1. Technology in Architecture
Lecture 10
Mechanical Systems

2. Mechanical Systems

3. Architect/ Engineer/ Other Trades
Mechanical Systems
Organize the Information
Rank the energy use
Design the building envelope/ Define the thermal zones
Verify code compliance
Define the HVAC system requirements
Select the system(s)
Locate primary equipment
Locate secondary equipment
Locate distribution outlets
Locate distribution paths
Architect
Engineer
Architect/ Engineer/ Other Trades

4. Ranking the Energy Use Verify daylight/sunshine availability
Verify costs of energy
Verify programmatic uses of energy (HVAC, Lighting, DHW, Process)
Verify cost incentive opportunities

5. Design the Building Envelope
Evaluate passive thermal opportunities
Confirm material availability
Define tectonics
Select fenestration and shading systems
Jewett Art Center, Paul Rudolph

6. Design the Thermal Zones
Recognize passive solar opportunities and constraints

7. Design the Thermal Zones
Organize program to recognize
Function
Schedule
Orientation
Building Form
Building Envelope
Support Systems

8. Thermal Zones—Functions
Organize program to recognize:
Space usage and occupancy needs
Temperature/humidity requirements
Thermal inter-relationships

9. Thermal Zones—Schedule
Organize program to accommodate diverse schedules
Time of day for compatible uses
Interaction/noninteraction of uses

10. Thermal Zones — Orientation
Organize program to use orientation to enhance opportunities for:
Direct sun
Daylight
Microclimates
Banff Aquatic Center, Alberta, CN

11. Thermal Zones — Building Form
Organize program to reflect building form
Load dominance
Self-shading
Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright

12. Thermal Zones — Building Envelope
Organize program to recognize opportunities for:
Single skin
Double skin

13. Thermal Zones—Support Systems
Organize program to recognize support systems effects:
Centralized vs. decentralized
Distribution paths
Raised floor/ceiling plenum
Controls
S: p. 433, F.10.48

14. Support Systems — Controls
Control systems:
Thermostats
Building automation systems

15. Controls — Thermostats
Do not locate on exterior wall
Do not locate in direct sun
Do not locate in direct path of HVAC discharge
Do not include portions of separate rooms
Locate in the zone it controls
Locate in return air ducts

16. Controls—Automated Building automation systems
User access to override features
Centralized control station vs individual control
S: p. 430, F.10.45

17. Verify Code Compliance
ASHRAE 90.1—Energy Code for Nonresidential Buildings
ASHRAE 90.2—Energy Code for Residential Buildings
ASHRAE —Ventilation Code

18. Define HVAC System Requirements
Space conditions for temperature & humidity
Condition ranges & tolerances
Summer & Winter design conditions

19. Select Systems Based on: Performance capabilities
Space psychrometric criteria
Construction cost
Operating Cost
Solar Heliostats
Solar Power(ful)

20. Locate Primary Equipment
Primary equipment uses raw energy to generate heating and cooling media (chilled water, hot water, or steam)
Boilers
Chillers
Cooling Towers
Accessory equipment (pumps, tanks, etc)
Thermal storage systems

21. Locate Primary Equipment
Location factors
Service access at grade or below grade with truck dock
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
Future expansion of mechanical plant
LNCO Mechanical Room (during construction)

22. Locate Primary Equipment
Location factors
Service access at grade or below grade with truck dock
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
Future expansion of mechanical plant
S: p. 380, F.10.2a

23. Locate Secondary Equipment
Secondary equipment uses generated media to distribute conditioned air or water to individual thermal zones
Air handling units (with coils)
Heat exchangers
Accessory equipment
Marriott Library Fan Room

24. Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F10.2

25. Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2a

26. Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2b

27. Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2c

28. Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security
S: p. 380, F.10.2d

29. Locate Secondary Equipment
Location factors
Adjacent to/within zone served
Service access
Size/Volume
Noise
Fire safety
Security

30. Locate Distribution Outlets
Distribution occurs via:
Air diffusers/ registers
Perimeter radiation
Panel radiation (floor or ceiling)
LNCO Dean’s Office Ceiling Space

31. Locate Distribution Paths
Connect distribution outlets to secondary equipment
LNCO Fan Room

32. Locate Distribution Paths
Ductwork and piping can be located in vertically aligned chases or in ceiling space over corridors
Architect is responsible for locating access panels where needed
G. H. Schettler House

33. Locate Distribution Paths
Connect secondary equipment to primary equipment
Use vertical and horizontal zoning to coordinate trades

34. Locate Distribution Paths
Coordinate all trades for service access and space allocations
Equipment and access panels should be located away from occupied space when possible
LNCO System Distribution Coordination

35. Distribution Paths
Interstitial floors for mechanical-electrical systems may be used to eliminate service/ user interaction
UM Hospital Campus