Page 30 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings-Volume 3

CASE STUDY NO. 12
THE J. CRAIG VENTER INSTITUTE
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation of the office wing is available only by user-operated openable windows, both in the private offices and in the open office space. When the outside air temperature permits, the DOAS air-handling units (“direct outside air supply”) shut off and green lights in the office areas switch on, indicating that occupants can open the windows for fresh air supply. When the outside air temperature is less than or greater than comfortable temperatures, the DOAS units turn on and red indicator lights in the office areas switch on to signal to occupants that windows should be closed.
This method of controlling natural ventilation was chosen to give occupants some control of their environment. The system was not optimized by giving control of window operation to the BMS, which would also allow the operation of a night purging mode to pre-cool the building in advance of warm days. Some energy efficiency was sacrificed in favor of total occupant-control.
(Below) Building section with basic energy system diagram. (Courtesy of Integral Group)
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Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings: Volume 3