This project's mandate is not only to protect the environment, but also to display and utilize sustainable systems in its operation. To assist the DEC in this objective, AEI incorporated several environmentally sensitive systems, including a closed loop hybrid geoexchange system. Different geoexchange systems were evaluated. Due to the cyclic nature of engine loading and low soil hydraulic conductivity, a closed loop hybrid system was chosen over an open-loop system (see the Sustainable Energy Systems diagram). The system is designed to accommodate the demand of engine testing by capturing expelled engine heat and then re-distributing it to other areas of the building(heating season) or back into the earth (cooling season).
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The benefits are energy reuse or more cost effective heat rejection, respectively. Energy can also be extracted from the earth to provide heating to the building and test cells. A hybrid system was designed to peak shave cooling and heating spike loads. Modular high-efficiency boilers and cooling towers yielded a reduced overall system first cost. A siting evaluation conducted by AEI assisted the client in saving on both building and maintenance costs. The evaluation concluded that by orienting the building to face north the design would require less materials, less building maintenance, and less chiller load, and created an “even” light environment.
AFVRL, which will seek LEED® Silver, is currently scheduled for completion in the summer of 2009 with plans to closely monitor the geoexchange system for several years. DEC and AEI employees will collect and analyze system data to both optimize this system and utilize the lessons learned to improve future geoexchange systems. |