Introduction Hypothesis Test Methods
Building Vital Signs Arch 502 Home
In conclusion we have found that the Pacific Simulation Building does not have an efficient heating system. From the data we have collected, we have determined that the east and west facade, because they are made of glass, allow to much heat in and to much heat to escape through out the day. From the data, the east facade allows heat from the sun to be absorbed into the concrete floor which starts to radiate the stored heat back into the building later in the day causing overheating in the building. On the west facade, there is a problem with to much heat gain in the late afternoon. The same problem exists with the floor absorbing too much heat. With heat coming in from both sides of the building, the center becomes overheated for the whole day. The heat coming in also causes various temperature ranges from 68*-78*. Part of the reason for the range of temperatures is because the east and west facades also allow the heat that is generated from the heating system to escape out of the glazing causing the heater to come on more than it should.
There is also a problem with heat loss out both the east and west facades because they are made of glass. There are shading devices on the upper portions of the glazing, but it is not adequate to provide shading for the whole facade or to reduce the amount of heat coming in or going out. To help in reducing the heat loss and heat gain on both facades, there should be louvered blinds that go all the way to the floor. In the morning hours on the east facade, the blinds should be opened enough to allow light in but keep the heat out. On the west facade, the blinds should be opened to allow the light in since the sun is still on the east side. Towards the middle of the day the blinds should be lowered and opened to allow light in but keep heat out. There are other ways to control heat loss and heat gain with shading devices that are attached to the outside of the building. The thermostats can also be programmed to only come on for a limited amount of time which will help control the overheating in the center of the building.