In high performance laboratory operations, optimizing energy efficiency and savings is crucial. Fume hoods can place tremendous pressure on a HVAC system due to the energy needed to maintain safe air flow rates, operational costs, per fume hood, can be equivalent to the average energy used by three U.S. homes (Harvard University). However, there are periods when these fume hoods remain unused, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.
-A current method adopted by various laboratories that is intended to reduce energy usage is fume hood hibernation. Cornell University defines fume hood hibernation as “the temporary shutdown of a fume hood, including the rebalancing supply ventilation and pressurization of the laboratory room”. This allows for laboratory ventilation reduction while still allowing occupants to continue working. Before applying this procedure, is it is important to assess laboratory needs and operations to understand technical and mechanical limitations along with regulatory requirements. While hibernating fume hoods leads to energy reduction , maintaining safety and health of laboratory users is a top priority in the hibernation process. During the implementation of fume hood hibernation and other ventilation system optimization strategies, providing comprehensive training for laboratory professionals is essential. This training not only ensures the effective maintenance and inspection of ventilation systems but also reinforces safety protocols and educates personnel about chemical exposure risks.
+In high performance laboratory operations, optimizing energy efficiency and savings is crucial. Fume hoods can place tremendous pressure on a HVAC system due to the energy needed to maintain safe air flow rates. Operational costs per fume hood can be equivalent to the average energy used by three U.S. homes (Harvard University). However, there are periods when these fume hoods remain unused, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.
+A current method, adopted by various laboratories, intended to reduce energy usage is fume hood hibernation. Cornell University defines fume hood hibernation as “the temporary shutdown of a fume hood, including the rebalancing supply ventilation and pressurization of the laboratory room”. This allows for laboratory ventilation reduction while still allowing occupants to continue working. Before applying this procedure, it is important to assess laboratory needs and operations to understand technical and mechanical limitations along with regulatory requirements. While hibernating fume hoods leads to energy reduction, maintaining safety and health of laboratory users is a top priority in the hibernation process. During the implementation of fume hood hibernation and other ventilation system optimization strategies, providing comprehensive training for laboratory professionals is essential. This training not only ensures the effective maintenance and inspection of ventilation systems but also reinforces safety protocols and educates personnel about chemical exposure risks.
Fume Hood Hibernation Shutdown Steps (by Cornell University):