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VAV Equipment Selection: Fan Powered Terminal Units
In many VAV systems, the exterior zones will utilize fan-powered terminal units. When compared to a single duct terminal unit, the fan-powered versions have a fan that enables the induction of plenum air into the airflow. During heating, the supplied conditioned air can be reduced to the minimum ventilation rate and the heating airflow is supplemented by induced plenum air. The introduction of the fan adds a few more variables to consider when selecting the equipment.
Parallel vs. Series
Before selecting the individual terminal units, the engineer will have to determine if they want to use parallel or series fan-powered terminal units. This decision has some bearing on how they select the air handling unit.
Parallel
With a parallel terminal unit, the fan is located outside of the… Read more
VAV Equipment Selection: Single Duct Terminal Units
Once the building cooling/heating load has been calculated and the VAV system has been laid out, the next step is for the engineer to select the exact sizes, models, and configurations of the terminal units that will deliver the comfort to the space. For both the single duct and fan powered terminal units, several variables must be considered including unit capacities, sound, type, heating requirements & type, and manufacturer.
Single Duct Selection: Capacity
In the example office space above let’s assume that on the right side of the building there is an interior conference room that is served by a single duct box. This conference room can seat 12 people and is 240 sq.ft. in size. The load calculation software says that with people, .8 W/sq.ft. of lighting, and the… Read more
VAV System Design Considerations
A mechanical engineer must consider several variables and equipment types when designing a VAV system. This includes the load on the space, the static pressure in the ductwork, the types of terminal units, and the occupancies in the space. The engineer must also consider how the terminal units are going to be controlled. These decisions must weigh the initial cost with the long-term energy efficiency. Using a theoretical office building, we will walk through the general design process and the decisions the engineer must work through to arrive at a final design.
Design Process
When an architect is designing a building, for purposes of this exercise an office building, they’ll start with a core and shell. The information they’ll provide the engineer will include:… Read more
VAV System Components
Occupant comfort is critical for the building owner’s return on investment. Chilled Water VAV systems have proven to deliver the highest level of occupant comfort, including thermal and acoustical satisfaction. Delivering comfort requires the cooperation of several pieces of equipment. When set up and controlled properly occupant satisfaction can be optimized along with the energy consumption. A major study, ASHRAE RP-1515, proved that optimizing occupant comfort coincides with a more efficient use of energy for several buildings. Understanding how the HVAC components of a VAV system work together to maintain comfort, paired with optimal set points will deliver a better system to your customer.
System Components
The equipment that work together to deliver occupant… Read more
VAV Systems Deliver Comfort
When designing a commercial HVAC system that will serve a diversity of spaces, selecting a VAV air side system has proven to be the best choice. A mechanical engineer has two goals for their future occupants, deliver optimal comfort at the lowest possible energy usage; in that order. When compared to other options, the VAV System wins on both fronts.
Comfort equals Profits
Fundamentally, the goal of an office real estate developer is to construct a building who’s financing and operational costs will be less than the rent the building will provide. The developer hopes the building will attract and retain occupants by providing the best comfort, location, design, and amenities possible with the construction budget. They’ll also have an eye towards energy efficiency to reduce the… Read more