Lift RC-22
The Canyons Village (Park City, Utah)
Tyler Conaboy
Mechanical Option
(Click Image Above for Full Proposal)
PROPOSED REDESIGN
After considering the alternatives from the previous section, the final mechanical system proposed redesign is as follows. Incorporating the second alternative to the existing mechanical system will be investigated. This includes designing for the building’s cooling system to operate using thermal ice storage. With improved energy efficiency, distribution equipment and chillers can potentially be downsized. Along with the utility discount, this will also help to reduce costs for the system. Some important things to consider when designing a thermal ice storage systems include: ice melt selection, full vs. partial storage and building cooling demands. The proposed redesign integrates with other systems of the building, which will be discussed in the two breadths following this section.
(Click Image Above for Full Revised Proposal)
ELECTRICAL BREADTH
In reviewing technical reports 2 and 3, electricity consumption and costs for the building are projected to be high. The LEED feasibility study performed in technical report 3 highlights that Lift RC-22 doesn’t produce or use any renewable energy sources. Although sustainability strategies aren’t a requirement for the building, incorporating solar energy through the use of photovoltaic panels can benefit the owner. Tax exemptions, LEED credits and lowered electricity costs are a few of the advantages to using solar energy. With the proposed redesign, electric costs will also be investigated. Thermal energy storage is anticipated to reduce the money spent on heating or cooling water for HVAC systems. Utility costs, specifically electricity will be analyzed to compare against the original building design.
PLUMBING BREADTH
Using a thermal energy storage design will require the mechanical system to consume more water than originally intended. A breadth that will be researched is the design of a grey water system. This may help reduce the amount of water the local utility company needs to supply to the building. Given the location of Lift RC-22, a lot of snow will accumulate on the roof and around the building property. Design documents detail the integration of this snowmelt system with the building’s central boiler plant. A plate-and-frame heat exchanger has been specified to distribute 50% propylene and water to the exterior of the building. Water retention methods may be used to collect and reuse the melted snow. This water may be circulated into the building’s domestic water system, therefore decreasing the water usage.