Fischer Canada was planning to add a new three-story office addition to their existing facility in Waterloo. They committed to using in-floor heat as their primary source and were seeking a solution to provide cooling, supplemental heating, and ventilation for the space. They wanted a system that could be zoned to provide heating in some areas while cooling others, along with a control system that allowed for individual control and central override. Additionally, they needed a solution that required minimal space and focused on energy efficiency.
Challenges
In designing an effective heating and cooling solution for Fischer Canada’s office addition, I encountered several challenges. The primary objectives were to ensure flexible zoning for different areas, integrate a control system that provided both individual and centralized management, and minimize the physical space required for the system—all while maintaining energy efficiency.
The Solution
To meet these challenges, I collaborated with CoPa Engineering to develop a solution incorporating an LG variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system for heating and cooling and an Aldes energy recovery ventilator (ERV) for ventilation. This solution featured several important specifications:
- Heat Recovery VRF System: This system served the main office areas, allowing for flexible zoning and simultaneous heating and cooling operation.
- Individual Zone Control: Each zone was equipped with its own thermostat, while a central controller was installed in the maintenance area for system override.
- Space Efficiency: The VRF system did not require large central duct runs, making it an excellent choice for minimizing space used inside the building.
- Aldes ERV: This ventilator addressed the ventilation requirements while recovering both latent and sensible energy from the building exhaust.
Our Approach
My approach involved close collaboration with CoPa Engineering to ensure the selected systems aligned with Fischer Canada’s vision for their new office addition. By focusing on energy efficiency and zoning capabilities, we successfully created a solution tailored to their specific needs.
Conclusion
The collaboration resulted in a highly efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation system that effectively met Fischer Canada’s requirements for their new office addition. This project demonstrates our ability to design and implement innovative solutions prioritizing energy efficiency and adaptability. If you’re looking for similar results for your projects, feel free to reach out to us!
