proposal
[ Draft#1 PDF. Draft #2 PDF. ]
Depth #1: Spray Cooled Roof vs. Green Roof
Green roofs are an expensive initial cost and its energy savings through the thermal barrier that it creates is not proven over time. As a way to decrease costs, water sprayed on the roof, which acts as an ecologically sound cooling agent, could offer similar benefits at lower costs. In pursuit of figuring out which rooftop design would be the most energy conscious throughout its life, the green statement criterion of the owner will be relaxed.
Depth #2: Hybrid Geothermal System vs. Full Ground Coupled
Since every mechanical system designed within the Center for Sustainable Landscapes is relatively new, a potential for a redesign would be to replace a few of these new systems with more traditional systems. Ground source heat pumps have higher first costs than conventional systems making short-term economics unattractive. An alternative, lower cost approach for such applications can be use of a hybrid GHP design. In hybrid geothermal systems, the ground heat exchanger size is reduced and an auxiliary heat rejecter (e.g., a cooling tower or some other option) is used to handle the excess heat rejection loads during building cooling operation. This depth will analyze the function of life cycle costs vs. ground loop size.
Breadth #1: Construction Management, Bore Hole Optimization
The installation of a hybrid geothermal system will dramatically affect the construction schedule, installation cost, and equipment. In particular bore hole depth and corresponding bore drilling costs will presumably be reduced due to the ground heat exchanger reduction. Bore hole optimization will be analyzed and weighted to see if the proposed hybrid geothermal system is worthwhile to the owner.
Breadth #2: Electrical, Direct Current Distribution
Using DC distribution within the building could be beneficial since the controls energy management systems are so critical to the success of it mechanical systems. Additionally, the existing photovoltaic systems have inefficiencies built as it converts DC to AC supplying power back to the grid. In a typical office building, much is already DC-Based:
• Electronic ballasts and drivers for LED Solid State lighting
• Energy management & control systems
• Adjustable speed drives for HVAC & pumping
• Computer and Information Technology Equipment
• Portable and personal electronics
To accommodate the controls system and eliminate PV inefficiency, it is proposed to study the alternative of a DC distribution system within the building. This was not to be considered as an alternative after completion but to be considered as an initial design consideration.
• Electronic ballasts and drivers for LED Solid State lighting
• Energy management & control systems
• Adjustable speed drives for HVAC & pumping
• Computer and Information Technology Equipment
• Portable and personal electronics
To accommodate the controls system and eliminate PV inefficiency, it is proposed to study the alternative of a DC distribution system within the building. This was not to be considered as an alternative after completion but to be considered as an initial design consideration.
