MOCA Cleveland

The building enclosure was designed with assistance from Arup and Zahner. The desire to create a architectural statement needed to be supported with technical rigor to ensure both adequate structural and thermal performance. 2D heat transfer analysis was used to optimize framing systems to minimize condensation risk. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used to evaluate air temperatures close to the facade. The analysis showed that some heat trace would be needed to prevent condensation under low outside air temperatures. This solution allowed a full perimeter heating system to be avoided.

Museum gallery lighting continues to evolve, due to the availability of LED sources. During the design process, halogen, metal halide, and LED fixtures were evaluated. The end result is a solution that blends metal halide and halogen sources.

The main gallery located on the top floor is provided with air from a raised floor system provided by Airfloor. This system allows a raised floor to be incorporated in a shallow floor package, with adequate structural loading and electrical distribution flexibility for a museum application. Due to the need for stable humidity control, a Munters Drycool ERV is provided to pre-condition all outdoor air.

A GeoExchange field is located adjacent to the building and provides heat absorption and heat rejection capability for 100% of the building's heating and cooling load requirement. The building is served by water-source heat pump type air-handling units and fan coil units. This solution allowed the building to be placed on a constrained site without creating excessive noise to adjacent properties.

Airfloor Precast Air Distribution System

by Airfloor

The airfloor system allows for incorporation of a raised floor system, with a lower cost than a traditional pedestal type raised floor. The system consists of sheet metal forms installed over a structural slab and then covered with a topping slab with a finish material as desired by the design team. The system requires 5" depth. Linear diffusers are cast directly into the topping slab. The airfloor allows the floor system to also function as a radiant slab for heating and cooling. Application of this technology requires close coordination with the vendor, structural, mechanical, and architectural disciplines.

Munters Drycool ERV

Drycool ERV by Munters

In hot and humid climate zones (ASHRAE 1A to 3A), as well as extremely cold climates (ASHRAE 6 and 7), energy recovery systems can significantly reduce peak heating and cooling demand, as well as energy consumption. The Munters Drycool ERV combines several technologies to create a dedicated otudoor air unit capable of efficient dehumidification. Units incorporate an energy recovery wheel, desiccant dehumidification wheel, and DX cooling system. The DX cooling system rejects heat upstream of the desiccant wheel, to provide "free" energy for the regeneration of the desiccant material. Designers should size units carefully to best balance equipment size with fan pressure drop.