Trial / Demo
Green Loop used IESVE modelling for a laboratory complex on two levels, one of which is underground, located in a hot, humid climate in Colombia. The design process required climate response strategies to achieve a comfortable environment with maximum energy efficiency.
Phase One
The first phase was to evaluate the solar protection of the project with a canopy structure on the upper floor. IESVE software was used to determine how much solar protection was achieved by the structure (SunCast), which material should be used and how translucent it could be to provide enough daylighting without generating discomfort (ApacheSim). It also analysed the air velocities/ temperatures to study the structure microclimate, Microflo (see below). The canopy was made up of several layers, including a tile with a shade coefficient of 0.53 and a T3 film, as well as a Patula pinewood ceiling, built in such a way as to achieve the desired design and allow only 2% to pass of solar radiation.
Phase Two
The second phase of the strategy was to evaluate the basement, which was designed as a semi-open space with perimetral voids that allow the air to be pre-cooled, taking advantage of the effect of thermal mass and geothermal exchange. IESVE was used to correctly model the elevated concrete floor assembly, the perimetral walls assemblies with ground contact effect (surface temperature) and the openings that allowed the air to circulate through the thermal maze.
In addition to the evaluation of geothermal and thermal mass effects, there was an inherent benefit of so-called pre-cooling as the project AHUs are located in the basement and their air intakes point directly to the central corridor which is open to the outside.
By using ApacheHVAC and its connection to ApacheSim, the corridor was modelled as a supply plenum which, in combination with the previous analysis, provided sufficient information to determine that the cooling load could be reduced by 14% by capturing the OA from the corridor, rather than directly from the outside.
Phase Three
There are some laboratories with specific setpoints and humidity control, which led the modelling team to identify that wall and roof conduction could affect the more stringent spaces, depending on the loads of the adjacent spaces. Therefore, each façade is simulated with some specific R-values, to establish the best R-value for each of the spaces.
Phase Four
HVAC optimisation was carried out using ApacheHVAC, where the following scenarios were considered:
This process provided the opportunity to explore chemical dehumidification using ApacheHVAC energy recovery units as dehumidifiers, which was one of the challenges in finding the best HVAC system layout.
“This laboratory project is a big deal for Green Loop and IES, in terms of achieving net zero. It is the very first living building certification in South America. Our experience and knowledge allow us to propose integral solutions to our clients, in such a way that we manage to fulfil energy efficiency and comfort expectations, and above all, to achieve intelligent investments. Our purpose is to help deliver more efficient and healthy environments.”
- Esteban Martínez, COO, Sustainability Director, Green Loop
