Energy Research Facilities
A Whole New Game!
Advanced Energy 2010
Presented by: Jerry Polly, PE, Principal
Flad Architects
Unique Characteristics of Energy Research Facilities
SCIENCE
 External communications with partners
broadens scientific network
 Multidisciplinary efforts exceed any other
endeavor
SYNERGY
 Enormous breadth of discipline engagement
and integration
SCALE
 “End-to-End” process development
SUSTAINABILITY
 A new target for energy consumption is a
basic goal
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Basic science to proof of concept to
manufacture; demands broader set of
spaces enables wider scaling opportunity
(Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center)
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From genetics to engineering to
manufacturing; all “play in same sandbox”
Flad Architects
Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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Case Study: Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center

Vision: State-of-the-art energy research facility to house the College of Engineering’s newly
created Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center. LEED Platinum

Function: Forge partnerships among universities, industries, and national laboratories to
develop reliable, economical, and plentiful sources of energy

Size: 50,000 square feet
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Lab Types: Chemical synthesis, microscopy, heavy engineering, and biomass labs

Applications: Solar energy, fuel cells, biofuels, energy transmission, smart grid
(Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center)
Flad Architects
Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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The Science of Energy Research
Biofuels/Biomass
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Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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The Scale: End-to-End Science Process – All Capabilities “Under One Roof”
40% Core
40% Flex
10% Pilot
FLEX
PILOT
(Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center)
CORE
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Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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Scale: Core / Flex / Pilot-Scale Labs
Benchtop Labs
Flex Labs
Application
Development
(1 Liter scale)
(5-20 Liter scale)
(1,000 Liter scale)
(Renewable Energy Lab)
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Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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Synergy: Renewable Energy Laboratory Adjacency and Program Diagram
Core
Flex
Pilot
(Renewable Energy Lab )
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Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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Synergy: Fusion Spaces as Key
Highly supported
collaboration is the glue
that fuses ideas into
innovation.
(Renewable Energy Lab )
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Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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Sustainability: Energy Reduction and Generation Strategies
Thermal storage tanks
ERU - energy recovery units
Solar hot water
heater
Butterfly roof channels rainwater
to cistern
Chilled beams for
cooling in offices
Radiant floor heating
in high- bay space
Rain gardens
for infiltration
of hardscape
run-off
Polycrystalline photovoltaics
gather energy and shade glass
External solar shading
and sunlight diffusing
array
Investment in energy conservation is
expected to pay back in 5-7 years.
(Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center)
Flad Architects
Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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Sustainability: Reduced Energy Consumption through Design Solutions
Safety Design
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Ductless fume hoods
Air quality monitoring and variable air volume
systems
Occupancy sensors
Scheduled purging
Safety procedures
Motivate Users
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Real time energy monitoring displays allow
staff to benchmark their activities
Optimize fume hood operation
Occupancy sensors
Provide choice to switch off lights and air
Optimizing Research Equipment
(Renewable Energy Lab)
Flad Architects
Alternative Energy Research Facilities
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What We Believe About Energy Research Labs
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Energy research buildings need to be substantially more flexible than typical labs.
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Energy research is a broad spectrum, highly variable and rapidly changing activity.
The lab must respond.
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Initiatives can change abruptly with changes in funding streams.
Labs need to be able to react in kind.
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The scale of the science requires interchangeability in the labs wherever possible.
Energy laboratories require equal levels of knowledge generation and knowledge sharing.
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Owners, users, and sponsors need more highly competent and available space for interaction
and collaboration.
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Global communication and instant access to information are the expectation.
Sustainable facilities are demanded by researchers looking to establish their careers in energy.
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An employer must live the mantra of sustainability with their facilities to attract the best and
brightest.
Flad Architects
Alternative Energy Research Facilities
page 10