Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] zoning

["Michael J. Witte" <mjwitte@xxxxxxxx>]

Yes, you can model a large open area as multiple thermal zones, 
however there are some limitations.  For each zone, you describe the 
exterior surfaces which communicate with each particular zone.  This 
means that you will need to describe the roof and floor as multiple 
surfaces, one section for each zone.  And you will probably need to 
break some or all of the exterior walls into pieces, again describe 
only the appropriate area of exterior wall for each zone.

You do not need to have a surface separating the zones.  EnergyPlus 
models only what is describes.  If one side of a zone is left open, 
nothing happens there.  If these zones will all be conditioned to 
nearly the same temperatures, then you will have a good model if you 
neglect interactions between these zones.  If there will be 
temperature differences, then you need to describe some way for the 
zones to interact.  Some modelers describe low-resistance no-mass 
walls to allow some heat transfer between such zones, but there is no 
agreement on what the resistance should be.  Other modelers use CROSS 
MIXING to exchange air between such zones, but there is no agreement 
on what the flow rate should be.

Limitations that you should be aware of:

1. Full interior solar distribution is not possible unless you 
describe interior walls with windows between the zones to allow solar 
entering one zone to pass through the imaginary divider into an 
adjacent zone.

2. Radiant exchange will be less accurate, because surfaces only 
exchange radiant energy with other surfaces in the same zone.

That's all that comes to mind right now, perhaps other users have 
some experience or suggestions on this subject.

Mike

On 19 Dec 2002, at 7:18, Santiago Torres wrote:

Hello,
I am trying to simulate an open plan office building,
and I would like to define several zones within it in
order to compare the loads from the window area and
the core area, etc. Is this possible at all? The
documantation says very clearly that several rooms are
usually included in one zone, but doesn`t say if it is
possible to define many zones inside one room. Is a
surface always necesary to divide two zones?
Thank you for your help,

Santiago.

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