|
|
"Designing for Energy Efficiency"
How can a New York school district save money by using energy more efficiently
at a new high school?
That was MWH's goal with the Rome Free Academy's US $45 million Senior
High School project, located on a 74-acre site at the Griffiss Business
and Technology Park.
Energy Efficiency
MWH designed the 320,000-square-foot building's mechanical, electrical
and structural systems with energy efficiency as a top priority. The facility
features:
- Seventy-four classrooms
- An Olympic-sized swimming pool with spectator seating
- An 18,000-square-foot main gymnasium
- An 6,200-square-foot auxiliary gymnasium and elevated running track
- Locker rooms and weight training rooms
- A 1,000-seat, 13,000-square-foot auditorium
- Music, art and technology spaces
- Offices and other support areas
An existing chapel used for the former Griffiss Air Force Base was also
converted into a school facility to house the cafeteria, kitchen and art
classrooms. By using advanced mechanical systems at the high school, MWH
was able to maximize the energy efficiency and reduce the overall operating
costs. Systems included:
- Occupancy sensors in classrooms control the variable air volume in
response to space occupancy. The fan-powered systems are located in
corridors for easy servicing.
- Air conditioning systems use ice storage to cool the building. The
ice is made at night when energy rates are lower.
- A central air conditioning system provides air to classrooms lower
than usual temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. By sizing the central
fan system and ductwork smaller, MWH reduced initial construction costs.
The system features heat recovery systems that recover 65 percent of
used energy.
- The swimming pool features a dehumidification unit that recovers energy
used to maintain room and water temperatures.
- The school's primary heating system is hot water. Natural gas backs
up the system.
- The entire building is controlled by a computerized direct digital
central energy management system. This allows each piece of equipment
to operate on its own schedule. A central hydronics system allows for
a variable flow by central pumps. As a result, energy requirements can
be adjusted in response to reduction loads.
|
