Saving Energy in an OR 1

[NealFC]

I am currently working with a hospital to lower there energy usage. One way that was brought up was to lower the air chages when the day operating room is not in use over the night time. I know the standard is 15 ACH when it is in use, but does that need to be maintained even if it is shut down? If anybody else as done research on the subject or knows where to find the information I am looking for I would be grateful.

 

[ChrisConley]

Where are you in the world? Codes vary significantly from place to place.

 

[NealFC]

Sorry, New York.

 

[walz]

Is this operating Room AHU with VFD?

Is this operating room served with energy recovery ventilator??

Does this AHU have the control valve to vary the flow of chilled/hot water??

savings can be done....some save by dollars.... others save even the cents...

 

[IRstuff]

There are potentially other considerations such as build-up of less-than-desirable gases, pollutants, or other things that might constraint the minimum exchange rate.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[marcoh]

In the few hospital I have done there has been no requirement to provide ventilation when the OR is not being used and the HVAC is simply turned off.

Would make sense to have a general mode with low ACH, OR mode with high ACH, and an off mode. But confirm with the authorities this is acceptable.

 

[SAK9]

There is no requirement to keep the AHU operating in the night unless it needs to cater to emergency situations.A morning start up with a 15~20 minute purge cycle(100% fresh air) is adequate.

Most ORs use 15~20 ACHPH and that is adequate for a recovery time( time required to bring the room upto required cleanliness level) of less than 30 minutes if terminal HEPA filters are used.

 

[tys90]

According to AIA guidelines for health care facilities, pressure relationships must be maintained in all modes of HVAC system operation. This means, that during unoccupied periods, airflow can be reduced as much as you want but pressure must be maintained.

 

[tys90]

Besides that, make sure to look at other typical energy saving measures such as economizing, temperature reset. I've seen many older units that are 100% outdoor at 15 or 20 air changes, which is not required and can be lowered to the 4 outdoor air changes required by AIA while maintaining that total of 15 or 20.

 

[cjw81]

In New York you are under a number of alphabet agencies, such as DOH NYS Department of Health and Joint Commission,along with NYFD, DEC,ECB,EPA,DOB. ect.
DOH requires 20 ach, but does not state that I can remember that you can have an "off" period. The only time I have seen that apply is when you perform a daily fire alarm pull test (FDNY requirement) and all fans over 2000cfm must shut down. I will check the codes when I go back in this week.