Add Equipment

Equipment generates heat, impacting zone energy balance and contributing to heating, cooling and overall energy use. Equipment loads are defined by power density (W/m²), covering appliances, electronics and other powered devices. Power density depends on space use.

Typical values include:

• Residential: 2 to 10 W/m² (for example, TVs and kitchen appliances)

• General offices: 5 to 15 W/m²

• Data-heavy offices: 10 to 20 W/m²

• Commercial kitchens: 50 to 200 W/m²

• Industrial: varies widely depending on machinery and processes

Add Equipment

To define equipment, navigate to 'Spaces' and select the 'Default' Space or any other space available. Then navigate to 'Equipment', then 'Set Equipment' and either 'Electrical Equipment', 'Gas Equipment' or 'Other Equipment'. All options provide internal gains for user-defined equipment in the Space. Select 'Electrical Equipment' in this example and hit 'Create'

Next, select the 'Design Level' and click the panel showing the equipment density (W/m²). When annual variability is required, these can be defined in detail. See Set Multiple Occupant Density & Schedules. Adjust the equipment density as needed, then click 'Update' to save.

Adjust Equipment Units

To adjust equipment units to W, as opposed to the default W/m², navigate to 'Spaces' and select the 'Default Space' or any other space available. Then navigate to 'Equipment' and 'Switch Schedule Type' to Watts.

Set Equipment Heat Gains

The heat generated by equipment results in zone loads, with the electrical input transforming into heat. This heat is categorised into four fractions: Fraction Latent, Fraction Radiant, Fraction Lost, and a fourth fraction representing heat convected to the zone air. The convected fraction is calculated as 1.0 minus the sum of the Fraction Latent, Fraction Radiant, and Fraction Lost. It's crucial to avoid exceeding a total fraction value of 1.0, as an error message will be triggered otherwise.

Latent Fractions

The Latent Fraction pertains to the portion of the HVAC system load associated with moisture removal. Specify the Latent Fraction as a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0, defining the latent heat proportion emitted by electric equipment in a zone.

Radiant Fraction

The Radiant Fraction addresses the transfer of heat through radiation. Specify the Fraction Radiant Fraction within the 0.0 to 1.0 range, characterising the long-wave radiant heat emitted by electric equipment in a zone.

Loss Fraction

The Loss Fraction signifies energy lost within the HVAC system. Specify the Fraction Lost as a decimal between 0.0 and 1.0, quantifying the proportion of "lost" heat from electric equipment in a zone.

To set equipment heat gains, navigate to 'Spaces' and select the 'Default Space' or any other space available. Next, select 'Settings' and nominate the 'Visible Fraction', 'Radiant Fraction' and 'Return Air Fraction' then click 'Update' to save.