Integration of Hydronic Thermal Transport Integration of Hydronic Thermal Transport Systems with Fire Suppression SystemsSystems with Fire Suppression Systems

ASHRAE Winter Meeting 2001

WALTER M. JANUS, PEWALTER M. JANUS, PEURS Corp., Washington, DC

INTRODUCTION

• Air-Water Systems Have a Higher First Cost Than All-Air Systems

• Integration Techniques Can Reduce First Cost “Penalty”

• Combining Hydronic Distribution and Fire Suppression Systems - Examples

• Codes & Standards

• Design Considerations

• Installation Cost

CODES & STANDARDS - NFPA 13

• Primary Duty is Fire Protection

• All Components Rated for Working Pressure of Sprinkler System (175 or 300 psi)

• Water for Fire Suppression Cannot Pass Through Auxiliary Equipment

• Must be a Closed Circulating System

• Dielectric Fittings Required at All Joints of Dissimilar Metals

CODES & STANDARDS - NFPA 13

• Water Temperature Less Than 120°F/49 °C

• Service Valves Required at all Connections to Auxiliary Equipment

• Special Signage at Valves

• No Additives in Water That Would Inhibit its Fire-Fighting Capabilities

• Operation of Auxiliary Equipment Cannot Induce False Alarms or Inhibit Alarms

OTHER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

• Review with Code Officials Early and Often

• Basic Layout

• Coordination Between Design Disciplines

• Coordination Between Contractors

• Sprinkler Annunciation

FIRST COST IMPLICATIONS

• Example Building– Washington DC

– Six Stories, 10,800 sq. ft. (100 m2) each

– Chilled Water Hydronic System

– Sprinkler System Design for Light Hazard

• Cost Comparison– Includes Risers and Branch Piping Only

• Results– Stand Alone Sprinkler System $44,500 ($0.69/sq. ft.)

– Stand Alone Hydronic System $47,000 ($0.73/sq. ft.)

– Integrated System $50,800 ($0.78/sq. ft.)

CONCLUSIONS

• Combining Hydronic Distribution and Fire Suppression Systems Is Technically Feasible and Has Been Done

• Codes & Standards Make Provisions for It

• Applying This Integration to Air-Water Systems Can Reduce Their First Cost “Penalty”