Application of Revolving Door Technology in Reducing Energy Loss in Anchorage, Alaska

Abstract

Arctic entryways (vestibules) are an important building feature in Alaska for energy savings. Vestibules and revolving doors are often designed to reduce air infiltration rates and ultimately reduce building energy costs. In Anchorage, most buildings utilize vestibule technology for building entrances but revolving door technology is also a viable option to consider. In Anchorage, Alaska, reduction of energy consumption is necessary for long-term sustainability of most buildings and businesses. The project included a review of relevant literature publications to select methods to predict air infiltration rate due to vestibules versus revolving doors; calculations for energy usage of various Anchorage public buildings with existing doorways versus with revolving doors; and an analysis of the energy savings. The case study selected six Anchorage public buildings for evaluation based on differences in building size, utility, and availability of energy data. The study found that while revolving door technology can technically save some energy costs, the additional cost was not justifiable in most of the buildings selected for study due to lack the occupancy throughput, building height, and quantity of wind. One exception was East High School (East entrance) where a vestibule or revolving door should be added. It was observed that sufficient space exists for most Anchorage public buildings to install vestibules, and that in existing revolving door locations the adjacent sliding doors are often preferred by users. A case study for restaurants and strip malls in Alaska would be beneficial as these building types may be more energy efficient with revolving doors due to higher user throughput.