Good afternoon all,
We are working on a distribution center, most of the project is a merchandise warehouse with automatic systems for the movement of the merchandise, such as shuttle systems and conveyor belts.
The warehouse has no HVAC systems but natural ventilation grilles, and the occupancy is low around 6,000 sqft per person since the warehouse is fully automated.
I wonder if it is acceptable to consider the warehouse as an unconditioned space, for me it doesn´t really make sense to model an HVAC system in the baseline for the warehouse. The common construction practices for Distribution Centers in several cities in Latin America do not include HVAC systems.
Thanks in advance.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5914 thumbs up
October 7, 2022 - 9:06 am
Sounds like it is an unconditioned space so you don't have to model an HVAC system. Even though it appears that 90.1 Appendix G wants you to model an HVAC system there is a very simple work around, you adjust the temperature setting (not prescribed by 90.1) so that the systems do not operate. Knowing this work around it makes modeling an HVAC system a complete waste of time. If the reviewer questions why you have not modeled one you just need to tell them that this type of project does not normally have an HVAC system and that you are aware of the work around and felt it was a waste of time to model systems that would have no impact on the energy use.
santiago sanchez
Energy AnalystSpinnaker Group
October 7, 2022 - 10:49 am
Thank you Marcus
Ying Lindsey
6 thumbs up
October 7, 2022 - 11:16 am
If the modeler does have the HVAC system simulated for the warehouse and makes it operate. Can extra savings be claimed?
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5914 thumbs up
October 7, 2022 - 5:20 pm
It depends on the situation. I would need to know more. But in general if there is no HVAC in the proposed and the spaces are not insulated the HVAC system is identical to the baseline and there should not be any savings. You aren't really allowed to claim savings for something that you didn't even do.