The influence of the atrium geometry on the building energy performance

In this study, the thermal performance of various shapes and geometries of atriums in buildings is examined under various conditions. The goal of the study is to assess the impact of the atrium shape on the building total energy consumption and to identify the most energy-efficient atrium design. The study focuses on four different central atriums types with square and rectangular geometries which have same areas, use, schedule, controls, occupancy, and construction. The atriums exhibit different aspect ratios (length to width). Four cities in United States are selected to represent primary climatic regions of hot-dry, hot-humid, cold, and temperate. Besides, the atrium height, the atrium glazing type, and the glazing ratio are varied throughout the simulation process. Buildings models are constructed using the DOE-2.1E building energy simulation program. The results of this study indicate that in general, the total energy consumption of the narrow, elongated atrium or the rectangular atrium with high ratio of length to width is significantly greater than the square shaped atrium.

► The geometry has considerable influence on the rate of the energy usage of models.
► Elongated atrium shapes are less energy efficient than other tested shapes.
► Square-shaped atrium is the most ideal among all tested atriums in all climates.
► Energy performance of tested models varies according to climatic region.
► Increasing cooling loads is mainly responsible for intensifying energy consumption.