Mechanical Systems

The Center for Building Performance and Design at Carnegie Mellon University found that the number one office complaint is that the workplace is too hot. Number two? That it’s too cool. Many people cope by adding fans, space heaters, covering up vents, complaining, conducting "thermostat wars" with their co-workers, or simply leaving the office. Occupants can be driven to distraction trying to adjust the comfort in their space. Improper temperature, humidity, ventilation, and indoor air quality can also have significant impacts on productivity and health.

In order to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment the building mechanical system must:

  • Provide an acceptable level of temperature and humidity and safe guard against odors and indoor air pollutants.
  • Create a sense of habitability through air movement, ventilation and slight temperature variation.
  • Allow the occupant to control and modify conditions to suit individual preferences.

However, “out of sight, out of mind,” is often the adage associated with these “invisible” systems. Indeed, mechanical systems and controls are frequently modified to reduce construction costs. The energy efficient design choice? Protect your investment; which is overwhelmingly in the health and productivity of the building’s occupants. This section compiles some of the best information on options for creating energy effective mechanical systems.

Key Design Principles for Mechanical Systems
Details on four key design principles to think about for mechancial systems by Rumsey Engineers.

Comprehensive Primer on Natural Ventilation
Natural Ventilation in Northwest Buildings is an easy way to begin to explore the potential for utilizing natural ventilation in commercial buildings.

Thermal Comfort Guidelines
This guide presents the connection between building systems and comfort, productivity and operating costs. It identifies common problem areas, and gives design practices that can help create buildings that are comfortable, efficient and in demand.

Reinventing HVAC Design for Green Buildings
In green building, architects and engineers can work together to achieve superior environmental and economical results.

Renovating the Design and Construction Process for Sustainable Success: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Three part series by Chris Lotspeich, Peter Rumsey PE and Sim Van der Ryn which appeared in Environmental Design and Construction magazine. Architects Encourage Mechanical Engineers to Design Energy-Efficient Buildings.

Central Plant Design Options
A central plant can be the centerpiece of a commercial facility's energy efficiency and the resulting benefits – lower operating costs, greater comfort, health and productivity for occupants, better tenant retention, higher property values, and cleaner air due to reduced power plant emissions.

Design and Construction Considerations for Underfloor Air Distribution Systems
Overview of the design, construction and maintenance issues of Underfloor Air Distribution Systems

Unitary Air Conditioner Cost Estimator Tool
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a web-based cost estimator that compares high-efficiency rooftop air conditioners to standard equipment in terms of life-cycle cost.

Centrifugal Chiller - High Efficiency
FEMP technology profile on high efficieny centrifugal chillers.

Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers
FEMP technology profile on Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers.

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