NREL upgraded research capabilities in two laboratories in the Solar Energy Research Facility (SERF) and one in the Science and Technology Facility (S&TF) to accommodate new research activities.
360 Engineering led the design team, which included mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering and architecture, to remove walls between the two SERF labs, add toxic and hazardous gas lines, and install new research equipment. Considerations included maintaining proper clearance above the reactor and simultaneously avoiding conflict with the overhead crane, electrical and fire safety modifications, new fume hoods, gas monitoring systems, and gloveboxes. New gas detection and alarms were provided for the different gases in this lab.
The enlarged lab in SERF dictated the supply and exhaust air systems be rebalanced for the new condition. The new reactor and glove box had general exhaust needs, and the new process pump with its own enclosure required a dedicated exhaust system with a new exhaust fan on the roof rated for laboratory gas capable of discharging safely above a walking path. New gas storage was added in the hallway and routed into the combined lab from one remote storage through an adjacent lab to maintain the integrity of the existing gas distribution system.
