We have a 8,335 sq. ft. historic building which is being renovated to accommodate several small natural history collections which require specific humidity and temperature set points. The building will also house a few offices and classrooms.
My question is, based on the below requirements, must the building in its entirety meet ASHRAE 90.1, 2010? Or can the modeling/energy requirements be applied only to the regularly occupied spaces and not the collection storage spaces?
"Collection Storage areas including Fluid Collections and -80º Freezer rooms would be designed to 55-58ºF.
• The rest of the building will be designed to 65-68ºF.
• The relative humidity design goal of 30-40% will be for the entire building.
• There are a few smaller office spaces could be individually controlled to increase temperature in the winter, to be more comfortable, with the understanding that the humidity would drop, and the collection would experience that change."
Additionally, I found the following language in a DOE presentation online, so I'm hoping we might find an exception to the collection areas.
"Section 6 – 6.4.3.7: Controls - Humidification and Dehumidification
Provide means to prevent simultaneous operation of humidification and dehumidification equipment
-Limit switches, mechanical stops, or software programming (DDC systems)
Exceptions
-Zones served by desiccant systems, used with direct evaporative cooling in series
-Systems serving zones where specific humidity levels are required and approved by jurisdiction
–Museums and hospitals"
