ASHRAE Journal - June 2023 - 28

SECOND PLACE 2023 ASHRAE TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
Therefore, a gate pressurization testing scope and
task list was developed, which involved shutting down
the terminal building completely for four hours, to
conduct the test as part of a total eight-hour window
for preparation.
The team coordinated with Alaska Airlines to dock
two airplanes at strategically selected gates, and the
pilots started up the airplanes to simulate airline operations.
Efforts included sealing off building openings
at escalators, purchasing and installing data loggers,
coordination by the Port of Seattle, tracking wind data
for one-week prior to the test date, verifying equipment
identification, purchasing smoke test equipment and
identifying video camera locations. The mechanical
engineers developed and distributed the 26 step-by-step
task items.
The testing event successfully gathered information
to determine the amount of minimum outside airflow
to maintain positive pressure in the building. Test site
preparations were conducted, and all systems returned
to normal, on schedule and without incident.
The low passenger flow during the pandemic
decreased the time to open the new terminal. This
faster and multiphased opening created additional
challenges for the commissioning team. Individual
gates and associated holding areas needed to be tested
and operable to be available for flights earlier than
originally anticipated. The commissioning team held
large-room meetings with all stakeholders and were
available to test when systems became available.
Therefore, enough areas were commissioned ahead of
the public opening that few systems remained near the
end of the project.
One big system did remain to commission: the smoke
control system. The commissioning process identified
a modified way of testing the smoke control system that
was still 100% verified. Using a proprietary high-tech
online commissioning software platform, a properly
staffed commissioning team, a clear plan and communication
between all parties, and the flexibility to pivot
at any given moment when systems were available to be
tested, the commissioning agent was able to reduce testing
from five weeks to nine continuous days.
Though the combination of operations requirements
and construction logistics was challenging, flights
were never delayed by construction, and passengers,
airport employees and airline personnel remained
28
ASHRAE JOURNAL ashrae.o rg
J U N E 2023
CASE STUDY
safe throughout construction.
Operation and Maintenance
The mechanical penthouse was designed with 50 years
of maintenance in mind. Operations and maintenance
tasks can be accomplished with ample access areas for
forklifts. Air-handling units can be accessed without
scaffolding or being exposed to wet rooftops. Zone
terminal units are located such that there is access
without moving furniture or equipment, and all valves
and related appurtenances can be easily reached. Duct
balancing dampers are positioned for a single access
point for adjacent dampers.
Cost Effectiveness
A life-cycle cost analysis was performed to analyze
energy conservation measures for North Satellite. The
Port's facilities and infrastructure group contributed to
the analysis, providing actual data based on operations
and maintenance activities at the airport. The project
was delivered three months ahead of schedule, below
budget with a total project cost savings of $20 million
and exceeded the client's programming needs.
Environmental Impact
Before project startup, the Port provided a position
paper outlining a process for evaluating, prioritizing and
incorporating long-term and short-term sustainable
design concepts, components, and assemblies. Shortterm
goals were considered within the North Satellite
project/budget; long-term goals were identified, evaluated
and mutually accepted. Some of the concepts evaluated
and implemented by the mechanical engineer and
commissioned include the following:
 Rainwater capture system;
 Construction waste diversion (76% diverted);
 Lighting controls upgrades;
 HVAC programming/redundancy;
 Energy-efficient escalators;
 Building pressurization;
 Environment-friendly building products;
 Electrical ground service equipment vehicles and
their charging stations;
 A preconditioned air system;
 Baggage-system controls; and
 Cool roof.
http://ashrae.org
ASHRAE Journal - June 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASHRAE Journal - June 2023
