Proposed Redesign

 

This section will include all alternatives considered for the redesign and analysis. Due to recent concerns with terroristic events in the United States, it was felt as though a very applicable thesis would be the consideration of contaminant control, but on a more general level the IAQ of the building. Since most floors are office space, non-terroristic events such as the common cold also pose issues that could cause issues in the work place (i.e. lost man hours, lost profit). Through this thought process, three options have been identified as areas that will receive an intensive amount of research beginning next semester, culminating into the semester long research project.

 

Rezoning

 

Alternative #1 consists of rezoning the building, therefore replacing the existing AHUs in accordance with the new zoning layout. This could consist of a couple different options with AHU placement, including a distributed layout across the floors or a centralized layout similar to the existing one. Due to the spaces being leased by occupants, significant cost savings could be obtained since many of the spaces may not be leased at the same time. This would under-utilize the AHU that was initially sized for the building. An impact on construction cost, energy use, operating cost, space requirements, etc. would need to be considered for this.

 

Ventilation Rates

 

Alternative #2, changing the ventilation rates could pose a benefit in building air quality. This may not completely alter the existing system, but would put in place a larger amount of energy use due to the larger levels of supply air.

 

Recirculation

 

Alternative #3, consists of implementing a once-through air flow, instead of the recirculation that is currently in place. This, similar to the ventilation rate change would increase energy levels, but also increase the indoor air quality level.

 

 

 

 

Breadths

 

This section will include all alternatives considered for the redesign and analysis.

 

Electrical

 

With the implementation of new equipment a different amount of electrical load may need to be implemented to allow for the equipment to work. Once the depth alternatives have been finalized and analysis has been completed, the amount of load necessary for operation will be known, and an analysis of the electrical system can be completed.

 

Structural

 

With potential for change in the penthouse, possibly relocating or changing AHU and other mechanical equipment it is possible that a different structural system could be implemented. This could be a cost savings if it does not need to support as large of loads, or more expensive if the load increases over the safe levels that have already been determined.

 

 

 

 

Masters Coursework

 

Content from Indoor Air Quality, AE 552, will be used in the analysis of the three alternatives being considered for the system. From this class specifically, the software, CONTAM 3.2, will be utilized to calculate the cross contamination that is occurring between potential hazardous spaces.