Zoning Instructions

 

Zoning is of critical importance to the model. Too many zones and the model becomes over complex, too few and detail is lost. Although the main focus should be on capturing core functional spaces e.g. offices in commercial buildings or living rooms, bedrooms etc. in residential buildings - it is also necessary to capture the area/volume of other miscellaneous/ancillary spaces such as elevator shafts, toilets, stairs etc.

 

The single most important aspect to note in relation to these space types is that they do not have to be represented exactly and individually. In other words it is not necessary to model each and every toilet or elevator separately but instead zones can be outlined around each of these space types that capture all of the toilets together or all of the elevators together.

 

The zoning (thermal block) requirements outlined in ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G should also be kept in mind when creating the building geometry. The details presented should be followed closely in order to meet the requirements of the Performance Rating Method.

 

As outlined in the concept document it is helpful that defined zones are broken-down as per the list of space types used in the prototype data:

 

 

 

 

 

These space types correspond exactly with the room thermal templates and provide some indication of what spaces should be grouped together.