Abstract:

One of the most dominant features of a classroom space is its high occupancy, which results in high internal heat gain which reaches up to approximately 5 KW‎ . Furthermore, installation of educational technologies, such as smart boards, projectors and computers in the spaces increases potential internal heat gain. Previous studies on office buildings indicate that with the introduction of IT equipment in spaces during the last decade, cooling load demands are increasing with an associated increase in summer electrical demand.
Due to the fact that educational technologies in specific correspond to pedagogical practices within the space, a lot of variations due to occupancy patterns occur. Also, thermal loads caused by educational technologies are expected to be dependent on spatial configuration.
This study explores the thermal impact of educational technologies in 2 typical educational spaces in a facility of higher education; a typical classroom and computer lab. The results indicate that a heat gain ranging between 0.06 and 0.095 KWh/m2 is generated in the rooms when educational technologies are in use.
The study also investigates thermal zones within the rooms due to distribution of educational technologies. Through simulation of thermal performance of the rooms, the thermal impact of locating educational technologies in such rooms have been studied. Recommendations for alternative room configurations are presented.

Keywords:

Classroom Spaces, Educational Technologies, Thermal Comfort.