Mechanical and Electrical Engineering for University of Michigan

Peter Basso Associates’ MEP design engineers provided mechanical engineering and electrical engineering services for the Phase II renovation of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Laboratory on the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan. The project comprised renovating approximately 9,500 square feet of energy storage research laboratory space and adding 10,106 square feet of office space that houses the University of Michigan Energy Institute. The addition is certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The mechanical scope of work for the laboratory spaces included design for variable air volume supply and exhaust through energy recovery equipment, and plumbing of vacuum, compressed air, hot and cold water, RO water, hydrogen, and various special lab gases for two chemistry labs--one 2,108 square foot lab with 12 fume hoods and a 1,082 square foot lab with two fume hoods. For the office space, the HVAC system consists of a dedicated outside air unit for space ventilation complete with enthalpy energy recovery wheel, and innovative design of chilled beam/induction units for space heating and cooling.

The electrical scope of work included replacement of the existing building unit substation and connection to the 13.2kV campus primary loop electrical service; power service to the new mechanical equipment; renovation of the second floor including high efficiency lighting and power for laboratory equipment including lab benches; raceways for voice/data outlets, security, and audio/visual systems; and new fire alarm devices  connected to the existing fire alarm system.