COVID-19 MEP Design Response
Mechanical & Electrical Solutions to Improve the Health and Safety of Your Building
Assessments, HVAC Improvements & Other Considerations
Assessments
In existing facilities, conducting a conditions assessment can help determine what types of upgrades are able to be implemented within the current system(s) with minimal additional equipment. This, in turn, can reduce the cost.
HVAC System Improvements
There are essentially three paths to bolstering the HVAC system – dilution, filtration, disinfection (eradication) or some combination of those.
- Ventilation Review
It’s essential to assure appropriate ventilation rates are being achieved, and potentially increase those if the equipment will allow without sacrificing comfort. MERV 13 or greater filtration at the AHU level, coupled with proper total air changes within the space, are good first steps. Additionally, assure air flush mode is taking place, both pre and post occupancy. - Temperature & Humidity Levels
Review and determine the proper temperature and humidity levels in the space. Failure to do so could create an environment more susceptible to contaminant spread. - Contaminant Disinfection & Air Purification Equipment
Use of Ultra-violet (UV-C), Photo Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) or Bipolar Ionization technologies can attack and remove contaminants. Not all are appropriate for all situations, but they should be explored with the Owner.
Other Considerations
While the mechanical system can make the greatest impact on reducing spread through air flow, electrical and other design improvements certainly have a role to play through automation and surveillance.
- Touchless Controls & Surface Materials
Touchless controls, if not already present, can be installed in bathroom fixtures, light switches, door operators, etc. to reduce contact spread along with surface material selection. - Attendance Logging
If exposure is suspected, attendance logs can be reviewed through card access and/or video systems. - Thermographic Screening
Thermographic screening is a fairly new technology in the private sector, but it can be an effective first stage in identifying individuals who may pose a health concern based on body temperature readings.
Owner FAQs
Can I afford to make upgrades?
The costs for these upgrades and enhanced systems varies based on the system and the facility. We will work with Owners to identify an option that fits their budget and goals.
What risk do I run if I don’t upgrade?
The benefits to building occupants will far outlast this current pandemic.
Will you give me options and cost estimates for each?
WPE can work with Owners to determine the best path forward based on their long-term goals, providing various options and opinions of cost for each.
Will HVAC improvements eliminate COVID-19 from my building?
No. While these enhancements will not completely remove COVID-19 or other viruses and bacteria, they can improve the air quality and overall indoor environment to provide for a healthier overall space.
Plains Talk: COVID-19 Design Impact Series
For the next several months, we’ll build on our COVID-19 MEP Design Response concepts in our Plains Talk newsletter by continuing to discuss important approaches brought to the forefront by this pandemic. We’ll give our perspective on the myriad ways our new “normal” could impact, and be impacted by, MEP design solutions.
August/September: HVAC Measures to Address Virus Spread
October/November: Distributed Antennae Systems for First Responders
January/February: Utilizing A Planning & Programming Phase to Set the Right Course
March/April: Cold Storage and Processing Facilities Respond to Pandemic Demand
Utilizing Smart MEP Design to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus - Marty Christensen, P.E., Principal Mechanical Engineer
The course of even
ts in 2020 has forced all of us to make adjustments. How we live, work, and interact as human beings has changed dramatically in a relatively short time. This also impacts the way we interact with buildings, and how we ask them to perform.
We all quickly came to realize the importance of resources, including a high performing building, in the healthcare industry this past Spring. Today, we’re turning to our schools and wondering if many of these aging buildings can deliver safe learning environments for our children. While these are hot button issues right now, the reality is that COVID-19 will impact building design across all industries and markets to some degree.
Engineers and architects are working to provide a holistic design response to COVID-19 and guide clients through options to create the best working and living environments in their buildings. While many of these items were brought to the forefront by the pandemic, professionals in our industry have recommended and implemented some of them, like UV emitters, for years. Others, like NeedlePoint Bi-Polar Ionization, are emerging technologies that can not only impact the spread of COVID-19 but improve the indoor environment to decrease occurrences of the common cold and influenza as well.
When it comes to mechanical and electrical systems, the approach should be comprehensive. In existing facilities, conducting a conditions assessment can first help determine what types of upgrades are able to be implemented within the current system(s) with minimal additional equipment. This, in turn, can reduce the cost.
Mechanically, there are essentially three paths to bolstering the HVAC system, a critical ally in fighting the spread of contagious disease. Dilution, filtration, disinfection (eradication) or some combination of the three are essential in the engineer’s toolbox for helping create healthy indoor environments. Solutions can range from simply increasing ventilation in the space to adding UV emitters in air handling units or programming pre- and post-occupancy purge sequences. If the building is new construction, the design team should also pay particular attention to air distribution layout and patterns given the building design.
While the mechanical system can make the greatest impact on reducing spread through air flow, other design improvements certainly have a role to play through surface materials, automation, germicidal lighting, and attendance logging. Touchless controls, if not already present, can be installed in bathroom fixtures, light switches, door operators, etc. to reduce contact spread.
If exposure is suspected, attendance logs can be reviewed through card access and/or video systems. Thermographic screening is a fairly new technology in the private sector, but it can be an effective first stage in identifying individuals who may pose a health concern based on body temperature readings.
While the way we interact – with each other and the world around us – may change, the need for safe and comfortable spaces remains fundamentally essential in our lives. Our industry recognizes the challenges we face and is happy to report that the solutions are out there. We look forward to helping people find them.
Marty Christensen, P.E., is a Principal Mechanical Engineer and Building Services Division Manager for West Plains Engineering. He has been with the firm more than 25 years, and is located in our Sioux Falls office.
Learn More
For more detailed information on our specific design response to Covid-19, please contact our engineers in your local WPE office and schedule a meeting or webinar.
Casper
Rob Armstrong, P.E. – Office Manager
(307) 234-9484
Cedar Rapids
Mike Drahos, P.E. – Office Manager
(319) 365-0030
Rapid City
Mike Sigman, P.E. – Office Manager
(605) 348-7455
Sioux Falls
Mike Fisher, P.E. – Office Manager
(605) 362-3753