EDUCATIONAL & STUDENT FACILITIES
A MORE EFFICIENT LAB
Today’s escalating energy costs are a particular concern for colleges and universities incorporating science facilities. The energy consumption of laboratories is often more than three or four times that of offices on a square metre basis. This can mean that laboratory buildings are responsible for between 50% and 80% of the total energy- related (non-residential) carbon emissions of research- intensive universities. Government research facilities, hospitals and private sector laboratories are similarly affected, with energy consumption presenting significant financial and environmental challenges.
Reduction of energy usage in laboratory spaces could be the most effective way to tackle rising operational costs and to improve environmental performance, but this requires extremely careful consideration. It is essential that health and safety is not compromised by inadequate air management. The integrity of testing and research outcomes also relies on the correct environmental conditions being maintained. But there are practical ways in which the facilities management team can work in collaboration with teaching staff, estates managers and leadership teams to bring the escalating energy costs back under control.
Step 1: Review fume cupboard
efficiency The higher energy costs and carbon emissions of the science campus are typically associated with the air supply and extraction requirements of fume cupboards. For example, a 900mm wide cupboard with a maximum sash height of 500mm and face velocity of 0.5 m/s would extract approximately 225 l/s of conditioned air from the room. This is far higher than for the typical office area or general teaching space, so focusing on fume cupboard efficiency saves energy by reducing demand on
68 | TOMORROW’S FM
Ian Thomas, Product Manager of Lab Controls at TROX UK, highlights the ten steps FMs need to consider for a more energy efficient laboratory.
air conditioning system components such as air handling units, chillers and fans.
Step 2: Ensure all fume cupboards
are variable air volume A variable air volume fume cupboard reduces extraction automatically when the sash is closed. For the example above, this figure drops from 225 l/s to just 55 l/s when the sash is down, reducing the conditioned air requirement by 170 l/s. So, transitioning older fume cupboards from constant to variable air volume has significant energy saving potential.
Step 3: Energy saving fume cupboard
practices Sashes are often left open unnecessarily when individuals are away from the fume cupboards. Changes in work practices, or visual reminders in the laboratory can reduce energy consumption by reminding lab occupants to close sashes when they are busy elsewhere.
Step 4: Automatic closing of sashes A PIR (passive infrared) sensor can identify that no- one is present at the fume cupboard. After a set time a visual or audible alarm is triggered to indicate that the sash has been left up. An auto sash closer can then work in conjunction with the sensor to close the sash automatically, preventing unnecessary extraction of conditioned air.
Step 5: Retrofitting (or activating already installed) fume cupboard
controls Retrofitting advanced control to existing lab ‘hardware’ could help to maximise return on capital investment
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