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Ottawa Hi-Jail Hostel

  • Writer: olalekan aboderin
    olalekan aboderin
  • Feb 19, 2020
  • 8 min read

Updated: May 8, 2020

Ottawa Hi-Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Ontario, CA.

SYSTEMS, SECTOR & RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Professor: Juan Gonzalo Soares

ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

WINTER 2020

Writer: Olalekan Aboderin

Co-writers: Suraj Saroj | Viraj Mistry | Adithya Purushothaman


Introduction

“The Old Ottawa Jail Hostel (Jail Hostel) Building is located at 75 Nicholas Street in Ottawa, Ontario. The building was built circa 1826 and is four story with an area of approximately 29,000 square feet. The Hostel includes various shared and individual rooms, washrooms, and showers, a guest kitchen and laundry facilities, office space, a bar, a TV lounge and a basement kitchen which is rented out to a catering company. The original jail closed in 1972 at which time a renovation was undertaken to convert the space to be used as a Hostel.

The site is enclosed on the south, east and west sides forming a courtyard which is now used as a parking lot. An original courtyard on the east is used as a patio space for the bar. Entry to the site is off Nicholas Street along the west. The Arts Court building is located directly to the north”

Source: Old Ottawa Jail Hostel . (2015). Type II - Building Condition Audit, Morrison Hershfield (2140717.00))



HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a unique blend of shared and private jail cells as well as traditional shared and private hostel style rooms. Museums, galleries, festivals, national historic sites, bustling city activities and scenic recreational paths all are located close to the hostel.


Existing Mechanical System


"Heat for the building is provided by a natural gas fired cast iron steam boiler, Individual spaces are heated by cast iron radiators. Steam is distributed by steel piping with threaded joints. sanitary sewers and risers appear to be cast iron with hub and spigot connections. Run outs appear to be a mixture of cast iron, plastic ABS and galvanized piping. Ventilation air is provided to the cell areas by cabinet supply and exhaust fans located in the attic. Outdoor air is heated by a steam coil. "

Source: Old Ottawa Jail Hostel . (2015). Type II - Building Condition Audit, Morrison Hershfield (2140717.00))




Baseboard Heaters - Electric baseboard heaters are used as supplementary heating throughout the building.

Heating Boilers - The building is heated by steam radiators located throughout the building. Steam is produced by a Weil McLain natural gas fired boiler, equipped with a Power Flame burner with an input capacity of 2049 MBH.

Heating Piping - Steam and condensate piping consists of steel pipe with threaded joints. Steam piping in the basement is insulated with fiberglass and has a canvas jacket.

Heating Radiators - The building is heated by cast iron steam radiators. There are approximately 42 radiators throughout the building. Each of the radiators has been retrofitted with thermostatic control valves for local control.'



Domestic Water Heating - Domestic hot water used in the building is provided by an AO Smith, natural gas fired domestic hot water heater (DHWH).

Fan Systems - Ventilation air is provided for floors 4, 6, and 8 by two cabinet fans located in the attic. The fans are arranged to exhaust air from the cells and provide outdoor air in the storage room at the west end of the corridors. The system is equipped with a steam coil to heat the outdoor ventilation air.




Methodology

The purpose of this research project is to explore various possibilities and options to retrofit the existing mechanical systems, to provide a better indoor environment.


The methodology for building’s design and operational improvement is based on a road map of 3 phases, which includes

  • Project Data Collection

  • Energy Auditing and Performance Assessment

  • Identification of Retrofit Options

This road map is further broken down below

  1. Study of Existing conditions: Analyzing existing climatic conditions with Climate consultant and analyzing to what extent thermal comfort is achieved.

  2. Study of current mechanical systems with professional: The mechanical system will be analyzed and SWOT analysis will be made to figure windows of opportunities.

  3. Operational Data: The operational Data is analyzed to further justify the zones created and analyze.

  4. Energy modeling in Sefaira: Helps in creating sectors and zones based on the current mechanical system that is being used.

  5. Feasibility: Feasibility in terms of cost and heritage restrictions will be studied to ensure that the solutions are executable.



The focal point would be achieved by studying the systems, sectors and managing it in the most sustainable way. use of Renewable Energy or less carbon intensive energy solutions thereby Reducing the energy consumption. Retrofitting the building while preserving the heritage values. Establishing a Building Management System. Maintain thermal comfort. Energy saving measures for mechanical ventilation systems which Improves indoor air quality. Localized controls for the heating zones into sectors for better efficiency.


Observations

Data Analysis



Based on the Hydro obtained from the client we are able to determine the cost in dollars for every month in the year 2018. The result of this information tells us the assumed impact of occupants/users and the energy consumption through out the year. the bar chart above shows us, July and august having a higher hydro cost. This may be due to increased usage as this falls during summer holiday.



The gas consumption chart above shows that there is a dip in the usage levels during the summer months. This is due to climatic conditions that prevail at the site. Peak usage is during the winter period. In contrast to the gas consumption the occupancy is low during the winter months. This provides a window for reducing the usage by reducing the quantity of space heated. This difference is shown in the following chart (below) where all the values are combined.



The Psychometric chart indicates the comfort levels in terms of various parameters like dry and wet bulb temperature, humidity ratio and relative humidity. The blue margin indicates the zone where all the comfort levels converge. If all of the values are kept within the blue margin then optimum comfort levels are reached.



Climate Analytical Data: The climate analysis shows us that the temperature range is between -11 to 20 degree Celsius and the relative humidity is between 60 %to 75% throughout the year.






Based on the data analysis,

Occupancy data shows us that the no. of occupants increase significantly during the months of June, July, August, September.

Gas consumption is much lower during the high occupancy months, on the contrary, high during the winter months.

Zoning could help reduce the load during the winter months as the occupancy rate is lower while the heating load is higher.



Solution

Suggestion 1

For this we will be analyzing the building based on computational data, choosing various systems and sector distribution that affects the overall energy performance and impact to Energy Use Intensity, Annual Cooling Energy Per Unit Area, Annual Heating Energy Per Unit Area & Annual Energy Cost. As mentioned in the introduction, the building opened in 1973, this was a time when climatic conditions were different and insulation requirements differ from present. Also, the building has not undergone any major retrofit to the envelope through its years even as its a designated heritage building. For this reason, we are unable to present accurate u-values for the envelope and so we will run our analysis based on 2 assumed envelope specifications.


  • Poorly insulated Envelope

  • Well Insulated Envelope


POORLY INSULATED ENVELOPE

Wall insulation - poorly insulated - 0.5 W/Sqm-k

Floor insulation - poorly insulated - 1.4 W/Sqm-k

Roof insulation - poorly insulated - 0.6 W/Sqm-k

Glazing u factor - single pane - 4.5 Infiltration rate - leaky building - 10 m3/Sqm-h

Artificial lighting - poor - 17 Equipment - poor - 17 Visible light transmittance - 2 panes Solar heat gain coefficient - reflective - 0.4 Ventilation rate - typical ventilation






INSULATED ENVELOPE

Wall insulation - insulated - 0.5 W/Sqm-k

Floor insulation - insulated - 1.4 W/Sqm-k

Roof insulation - insulated - 0.25 W/Sqmk

Glazing u factor - Double pane - 2.1 Infiltration rate - normal practice - 5 m3/Sqm-h

Artificial lighting - good - 10 Equipment - good - 5 Visible light transmittance - 2 panes Solar heat gain coefficient - reflective - 0.2 Ventilation rate - typical ventilation








Suggestion 2

SECTORS

Based on the gas consumption and occupancy charts the solution was made to divide the hostel into sectors. These sectors are cordoned off from the rest of the hostel which will not be used during low occupancy levels which is predominantly in the winter months. The sectors are focused towards the larger rooms.

The sectors are selected in such a way that it will have both the varieties of rooms. The partition walls are insulated to ensure that heat is not transferred. This way less area is heated during low occupancy there by reducing the energy consumption.


SYSTEMS

Heating Boilers The boiler is fed by a condensate return unit (CRU). According to the Morrison Hershfield Report, No deficiencies were reported or observed with the boiler, burner or CRU. The Cast iron steam boilers have an expected service life of 25 years. as such will not be replaced in this solution

Heating Pipes Since there is a loss of heat through the heating pipes, the amount heat loss can be reduced by adding insulation around the pipe. The heat loss can be calculated from the temperature difference between the fluid, the room’s ambient temperature and the pipe dimensions.


The heat loss that is happening through the pipes have been identified to be 297BTU/hr/ft. This is calculated from the chart below that explains the amount heat loss that is happening based on the temperature difference between the interior of the pipe and the exterior temperature. This could be reduced if the pipes are well insulated and the heat is conserved. Fiberglass insulation with canvas jackets are used as it is done in the rest of the pipes in the project. This would lead to better efficiency of the boiler system and would result in low consumption of energy.


Other Suggestions Include:

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

In addition to these improvements, a Building management system can become a vital component to improving the building efficiency. It serves as an infrastructure control system that is installed with the aim to improve the overall performance of the building. The system allows for centralized management of infrastructure equipment through integrated computer-based application and ensures operations are being run efficiently and securely such as Perception/Input Elements & Control Processing Elements.


RENEWABLE ENERGY

SOLAR PV - The parking space near the jail hostel has enough potential in terms of solar power to offset some of the energy needs of the hostel. Some environmental conditions have to be considered which determine the solar panel distribution and placement such as shadow distribution from adjacent buildings as well as site walls and position of the sun.


Shadow Analysis of the Site (24Hr) :

A - December 21st (winter solstice)

B - September 22nd (autumn equinox)

C - March 20th (spring equinox) D - June 20th (summer solstice)





The Solar energy that can be obtained is around 92,641KwH annually. This could compensate for the loss of heritage value as making the building sustainable is of much more priority.

Conclusion

The analysis of suggestion 1 shows us that if the building is retrofitted to passivhaus standard which could affect some aspects of its heritage value, there can be a great reduction in energy costs year round and improved heating and cooling efficiency.


The analysis of suggestion 2 shows us that if the current envelope is left as is to preserve the heritage value, investment in there is a high energy usage and cost. with the adoption of modern HVAC system the energy cost and intensity is greatly reduced. Based on the gas consumption and occupancy charts the solution was made to divide the hostel into sectors. These sectors are cordoned off from the rest of the hostel which will not be used during low occupancy levels which is predominantly in the winter months. The sectors are focused towards the larger rooms. The partition walls are insulated to ensure that heat is not transferred. This way less area is heated during low occupancy there by reducing the energy consumption.

The incorporation of solar power would generate a lot of energy required to also break down the energy cost. Also, Implementation of off-hours shut down of equipment and lighting, Provision of information and warning labels for guests and staff, Implementation of demand control ventilation for the kitchen & Use of occupancy sensor controls in restrooms, bedrooms and other spaces not always occupied.



Download Research PDF below



View Report below



Source of Information

Prof. Woytek Kujowski

Ph.D. Arch., LEED AP, MRAIC, iiSBE

Professor at Building Science and Green Architecture Programs

kujawsw@algonquincollege.com

Algonquin College | 1385 Woodroffe Avenue | Ottawa | Ontario | K2G 1V8 | Canada


Prof. Juan Gonzalo Soares

| M.Arch., CPHD, LEED Green Associate

Part-time teacher, Green Architecture Program + Architectural Technician/Technologist Program gonzalj1@algonquincollege.com Algonquin College | 1385 Woodroffe Avenue | Ottawa | Ontario | K2G 1V8 | Canada

Morrison Hershfield Consultants

2932 Baseline Rd

Ottawa, ON K2H 1B1

Tel: 613 739 2910

Toll Free: 1 877 644 7687


Greg Brockmann (Hi-Jail Hostel)

General Manager, Ottawa

761 Cardero St, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6G 2G3


Reference & Figures

Energy.gov. (2012, March 6). Retrieved from Energy.gov: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-heating-systems/furnaces-and-boilers

Engineering ToolBox. (2003, Jan 3). Steel Pipes - Heat Loss Diagram. Retrieved from www.engineer-ingtoolbox.com: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/steel-pipes-heat-loss-d_53.html

Stickley, A. (2019, July 17). Retrieved from thespruce.com: https://www.thespruce.com/water-pipe-in-sulation-2718695


Figure 2 - CORRIDOR - https://hips.hearstapps.com/bpc.h-cdn.co/assets/17/39/1506365513-hotel-caro-short-stay-main-bridewell.jpg



 
 
 

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