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Energy Assessment Process for Generic Multistory Atrium Types
Abstract
In addition to the environment that atriums provide,
the daylight admitted into such spaces can be utilized
to displace part of the electric lighting load
during the daylight periods. While within the
atrium itself only the lighting required for circulation
or plant growth is displaced, the surrounding
perimeter spaces (which are often offices) can also
benefit from available daylight that can supplement
electric task lighting. If the electric lighting
system can be either turned off or dimmed when daylight
is available, energy savings can be achieved.
Several prototype atrium configurations within a
"standard" building are addressed to study the
analysis process for daylighting energy performance.
Multi-story atriums of the three-sided, square, and
linear types are considered, as are warming and
cooling functions for the atrium. The analysis
process involves using detailed computer simulations
to generate simplified design algorithms. The procedure
for incorporating these atrium design strategies
into the ENERCALC prediction model developed
at Texas A&M University is described along with the
rationale and format of the results.
Citation
Degelman, L. O.; Boyer, L. L. (1987). Energy Assessment Process for Generic Multistory Atrium Types. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6472.