Merced Regional Airport, Merced, CA
Category: Airport
Services Provided: Energy Modeling, HVAC
Energy Modeling Components: Envelope, Mechanical, Domestic Hot Water, Lighting
Reason for Energy Modeling: Performance Compliance with the California Energy Code
Completion Date: In Progress
Owner: City of Merced
Architect: Mead & Hunt
At the Merced Regional Airport, our team was entrusted with the development of a new terminal building. Our comprehensive energy modeling revealed an encouraging 6.2% superior performance over the baseline design. Given our dual roles in both energy modeling and mechanical engineering, we were strategically positioned to make informed decisions. This enabled us to proactively opt for a high-efficiency de-coupled HVAC system. This system featured a dedicated outside air mechanism for ventilation, complemented by a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system that ensured optimal comfort in both cooling and heating.
Our collaborative approach was evident in our seamless partnership with the architect. As the architectural team contemplated alterations to the fenestration properties, we promptly updated the energy model to reflect these changes. A unique challenge we navigated was the presence of multiple exterior wall and roof assemblies. However, the exceptionally efficient glazing, boasting a u-value of 0.28 and a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.27, played a pivotal role. This not only contributed to the building's energy efficiency but also ensured that the air conditioning systems remained compact, optimizing for space and cost.