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Authors: JD Balzli and Kyle Wagner School: Mississippi State
University
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| Abstract: This study examines the performance of fiberglass skylights in the Allied Enterprises industrial facility located in Columbus, Mississippi. The student investigators evaluated the performance of the skylights in terms of transmissivity of light and heat gain. They also examined how performance of the skylights changes with age. The investigators conclude that the skylights offer the opportunity for energy savings by reducing the need for electric lighting without significantly increasing cooling load. As the panels age, their transmissivity decreases considerably. Thus, there is a point in the service life of the panels when they must be replaced if energy savings are to continue. | ||
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Background: This study was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 1998 Vital Signs Student Case Study Competition. The two Honorable Mention awards were not intended as "runners-up", but were bestowed upon well executed studies that had a quality particularly deserving of recognition. This study was singled out for the way in which it pursued one issue in great depth. Comments from the competition jury included: "The strength and weakness of the study is its narrow focus. The students employed an excellent process and present their findings well." "The discussion of economics and lessons learned suggests a high degree of sophistication on the part of the students. "Great Hypothesis. Very focused!." "So focused that they miss some of the larger issues. Good data and calculations. It's obvious the students were really learning. But they miss the issue of lighting quality. They focused so much on fiberglass skylights that they don't seem to have considered whether a different skylight would be better." "Good work, but when evaluating the adequacy of daylight they took illumination levels produced by the electric lights as the 'required' level. This isn't the current standard. A consideration of IES standards would be appropriate here." |
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All contents copyright (C) 1998. Vital Signs Project. All rights reserved. Created: 10/22/98 |
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