Integration of Hydronic Thermal Transport Systems with Fire Suppression Systems

1
Integration of Hydronic Thermal Transport Systems
with Fire Suppression Systems

• ASHRAE Winter Meeting 2001
• WALTER M. JANUS, PE
• URS Corp., Washington, DC

2
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

3
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

4
CODES STANDARDS - NFPA 13

• Water Temperature Less Than 120F/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

5
OTHER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

• Review with Code Officials Early and Often
• Basic Layout
• Coordination Between Design Disciplines
• Coordination Between Contractors
• Sprinkler Annunciation

6
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.)

7
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