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.