Thermal Comfort and Glazing in Lab Spaces

Attending the 2017 Laboratory Design Conference next month in Raleigh, North Carolina? Hear from PAYETTE’s Alejandra Menchaca and Vera Baranova as they present our research on thermal comfort and glazing in laboratory spaces on Tuesday April 25. 

Thermal Comfort and Glazing in Lab Spaces
In laboratory spaces, mechanical systems, such as perimeter heating, compensate for shortcomings in envelope performance to provide a thermally comfortable environment. However, with an increased interest in maximizing energy efficiency and providing healthy spaces for occupants, this model is due for reconsideration. With a better understanding of how thermal comfort is affected by different glazing performance criteria and geometries in the wintertime, architects and engineers are able to make informed decisions when selecting a glazing scenario. This then ensures a comfortable environment for occupants without the need of supplemental perimeter heating strategies. This session will address two factors when designing a glazed opening in cold climates: radiant discomfort and downdraft discomfort, and how each correlates to the glazing U-factor and window geometry. The session will cover the physics of glazing heat loss and its impact on comfort, and will utilize a new, publicly available web tool to guide the audience through the decision-making process that will ensure a comfortable environment early in the design.

Event Information:
April 24-26, 2017
Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley
Raleigh, North Carolina