HVAC in Building with Wet Turf Playing Field

[BronYrAur]

I'm going to be getting into the design of an HVAC system for an indoor playing field with a turf that is wetted on occasion to keep it in shape. Don't really know the specifics on that yet.

This is new territory for me - what do I need to look out for? I assume that due to watering of the turf, humidity control will be key. Anyone know of any good references?

This facility will also have a basketball court in a separate space. Any recommendation there with the hardwood floor?

 

[marcoh]

I looked at a library once with a large indoor garden and had similar issues. A lot of care was taken in choosing plants that could live in an air conditioned environment and some species had to be replaced later on as they died.

Need to consider the ambient climate but playing fields are probably used intermittently so you might consider a full outside air system for most of the time to keep the turf healthy and forget about any temperature control (might need some temperating?). When the facility is in use then provide temperature control.

Bigger issue may be sunlight so the turf does not die! If you have openable roofs to let sunlight in then obviously any climate control becomes a moot point.

 

[JRLAKE]

It's probably an artificial turf with little rubber pellet filler to make the surface softer than standard artificial turf. They wet it to keep the rubber moist, I think. I play in an indoor soccer league with this type of turf. I bring some pellets home with me every night in my socks and shoes. It's quite annoying.

The air is very dry during the games. Obviously the system is designed to handle the high humidity.

As far as the hardwood floors go, didn't basketball gyms survive for decades before air conditioning was invented? My old high school in South Carolina had an unairconditioned gym with hardwood floors. Obviously it is VERY humid in the southeastern United States. I don't remember them having a problem, other than some people in the top rows passing out.

 

[MikeHalloran]

When I first arrived here in SoFla ~30 years ago, the town had just completed a new "eco- friendly" police headquarters with some kind of psueudo- natural water- based air conditioning. I think there was a waterfall in the lobby and a big shallow pool somewhere.

I was only there once before the system was replaced. The building was noticeably humud and stunk of mildew, and the mosquitos were out of control ... yes, indoors.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[MPcontrol1]

Let's take a class on psychometrics 101 ..........The psych chart as i call it would be usefull tool to understanding in what operating temps you will be in. It will also tell you how much humidity you want to have before it becomes uncomfortable. Remember designing is about human comfort so if you need some kind of chemical dehumidification or humidification you desire you should think of all options you need. And heres a link if you need a chart.I like the trane chart except for water is in grains of moisture instead of lbs so remember to divide by 7000. But it also shows the coil curves to which is helpful in my uses

http://www.professionalequipment.co...laminated-chart-210-1117-04/hvac-accessories/

 

[MPcontrol1]

Forgot about the hardwood floor question. Temp and humididty is critical when it is first installed so the wood does not expand or contract when it is installled on the ground. But soon after they do a seal on the floor some kind of laquer or sealant and once the floor is sealed you wont have to worry to much about other stuff.They usually shut the fans off when they seal it so it wont blow dust or dirt on the seal. Normal human comfort when you design for it will be fine

 

[lilliput1]

Make sure you use chilled water system not DX. Variable volume system with reheat at minimum volume would give good humidity control. Minimum CFM would be based on the minimum volume diffusers can handle begore dumping or the minimum ventilation air required, whichever is max. Use CO2 monitoring demand control ventillation. Use fan powered reheat terminal boxes at perimeter spaces for heating. Make sure you zone areas properly depending on exposure, occupancy and altitude (if seating elevations range of height is considerable there will be stratification, people low will be cold).

 

[AbbyNormal]

That laminated Trane chart is pretty good, some basic instructions on the back.

They still let you download an electronic version, not instructions though

http://www.trane.com/Commercial/Dna/View.aspx?i=1250

Take the "V" out of HVAC and you are left with a HAC(k) job.