Building mechanical systems are the unseen components of each and every building structure but provide the basic indoor conditions that enable human occupancy. When the building mechanical systems are well designed and properly installed and operated, the building occupants enjoy many of the following benefits:
Unfortunately, mechanical systems are prone to failure, deterioration or damage other building components; they can also cause excessive water and energy consumption. Due to the inherent complexity of these systems, successful installations require great attention to design detail, proper selection of equipment and system components and thorough knowledge of system control, operation and maintenance.
ABB has the experience necessary to analyze existing building mechanical systems and provide energy conservation retrofit recommendations with a follow up of full design engineering services.
Energy – In the current environment of high energy prices, rising atmospheric air pollution rates and the increased concern for global warming caused by human activity, energy conservation has become a top priority issue for building owners, property and facility managers. Most conventional mechanical systems that heat or cool buildings, pumps that circulate fluids or fans that ventilate air, are powered by non-renewable energy sources including electric power, natural gas or heating oil. The use of any one of these energy sources can potentially contribute to high energy costs, air pollution or global warming.
ABB offers full building energy use analysis, conservation measure recommendation and retrofit design services. The following are some examples of energy conservation opportunities in building mechanical systems:
- Central chiller plant control optimization
- Conversion of constant flow systems to variable flow systems
- Heat recovery of exhausted air
- Indoor temperature control optimization
HVAC – Typically, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in buildings are only noticed when comfort conditions are not met. Many HVAC system defects exist that are not readily observed by the building occupants even though indoor temperature conditions seem normal. Hidden within the air handling equipment and within the air distribution ductwork are sites for potential supply air contamination. Minimum fresh air requirements can not be easily verified.
- Corroded and dirty interior duct walls and equipment casings, contaminated cooling coils provide breeding grounds for microbial and fungal growth.
- Poorly draining condensate pans further contribute to unhealthy conditions within the air stream of the system.
- Malfunctioning outside air dampers and controls can result in deficient supply of fresh air to the building occupants or excessive fresh air that increases the energy load.
Pipe Insulation – Pipe insulation provides two important tasks: thermal heat loss or heat gain protection and avoidance of condensation on chilled water pipes. Since most piping runs in buildings (including chilled water pipes) are routed through concealed spaces, the accumulation of condensation and the resultant damage to surrounding construction materials generally continues unabated for extended time periods before being discovered. Therefore it is critical to install a reliable, condensate free pipe insulation system. ABB has the expertise and experience necessary to survey and identify problematic pipe insulation locations and to specify appropriate pipe insulation technologies.
Plumbing – Plumbing systems in buildings (particularly in the piping components) are prone to multiple failure modes. Copper water supply pipe is subject to erosion/corrosion pitting due to excessive flow velocity, poor installation practices and high flow resistance pipe layout. Cast iron sanitary waste piping develops corrosion and splitting when exposed to corrosive environment and harsh cleaning agents. Galvanized steel piping corrodes easily when in contact with hot water and develops thick layers of sediment.
Solar Hot Water – ABB professionals have designed and installed new residential and commercial domestic solar water heating systems. Hot water consumption, site conditions, geographic locations and utility rates and are all considered in evaluating system performance and cost effectiveness. ABB also offers existing solar water heating system survey and monitoring services to verify proper operation and control of the existing system and calculation of actual solar energy contribution to building utility savings.
Below Grade Dewatering – Below grade dewatering sump pumps are utilized when water cannot be drained by means of a gravity flow drainage system. Temporary sump pump installations are typically installed during below grade construction work to lower water table levels below the site of a deep excavation. Where high water tables are persistent throughout the year or during the winter storm season, a permanent below grade de-watering system is installed. ABB can assist in evaluating the site for below grade de-watering requirements and in designing appropriate dewatering systems.
Fountains, Pools & Natoriums – ABB offers full evaluation and design services of existing or new mechanical system which serve fountains, pools and natatoriums.
