I am currently modeling a zoo building that is heated and ventilated
only. According to ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G, I have to model both heating
and air conditioning even if no air conditioning exists. For this size
building I have to model a System 3 - rooftop air conditioner with gas
heat for both the base building and the proposed building. Is there
anything in Appendix G that would prevent me from setting the cooling
thermostat setpoint up to 90 degrees to prevent cooling energy from
being included in the simulation as long as I use the same setting for
both proposed and base models?
Allan Fox, P.E. CBCP, LEED AP
Is the room's ventilation controlled to maintain a maximum temperature for the animals, or only for ventilation rates?
However, I think there is a little bit of a disconnect in submitting the simulation as if it were cooled, and then having results with no cooling energy. Maybe this topic is suitable for a credit interpretation request?
David
Allan,
No. There are no requirements in ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Appendix G for cooling
space thermostat settings; therefore you are allowed to set the cooling
thermostat to any temperature that you choose as long as the settings are
the same for both the baseline and proposed models. You did not mention
whether or not your models are being used for LEED certification, but this
method of setting cooling thermostat setpoints high enough to eliminate
cooling energy has been accepted by USGBC Energy and Atmosphere TAG and LEED
reviewers on other LEED projects. Note that this is my personal opinion and
should not be taken as an official ruling from ASHRAE or USGBC.
Daniel A. Katzenberger, Principal, P.E., CEM, LEED-AP