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Any updates on how to model and atrium in OS/EP?

asked 2016-11-21 13:48:20 -0600

willyJohan's avatar

updated 2017-05-04 09:17:24 -0600

All the in-depth discussion on modeling an Atrium in Openstuido and/or Energy plus on Unmet Hours (such as this one and this one) seem old enough to possibly be out of date.

my understanding is that the proper approach depends on the what sort of design measures/impacts are being investigated. If an accurate prediction of savings from daylighting is desired, then model atrium as a single space allowing for both beam and diffuse penetration. On the other hand, if system loads and energy use predictions are desired then divide atrium and connect the spaces with airflow network objects.

My specific questions are:

1) In general, have any capabilities been added to OpenStudio in the last year or so that would change the response to the threads linked above?

2) More specifically, does OpenStudio provide a way to build the necessary airflow networks to "properly" model large open spaces than have been subdivided by airwalls/interior windows?

3) Are there any other good, up-to-date resources for atrium modeling best practices?

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Forgive any typos, the forum not let me edit my posting because it reads something here as spam...

willyJohan's avatar willyJohan  ( 2016-11-21 15:04:28 -0600 )edit

also, just as a general forum etiquette question, is it better to re post questions like this (with links to previous discussions) when seeking an update, or to continue the conversation in the comment sections of the older posts?

willyJohan's avatar willyJohan  ( 2016-11-21 15:09:16 -0600 )edit

I've been getting a lot of spam flags when trying to edit my posts too lately. Did you turn up the filter sensitivity, @Neal Kruis?

ericringold's avatar ericringold  ( 2016-11-21 16:25:01 -0600 )edit

Same for me on the spam flagging. I can't edit anything at all, including my answer below.

Jason DeGraw's avatar Jason DeGraw  ( 2016-11-23 10:59:47 -0600 )edit

@Eric Ringold, and @Jason DeGraw this should be fixed now. Let me know if you still have problems.

Neal Kruis's avatar Neal Kruis  ( 2016-11-23 11:53:59 -0600 )edit

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answered 2016-11-22 10:37:31 -0600

Generally speaking, those answers are probably still up to date. Your statement about the proper approach is OK, but I'll point out that subdividing large spaces and using nodal pressure models is a chancy business at best. It can be done, but requires both expertise and luck. The only way to know if you've done it right is going to be CFD or measurements in the actual space. My answers to your questions are:

  1. New OS capabilities? No, not to my knowledge.
  2. Build airflow network in OS? Not yet.
  3. Up-to date resources? There is some old published guidance in handbooks, but the most up-to-date information will be in the literature. Here's a paper (perhaps a bit old, but freely available) on the subject: Pan et al. 2009. Using this paper and the papers it references turned up quite a bit (mostly behind paywalls, etc.). It is an area of active research.
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Asked: 2016-11-21 13:48:20 -0600

Seen: 478 times

Last updated: Nov 22 '16