Overview
P2S was contracted to provide mechanical and plumbing engineering services for a new 40,000 square-foot library and learning resource center at Fullerton College in Fullerton, California. The library and learning resource center includes campus library, teaching spaces, offices, conference rooms and additional support spaces.
Challenge
P2S was tasked with designing the mechanical and plumbing systems for the two-story library building and basement mechanical room. For the library, a primary challenge was to design an HVAC system with low sound output so not to disturb the study environment. To accomplish this the building air handling systems were located on the roof so that noise-generating equipment distanced from the occupied space. Plus, the duct and air distribution system was designed with low velocity duct so as to minimize sound transmission.
The regulatory district mandates that all new buildings exceed Title 24 energy requirements by at least 20%. To achieve this requirement, P2S worked closely with the architect to design the building envelop and the electrical engineer for lighting system design. Energy efficient air handling and distribution systems were utilized to comply with the District mandates.
Action
P2S was responsible for providing engineering, design and construction support services. To meet the objectives of the project, P2S designed the following systems:
Mechanical system
- The mechanical system included two, cooling only, rooftop, packaged variable air volume air handling units for each floor.
- Conditioned supply air was provided to variable air volume (VAV) terminal units throughout each floor.
- Building heating system was provided via steam to hot water shell and tube heat exchanger, which supplies heating hot water to VAV box reheat coils.
- A direct digital control (DDC) system was provided for controlling all building mechanical systems.
Plumbing system
- The plumbing systems included building soil, waste and vent, domestic cold and hot water, storm drain and natural gas systems.
Results
P2S completed the design on schedule and within the allocated budget. In the end, the P2S design for these two buildings achieved the districts minimum energy goals by exceeding Title 24 requirements by more than 30%. By meeting project goals and objectives, Fullerton College benefits from lower operational and maintenance costs and enables them to use the facility as planned.
