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2019 Cycle

High Efficiency Fume Hoods

Nonresidential
Covered Processes
Mechanical

Measure Description

The High Efficiency Fume Hoods in Laboratory Spaces measure is a prescriptive requirement for the installation of automatic sash closure systems for vertical sash laboratory fume hoods with variable air volume HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. This measure will apply to new construction as well as additions and alterations. The proposed measure is intended for variable air volume spaces where ventilation requirements are fume hood intensive. Title 24, Part 6 already prescriptively requires variable exhaust and make-up airflow for laboratory buildings meeting certain design criteria. These pre-existing conditions are an opportune context for the inclusion of additional controls that take advantage of variable air volume capabilities. The proposed sash closure controls are such a measure. The proposed measure does not modify existing requirements for variable exhaust and make-up airflow, but rather appends to it to ensure energy savings are achieved from the variable air system. The measure is prescriptive and thus can be displaced by alternative energy savings measures through a performance approach.

Automated sash closure systems detect the presence of laboratory technicians in front of the fume hood with an infrared occupancy sensor. When no occupancy is detected for a predefined period of time, the sash automatically lowers, thus reducing exhaust and make-up air using the capabilities inherent to the variable air volume system. The proposed measure aims to reduce the overall airflow through fume hoods that will result in energy savings associated with fans, cooling, and heating of the space. The proposed measure does not include revisions to minimum face velocity requirements; rather, it saves energy by reducing area of sash opening while maintaining constant face velocity defined by health and safety standards and facility protocols.

Resources

The Statewide CASE Team 2019 Title 24, Part 6 Final CASE Report is available below. The Final CASE Report incorporates feedback received during utility-sponsored stakeholder meetings, Energy Commission Pre-Rulemaking workshops, and personal communication with stakeholders.

Presentations and Meetings

  1. Presentation from Stakeholder Meeting on December 13, 2016
  2. Notes from Stakeholder Meeting on December 13, 2016
  3. Presentation from Stakeholder Meeting on March 7, 2017
  4. Notes from Stakeholder Meeting on March 7, 2017

Code Language

  1. Draft Code Language – March 2017

Reports

  1. CASE Study Results Report
  2. Final CASE Report
  3. Draft CASE Report

Give Us Your Feedback

The Statewide CASE Team values input from all stakeholders engaged in the Title 24, Part 6 code change process. We encourage the open exchange of code change comments and concerns.

  • Use the form above to provide feedback on this measure.