Background
There are 4 air handling units in the Quantum Nano Centre (QNC) that have a poor design which results in excessive stratification of inlet air. The units cannot operate as needed in the winter because the inlet air is stratified sufficiently that cold outdoor air will trip the freezestat. The mechanical contractor and design consultants have tried to improve the situation using internal baffles, but it has not worked. A need exists to mix incoming and outlet air more effectively. The project could deal with one or more of the units. The approach to solution could be computational or experimental (within financial limits).
Work on this project supports:
- Objective 02 of the Sustainability Strategy Implement cost-effective and practical strategies to reduce or minimize growth in energy use on campus,
- The Shift Neutral Climate Action Plan to reduce energy consumption of existing buildings,
- Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action)
Scope of Work Could Include
- Review of similar case studies for other buildings and the work that has been done to date in QNC.
- Use an iterative modeling or experimental approach to explore possible solutions to stratification of inlet air in the QNC air handling units.
- Explore the feasibility of the recommended solutions that consider economic, safety, regulatory and institutional factors.
- Develop a project implementation plan for the proposed solution.
- Develop a plan for how to measure the impact of the proposed solutions.
Resources
Images of the four air handling units are available and in person access can be arranged through Plant Operations. A sample study created by engineers in the US to address a similar problem is available.
Stakeholders
- Sustainability Office
- Plant Operations
Proposed Deliverables
The details of the deliverables are flexible but must meet the requirements set out by the course instructor. Some proposed deliverables include:
- A work plan early in the term outlining key milestones and responsibilities.
- Updates on progress at least once during the term.
- A final report outlining the outcomes of the study