Electrical space conditioning in the USA

Abstract

'Electrical space conditioning' expresses the need to consider control of all factors influenced by modern building lighting. When the criteria of good lighting design are established, attention can be turned to controlling and using the heat generated by lighting. Examples show that modern lighting installations introduce sufficient energy to largely counterbalance building energy losses in cold weather. In warm weather the energy introduced from the lighting, together with heat gains from people, machines and sun, must be controlled. Returning air through luminaires not only brings thermal gains under control but does much to offset radiant heating effects. Typical installations using electrical space conditioning principles are analysed and the range of systems that can be usad is indicated.