[Equest-users] Understanding Floors

[Nick Caton]

Hey Peter,

 

If by "stack" you mean place one space geometrically over another, the
answer is yes.  If you mean to ask whether zones can group spaces in
different elevations, the answer is also yes.  

 

However, I would like to hammer out your wording again to be sure we're
on the same page!  I think you meant to ask "Can you stack a space in a
shell?"  Spaces are normally "inside" shells in a geometrical sense, as
they are generally within the shell footprint/boundaries.

 

Zones, in contrast, have nothing to do with geometries - they are simply
groupings of spaces with some extra HVAC/airflow properties tacked on.
Those spaces could be all over the place - at different elevations,
within different shells... pretty much any combination from my
experience.

 

Best of luck!  If you are getting tripped up, remember a picture is
worth a thousand questions (?)...


~Nick

 

PS to all:  The SD/DD Wizards are, in my mind, kinda misleading with
regard to helping new users understand the distinction between "space" &
"zone."  Some work in detailed mode will eventually lead you to
understand, but the Wizard screens inconsistently interchange the terms
and may cause others confusion in the long run... See my description
below for a simple breakdown if you are cutting your teeth on eQuest ;).

 

 

 

NICK CATON, E.I.T.

PROJECT ENGINEER

25501 west valley parkway

olathe ks 66061

direct 913 344.0036

fax 913 345.0617

Check out our new web-site @ www.smithboucher.com 

 

From: Peter Hillermann [mailto:peterh at westallarchitects.com] 
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 12:40 PM
To: Nick Caton; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: RE: [Equest-users] Understanding Floors

 

Nick,

 

Thanks again. Can you stack a space in a zone?

 

Thanks,

 

PETER HILLERMANN

 

peterh at westallarchitects.com

 

westall

architects

3404 pierce drive

chamblee, georgia 30341

 

o 770.458.4113

f  770.458.5352

c 678.898.2936

 

westallarchitects.com

 

From: Nick Caton [mailto:ncaton at smithboucher.com] 
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 12:33 PM
To: Peter Hillermann; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: RE: [Equest-users] Understanding Floors

 

Peter, I think you might be leading yourself into some unnecessary
confusion with your word choices...

 

eQuest has 3 distinct entities:

-          Shells are simply groups of spaces

-          Spaces are geometrical volumes, which may or may not have
floors, walls, ceilings, windows, etc. tied to them.  Internal loads /
daylighting / occupancies are attributed to spaces.  

-          Zones are simple entities that include one or more spaces,
with additional HVAC attributes like thermostat and airflow specifics. 

 

You're using "floors" to interchangeable discuss all the above, it
seems.  For clarity when discussing eQuest, "floors" are merely the
constructions we walk on, normally one attribute of a "space."

 

All that said, it's entirely possible to model a "box within a box," as
you're describing.  You are limited in the wizards (by their nature)
with regard to defining zones/footprints... the best approach depends on
the nature of the space footprints you want to model.  If it's very
simply two stacked cubes enclosed within a larger cube, I'd personally
model one shell, with one space carved out of the middle.  Then I'd use
the detailed mode to shrink that space volume and partition/ceiling
dimensions to match the first floor office, then copy the entire space
and its componenents for the second floor.  I'd adjust the largest
cube's volume (it's a space property) to correct the conditioned volume,
and be sure all partitions are correctly associating the three spaces
together...  With all spaces sorted out, ensure your three spaces are
correctly grouped with regard to "zones," for association with your HVAC
system(s).

 

Clear as mud =)?

 

~Nick

 



 

NICK CATON, E.I.T.

PROJECT ENGINEER

25501 west valley parkway

olathe ks 66061

direct 913 344.0036

fax 913 345.0617

Check out our new web-site @ www.smithboucher.com 

 

From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Peter
Hillermann
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 10:56 AM
To: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Equest-users] Understanding Floors

 

To All,

 

I just want to make sure I understand the properties behind floors. If
you have a square building volume with a smaller square inside it that
has 2 levels. EG:- an atrium as main space with 2 levels that are
offices. There will be a total of 3 floors in your model. Atrium floor,
first floor office and second floor office. Each of these will have a
designated floor to floor height. You cannot put one zone inside another
on the same floor.

 

Is this correct?

 

Thanks, 

 

PETER HILLERMANN

 

peterh at westallarchitects.com

 

westall

architects

3404 pierce drive

chamblee, georgia 30341

 

o 770.458.4113

f  770.458.5352

c 678.898.2936

 

westallarchitects.com

  

 

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