Hypothesis 2 - Temperature Stratification

As with any research problem, the first step is to create a series of working hypotheses which will guide experiment creation and methodology. These hypotheses are specific statements derived from our basic questions about the WRC and were carefully narrowed down to address a specific element based on our personal knowledge of building systems and personal interest in the real-world performance of building designs.

Hypothesis 2

The atrium stairwell expereiences a measurable temperature stratification effect* between the first and second floors.

* The temperature stratification effect is estimated to span 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Procedure 2

Our team began by placing HOBO data loggers beginning on the first floor of the atrium at approximately five (5) feet above the floor. This HOBO was placed on the ceter point of the northern wall.

WRC Floor 1 Plan

Click the image above to view a plan of the atrium showing the HOBO location.

ONext our team moved up to the mid-floor landing and Placed a second HOBO approximately seven (7) feet above the first HOBO on the center point of the northern wall in the atrium. The last HOBO was then placed very carefully seven (7) feet above the second HOBO, and all three HOBOs were then activated and left on site to record data.

WRC Floor 2 plan

Click the image above to view a plan of the offices showing the HOBO locations.

The HOBOS were left to record for fourteen (14) days, and ran concurrently with the HOBOS used to measure the relative effectiveness of the radiant heater units on the western wall; this experiment is described in greater detail on the Hypothesis 3 page.

As a follow-up to this experiment, our team later returned with a Raytek temperature spot-checking tool in order to provide a separate set of data to more conclusively determine the presence of a temperature stratification effect. Using this tool, we were able to examine the same range of elevations within the atrium and office spaces and compare the temperature ranges of the two data series. The readings were carefully taken at the HOBO placement locations to avoid inconsistencies in the data ranges.

The results of each experiment can be viewed on its corresponding Data page:

The analysis of each experiment can be found on the corresponding Analysis page: