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Optimization of Laboratory Exhausts for the Harvard
Allston Science Complex
Brad Cochran, CPP, Inc.
Michael Walsh, P.E., R.G. Vanderweil Engineers,
LLP
In developing its Allston Science Complex (ASC), Harvard
University has set into place sustainable guidelines that are designed
to reduce the energy demand. In doing so, Harvard aspires to achieve
LEED® Gold certification for these and all future research and
academic buildings on the Allston campus. It has been well documented
that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within laboratories require greater than average
energy consumption in order to ensure the health and safety of the
working environment. Therefore, in an effort to obtain sustainable
goals, it can often be quite fruitful to focus in on ways to reduce
the energy requirements of laboratory HVAC systems, while not compromising
health and safety.
The design for the ASC's HVAC systems has thrown
out some of the "rules of thumb" for laboratory ventilation
system and has replaced them with sound engineering solutions. This
poster will describe the methodology, analysis, and results applied
to define an optimum configuration for the ASC laboratory exhaust
system that both reduces energy consumption and maintains
a healthy and safe working environment. Topics to be covered include:
optimizing system placement to avoid direct line-of-sights between
exhaust stacks and air intakes where ever feasible; minimizing the
exit velocity through exhaust stacks to reduce system horse-power
requirements; and utilizing variable frequency drives and staged
exhaust fans to closely match supply and exhaust air flow requirements.
Biographies:
Brad Cochran,
associate at CPP, Inc., has over 15 years of experience
conducting wind tunnel and numerical modeling studies related to
laboratory exhaust design. Over the years, Brad has managed several
hundred exhaust dispersion projects for such clients as Northwestern
University, the University of California (UC) at Los Angeles, the
National Institutes of Health, University of Texas Medical Center,
Loyola University, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, UC Irvine, UC Davis, and
UC Berkeley. Recently, Brad has been focusing on laboratory stack
designs which can utilize variable air volume systems that minimize
operating costs. This concept was first presented at the Labs21 2004
Annual Conference, and further described during the 2005 conference.
Brad has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State
University, a Master of Science in Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering from the
University of California at Davis, and a Master of Business Administration from Regis University.
Michael Walsh,
P.E. has over 19 years experience as a consulting engineer. His
focus as a principal in the life sciences market sector at R.G.
Vanderweil Engineers, LLP, is the design of mechanical systems for
new and renovated research, forensic and biocontainment laboratory
facilities. He is a member of ASHRAE and is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Michael has recently presented at national seminars discussing sustainable
design in academic research buildings, magnetic resonance imaging
facility design, and biocontainment laboratory design. Michael has
a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Michael has also
participated in a Labs21 working group to develop modeling guidelines
specific to laboratory projects.
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