Technology in Architecture

Lecture 10
Mechanical Systems
Mechanical Systems
Mechanical Systems
Organize the Information
Rank the energy use
Design the building envelope/
Define the thermal zones
Verify code compliance
Define the HVAC system requirements
Select the system(s)
Locate primary equipment
Locate secondary equipment
Locate distribution outlets
Locate distribution paths

Architect


Engineer

Architect/
Engineer/
Other Trades
Ranking the Energy Use
Verify daylight/sunshine availability
Verify costs of energy
Verify programmatic uses of energy
(HVAC, Lighting, DHW, Process)
Verify cost incentive opportunities
Design the Building Envelope
Evaluate passive
thermal opportunities

Confirm material
availability

Define tectonics

Select fenestration
and shading systems
Jewett Art Center, Paul Rudolph
Design the Thermal Zones
Recognize passive
solar opportunities
and constraints
Design the Thermal Zones
Organize program to recognize
Function
Schedule
Orientation
Building Form
Building Envelope
Support Systems
Thermal ZonesFunctions
Organize program to recognize:
Space usage and occupancy needs
Temperature/humidity requirements
Thermal inter-relationships

Thermal ZonesSchedule
Organize program to accommodate
diverse schedules
Time of day for compatible uses
Interaction/noninteraction of uses
Thermal Zones Orientation
Organize program to use
orientation to enhance
opportunities for:
Direct sun
Daylight
Microclimates
Banff Aquatic Center, Alberta, CN
Thermal Zones Building Form
Organize program to
reflect building form
Load dominance
Self-shading
Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright
Thermal Zones
Building Envelope
Organize program to
recognize opportunities for:
Single skin
Double skin
Thermal ZonesSupport Systems
Organize program to
recognize support
systems effects:
Centralized vs.
decentralized
Distribution paths
Raised floor/ceiling
plenum
Controls
S: p. 433, F.10.48
Support Systems Controls
Control systems:
Thermostats
Building automation systems
Controls Thermostats
Thermostats:
Do not locate on exterior wall
Do not locate in direct sun
Do not locate in direct path of HVAC discharge
Do not include portions of separate rooms

Locate in the zone it controls
Locate in return air ducts
ControlsAutomated
Building automation systems
User access to override features
Centralized control station vs individual control

S: p. 430, F.10.45
Verify Code Compliance
ASHRAE 90.1Energy Code for
Nonresidential Buildings

ASHRAE 90.2Energy Code for Residential
Buildings

ASHRAE 62-2001Ventilation Code
Define HVAC System Requirements
Space conditions for temperature & humidity

Condition ranges & tolerances

Summer & Winter design conditions
Select Systems
Based on:
Performance capabilities
Space psychrometric criteria
Construction cost
Operating Cost
Solar Heliostats
Solar Power(ful)
Locate Primary Equipment
Primary equipment uses raw energy to
generate heating and cooling media
(chilled water, hot water, or steam)
Boilers
Chillers
Cooling Towers
Accessory equipment (pumps, tanks, etc)
Thermal storage systems

Locate Primary Equipment
Location factors
Service access at
grade or below
grade with truck
dock
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
Future expansion of
mechanical plant
LNCO Mechanical Room (during construction)
Locate Primary Equipment
Location factors
Service access at grade or
below grade with truck dock
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
Future expansion of
mechanical plant
S: p. 380, F.10.2a
Locate Secondary Equipment
Secondary equipment
uses generated media to
distribute conditioned air
or water to individual
thermal zones
Air handling units (with
coils)
Heat exchangers
Accessory equipment
Marriott Library Fan Room
Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone
served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F10.2
Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone
served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2a
Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone
served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2b
Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone
served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2c
Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone
served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2d
Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone
served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
Locate Distribution Outlets
Distribution occurs
via:
Air diffusers/
registers
Perimeter radiation
Panel radiation
(floor or ceiling)
LNCO Deans Office Ceiling Space
Locate Distribution Paths
Connect distribution
outlets to secondary
equipment


LNCO Fan Room
Locate Distribution Paths
Ductwork and piping
can be located in
vertically aligned
chases or in ceiling
space over corridors

Architect is
responsible for
locating access
panels where needed
G. H. Schettler House
Locate Distribution Paths
Connect secondary
equipment to
primary equipment

Use vertical and
horizontal zoning
to coordinate
trades

Locate Distribution Paths
Coordinate all trades
for service access and
space allocations

Equipment and access
panels should be
located away from
occupied space when
possible
LNCO System Distribution Coordination
Distribution Paths
Interstitial floors for
mechanical-electrical
systems may be used
to eliminate service/
user interaction
UM Hospital Campus