Photograph of the Willamalane Aquatic Center
Lapping up the Sun
A Vital Signs Case Study
Willamalane Aquatic Center | Springfield, Oregon
Environmental Control Systems | University of Oregon Architecture
Professors Alison Kwok, James Wasley
home
* introduction
* abstract
the building
* location
* description
* description
hypothesis
* questions
* hypothesis
methodology
* equipment
* placement
results
* series 1 data
* series 2 data
analysis
* insolation
* east-west
* driving forces
conclusions
* design recommendations
* future study
appendix
* the team
* acknowledgements
* preliminary questions
* raw data
Our hypothesis proved to be incorrect. While the indoor air temperature did stay within a fairly narrow range, significant variations took place over the course of the diurnal cycle. The HVAC system was partly responsible for these variations, with the most noticeable change occurring when the HVAC system switched in and out of "building occupied" mode each morning and night. Outdoor conditions also had a noticeable effect, particularly on clear days when direct sunlight warmed the interior areas, and the perimeter cooled due to thermal loss through glazing.

Recommendations

Indoor pools are not unlike any building dominated by internal loads: even when internal issues drive the design, it still makes sense to pay attention to potential effects of external conditions. For the Willamalane Aquatic Center, it might be possible to save energy in the winter by cutting off heat early in the day if sun was detected by a sensor connected to the HVAC control system. Also, during the summer, indoor air temperatures could become uncomfortably hot if there is no cool ventilation air available to counteract thermal solar gains.

Future study

In order to build on the results presented by this case study, it would be helpful to gather data at times when certain variables affecting the pool area could be controlled. For example if the pool is were drained and refilled with cold water, does the indoor air temperature behave differently? Tarps have been ordered for the pool, which should help save energy on pool heating costs, according to studies of other indoor pools done by Systems West Engineers. It would be interesting to see if indoor temperature readings are different when these tarps are in use. On the flip side, what happens if the HVAC system is turned off for a holiday weekend. Will the pool keep the indoor air temp relatively stable in absence of the heaters?

HVAC systems for indoor pool facilities are interesting enough by themselves to merit further investigation. For Willamalane it would be interesting to figure out:

  • How much work does each HVAC zone do?
  • Is the system working efficiently?
  • Which zones are heating and which are recirculating?
  • Do chloramine gasses build up in the system?
  • How much outside air is required to keep air quality under control?
  • How does this compare to other area pools which lack advanced filtration systems?
 
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