Difference between revisions of "Labs Sessions - Q1 2015"

Latest revision as of 14:06, 5 February 2016

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Geeks Rule

   GG Labs Sessions are held the first Friday of each month after the
   Community Lunch, starting at 1:30 p.m. and ending around 4:30 p.m.
   Everyone is invited to come hang out!!

Cave Day Items

• Commissioning Items
  • BCS - Training on trend logging using DDC
  • ENERGY - Tracking energy produced vs. used; on-going Cx using DDC monitoring

• Labs Experiments
  • WATER - Rainwater Usage analysis at end of summer
  • WATER - Finalize plan for Measurement of in-ground tank volume/dipstick calibration
  • WASTE - Kirsten's Waste Watch
    • Trends & Goals / Policy communicated and easy to reference
  • BCS - Cooling & Dehumidification M&V on coil
  • BCS - Trickle loop experiment
  • ENERGY - Phase 2 - Finish documentation on refrigerator electrical usage and performance
  • Solar Oven - example

• CURRENT CAVE DAY FOCUS
  • For July - Prep for August project
    • Trickle Loop Experiment
    • Earth Room Performance (efficiency) number crunching; is Earth Room bypass viable; optimize Earth Room exhaust fan
  • BCS - Annex revised ductwork and airflow readings
  • BCS - Building pressurization by balance - summer/winter modes

END OF LIST

Labs Sessions - 1st Quarter 2015

Labs Session - Jan 16, 2015

• Happy New Year!!
• LABS VisionQuest 2015
  • Roots
  • Future Growth
  • Meeting Frequency & Time
    • Labs Projects
      • First Friday of month from 1:30-4:30 p.m. (except July and September will be second Friday due to holidays)
      • Open to everyone
      • Generally intended to be a "hands on" science-related project that can be completed in approx. 3 hour span including brief analysis at end of activity to determine general results and decide if further analysis would be beneficial
    • Cave Day
      • Third Friday of month unless otherwise noted on Labs Calendar
      • Generally intended to be for deep analysis, extended calculations, or enhanced documentation of previous activities that are not well suited to group activity (busy work or catch-up activities)

• Cool Stuff
  • DTE Insight Overview
  • Article on Application

• What I Did On My Summer Vacation

• Next Session and Beyond
  • Ideas - Date
  • Red Panda Heating

Labs Session - Feb 6, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for March 6, 2015 Project - Earth Room wrap-up
  • Cave Day Plan (see above) - prep Earth Rm info for March 6 Project
  • Cool Stuff: Vampire Loads Study
  • Today's Project: Red Panda Space Temp Study

• Prep - Overview
  • Heat Sources - Premise of Operation
  • Paths of Heat Transfer
  • Review trends from this week (space temp, water temp, etc.)

• Hands-On
  • Annex space pressure differentials
  • Ventilation airflows
  • Floor heating profile
  • Temperature gradients in room

• Brain Work
  • Review observations/results

• Conclusions & Suggestions - See RED PANDA TEMPERATURE STUDY REPORT
  • Any additional research or calcs required?
    • None identified at this time

• Next Project and Beyond
  • March 6 Project - Plan A, Earth Room

Labs Session - Mar 6, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • 30 minutes with Tom Brennan - Red Panda Recap
  • Topic for April 3, 2015 Project
    • Plan the trash audit
    • Finish up Earth Room
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
  • GG Ventilation System Observations
    • Scheduled for 8a-6p
    • Trend showing on about 3 hours later
    • Clock correct on Jace? On trend histories?
    • Sometimes only on for 1 hour at a time
    • Not reading CO2 when off; sometimes CO2 spiking after system turned off
    • No toilet exhaust when off
    • Some toilet room odors, stuffy nose, coughing noted at times
    • ERV wheel could freeze on super cold days, but designed to have wheel turned off during potential freezing (see design; 5 deg F??)
    • Ask Joe for update on current cold weather ventilation strategy (LLC emailed 3/24/15)
      • Received from JOE: When its single digit cold or colder- run the vent for 1 1/2 hrs around lunch to bring in some fresh air. Ventilation off for balance of day. In the teens, maybe raise the co2 monitor 1000 to 1200 to keep erv from going to high speed. And everything modified by how the building feels.
  • Today's Project: Altherma / Earth Room Performance

• Prep - Overview
  • Goals of Project - see Earth Room Performance
  • Review previous work completed
    • LLC folder
    • 2014 Heating Readings
  • Plan to finish
    • Review measurements and how to improve; get more close to snapshot of time
    • Relationship between heat transfer loops to get to mfg chart more accurately
    • Measure electrical with domestic water heater off

• Hands-On
  • How to measure electrical component of Altherma - turn off water heater temporarily; no dishwasher on at that time
  • Field investigation - next time
    • Verify location/size of air bypass
    • Verify exhaust fan capacity compared to air bypass capabilities

• Brain Work - After getting readings
  • Verify Altherma operation on mfg performance charts
  • Run simulation for annual operation of Altherma with and without bypass
  • Estimate energy savings
  • Estimate cost to install/control air bypass
  • Document findings / recommendation

• Conclusions - Suggestions
  • Based on findings, determine if should continue to pursue

• Next Project and Beyond
  • April 3 Project
  • Trash Audit in May - to be scheduled based on Kirsten's zoot soot
  • Energy Monitoring

Labs Sessions - 2nd Quarter 2015

Labs Session - April 10, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Friday Lunch Presentation on Red Panda work
    • Reviewed with Matt for format and content
    • Create PowerPoint to highlight main points and show images of results
  • Upcoming Projects
    • May 1, 2015 - Live Trash Audit
    • June 2015 - Dehumid Coil Condensation Investigation
  • GG Cold Weather Ventilation Policy - Particle Counter, CO2
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
  • Today's Activity: Plan Trash Audit & Red Panda Presentation

• Today's Project: Live Trash Audit Planning
  • Time: May 1 during lunch
  • Place: near doors to Annex
  • Protocol: open 1 bag on tarp, review compost, finish rest during Labs
  • Goals: see how we are doing; straighten out issues with compost
  • Kirsten's outfit is on track to be ready
  • Kirsten bring tarp(s), gloves, grabber tool
  • Laurie photographer
  • Helen record results and notations
  • Matt will make sure to hold trash from collection that Friday
  • Tom Brennan has microphone to broadcast audit; Matt will coordinate

• Today's Project: Red Panda Presentation Planning
  • Into to systems, problem / solution / how its working / examples

• Next Project and Beyond
  • May Project - Trash Audit
  • June Project - Coil Condensation Issue
  • Future - Trickle Loop, Energy Monitoring

Labs Session - May 1, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project - Dehumidification Coil Condensation Issue
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
  • Today's Project: Live Trash Audit

• Prep - Overview
  • Past Trash Audits
    • Recycling Audit
    • Garbage Audit
    • Trash Audit
    • Trash Audit May 31, 2013
  • Reason for doing / Goals
    • See how we are doing
    • Education & awareness
    • Compost bin specific check for issues
  • Process
    • Sample at end of lunch
    • Finish during early Labs Session

• Hands-On
  • Open first bag, sort, report, repeat until complete
  • Observations:
    • Bag 1 - 3.6 lbs - no notes
    • Bag 2 - 7.8 lbs - lots of paper could have been recycled
    • Bag 3 - 2.0 lbs - plastic grocery bags, lots of Starbucks cups
    • Bag 4 - 3.6 lbs - fridge clean out bag
    • Bag 5 - 5.8 lbs - more Starbucks, clean paper bags, plastic utensils should be left at carryout
    • Bag 6 - 1.6 lbs - more Starbucks, plastic flower bag
    • Bag 7 - 1.4 lbs - lots of plastic grocery bags, borderline Styrofoam
    • Misc boxes, brown packing paper could be recycled
    • Judgment call on rinsing out containers vs pitching, especially if oily

• Brain Work
  • What are we doing well
    • Not many recycling mistakes
  • Where could we improve
    • Starbucks compostable cups, bring your own washable
    • Plastic grocery bags
    • Some paper, cardboard

• Conclusions - Suggestions
  • Documentation
    • Blog with photos
  • How to communicate results
    • Matt send out to community

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project - Coil Condensation
  • Energy Monitoring

Labs Session - June 5, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project
    • IAQ Study - CO2 Data Logging / Particle Counter (summer portion)
    • Trickle Loop Analysis (summer portion)
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
  • Today's Project: GG Dehumidification Coil Condensation Issue

• Prep - Overview
  • Problem description - Tom Brennan and Joey G.
  • Verify process matches actual problem

• Hands-On
  • Visual observation for signs of past moisture
  • Listen for air leakage
  • Activate dehumidification mode
  • Screenshot of system during thermal imaging
  • Thermal image coil / duct area
  • Check duct joints / coil drain pan for moisture leakage

• Brain Work
  • Analyze thermal imaging
  • Record all observations
  • Make recommendations

• Conclusions - Suggestions
  • Provide access panel upstream / downstream of coil for cleaning coil and drain pan and observation
  • Consider repeating thermal image, dewpoint readings on hot, humid day to check results

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project
  • Energy Monitoring

Labs Sessions - 3rd Quarter 2015

Labs Session - July 10, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project
    • Trickle Loop Experiment
    • Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center & Sustainability
    • 2015 Dewpoint Experiment - Friday, September 4, 2015 against Cleveland
  • Cave Day Plan (see above also)
    • GG Dehumidification Coil Condensation Issue
    • Collect/Analyze today's project data
    • Button up Earth Room Study, if time permits
  • Today's Project: GG IAQ Study - Summer Phase

• Prep - Overview
  • Intro / Background - Why
  • Review definition of IAQ - What
  • Labs Study Scope & Methodology - How / Where / When

• Hands-On
  • T/RH from CO2 Meters - instantaneous snapshots & 1-week data logging
  • CO2 Data Logging - instantaneous snapshots & 1-week data logging
  • Particle Counter - instantaneous snapshots & 1-week data logging

• Brain Work
  • Immediate Results - Snapshot
  • Longer Term Logging - collect/analyze on Cave Day

• Conclusions - Suggestions
  • Any Immediate Improvements / Theories
  • Plan for Winter Phase Project Measurements / Lessons Learned

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project - Re-check dehumid coil for external condensation; Trickle Loop?
  • Energy Monitoring

Labs Session - August 7, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project
    • Cleanup from Summer Activities
    • Trickle Loop (hands on portion)
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
    • IAQ Study (summer portion) finalize
  • Reschedule dewpoint experiment away from Labor Day weekend? FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 vs. Royals
  • Today's Projects:
    • The Science of Measurement Tracking - Matt & Martha
    • GG Dehumidification Coil Condensation Issue 2.0 - the saga continues
    • GG IAQ Study - CO2 Data Logging / Particle Counter (summer portion) - initial data review

• Measurement Tracking Notes
  • Survey residents for average work hours per typical week (Matt / Tom approve)

• Coil Condensation Notes

• GG IAQ Study Notes

• Conclusions - Suggestions

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project - utility/waste benchmarks & comparisons
  • Energy Monitoring

Labs Session - September 4, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project
    • Cleanup from Summer Activities
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
    • IAQ Study (summer portion) finalize
  • DEWPOINT Experiment - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 vs. White Sox
  • Today's Projects:
    • The Science of Measurement Tracking - table for now, dealing with compost - talk to Tom Brennan
    • GG Dehumidification Coil Condensation Final Story
    • GG IAQ Study - CO2 Data Logging / Particle Counter (summer portion)

• Measurement Tracking Notes
  • Survey residents for average work hours per typical week (Matt / Tom approve)
  • Better benchmarking comparisons

• Coil Condensation Notes
  • Coil turned around
  • Trap on coil drain
  • Condensate receiver/pump

• GG IAQ Study Notes
  • CO2 Mapping & Trends
  • Particle Trends
  • Overlay meeting schedule on Conf Rm chart

• Conclusions - Suggestions

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project - utility/waste benchmarks & comparisons
  • Energy Monitoring

Labs Sessions - 4th Quarter 2015

Labs Session - October 2 & November 6, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
  • Today's Project: Conversation with the Bus Driver - Retail Store

• Brain Work
  • Finish review of CO2 - Particles from IAQ Cooling Season Study

• Conclusions - Suggestions

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project

Labs Session - December 4, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project - New Year's Resolutions
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
  • Today's Project: ERV Airflows & CO2 Impact

• Prep - Overview
  • ERV additional exhaust from Annex because of partitioning - original 100 CFM not installed?
  • Exhaust was added on main trunk at fan inlet, so would be included in low speed airflow
  • May be impacting required exhaust airflow from historic bldg enclosed spaces (toilet/conf)
  • Investigate and recommend solution, if necessary; two alternatives:
    • Speed up ERV to accommodate additional exhaust/supply - fan speed controls don't appear to alter fan speed, and both supply and exhaust appear to be combined into the same speed controller with unconnected box & 2 controllers above.
    • Move Annex exhaust duct over to variable flow branch - cost prohibitive; would have to go through wall to combine in Imaginarium.
  • Wiring diagram for ERV - mfg. schematic shows individual speed controllers on each motor (supply & exhaust) - schematic on control box panel shows no speed controllers but timer for frost control that was not installed (i.e. schematic is not accurate). Appears to be high speed controller (Vari-Speed) and low speed controller with individual wires going from each to a terminal strip in the control box (T-4 and T-5). On other side of strip, single power wire exits the box and goes to the ERV with a single local power switch on top of the unit. Power appears to be separated within the unit to go to the 2 fans, and possibly the wheel also?

• Hands-On
  • Mark speed controller positions for supply & return fans - speeds marked on controls; note that bottom control already had a mark much higher up on the controller but was set at the line that is now displayed as a dotted line.
  • Check if fans speed up/slow down based on speed controllers - no perceptible change in speed with either rheostat adjusted higher or lower. Appears to be wired, but no change.
  • Confirm routing of exhaust duct & update as-built - confirmed; see marked up ventilation plan.

• Brain Work
  • Is increasing fan speed an option? - not unless speed controllers are effectively connected; currently not working.
  • CO2 measured in space vs in duct
    • with fans running
    • with fans off

• Conclusions - Suggestions
  • Exhaust airflow potential rebalance recommmendation - recommend rebalancing rather than moving duct.
  • Comment on cold weather policy and potential CO2 impact to space

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project
  • Energy Monitoring

Labs Session - x x, 2015

• Labs Updates
  • Topic for Next Month's Project
  • Cave Day Plan (see above)
  • Today's Project:

• Prep - Overview

• Hands-On

• Brain Work

• Conclusions - Suggestions

• Next Project and Beyond
  • Next Project
  • Energy Monitoring

Resources

• Commissioning Design Center
• Labs Highlights
• Labs Help Wanted
• Current Labs Summary
• Labs Idea Bin
• Labs Tool Box
• Labs Experiment Template - Wiki outline of individual Experiment

TO DO

• Plan / Do / Check / Act / Repeat