High-performance buildings have an energy, economic and environmental performance that is substantially better than standard practice and actually ties the building performance to the mission of the organization or business. They also offer reduced operating costs, higher occupant productivity and enhanced asset value. Superior energy, economic, comfort and environmental performance are a hallmark of high-performance buildings.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a growing trend in the construction industry. It links computer model-based technology with a database of project information, moving from two-dimensional to a multi-dimensional model design to improve how buildings are constructed and stakeholders collaborate. All members of a project team can freely exchange data across different applications and platforms. It improves the installation and ongoing operations of the building lifecycle. More accurate construction documents improve project implementation speed & quality and decrease potential requests for information & change orders. The facilities manager has a smoother process to manage with a complete set of documentation to use in operating the facility, improving productivity and profitability.
During the modeling process, BIM representations (called objects) are created that represent exact specifications. Objects are pre-populated with physical & performance data unique to each product configuration, saving time and creating a more accurate design. Architects use BIM to model exterior openings, building skin
and exterior wall and skin. Mechanical engineers and contractors use it to model duct systems, air handlers and major equipment, providing a comprehensive and accurate analysis of energy and economic impacts of building features. A building designer or energy engineer uses the modeling program to develop a virtual model of the building. It allows the building team to prioritize investments in efficiency strategies that will have the greatest impact on the building’s energy use.
The latest modeling and analysis tools use sophisticated algorithms to accurately track the most complex demands of building projects. The software examines the various zones and systems to determine peak loads for equipment and system sizing purposes and to simulate the building’s energy consumption patterns. It then creates a total picture of the building’s energy use, including how energy consumption breaks down by fuel type, task & building component, enabling a designer to evaluate and choose the optimum configuration from multiple systems configurations. Advanced design and energy modeling tools incorporate up-to-date energy codes and recommendations (i.e. ASHRAE). The latest applications also have the flexibility to handle data for building systems at varying stages of the building lifecycle.
Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies are incorporated into the design to reduce utility dependency and environmental impact resulting in greater power supply stability. The following renewable energy technologies continue to become more cost-effective,
* Solar / photovoltaic technology - the latest roof-mounted photovoltaic technologies have far more compelling economics than earlier products. The integration of photovoltaic panels into buildings is one of the fastest growing segments of the solar industry.
* Geothermal heat pump system uses pipes buried underground near the building as the means to heat and cool a building. Hot air from the building is cooled by being channeled through a heat exchanger into the cooler ground. Geothermal is an effective solution where there is enough land to locate the in-ground well fields and piping.
* Cogeneration are relatively common in industrial facilities but are especially suitable in high-rise buildings & large apartment complexes
* Thermal Energy Storage (TES) solutions typically make ice or chilled water at night or during off hours to provide cooling for air-conditioning during peak hours. This reduces the capacity requirements of the chiller plant. It may also save on operating costs if the electric company offers lower rates for off-peak hours by shifting peak cooling loads and improving the load factor creating less strain on the energy grid, improving its reliability.
Advances in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology have greatly improved building comfort and flexibility, while decreasing building energy consumption. Typical improvements include the following:
* Variable Speed Control of large fan motors are 20% to 70% more efficient than other forms of controlling the air flow during part load operation. This can be quite significant for centralized systems having large motors
* Heat Recovery System can be used for air conditioning systems with dehumidification sections. A separate run around water piping and pump system recycles the heat absorbed by the water from the air during the initial pre-cooling, into the reheat section. Other systems directly route the refrigerant condenser piping in the reheat section to gain a huge improvement in system efficiency
* Condensate Recovery can reduce water consumption and is quite feasible for tropical countries like the Philippines. Water recovered from the air is relatively pure and of good quality and can be used for cooling tower make-up, etc. Water from the refrigeration system can also be used for toilet flushing and washing.
* Chilled Beam System can alternatively be used for large rooms / areas with sufficient ventilation. A higher cooling media temperature will considerably improve the system efficiency of the refrigeration equipment
* Make-Up Air introduced into the system will substantially increase the cooling load of the system. This is especially true during hot humid days in the tropics as the outside air brings with it a substantially higher temperature (sensible heat) and humidity (latent heat) load compared to return (recirculated) air. Thus, the parameter (specified oxygen level, ventilation / air change, room pressure, etc.) that determines the make-up air amount is monitored closely to reduce and minimize the make-up quantity.
Ongoing operation and maintenance to ensure efficient and optimal outcomes throughout their lifecycle are critical to ensure design-level efficiency and performance. In the last decade, we’ve seen a definite progression in how we approach building maintenance – migrating from just being reactive to being proactive. And now we are increasingly seeing businesses adopt a predictive approach. The tools and technologies available today include:
* Infrared thermography - detecting conditions or stressors that potentially degrade components or affect functionality (i.e. heat loss of the building envelope or heat loss / gain from a duct or pipe distribution system)
* Ultrasonic analysis identify problems related to component wear as well as fluid leaks, vacuum leaks and steam-trap failures.
Building automation systems utilize sophisticated algorithms to optimize the timing and sequence of system component operation. This get the maximum efficiency out of a building’s mechanical components and enable remote monitoring & control (including alarm notification, diagnostics & repair) to a central monitoring center. For example, when no one is in an office room, sensors detect this and dial down the HVAC, and motion detection sensors can turn off lighting equipment. As another example, HVAC controls can be set up to monitor equipment performance, perhaps sensing a level of vibration that is out of tolerance and ramping down the load on the unit so it remains online and doesn’t result in an unplanned breakdown. Remote monitoring & control means some issues can already be resolved at the control center without dispatching a technician to the site. And if a technician must be dispatched, he/she can arrive on site informed and ready to execute a rapid repair.
These technologies also will help meet the requirements for LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in the face of increasing demand for environmental certification, driven largely by legislation and incentive programs and standards
From "Emerging Tools and Technologies for High Performance Buildings" by Dane Taival
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a growing trend in the construction industry. It links computer model-based technology with a database of project information, moving from two-dimensional to a multi-dimensional model design to improve how buildings are constructed and stakeholders collaborate. All members of a project team can freely exchange data across different applications and platforms. It improves the installation and ongoing operations of the building lifecycle. More accurate construction documents improve project implementation speed & quality and decrease potential requests for information & change orders. The facilities manager has a smoother process to manage with a complete set of documentation to use in operating the facility, improving productivity and profitability.
During the modeling process, BIM representations (called objects) are created that represent exact specifications. Objects are pre-populated with physical & performance data unique to each product configuration, saving time and creating a more accurate design. Architects use BIM to model exterior openings, building skin
and exterior wall and skin. Mechanical engineers and contractors use it to model duct systems, air handlers and major equipment, providing a comprehensive and accurate analysis of energy and economic impacts of building features. A building designer or energy engineer uses the modeling program to develop a virtual model of the building. It allows the building team to prioritize investments in efficiency strategies that will have the greatest impact on the building’s energy use.
The latest modeling and analysis tools use sophisticated algorithms to accurately track the most complex demands of building projects. The software examines the various zones and systems to determine peak loads for equipment and system sizing purposes and to simulate the building’s energy consumption patterns. It then creates a total picture of the building’s energy use, including how energy consumption breaks down by fuel type, task & building component, enabling a designer to evaluate and choose the optimum configuration from multiple systems configurations. Advanced design and energy modeling tools incorporate up-to-date energy codes and recommendations (i.e. ASHRAE). The latest applications also have the flexibility to handle data for building systems at varying stages of the building lifecycle.
Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies are incorporated into the design to reduce utility dependency and environmental impact resulting in greater power supply stability. The following renewable energy technologies continue to become more cost-effective,
* Solar / photovoltaic technology - the latest roof-mounted photovoltaic technologies have far more compelling economics than earlier products. The integration of photovoltaic panels into buildings is one of the fastest growing segments of the solar industry.
* Geothermal heat pump system uses pipes buried underground near the building as the means to heat and cool a building. Hot air from the building is cooled by being channeled through a heat exchanger into the cooler ground. Geothermal is an effective solution where there is enough land to locate the in-ground well fields and piping.
* Cogeneration are relatively common in industrial facilities but are especially suitable in high-rise buildings & large apartment complexes
* Thermal Energy Storage (TES) solutions typically make ice or chilled water at night or during off hours to provide cooling for air-conditioning during peak hours. This reduces the capacity requirements of the chiller plant. It may also save on operating costs if the electric company offers lower rates for off-peak hours by shifting peak cooling loads and improving the load factor creating less strain on the energy grid, improving its reliability.
Advances in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology have greatly improved building comfort and flexibility, while decreasing building energy consumption. Typical improvements include the following:
* Variable Speed Control of large fan motors are 20% to 70% more efficient than other forms of controlling the air flow during part load operation. This can be quite significant for centralized systems having large motors
* Heat Recovery System can be used for air conditioning systems with dehumidification sections. A separate run around water piping and pump system recycles the heat absorbed by the water from the air during the initial pre-cooling, into the reheat section. Other systems directly route the refrigerant condenser piping in the reheat section to gain a huge improvement in system efficiency
* Condensate Recovery can reduce water consumption and is quite feasible for tropical countries like the Philippines. Water recovered from the air is relatively pure and of good quality and can be used for cooling tower make-up, etc. Water from the refrigeration system can also be used for toilet flushing and washing.
* Chilled Beam System can alternatively be used for large rooms / areas with sufficient ventilation. A higher cooling media temperature will considerably improve the system efficiency of the refrigeration equipment
* Make-Up Air introduced into the system will substantially increase the cooling load of the system. This is especially true during hot humid days in the tropics as the outside air brings with it a substantially higher temperature (sensible heat) and humidity (latent heat) load compared to return (recirculated) air. Thus, the parameter (specified oxygen level, ventilation / air change, room pressure, etc.) that determines the make-up air amount is monitored closely to reduce and minimize the make-up quantity.
Ongoing operation and maintenance to ensure efficient and optimal outcomes throughout their lifecycle are critical to ensure design-level efficiency and performance. In the last decade, we’ve seen a definite progression in how we approach building maintenance – migrating from just being reactive to being proactive. And now we are increasingly seeing businesses adopt a predictive approach. The tools and technologies available today include:
* Infrared thermography - detecting conditions or stressors that potentially degrade components or affect functionality (i.e. heat loss of the building envelope or heat loss / gain from a duct or pipe distribution system)
* Ultrasonic analysis identify problems related to component wear as well as fluid leaks, vacuum leaks and steam-trap failures.
Building automation systems utilize sophisticated algorithms to optimize the timing and sequence of system component operation. This get the maximum efficiency out of a building’s mechanical components and enable remote monitoring & control (including alarm notification, diagnostics & repair) to a central monitoring center. For example, when no one is in an office room, sensors detect this and dial down the HVAC, and motion detection sensors can turn off lighting equipment. As another example, HVAC controls can be set up to monitor equipment performance, perhaps sensing a level of vibration that is out of tolerance and ramping down the load on the unit so it remains online and doesn’t result in an unplanned breakdown. Remote monitoring & control means some issues can already be resolved at the control center without dispatching a technician to the site. And if a technician must be dispatched, he/she can arrive on site informed and ready to execute a rapid repair.
These technologies also will help meet the requirements for LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in the face of increasing demand for environmental certification, driven largely by legislation and incentive programs and standards
From "Emerging Tools and Technologies for High Performance Buildings" by Dane Taival
No comments:
Post a Comment