[Equest-users] multiple floor zones

[Nick Caton]

Sheri et al,

 

When you define a shell as a more than 1-story - you are simultaneously
making the decision that each story will have a matching "typical"
zoning layout.  What you define at the custom zoning screen will be
mirrored for each level.  This approach/simplification has the
advantages of simplifying the model, saving input time and also permits
the wizards to automatically generate inter-floor heat transfer
surfaces.  

 

If you wish to model distinct zoning patterns for each level (and this
is not uncommon), you should instead create a separate shell for each
distinct pattern.  For clarity/context, to define multiple shells as
described, you should convert to DD wizards from SD if you aren't
already there.

 

Some extra pointers for those new to the "shell-per-floor" approach: 

 

1.       Fully "sandwiched" floors defined using separate shells should
select no (adiabatic) floor and roof constructions, lest you end up
multiplying your roof or ground-perimeter envelope loads.  Do define
your roof and floor surfaces for your top and ground level shells.

2.       If you feel inter-floor heat transfer is critical for the
energy model, or if you have should partially exposed (exterior)
roofs/floors for a given shell/level, you can have your cake and eat it
too.  Search the archives for alternative wizard/detailed-mode
approaches (my name will be in a few of them).  In those cases, you'd
define such roof and/or floor constructions for the entire shell/floor,
then later either delete or replace "sandwiched" surfaces with interior
partitions as required in detailed mode.

3.       For any multi-shell project, I would suggest first completing
the rest of the inputs for the first shell shared by the rest of the
building, (ex: envelope properties, typical window layouts, whole
building LPD's... etc.) before copying to create the next shell.  This
will minimize redundant inputs that take extra time and invite human
error (i.e. selecting the wall construction inputs in 3 places instead
of once).  This advice becomes critical for projects with many shells.

 

Best of luck!

 

~Nick

 

 

 

NICK CATON, E.I.T.

PROJECT ENGINEER

Smith & Boucher Engineers

25501 west valley parkway

olathe ks 66061

direct 913 344.0036

fax 913 345.0617

www.smithboucher.com 

 

From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of
atowell at cxegroup.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 1:19 PM
To: Sheri; eQuest List(equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org)
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] multiple floor zones

 

Sheri-

 

The best way that I have seen to do this is to create a separate shell
for each floor, then zone each floor individually. I hope this helps!

 

Adam Towell

CxE Group, LLC

618-659-9461

 

From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Sheri
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 12:21 PM
To: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Equest-users] multiple floor zones

 

Hello,

 

I have a 3 story building that each floor has multiple zones. How do I
do this? When I go into the zoning pattern (which I have selected
custom) it brings up my footprint so I can draw out my zones, but how do
I know which floor I am on & how do I switch between floors?

 

Thank you,

 

Sheri Rice,

Assistant General Manager

Fire & Ice Geothermal, LLC

198276 E County Road 41

Woodward, OK 73801

580-256-9439 Voice

580-256-7080 Fax

580-216-1005 Cell

 

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