Space Types
Space types define the typical characteristics of spaces in your building. When you assign a space type to a space, HVAKR automatically applies the appropriate loads and ventilation requirements.
Space Type Properties
Section titled “Space Type Properties”Occupancy
Section titled “Occupancy”Occupancy Density
Section titled “Occupancy Density”The number of people per unit area (people per 1000 ft² or per 100 m²). This affects:
- Internal heat gains from people
- Ventilation requirements (ASHRAE 62.1 people component)
Activity Level
Section titled “Activity Level”The metabolic rate of occupants, which determines sensible and latent heat generation:
- Seated, quiet - 400 BTU/h per person
- Office work - 450 BTU/h per person
- Light activity - 550 BTU/h per person
- Heavy activity - 1000+ BTU/h per person
Equipment Loads
Section titled “Equipment Loads”Equipment Power Density
Section titled “Equipment Power Density”The heat generated by equipment per unit area (W/ft² or W/m²). Typical values:
- Office - 1-2 W/ft²
- Conference room - 0.5-1 W/ft²
- Computer room - 10-50 W/ft²
- Kitchen - 5-20 W/ft²
Equipment Schedule
Section titled “Equipment Schedule”A profile defining when equipment is in use. For example, office equipment might be on from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays.
Lighting Loads
Section titled “Lighting Loads”Lighting Power Density
Section titled “Lighting Power Density”The heat generated by lighting per unit area (W/ft² or W/m²). Values depend on energy code and fixture type:
- LED office lighting - 0.7-1.0 W/ft²
- Fluorescent - 1.0-1.5 W/ft²
- High-bay warehouse - 0.5-1.0 W/ft²
Lighting Schedule
Section titled “Lighting Schedule”A profile defining when lights are on.
Ventilation Requirements
Section titled “Ventilation Requirements”Outdoor Air per Person
Section titled “Outdoor Air per Person”The minimum outdoor air required per person (CFM/person or L/s/person). From ASHRAE 62.1 Table 6.2.2.1.
Outdoor Air per Area
Section titled “Outdoor Air per Area”The minimum outdoor air required per unit floor area (CFM/ft² or L/s/m²). From ASHRAE 62.1 Table 6.2.2.1.
Exhaust Requirement
Section titled “Exhaust Requirement”For spaces requiring exhaust (restrooms, kitchens, laboratories), specify:
- Exhaust rate (CFM or L/s)
- Whether exhaust is per area or total
ASHRAE 62.1 Space Categories
Section titled “ASHRAE 62.1 Space Categories”HVAKR includes all ASHRAE 62.1 space categories with pre-configured ventilation rates:
Office and Administrative
Section titled “Office and Administrative”- Office space
- Reception areas
- Telephone/data entry
- Conference/meeting rooms
Educational
Section titled “Educational”- Classrooms (various age groups)
- Libraries
- Computer labs
- Science laboratories
Retail
Section titled “Retail”- Sales floor
- Mall common areas
- Storage rooms
Food and Beverage
Section titled “Food and Beverage”- Restaurants
- Cafeterias
- Bars/cocktail lounges
- Kitchens
Healthcare
Section titled “Healthcare”- Patient rooms
- Operating rooms
- Recovery rooms
- Medical procedure rooms
Assembly
Section titled “Assembly”- Auditoriums
- Gymnasiums
- Stages
- Spectator areas
Creating Custom Space Types
Section titled “Creating Custom Space Types”- Go to Basis of Design > Space Types
- Click Add Space Type
- Enter the properties or start from an existing type
- Save to use throughout your project
Tips for Custom Types
Section titled “Tips for Custom Types”- Use ASHRAE 62.1 values for ventilation unless local codes require more
- Base equipment loads on actual equipment counts when available
- Consider diversity factors for large spaces
Schedules
Section titled “Schedules”Schedules define time-varying profiles for occupancy, equipment, and lighting.
Schedule Types
Section titled “Schedule Types”- Occupancy - When people are present
- Equipment - When equipment is operating
- Lighting - When lights are on
Creating Schedules
Section titled “Creating Schedules”- Define hourly multipliers (0.0 to 1.0)
- Specify weekday, weekend, and holiday profiles
- Assign schedules to space types
Impact on Calculations
Section titled “Impact on Calculations”Schedules affect:
- Peak load calculations (using peak schedule values)
- Hourly load profiles (for energy analysis)
- Diversity factors (when multiple spaces have different schedules)