EcoConsulting was appointed by Prime Design architects to suggest and test different glazing and shading solutions, in order to reduce the Printing Press cooling load.
EcoConsulting was specifically responsible for undertaking bespoke hour by hour Dynamic Thermal Simulations to ascertain the effectiveness of different solar control glazing solutions. Limiting solar gains in the development was imperative, due to the fully glazed construction, location in a hot desert climate, and as the Printing Press machines produce, on their own, approximately 1MW of heat.
The aim of the 3D thermal modelling was to identify the impact and magnitude of:
1) Improved glazing by specifying solar performing glass with low solar absorbance, in order to cut solar gains.
2) Additional vertical shading devices to the East and West façades of the Web Press Room to limit solar gains and reduce cooling loads.
In conclusion, we ascertained various glazing and shading combinations, and advised on decreasing the cooling load of the building by 12.6%, which equated to reduction in peak cooling load of 240kW. Furthermore, we provided assistance on improving the way the cooling system itself works, limiting the unnecessary cooling of unoccupied areas, and suggested more innovative cooling strategies.
Designed by The Farm
