1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

This is the final report for a yearlong analysis of the mechanical design for 3200 S. Ocean Blvd. which is a new luxury condominium in Highland Beach, Florida. The main focus of this report is the analysis of the re-design of the mechanical system in an attempt to improve the performance and indoor air quality (IAQ) throughout the building. Specifically, this report is targeted to answer the following questions:

 

1. What else could have been done to the mechanical design to improve the IAQ?

2. Is the proposed alternative mechanical system feasible?

3. What are the outcomes of this alternative mechanical design?

 

The depth of this report aims to see if the proposed mechanical design is feasible or not. A checklist was created to make sure all topics and goals are evaluated for the proposed mechanical design. While the main mechanical goal was to create a better quality of air throughout the entire building, the cost of implementing this proposed mechanical design also had to be considered. By switching the mechanical design, the electrical and acoustical aspects of the building can also change which are going to be evaluated in the breadths.

 

1.1 Mechanical Depth

 

The main analysis of the mechanical system at 3200 S. Ocean Blvd. will be dedicated to switching the 25 split system air handler units and natural ventilation throughout the building to 4 - 100% DOA systems with an enthalpy wheel and VAV boxes. The expected result of this change is to have better IAQ throughout the building while still using less energy. The evaluation of the energy savings will be done with an energy model created in Trane Trace 700. The proposed energy model will be compared to the energy model created for Tech Report 2 which models the original mechanical system used in 3200 S. Ocean Blvd.

 

1.2 Electrical Breadth

 

By switching the mechanical design to a 100% DOA system, there will be a change in energy usage. Even though the proposed mechanical system still uses less energy than the original design, solar panels can be installed to create even more energy savings. The proposal suggests evaluating how much energy can be produced based of the available SF. In addition to calculating the number of solar panels required, a payback analysis will also be generated to determine if the payback for the collectors is worthwhile based off of the expected savings.

 

1.3 Acoustical Breadth

 

In addition to the depth proposal, an acoustical breadth would be used to analyze the impact isolation class (IIC) for the floor construction. This aspect is looked into being that it’s a major problem in many condominiums.  Both structural airborne and airborne noise will to analyzed to make sure the recommended IIC ratings are met. If spaces do not meet the requirements, changes can be made to the floor assembly to create a higher rating.