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Pier Hill Enhancement Scheme

Client - Fitzpatrick Contractors Ltd

Dynamic Thermal Simulation model showing shading provided by viewing platforms

Part of the Pier Hill Enhancement Scheme is a lift close to the sea-front, approximately 29m high, with circular viewing platforms.

The rectangular plan-form lift shaft is open to the elements, and since the south-facing and north-facing elevations are of glass-construction there is some concern as to the internal thermal environment, particularly in summer. If the lift shaft itself over-heats, then the conditions in the lift-car (for which the south-facing side is also glass) may become intolerably hot.

 It is hoped to maintain comfortable conditions by allowing air to flow up the lift-shaft via louvers at lower and upper levels. The lift-car itself will be ventilated by a fan which will draw air through from the lift-shaft.
The conditions within the lift-car have been simulated by Flow Analysis Ltd using a combination of dynamic thermal simulation and transient CFD. The resultant temperature in the lift-car is predicted to peak at about 5 degrees above ambient and the air temperature is predicted to peak at about 4 degrees above ambient. The natural ventilation strategy for the lift-shaft is predicted to work efficiently. The conditions within the lift-car are predicted to be insensitive to the size of the louvres - hence money may be saved by using smaller-sized louvres without compromising performance.

The time-accurate CFD simulation of the lift-car predicts some significant stratification. However, it is likely that the movement of people would have the effect of mixing the air to a greater extent than that predicted. 

time-accurate CFD model showing one cycle (doors closed 10 seconds, doors open 10 seconds)

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