Marine Studies Initiative Building
Redesign Proposal
Mechanical Depth
The intended purpose of this proposed redesign is to reduce the overall energy consumption from the existing mechanical design. Through the two mechanical depths, and accompanying breadth topics, it is the goal of this thesis to design The Marine Studies Initiative Building mechanical system to be Net-Zero.
Ground Source Heat Pump
The main analysis of the Marine Studies Initiative Building mechanical redesign will be dedicated to replacing the existing mechanical central plant with a ground loop heat exchanger and geothermal piles. Geothermal piles are part of a closed-loop ground loop heat exchanger configuration, which circulates an antifreeze solution into the ground to take advantage of “free” heating and cooling for the building. The intention of this redesign is to compare geothermal piles to other ground loops systems that could be successfully implemented for this building. In addition to exploring the different looping systems, this depth will also look into different distribution systems that can be paired with a ground source heat pump.
Ground source heat pumps eliminate the need for chillers and boilers on site, significantly reducing operational and maintenance costs. Additionally, an opportunity is presented for better occupant control and comfort of indoor spaces if unitary heat pumps are implemented as the distribution, allowing for spaces to be simultaneously heated and cooled. By combining a ground source heat pump with geothermal piles, the mechanical system is protected in the event of an earthquake or tsunami, reducing the “down time” of a building and the expenses associated with replacing damaged mechanical systems following the aftermath.
Natural Ventilation
In addition to geothermal heat pumps, and exploratory analysis will be performed to determine a method to provide natural ventilation to all of the building, except the climate critical lab spaces. Located on the Oregon Coast, The Marine Studies Initiative Building is subject to extremely mild climate for a majority of the year.
The building does not meet the requirements stipulated in ASHRAE 90.1 to completely rely on natural ventilation, without a back-up mechanical ventilation system. However, by taking advantage of the mild climate, use of the mechanical ventilation system can be greatly reduces, also reducing the annual utility costs and energy consumption for the building.
Electrical Breadth
On site renewable generation tactics will be analyzed to add to the Net Zero Energy Goal. Checking the annual clearness index for Newport, Oregon revealed that PV would be a possible on site energy generation tactic. Wind generation would also be feasible, due to year-long high winds.
Envelope Breadth
The current building envelope will be analyzed to determine its effects on the energy usage of the building. Options for tighter, more energy-effective building enclosures will be analyzed. A personal goal is to see if it is possible to design the building envelope so that daily mechanical system operations to condition the space can be reduced drastically.