The purpose of this report is to propose different options for improving the function of the mechanical system, lighting and room acoustics in the Potomac Science Center. Tech reports one, two and three analyzed the current design and provided useful information on existing conditions, energy usage and cost, mechanical system sizing and many other factors. It is after studying these reports and the current building specifications and plans that alternative design recommendations were researched.
The Potomac Science Center is a very well designed building that will receive a LEED Silver rating upon completion making it difficult to find any recommendations to the proposed building. Due to the large amount of energy used running the mechanical systems, in particular AHU R-1, it is worth researching a possible alternative to this system. After considering different options, it is proposed that an open loop geothermal system installed into the adjacent Occoquan River will be investigated. Trane TRACE 700 will be used to produce the primary energy and cost models and they will be compared to the original model from technical report two.
Also included in the proposal are recommended studies into the acoustical properties of many of the spaces in the building and a lighting study to determine different, more energy efficient lighting fixtures. Modeling software will be used in the analysis of both the acoustical and lighting studies.
Proposed Depth
After evaluating each option and considering the impact of each redesign, it was decided that the study will be to install an open loop geothermal system in order to make the building the most environmentally friendly as possible. Several factors including cost effectiveness and innovativeness was taken into account. This option was also chosen as an interesting topic that is worth studying and developing. Many precedent studies will be taken into account and the best overall option will be analyzed. It is the hope that by installing an open loop geothermal system in the building will greatly improve the environmental impact of the building and providing a more efficient mechanical design.
Acoustical Redesign Breadth
The Potomac Science Center contains several classrooms, labs ,and larger lecture halls located throughout the building. According to the drawings, a detailed acoustical analysis was not performed on these spaces, which require increased noise control. The goal of this breadth is to analyze the NC due to HVAC in a standard multipurpose classroom in the building and redesign the space to ensure the room is well within ANSI standards for a classroom.
Construction Breadth
Installing an open loop geothermal system will require an extensive amount of time and cost due to the complicated installation of the system. Coordination between the landscape architect, construction manager, and the mechanical engineer is paramount due to the nature of the system being installed in the adjacent Occoquan River. Due to the extensive time and cost, it needs to be determined if the system will affect any other trades in any capacity and if the implementation of the system will cause any delays in construction. In addition, a comparison of installation cost and relation to overall budget compared to the original planned system must be made in order to justify the installation of an open loop geothermal system in place of the original system.