Retro Style and High Efficiency HVAC Blended Seamlessly at The LUX

VRV systems offer tremendous flexibility and long-term value, however one thing they do not offer is a means for ventilation because they do not incorporate a central air handler like traditional chilled water systems. For ventilation of all the commercial spaces and common areas at The LUX, Black recommended Systemair Topvex Energy Recovery Units (ERVS).

Topvex ERVs are ideally suited for VRV applications and can be designed to work in concert with a VRV system, or operate independently. At The LUX, the six vertical Topvex units located on the first and second floor of the building are ducted directly to the VRV units serving those floors. Fresh outdoor air passes through the ERVs where it is pre-conditioned with return air, and then enters the VRV units where it may be heated or cooled further depending on whether the space temperature is satisfactory. This significantly reduces the heating and cooling load on the VRV system.

Topvex ERVs are extraordinarily efficient at part-load conditions thanks to electronically commutated motors (EC-motors). EC motors are designed to operate at high efficiency even during low RPM periods and consume an average of 30% less energy than AC motors. The whisper-quiet motors are standard on all Topvex units so no separate variable frequency drives (VFDs) are required, which reduces wiring at the jobsite.

Opting for the VRV system and separate ventilation strategy actually ended up costing less to install because it reduced or eliminated the need for other materials and equipment. Less insulation and ductwork was required, and the need for variable air volume (VAV) boxes and chilled water pumps and piping were completely eliminated.

“If we had gone with a conventional system we would have also had to bring in two large air handlers to the first and second floor. That would have been really tricky,” said Black. “Refrigerant piping makes for a much ‘lighter’ system than conventional chilled water.

We believed it was better for the client to invest in technology and long-term efficiency rather than all that hardware. So this solution actually cost less, plus The LUX was able to start out with all new equipment, avoiding future costs.”

Kevin Zimmerman of PKMR Engineers, the firm responsible for the mechanical design at The LUX, agrees that VRV and Topvex technologies were an excellent solution for the retrofit. He is also confident that the ERV/VRV combination will go a long way in helping his client achieve points for energy efficiency as part of LEED Gold certification.

Commercial tenants are already enjoying the benefits of better indoor air quality and lower utility rates. Defense Audit and Defense Contract Management agencies were among the first to occupy the commercial lease spaces at The LUX. Residential tenants were closing on leases before the project was even complete. So, the future looks bright for this downtown retrofit. It is, indeed, a shining example of how modern technology and historically significant architecture can combine to create sought-after work and living spaces.