DESIGN FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT NATATORIUMS: LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH BUILDING COMMISSIONING

摘要

Designing a natatorium has significant challenges: maintaining space temperature and humidity (90% of the heat loss from the water is due to evaporation and ventilation [1]), space pressurization for containing chloramines and maintaining pool water temperature. Goals of increasing building energy efficiency have become more prevalent as reductions in dependence on fossil fuel energy resources and greenhouse gas emissions is essential to the health and stability of our environment and public health. Natatoriums consume significantly more energy than the average commercial building of equal size so designing for energy efficiency is challenging and vital. The natatorium highlighted in this case study is located in Thornton, CO, where the design team analyzed and implemented a number of technologies to meet the energy efficiency goals of the client. Commissioning uncovered issues that led to improvements upon the original design and ensured proper and optimum system operation. This paper also addresses general natatorium design guidelines and recommends energy saving opportunities for future implementation.