Airedale Mechanical & Electrical

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Energy Research Building – University of Leeds

Client:

University Of Leeds

Main Contractor:

BAM Construction Ltd

Content:

Mechanical & Electrical Services

Value:

£3,600,000

Architect:

Fairhursts Design Group Ltd

M&E Consultant:

Crouch Perry Wilkes LLP

The Energy building consisted of a design and build project, which provided a bespoke research and teaching facility combining existing separate departments into a modern facility.

The whole ethos of the building was to provide a facility, which used the minimum of energy. The approach for this was to provide a super insulated/air tight structure, fume cupboards with auto-sash closure, fume hoods with auto/local off facility, AHU’s with variable volume down to 10%, absence plant shut down, free cooling chiller, mixed mode ventilation, heat recovery, variable volume toilet extract and two port variable CHW and LPHW. From concept to final installation the project was modelled and updated to track all the service enhancements to provide the client with the lowest energy usage.

The mechanical services installation involved extensive ventilation, with room and cross talk attenuation to suit the noise requirement. The majority of spaces were fitted with refrigerant-based VRF heat recovery units to provide both heating and cooling. The other spaces have cooling via a central ducted supply, with background heat via radiators from a condensing boiler plant. Domestic water is mains-fed, with local electric water heaters for DHWS. Rainwater recovery serves the WC's and urinals throughout the facility.

The departments that occupied the building were Analytical/process laboratories, Combustion laboratories, Aviation Labs and office/write up facilities.

The mechanical services design, supplied and installed were as follows – VAV supply and extract [maintaining -VE], fume cupboard extract, high temperature combustion extract, steam fed LPHW serving VAV and radiator circuits, free cooling Chiller and variable CHW, domestic water services [cat 5 and potable] , drainage, process/natural gases/compressed air inc distribution, storage, alarms, Gas detection and proving systems and a comprehensive BMS/metering system integrated into the University’s central facility.

The electrical systems consisted of the installation of 2No new 1500kVA transformers with Schneider power-logic control system for remote transfer & monitoring, mains and sub main distribution throughout dedicated risers, this was achieved by the installation of new rising main bus bar systems, small power, Laboratory and office lighting. In addition to this AME also installed data installations, fire alarm linked to the site network, access control, CCTV, dda systems such as disabled refuge and hearing induction systems.

Lighting to the majority of the building is provided in the form of high frequency fluorescent luminaires with light controlling louvres to suit the room use, all controlled via either presence detection to automatically switch off the lighting after a period of inactivity, or manual switching where this is deemed relevant. Where luminaries are mounted adjacent external glazing these are generally controlled via a photocell, dimming luminaries to maintain an average level of illuminance dependant on external influences.

CONTRACT PERIOD: 36 WEEKS