air, the new HVAC system has been designed to transfer
the air from the offices to the laboratories in addition
to providing directly supplied air. Since office areas are
isolated from laboratories and are contaminant-free,
N OVEM BER 2014

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ASHRAE Journal - November 2014

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