Balancing energy demands and sustainability in university power systems

Electrical insights

• The shift to all-electric equipment in university facilities increases the demand for electrical capacity.
• Smart lighting systems improve both energy efficiency and occupant comfort in university classrooms and laboratories.

Respondents: 

• Matthew Goss, PE, PMP, CEM, CEA, CDSM, LEED AP, MEP + Energy practice leaders, CDM Smith, Latham, N.Y.
• Abdullah Khaliqi, PE, CPQ, Academic market leader, Fitzmeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc, Woburn, Mass.
• Stephanie Lafontaine, PE, LEED BD+C, Lead mechanical engineer, RMF Engineering, Boston
• John Mongelli, PE, Associate, Kohler Ronan Consulting Engineers, Danbury, Conn.
• Jeff Wurmlinger, PE, HDR, Mechanical Section Leader, Pheonix

Are there any issues unique to designing electrical/power systems for these types of facilities?

Abdullah Khaliqi: Yes. One major challenge is accommodating the increased demand for electrical capacity due to the reduction of gas-fired equipment, which shifts the heat load to electric heating. This often requires significant upgrades to the existing electrical infrastructure. Additionally, ensuring energy efficiency while meeting the high-power demands of advanced technology and equipment is critical.  Further complications come from the need for redundancy and resiliency in educational settings, along with planning for future expansion.

John Mongelli: Many campuses are attempting to achieve net-zero carbon, which means utilizing all-electric equipment for both heating and cooling. This typically requires a larger electrical service and more space within a building to accommodate the electrical equipment.

What are some challenges when designing high-voltage power systems in college and university projects?

Abdullah Khaliqi: Designing high-voltage power systems in college and university projects presents several challenges, such as ensuring safety and compliance with stringent regulations. Properly managing high voltage distribution to prevent outages and maintain system reliability is crucial. Additionally, integrating these systems with existing infrastructure can be complex, particularly in older buildings. Balancing the high energy demands with sustainability goals and ensuring that the systems can accommodate future expansions adds another layer of complexity to the design process.

John Mongelli: Issues tend to arise when a project requires that relocates high-voltage distribution needs to accommodate a new building while keeping the campus up and running.

How has “smart” lighting influenced classrooms and laboratories? What tactics should electrical engineers use when designing these systems?

Abdullah Khaliqi: “Smart” lighting has enhanced energy efficiency, improved lighting quality and provided greater control over lighting environments for classrooms and laboratories. It allows for adjustable lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light, reducing energy consumption and increasing comfort. Electrical engineers should use tactics such as integrating occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting controls and programmable lighting schedules when designing these systems. They should also consider ease of control with user-friendly interfaces and compatibility with existing building management systems to maximize the benefits of smart lighting technology.

What are some key differences in electrical, lighting and power systems you might incorporate in this kind of facility?

Abdullah Khaliqi: In college and university facilities, key differences in electrical, lighting and power systems include higher capacity requirements to support advanced research equipment and specialized classrooms. Lighting systems often incorporate smart technology for energy efficiency and adaptability, with extensive use of occupancy sensors and daylight controls. Power systems may require more robust backup solutions and redundancy to ensure reliability for critical functions. These facilities often prioritize future scalability and flexibility to accommodate evolving technologies and higher power demands.

John Mongelli: Standardization of electrical equipment, be it switchboards, panelboards, circuit breakers, fixture types or wiring devices, has become common practice. This is important to a facility manager of a university because, if and when equipment fails, its replacement can be expedited in a timely manner.

How does your team work with the architect, owner’s rep and other project team members so the electrical/power systems are flexible and sustainable?

Abdullah Khaliqi: Our team collaborates closely with architects, owner’s representatives, and other project team members by integrating early and maintaining ongoing communication. We align electrical and power system designs with architectural plans and project goals to ensure flexibility and sustainability. This includes discussing future scalability, incorporating energy-efficient technologies, and designing adaptable systems that can accommodate evolving needs. Regular coordination meetings and joint reviews help address potential issues early, ensuring that the systems are both effective and sustainable throughout the project’s lifecycle.

John Mongelli: Many of the projects we are currently working on have a requirement to provide the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a future PV array.

What kind of lighting designs have you incorporated into college or university project, either for energy efficiency or to increase the occupant’s experience? Discuss the use of holistic lighting or other lighting techniques.

Abdullah Khaliqi: In college and university projects, we’ve incorporated lighting designs focused on energy efficiency and enhancing the occupant experience by using holistic lighting approaches. This includes integrating daylight harvesting systems to maximize natural light, using LED fixtures for energy efficiency, and implementing adjustable lighting controls to cater to various activities and times of day. We also use circadian lighting techniques to align lighting with natural biological rhythms, improving student and faculty well-being and productivity. These designs create a balanced, adaptive lighting environment that supports both energy efficiency and user comfort.

When designing lighting systems for these types of structures, what design factors are being requested? Are there any particular technical advantages that are or need to be considered?

Abdullah Khaliqi: When designing lighting systems for college and university structures, key factors include energy efficiency, adaptability and user comfort. Clients often request systems with adjustable lighting levels, smart controls, and daylight integration to optimize energy use and create versatile environments. Technical advantages to consider include advanced LED technology for lower energy consumption and longer life span, and integration with building management systems for enhanced control and automation. These features help reduce operational costs and improve the overall functionality and experience of the spaces.

Many campuses are attempting to achieve net-zero carbon, which means utilizing all-electric equipment for both heating and cooling. This typically requires a larger electrical service and more space within a building to accommodate the electrical equipment.

What are some challenges when designing high-voltage power systems in college and university projects?

Abdullah Khaliqi: Designing high-voltage power systems in college and university projects presents several challenges, such as ensuring safety and compliance with stringent regulations. Properly managing high voltage distribution to prevent outages and maintain system reliability is crucial. Additionally, integrating these systems with existing infrastructure can be complex, particularly in older buildings. Balancing the high energy demands with sustainability goals and ensuring that the systems can accommodate future expansions adds another layer of complexity to the design process.

The academic research building for Rowan University’s Cooper Medical School highlights innovative laboratory design. Courtesy HDR

John Mongelli: Issues tend to arise when a project requires that relocates high-voltage distribution needs to accommodate a new building while keeping the campus up and running.

How has “smart” lighting influenced classrooms and laboratories? What tactics should electrical engineers use when designing these systems?

Abdullah Khaliqi: “Smart” lighting has enhanced energy efficiency, improved lighting quality and provided greater control over lighting environments for classrooms and laboratories. It allows for adjustable lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light, reducing energy consumption and increasing comfort. Electrical engineers should use tactics such as integrating occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting controls and programmable lighting schedules when designing these systems. They should also consider ease of control with user-friendly interfaces and compatibility with existing building management systems to maximize the benefits of smart lighting technology.

What are some key differences in electrical, lighting and power systems you might incorporate in this kind of facility?

Abdullah Khaliqi: In college and university facilities, key differences in electrical, lighting and power systems include higher capacity requirements to support advanced research equipment and specialized classrooms. Lighting systems often incorporate smart technology for energy efficiency and adaptability, with extensive use of occupancy sensors and daylight controls. Power systems may require more robust backup solutions and redundancy to ensure reliability for critical functions. These facilities often prioritize future scalability and flexibility to accommodate evolving technologies and higher power demands.

John Mongelli: Standardization of electrical equipment, be it switchboards, panelboards, circuit breakers, fixture types or wiring devices, has become common practice. This is important to a facility manager of a university because, if and when equipment fails, its replacement can be expedited in a timely manner.

How does your team work with the architect, owner’s rep and other project team members so the electrical/power systems are flexible and sustainable?

Abdullah Khaliqi: Our team collaborates closely with architects, owner’s representatives, and other project team members by integrating early and maintaining ongoing communication. We align electrical and power system designs with architectural plans and project goals to ensure flexibility and sustainability. This includes discussing future scalability, incorporating energy-efficient technologies, and designing adaptable systems that can accommodate evolving needs. Regular coordination meetings and joint reviews help address potential issues early, ensuring that the systems are both effective and sustainable throughout the project’s lifecycle.

John Mongelli: Many of the projects we are currently working on have a requirement to provide the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a future PV array.

What kind of lighting designs have you incorporated into college or university project, either for energy efficiency or to increase the occupant’s experience? Discuss the use of holistic lighting or other lighting techniques.

Abdullah Khaliqi: In college and university projects, we’ve incorporated lighting designs focused on energy efficiency and enhancing the occupant experience by using holistic lighting approaches. This includes integrating daylight harvesting systems to maximize natural light, using LED fixtures for energy efficiency, and implementing adjustable lighting controls to cater to various activities and times of day. We also use circadian lighting techniques to align lighting with natural biological rhythms, improving student and faculty well-being and productivity. These designs create a balanced, adaptive lighting environment that supports both energy efficiency and user comfort.

When designing lighting systems for these types of structures, what design factors are being requested? Are there any particular technical advantages that are or need to be considered?

Abdullah Khaliqi: When designing lighting systems for college and university structures, key factors include energy efficiency, adaptability and user comfort. Clients often request systems with adjustable lighting levels, smart controls, and daylight integration to optimize energy use and create versatile environments. Technical advantages to consider include advanced LED technology for lower energy consumption and longer life span, and integration with building management systems for enhanced control and automation. These features help reduce operational costs and improve the overall functionality and experience of the spaces.

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