Page 7 - TCExpression | Tata cunsulting engineers limited

Cover Story 07

Open ceiling plan in a heritage

building with column beam Geek-speak on HVAC

structure installations
w Use of Magnetic Levitation Chillers with Ultra
High Efficiency
A traditional heritage building comprises of conventional
beam structures. The architectural design was already w Primary Variable Pumping system
envisaged with deep aesthetics in the form. Translating all w Use of VFDs on Cooling Towers
this into a functional open ceiling, open office functionality
with required Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) w Up gradation to new efficient Cooling Towers
elements called for more engineering eureka moments.
Technical solutions had to be tried out ‘virtually’. The w VFD based AHUs with EC Motors and VAV
TCE-Ecofirst team have now transferred the entire AS Controls for air distribution
BUILD asset of the MEP services as a digital inventory
using Building Information Modelling (BIM) system and
REVIT tools. The implication–a digital double of the entire
building that can be visualised in a simulated environment.
This mapping of the digitised asset will enable all future
modifications to be reviewed digitally through simulations
before implementing changes. This will also speed up the
process of remodelling in future. Every detail including
procurement data is captured digitally.

Heritage building + ECBC super
building + Green building

Platinum rating

High standards for acquiring green building ratings
are primarily achieved through energy efficiencies and
innovative HVAC solutions-a combine of electrical and
mechanical engineering wizardry. Throw in the interior
aesthetics to challenge this and an open ceiling mandate to
add cold water to the visual concept. The interior design and
the technical teams were in a tight knot.

A vision document, complete with the requisite codes
and standards as per super efficient HVAC building
guidelines, was created. Predictive energy modelling using
advanced tools such as eQuest and Design Builder were
used. This ensured that the building is compliant with
Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 and the
existing Green Building Platinum rating. The additional
value engineering provided was an industry first wherein A very innovative invisible Small Duct High Velocity (SDHV)-
a measurement and verification protocol was set up based air distribution system along with Specialised Air
in accordance with global standards of IPMVP. In plain Handling Units (AHUs) was recommended for the core
language, Bombay House has the tools to monitor the shared spaces and meeting rooms. This ‘invisible’ ducting
building energy consumption, recalibrate the energy model was super thin ensuring that the design aesthetics and good
and check/benchmark the actual energy consumption of ceiling heights were maintained while providing high end
the building. These protocols ensure that high efficiencies in functionality required for a large office space with state-of-
energy consumption are maintained continuously. the-art digital facilities.