Fundamental Laboratory HVAC Test and Tune: Protocol and
Results
Geoffrey Bell, P.E., Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory
Retro-commissioning (retro-cx) laboratory spaces has
become a priority for many research organizations. While the benefits
of performing retro-cx can be substantial, identifying which laboratories
to retro-cx and quantifying how much energy savings may be realized
by the effort remains difficult to determine.
However, if simple, so-called "low-cost" measures were
implemented during a retro-cx screening process, then the cost for
the process would be deferred to some degree.
Considering these factors and others, Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory has implemented a trial "Fundamental Laboratory
HVAC Test and Tune-up" program in 10 laboratories. The trial
program's approach was reviewed by facilities engineering and environmental
health and safety departments prior to implementation. This inexpensive
program included a/an:
- Review of basic laboratory design criteria.
- Determination of each laboratory's air change rate.
- Fume hood review and low-cost tuning.
- Improvement of user interface.
- Summary report on findings.
The program identified energy-efficiency retrofits related to components
and controls for both the laboratory spaces and the central HVAC systems.
The
step-by-step approach used by the testing company, as-found test
data, and tune-up recommendations and results will be presented.
Biography:
Geoffrey Bell, P.E.,
is an energy engineer in the Environmental Energy Technology Division
at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He is credited with a
number of publications, including serving as a principal author
of the Design Guide for Energy Efficient Laboratories.
This publication is intended to assist facility owners, architects,
engineers, designers, facility managers, and utility energy-management
specialists in identifying and applying advanced energy-efficiency
features in laboratory-type environments. Mr. Bell is a certified
state energy auditor in New Mexico and a registered professional
engineer in both New Mexico and California. He has served as an
investigator for the U.S. Department of Energy, a teacher at the
University of New Mexico, and an energy engineer contractor to Sandia
Corporation in addition to various other mechanical engineering
consulting positions. Mr. Bell received his Bachelor of Science
degree in Mechanical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering and
a Master of Architecture degree in Environmental Design from the University
of New Mexico.
Back to Agenda
|
