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”People Density
Section titled “People 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)
People Sensible Load and People Latent Load
Section titled “People Sensible Load and People Latent Load”The sensible (dry) and latent (moist) heat each occupant generates, in BTU/h per person. These vary by activity — from a seated, quiet occupant up through office work and heavier activity. Use the People Loads library next to either field to fill them from ASHRAE values by activity type.
Equipment Loads
Section titled “Equipment Loads”Equipment Load
Section titled “Equipment Load”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
Lighting Loads
Section titled “Lighting Loads”Lighting Load
Section titled “Lighting Load”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 Load to Ceiling Space
Section titled “Lighting Load to Ceiling Space”The percentage of lighting heat that goes to the return-air ceiling plenum instead of the occupied space.
Ventilation Requirements
Section titled “Ventilation Requirements”People Outdoor Air
Section titled “People Outdoor Air”The minimum outdoor air required per person (CFM/person or L/s/person). From ASHRAE 62.1 Table 6.2.2.1.
Area Outdoor Air
Section titled “Area Outdoor Air”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 Create Space Type to add a new type, or Import to start from ASHRAE standards or your own template library
- Fill in the type’s properties in the tables below — your changes save automatically
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
Schedule
Section titled “Schedule”Each space type has one Schedule — a 24-hour hourly usage profile (multipliers from 0.0 to 1.0) that scales the space type’s occupancy, lighting, and equipment loads across the day. A single profile drives all three; there are no separate occupancy, lighting, or equipment schedules.
Impact on Calculations
Section titled “Impact on Calculations”The schedule affects:
- Peak load calculations (using the peak hourly value)
- Hourly load profiles
- Load diversity between space types with different usage patterns