Semi External Unconditioned Space

Douglas · Posts: 24

Andrew

Few weeks back I queried why a conservatory would be regarded as Semi External Unconditioned, when infact (especially if south facing) then the heat transfer through would actually create a positive effect to the adjacent zone, by heating it in many cases. I don't believe it should be Unconditioned, and you thought so too. On page 29 of your Designbuilder SBEM Training Manual v3.3, it does show this particular issue and just wondered if you could explain DB's point of view on why it's unconditioned.

Relating this to an unoccupied roof space. This is regarded as the same as a conservatory according to DB, whereas I can't see a glass conservatory having the same heat transfer characteristics to a tiled attic space, but DB seems to condition them the same?

Andrew Bairstow · Site Admin Posts: 343 Location: Birmingham, UK

Darren
The classification of a sunspace as semi external unconditioned would depend upon the space as having no use as regards the business function of the building being inspected. It should also have no HVAC or lighting. Thus it should not be for example be an entrance or relaxation space. Yes, such a space can use the transmitted solar radiation to modify the climate external to the adjacent building spaces, however this is not something that SBEM can model since in SBEM all zones act independently of one another.
Regards
Andrew

Douglas · Posts: 24

Andrew

Can I confirm what you're saying here is if the sunspace is has no practical use then it should be entered as a Semi Unconditional Space. However if the sunspace is recreational/relaxation then it should be entered as a Conditional Space?

Andrew Bairstow · Site Admin Posts: 343 Location: Birmingham, UK

Darren
if no practical use and unconditioned then zone type 'semi exterior unconditioned'.
If recreational/relaxation space then it is a 'standard zone' and thus requires activity specifying but may still not be conditioned (no HVAC on HVAC tab).
However it is ultimately up to the assessor on whether or not to incorporate the sunspace and you might make this decision on whether the walls between the main building and sunspace are external or internal.
Andrew

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