As an electrical contractors houston, our firm
is often contacted to work on the electrical engineering of buildings that are
still in project phase, and present detailed design plans that enable the
architect, the general contractor and the owners of a facility to integrate the
constraints of the electrical installation in the overall master plan of this
facility.
In this article, we have planned
out a theoretical framework for the electrical installation of a 100,000 sq.
ft. warehousing facility with large parking and cargo hold outdoor area.
1. Scope of project
A. Project scope for a 100,000 sq.ft.
warehousing facility
The facility will be fully air
conditioned, fully secured, with a large 2,000 ft docking bay area on one side,
and 20,000 ft of fully lit parking space and temporary cargo hold area. The warehouse will be separated in 2 major
areas: (a) a 70,000 ft open warehousing space with stocking shelves stacked up
for a total height of 25 ft; (b) a 20,000 ft refrigerated enclosed hold with a
height of 15 ft. The rest of the square footage will harbor staff offices,
including a separate security room, enclosed gender-differentiated restrooms
with 5 stalls each, and common access areas including aisles. The warehousing
facility will be 45 ft under the ceiling. It will be LED lit, with waterproof
LED high bays spaced every 30 ft. The security system will be comprised of 50
cameras hooked up to a CCTV system inside the security room.
B. Further
constraints and unique characteristics of the project
We present an innovative design engineered to save money on materials, installation, and electrical usage. The facility will be built according to "green" specifications which will encompass the type of material included in the build. The project proposal details our engineering ideas and plans for each area, and ends with a summary showing how our ideas contribute to the objectives of the owner: a human-friendly, environment friendly electrical installation meeting the best power usage, power savings, and lighting requirements for the warehousing facility and its outside perimeter.
2. Overall Electrical System Design
2.1 Power Distribution:
To ensure efficient power distribution, we propose to install a three-phase electrical system throughout the facility. This system will consist of energy-efficient transformers, distribution panels, and circuit breakers. By utilizing three-phase power, we can evenly distribute electrical loads, minimize power losses, and improve the overall power quality within the facility. Furthermore, the system will be designed with expansion capabilities to accommodate future electrical needs, ensuring scalability and flexibility for your growing operations.
2.2 Lighting Design
Our lighting design focuses on
maximizing energy efficiency and providing optimal illumination for various
areas of the facility. For the open warehousing space, we will install
waterproof LED high bays spaced every 30 ft. These high bays will provide
uniform lighting while minimizing shadows and ensuring clear visibility for
workers. Additionally, we will incorporate dimming capabilities and daylight
harvesting sensors, allowing the lighting system to adjust itself based on
natural light levels and to reduce energy consumption further.
In the refrigerated enclosed hold, we will install LED lighting fixtures specifically designed for low-temperature environments. These fixtures are highly efficient, generate less heat, and have excellent performance in cold conditions. They will ensure proper lighting while minimizing energy usage and providing a suitable environment for cold storage operations.
2.3 Power Usage Monitoring
To support the owner’s objective of
optimizing power usage, we propose the implementation of a comprehensive power
usage monitoring system. This system will consist of smart meters, sub-meters,
and a centralized monitoring platform. It will provide real-time data on energy
consumption, including detailed information on individual circuits, equipment,
and areas of the facility.
With this monitoring system, the facility manager will be able to identify areas of high energy usage, implement energy-saving measures, and track the effectiveness of energy management strategies. The platform will offer intuitive visualization and reporting tools to help make informed decisions regarding energy conservation, load balancing, and demand response programs.
3. Indoor Electrical Design
3.1 Open Warehousing Space
In the open warehousing space, we
will optimize the electrical design for efficient operations and cost savings.
To minimize material and installation costs, we propose utilizing overhead
busway systems for power distribution. The busway system eliminates the need
for extensive electrical wiring and conduit runs, reducing material usage and
labor requirements. This streamlined approach not only saves on installation
costs but also provides flexibility for future modifications and rearrangement
of power connections as needed.
To ensure proper illumination and ease of maintenance, we will install LED strip lighting along the stocking shelves. These LED strips will be strategically placed to deliver uniform light distribution, minimizing shadows and ensuring clear visibility for workers. The LED technology will provide energy savings, long lifespan, and low maintenance requirements, further contributing to the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the lighting system.
3.2 Refrigerated Enclosed Hold
The electrical design for the
refrigerated enclosed hold will focus on maintaining precise temperature
control while minimizing energy consumption. Energy-efficient refrigeration
units with advanced control systems will be employed to regulate the
temperature within the hold. These units will utilize smart sensors and
adaptive algorithms to optimize cooling cycles and minimize energy usage while
ensuring the desired temperature is maintained accurately.
LED lighting fixtures specifically designed for low-temperature environments will be installed in the refrigerated hold. These fixtures will provide sufficient lighting while operating efficiently in cold conditions. By using LED technology, the facility can achieve energy savings, reduce heat generation, and eliminate the need for warm-up periods, ensuring immediate illumination whenever required.
3.3 Staff Offices and Restrooms
To ensure a comfortable working environment, the staff offices will be equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and programmable thermostats for efficient temperature control. The enclosed gender-differentiated restrooms will have LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and occupancy sensors to maximize energy and water savings.
4. Outdoor Electrical Design
4.1 Docking Bay Area
The large docking bay area
requires ample lighting for safety and productivity. We propose the
installation of LED high mast lights strategically positioned to provide
uniform illumination throughout the area. These high mast lights will be
mounted at an appropriate height to ensure optimal light distribution, minimizing
shadows and providing clear visibility for loading and unloading operations.
The LED technology used in these fixtures offers high energy efficiency, long
lifespan, and reduced maintenance requirements, contributing to overall cost
savings.
To enhance energy efficiency, motion sensors will be integrated into the lighting system of the docking bay area. These sensors will detect movement and activate the lights only when needed. This intelligent lighting control will significantly reduce energy wastage during periods of inactivity, such as when the bay area is unoccupied or during daylight hours.
4.2 Parking Space and Cargo Hold
Area
The parking space and temporary
cargo hold area will be well-lit using LED parking lot lights. These lights
will be strategically positioned to ensure uniform illumination throughout the
space, enhancing safety and security. Photocell sensors will be integrated into
the lighting system, enabling automatic adjustment of brightness based on
ambient light levels. This feature ensures that the lights operate at optimal
levels, minimizing energy consumption during daylight hours when natural
lighting is sufficient.
Furthermore, the LED parking lot
lights selected for this area will have a high color rendering index (CRI),
which enhances visibility and color accuracy. This is particularly important
for tasks such as inspecting cargo and ensuring accurate identification of
items in the temporary cargo hold area.
By combining LED lighting technology, motion sensors, and photocell sensors, the lighting design for the parking space and cargo hold area achieves both energy efficiency and operational effectiveness. This approach ensures a well-lit environment while maximizing power savings and reducing unnecessary energy usage.
5. Security System
5.1 CCTV System
To ensure the facility's security, we will integrate a comprehensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. Fifty cameras will be strategically placed throughout the facility and connected to a central monitoring system inside the dedicated security room. These cameras will use efficient video compression technology to minimize data storage requirements.
An innovative electrical engineering design project
Our project outlines an
innovative engineering design that incorporates cost-effective solutions and
green materials to meet the owner’s objectives of a human-friendly and
environmentally friendly electrical installation. By utilizing LED lighting,
motion sensors, power monitoring systems, and energy-efficient technologies, we
aim to achieve significant power savings and optimize electrical usage
throughout the warehousing facility.
Our proposed design includes the
following key features:
LED Lighting: By utilizing LED lighting fixtures, we can achieve energy savings of up to 50% compared to traditional lighting systems. LED lights have a longer lifespan, require minimal maintenance, and provide superior illumination, ensuring a safe and well-lit environment for workers.
Motion Sensors:
Incorporating motion sensors in both indoor and outdoor areas allows for
automated lighting control. Lights will only activate when motion is detected,
reducing energy wastage in unoccupied spaces and storage aisles. This feature
significantly contributes to overall energy efficiency.
Power Monitoring
System: Our design includes a comprehensive power monitoring system that
provides real-time data on energy consumption. By identifying areas of high
power usage, you can implement targeted energy-saving strategies and optimize
operational efficiency. The power monitoring system will enable you to make
informed decisions regarding energy management and conservation.
Green Materials:
We will prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials throughout the
electrical installation. This includes selecting energy-efficient transformers,
distribution panels, and wiring components with high energy ratings. Our choice
of green materials not only aligns with your sustainability goals but also
contributes to long-term cost savings.
Power
Distribution Efficiency: To minimize power losses and ensure reliable
distribution, we will design and implement a three-phase electrical system.
This system will support the current power requirements of the facility while
allowing for future expansion, if needed.
Security System Integration: The CCTV system with 50 strategically placed cameras will enhance the security of the facility. By centralizing the monitoring in a dedicated security room, you will have real-time surveillance and video recording capabilities, helping to protect your assets and maintain a secure environment.
In summary, our design project
incorporates innovative engineering solutions that focus on reducing material
costs, optimizing electrical usage, and promoting sustainability. By leveraging
energy-efficient technologies, utilizing green materials, and implementing
intelligent lighting and monitoring systems, we aim to deliver a human-friendly
and environment-friendly electrical installation for the warehousing facility.
This design will not only enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness
but also align with the owner’s commitment to sustainability.
