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Authors: Raj K. Senthilkumar, Shivaram Malakala, and Joe Haver School: Texas A&M
University
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| Abstract: The need for a
controlled environment in which the art works could be kept was an important factor in the
design of this building. There are very few windows, but numerous skylights. The massive
concrete walls significantly ameliorate the heat transfer between the interior and
exterior environments. The main intent of the design was to isolate the interior
environment against the humid and salty exterior air, and to provide a well lit interior
using daylight. The field work proved conclusive in determining that energy did not top the list of priorities when designing this building. The HVAC system needs to run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at the set temperature of 74 degrees F. No natural ventilation was allowed. Utility bills show that the building does indeed consume very large amounts of energy. In spite of this, the high thermal mass reduces the external load on the HVAC system, and really has a positive impact during the heating season. ENER-WIN software was used to simulate the energy consumption patterns of the building. The results indicated that daylighting reduces the lighting load by 30%. Space cooling was the largest consumer as expected, with the fans using a considerable amount of energy as well. |
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All contents copyright (C) 1998. Vital Signs Project. All rights reserved. Created: 11/19/98 |
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Art Museum of South
Texas
