HILO, HAWAII
We have provided the electrical engineering design work, as well as the new Photovoltaic (PV) system design, for the new UH Hilo Student Services Building. This new center includes a three-story high building divided into two wings with covered walkways in between them. The two wings, called East Wing and West Wing, will contain offices, conference rooms, open office areas, as well as bathrooms and electrical/mechanical building support rooms. The third floor of the East Wing is entirely designed for electrical/mechanical support and cannot be used for other purposes. New PV system will be roof mounted and will include (416)-PV modules, (4)-combiner boxes,(1)-75 kW PV Inverter and associated PV electrical apparatus, metering equipment and wiring. UH Hilo Student Services Building PV system is designed to generate approximately 8,700 kWh of energy per month.
The electrical systems provided were designed and installed based on applicable NEC guidelines and standards, the IES design criteria, and State of Hawaii Energy Efficiency Standards. The following systems were provided:
- Exterior electrical service, including the relocation of existing pole lights within parking lots and providing new compact fluorescent bollards along the new walkways.
- Exterior Communications, including data and telephone service.
- Interior power distribution, telephone, data, and CATV service.
- Addressable, programmable fire alarm system including manual pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, control and monitoring modules.
- Security system, including equipment such as card readers, electric door strikes, and security cameras.
- Interior and exterior lighting and branch wiring as recommended by the IES Lighting Handbook, incorporating energy efficiency, lighting zone capabilities, occupancy sensors, photocell sensors with daylight control capabilities, etc.
- Photovoltaic system with roof mounted, high-efficiency solar modules and 75kW commercial utility interactive DC to AC PV inverter (with associated electrical apparatus).
The electrical systems were designed to ensure energy efficient operations with the goal to achieve LEED Silver.