Mechanical Room

By: Muhammad Faheem ShahbazHVAC Design ProfessionalMechanical Room Ventilation as per ASHRAE standards

Amechanical roomor aboiler room is a space in a building dedicated to the mechanical equipment and its associated electrical equipment. Total Mechanical & electrical space requirements range between 4 & 9 % of gross building area.Mechanical Room

Mechanical rooms typically house the following equipment:Air handlers, Boilers, Chillers, Heat exchangersWater heatersandtanksWater pumps(for domestic, heating/cooling, and firefighting water)Main distributionpipingandvalvesSprinklerdistribution piping and pumpsBack-upelectrical generatorsElevatormachineryOtherHVACequipment

Mechanical Room Machinery

Ventilation is intentional introduction of air from the outdoors in to the building.Types:Natural ventilationMechanical ventilationVentilation

Supply Air required for fuel burning .

Why Ventilation is necessary for Mechanical room?

Maintain air flow requirement to meet Standards for refrigeration machinery room in case of refrigerant leaks. Ensure Mechanical room temperatures are at workable levels.Why Ventilation is necessary for Mechanical room?

Heat gains from equipment placed in Mech. Room like, pump motors, compressor motors, radiated heat from heating equipment etc.Temperature increasing factors

All mechanical rooms must be mechanically ventilated to maintain room space conditions as indicated inASHRAE 62, (Ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality)ASHRAE 15.(safety standard for refrigeration systems)standards

Recommended & Minimum Criterias (standard 15)

1 cfm/2400 btu of fuel burning equipment (international mechanical code)

Recommended & Minimum Criterias

Recommended & Minimum Criterias for refrigeration equipments (standard 15)

Most boiler and burner manufacturers have procedures for sizing combustion air supplies included in their installation instructions. These instructions can be followed, however, caution is required as local codes may supersede the manufacturer's instructionsManufacturer Recommendations

Shall be minimum 25 distance from any exhaust air source or contaminant source to prevent cross contamination.Opening shall be min. 6 above ground level.Close to Mech room Location for Outdoor Air Intakes

Mechanical rooms Below GradeMechanical rooms partialy or entirelyAbove gradeMechanical room & outdoor air opening locations

Mechanical Rooms below grade

Mechanical room partially or completely above grade

Provide permanent openings.Avoid using door & windows Less air supply will lead to smoke production, less efficient fuel burning & generation of carbon monoxide. If the fire goes out before the flame detection system acts to close the fuel safety shutoff valve, accumulated fuel mayre-ignitewhen oxygen seeps in through cracks and crevices. A furnaceexplosionmay occur with disastrous effects on personnel and property.Permanent & temporary openings

Each of the appliance served shall be electrically interlocked to the mechanical forced air system so as to prevent the operation of the appliances when the ventilation system is not in operation.Interlocking Mechanical equipment & ventilation system

Shall be able to maintain Uniform temperatures throughout the Mech room

Air distribution of the ventilation air

If ventilation air is not enough for maintaining workable or desired temperatures, cooling arrangements shall be employedCooling requirements if required

Control system

Control system for Mech room ventilation

QUESTIONS

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