High Performing Buildings - Summer 2011 - (Page 52)

C a s e s t u d y Evolving B y d o u g P i e r C e , a i a ; a n d r a n d y o l s o n , P. e . Biomimicry solves human problems by looking at nature for solutions. At the headquarters of Great River Energy Coop, Minnesota’s second largest electricity provider, the computer-integrated lighting and HVAC systems influence each other, continuously adjusting with the ebb and flow of occupants, sun, wind and temperatures, forming a system that functions like a living body. © 2008 don f. Wong H 52 igh performance green buildings are comprised of dynamic relationships. Imagining them as an evolving ecosystem can be more instructive than thinking of them as a set of parts and pieces assembled into a machine. The “brain” of Great River Energy’s headquarters maintains system stability using building automation systems and real-time feedback loops communicating through a low voltage “nervous system” with hundreds of sensors monitoring temperature, CO2, occupancy, lighting levels, equipment performance and more. For example, as the clouds begin to clear on a cold winter day, the artificial lighting system dims in response to the added sunlight, reducing the internal lighting heat load. At the same time, the passive solar gain increases along the south wall. With the insulating cloud cover gone, the outside temperature drops, making the north side of the summer 2011 building colder. Staff in the southeast corner shut a row of blinds to control the glare, prompting the artificial lighting level to increase in this area along with its associated heat load. Local thermostats tell the zoned HVAC system how to respond as the system adjusts to the changing heating and cooling needs. As 200 guests arrive for a meeting in the conference center, the CO2 sensors signal for more fresh air and the dampers adjust. The 20°F air needs to be conditioned, HigH Performing Buildings

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Summer 2011

Commentary
Contents
Stanford University's Y2E2
The Christman Building
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
Cannon Design Regional Offices, Power House
Great River Energy Headquarters
Letters
Products
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Summer 2011

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2015winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2014summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2014winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2013fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2013summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2013spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2013winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2012fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2012summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2012spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2012winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2011fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2011summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2011spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2011winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2010fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2010summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2010spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2010winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2009fallnew
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2009summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2009spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2009winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2008fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2008summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2008spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2008winter
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com