Geothermal Energy

Today we presented our project along with several other groups.  It was interesting to see how the Banana Boat was interpreted by other students.  So far we were the only group who chose a new building for the site, while some of the other groups made more significant changes to the concept such as the Art Bar group.  


After having done extensive research on mechanical systems, it was helpful to see how the mechanical engineers from the other groups solved the mechanical issues for their projects.  I consulted the textbook, but other sources were hard to filter through as I was not sure which systems could be applied to our climate or which were applicable to our building design.  Some of the confusion was also most likely due to the fact that geothermal energy is a relatively new source of energy, and varying sources used different titles to describe the same terms.  


My knowledge on geothermal energy, as well as mechanical systems in general has been enriched because of this project.  In order to keep this knowledge fresh in my mind, this blog will go over the most important points that I learned.  


-Geothermal energy is an initially expensive, but in the long term, money saving system.


-Geothermal energy is a truly renewable source.


-Geothermal energy is most effectively extracted from the earth in areas along the fault line.


-Geothermal energy works by taking the natural heat and cool from the earth through ground loops.


-These ground loops connect to heat pump, then to an air handler in order to heat or cool the home.  


-This type of energy reduces the amount of HVAC equipment needed as the system can both heat and cool rather than needing separate systems.

http://gaci.biz/geothermal

-There are several different types of geothermal energy such as; ground loop heat pump systems, surface water heat pump systems, groundwater heat pump systems and hybrid geothermal systems.  


-Geothermal energy can be used to supply heat, cooling and electricity.


This project will help me have a more well rounded understanding of electrical, mechanical, LEED and interior design systems with projects in the future.  I am glad we had the chance to work as a group to learn about each system.  


Natasha Bargen
Mechanical Engineer

Indoor Systems 1 - Blog 5 (Final)

Our concept and design for Bloom has at long last be finalized! We hoped to replace the Banana Boat with a business that retained loyal customers and gained new ones in the area, through an expansion of services that would better serve the entire community. I believe that through in-depth research and careful planning we were able to successfully achieve this. As one of the LEED Consultants, it became evident early on in the process that there was a lot of information to learn in terms sustainability and green building practices; in addition to design, mechanical, and electrical engineering. There was so much information that we would not be able to cover it all in our presentation. For example, a water catchment irrigation system was designed to function along side the planted roof where water is collected for irrigation. A building with a rainwater harvesting system has the potential to garner up to seven LEED points: 

-1 point: Installing above-code measures that result in 20 percent water savings.

-1 point: Installing above-code measures that result in 30 percent water savings (typically waterless urinals or other unusual measures).

-1 point: Installing above-code measures that result in 40 percent water savings (rainwater harvesting system or other water re-use).

-2 points: Storm water reduction (storm water management practices).

-2 points: Water-efficient irrigation

-1 point: Reducing the project’s sewage generation from use of potable water by 50% or more.

With a well-designed filtration system, a water catchment system can take care of all the café’s water uses. Benefits include self-sufficient water supply, as well as reduce erosion, flooding, and pollution caused by runoff. When snow or rainfall hits impermeable surfaces, such as parking lots, roofs and walkways, it runs off, carrying with it oil, gasoline, detergents, pesticides, garbage and other pollutants, this ‘natural filter’ is also great for health and vegetation. Not to mention, filtered water also costs substantially less than bottled water.

Diagram illustrates a basic water catchment and storage system:

-Ashley W. (PM)

LEED Consultant/ Interior Designer

Final Blog! - Electrical Systems

The concept design for Bloom is now complete! Though it was long, intense process, our group managed to design a space, integrating the mechanical and electrical systems with the interior design of the space as well as great consideration for the environment.
Throughout this process I learned a lot about lighting design, and found it extremely beneficial to take on this role.  Lighting was an area of interior design I was a little unfamiliar with, yet something i was definitely interested in learning more about.
For Bloom I took the time to calculate how much lighting would be needed in the interior.  I did so using the simple lumen method of calculation.  With the plans laid out in front of me and lamps and fixtures open on my computer screen, I was able to determine an approximate number of lamps needed in each room in Bloom.  With this is mind I chose recessed lighting and fluorescents to provide this recommended illumination to the space.  With the concept in mind, I chose decorative fixtures to add interest to the space as well as to emphasize elements, such as the cash wrap and tables.

The team had to work closely together to ensure all systems worked well together.  Working with the Interior Designer, I made sure the lighting and furniture were cohesive.  The mechanical engineer and I ensured that the mechanical systems did not interfere with any light fixtures or electrical outlets.  It was quite the process, but in the end I think we designed a space that emphasizes Environment, Well-being, Community and Re-birth.


Stephanie Hill
Electrical Engineer

Blog_Final

Well Tomorrow is the big presentation day and the group really pulled through.  Through this process I feel I learned a lot about how a LEED consultant is involved through many aspects of the design process. Decisions at all levels of scale can have major repercussions on the environment. Decisions on building placement, systems, finishes and furniture can all have major effects on the environment throughout the life cycle of the building. 


Something that I had never done before, but found very useful was the code analysis. For our proposed building I calculated the space required per person for spaces of different function including: 

Kitchen: 300 sq ft (30.5 sq ft per person) = 9.8 persons

Public Corridors: 120 sq ft (12 sq ft per person) = 10 persons

First and Second Story: 1,631 sq ft (12 sq ft per person) = 135 persons

Other Stories: 645 sq ft (18 sq ft per person) = 35 persons

Outdoor Patio: 451 sq ft (12 sq ft per person) = 37

Total Occupancy: 226 persons

Restaurant Seating: 60 persons

I decided to research solar panels (photovoltaic cells) as a way of introducing an off grid energy source.  As a starting guide I looked up the US Department of Energy's information on average energy use for the average house. I found out that the average house used 8,900 Kwh per year which mean 8,900,000 watts per year! Most commercially available solar panels produce between 1 and 12 amps per panel, so the average output is likely to be 127 watts per panel. Calculating with 6 average daylight hours the average house would need 30-40 panels! Considering panels come in 3'x6' or 5'x5'  and our site was quite small, I decided it would be more effective to diversify the roof rather than cover the entire roof surface. 

Signage is another section of the project I found interesting. I think that spreading awareness of 'green' systems is important. Although through our education in the ED program we hear about the imortance of them all the time, students in other faculties may not. So Signage can play a role to educate users of the "Bloom" space. As a way to achieve LEED innovation credits, The signage will be used to educate building users about the sustainable features of the building. Our interior signage would include information on features including: commissioning controls, HVAC, rooftop design, and low flow fixtures.  

Cliff G

LEED 

PROGRESS - 2

As we approach our deadline our project is really coming together. It has been interesting to see how important it is for all group members to work together and co-ordinate tasks.  It has shown me how integrated the mechanical, electrical and LEED roles are with the design of the actual building.

I have been primarily focusing on creating a space that will be functional and enjoyable for a variety of individuals to use.  Inclusive, or accessible design is something we have been looking into.  According to the CNIB website Canadians with disabilities account for $25 Billion dollars a year – which is an interesting way to look at inclusive design- as though it is good for business. 

Considering we are creating a space that is meant to benefit communtiy are committed to creating a space that will be fitted with an accessible washroom, seating as well as providing menus and means for egress for individuals whose vision and or hearing are impaired. 

My role is to develop circulation paths as well as means of egress for individuals that will be integrated seamlessly with our design.

I have also been sourcing furniture that is sustainable and have been pleasently surprised to see the wide array of manufactures who are making an effort to create products that will benEfit their user while at the same time make as little of a environmental footprint as possible. 

-PROF INTERIOR DESIGNER

PROGRESS

We are currently progressing through our redesign of the Banana Boat.  As my role of Interior Designer I have been spending time researching different materials that are sustainable, interesting and that can inject something special into our design.

Throughout my research I stumbled upon an interesting new type of Gymsum board that promises to take VOC's out of the air.  Made by CertainTeed the product is called AirRenew and uses technology to convert VOC's into safe compounds.  The boards have the ability to capture these toxins and trap them into the air.

Not only are the boards capable of removing VOC's but the M2Tech provides enhanced moisture and mold resistance which has rendered it a recepient of the best possible score – of zero – for mold resistance.  This is important for a public space where food is prepared. 

I look forward to incorporating this new and innovative product into our design.

I am also looking at local materials that are interesting and might be applicable in our design.  Initially I was drawn to the traditional limestone which to me seems very Manitoba.  However I am currently being drawn towards reclaimed brick – thanks to it's many sustainable benefits such as it's thermal mass and the fact that it is 100% recyclable.  Using reclaimed brick also contributes to LEED accreditation. 

-PROF INTERIOR DESIGNER

CHARETTE

This week our group had a charette to discuss potential programatic considerations for our upcoming re-design of the Banana Boat site. 

Our first step was to define our users, which we imagine to be individuals from the community, individuals who are working in the nearby MTS building and the occasional passer by – be it on foot, bike or vehicle.

We then looked at the surrounding community to identify gaps in services offered.  We were concerned by the lack of access to fresh health food in the city.  Although we were able to identify a few places offering such a menu none are located in the South Osborne area.  We imagined that by replacing such an exciting and well-known land mark we would have the opportunity to change people's eating habits and introduce them to a healthier life-style.

As a group we made the decision that we will tear down the existing structure, attempt to salvage as much as we can and re-build using appropriate techniques in regards to sustainability.  I plan on using my role as interior designer to source appropriate materials, furnitures and fixtures that will meet our aesthetic and ecological goals.  I also am looking to create a space that maintains a strong connection to the community. 

-PROF INTERIOR DESIGNER