Other HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) equipment\n <\/li>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/ul>\nWhat are the considerations for an effective plant room?<\/h5>\n
Well, here is where size really does matter. The size and type of building determines its plant room\u2019s size. It\u2019s even possible for large buildings to have multiple plant rooms. Sometimes, plant rooms can take up space on an entire floor or more than one floor. Different plant rooms may also have different functions, e.g. battery, transformer or boiler rooms, etc.<\/p>\n
In the case of plant room design, the priority is functionality, not aesthetics. So, understanding the functioning of a mechanical system is paramount before designing begins.<\/p>\n
Of its several functions, one task a plant room performs is the management of exhaust gases. Combined heat and power (CHP) plant rooms are placed either in the basement or on top of the roof of a building, ensuring it sits on a sturdy mounting platform. Similar to boilers, the required volumetric flow rates of ambient air are drawn in from outside air for the combustion and ventilation of the plant room. An exhaust system directs the combustion products away from the building\u2019s ventilation system through an outlet point, so that it does not accidentally re-circulate in the building. Many times, the exhaust duct outlets extend to a building\u2019s roof, taking into account duct material that is compatible, insulation and vibration isolation.<\/p>\n
Designing a plant room takes this and many other factors into consideration. To design an optimal mechanical system in a plant room, consider the following:
\n![\"Designing-Effective\"](\"https:\/\/www.axiumglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Designing-Effective-Plant-Rooms.jpg\")
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\n- Place the plant room adjacent to the garage (in a house). Rooms situated over a garage will have longer heat runs. Hence, they should ideally be close to the furnace.<\/li>\n
- A furnace should be located along a beam whenever possible, to allow duct lines to be bulk headed in with the beam.<\/li>\n
- Plant rooms or mechanical rooms should be situated near the exterior side yard.<\/li>\n
- Ductwork sizing must be checked, and since ductwork runs in the opposite direction of floor joists, it must be drawn in such a direction as much as possible. Typically, a bulkhead is 40<\/span>, 48<\/span>, or 56<\/span> inches wide, depending on the square footage of the building.<\/li>\n
- If an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) is included, plant rooms will need to be bigger. An HRV makes air healthier and cleaner by constantly replacing stale air with fresh outdoor air. They are also known as air-to-air heat exchangers, as they use exhaust air to preheat or cool incoming air.<\/li>\n
- Must have easy access for maintenance staff<\/li>\n
- Must have room to expand if required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Plant room designers also need to think about the following requirements:<\/p>\n
Site Factors<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Placement on the site should be so that those performing maintenance\/replacement of equipment should have easy access routes.<\/li>\n
- Locations should be determined with an eye on potential future expansion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Room & Space Planning<\/h5>\n\n
\n- 800<\/span>mm to 1<\/span>m circulation width should be maintained throughout the plant room<\/li>\n
- Circulation zones should accommodate different sizes and types of equipment and replacement parts.<\/li>\n
- A minimum of 20<\/span>% additional space should be allowed for on boards and in cabinets for future additional equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Design Principles<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Plant equipment must have appropriate protection.<\/li>\n
- Service technicians must have appropriate amenities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Materials & Finishes<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Generally, louvred facades are used for shading outside plant rooms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Roof<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Lightweight roofs are preferred.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
External Walls<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Preference for louvred or naturally ventilated fa\u00e7ades<\/li>\n
- When placed externally, use screening devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Internal Walls<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Should be impact resistant<\/li>\n
- Should be durable to withstand minor impacts with tools and equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Floors<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Low maintenance, spill-resistant and slip-resistant finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Ceilings<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Can be unfinished concrete<\/li>\n
- Non-combustible ceiling linings are mandatory<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Windows<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Glazing is not required.<\/li>\n
- Privacy is important, as equipment should be concealed from public view<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Doors<\/h5>\n\n
\n- For external plant rooms, louvred doors are recommended.<\/li>\n
- Fire rated\/acoustic doors compliant to local standards<\/li>\n
- Steel or aluminium framed with a lock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Security<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Security type\/group for maintenance access only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Acoustics<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Acoustic attenuation when close to teaching or office spaces<\/li>\n
- Sound transmission to adjoining spaces must be minimised.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Ventilation<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Constant natural ventilation is preferred.<\/li>\n
- Natural\/passive supply of air<\/li>\n
- Exhaust is required, as equipment generates heat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Water<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Potable cold water is needed for hose connections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Drainage<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Sanitary drainage is required.<\/li>\n
- Drain for taps with hose connections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Lighting<\/h5>\n\n
\n- Minimum 150<\/span> lux is required<\/li>\n
- Lights should turn off automatically after 1 hour, with a manual override.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Communication\/AV<\/h5>\n