Print this page HVAC Design Aspects
Choosing A Right System "Central vs Compact Systems"
A. Bhatia, B.E.
Course Outline
This 4-hour course
discusses the various issues to be considered and the questions to be raised
before an intelligent, well-thought HVAC scheme is finalized.
The design and selection of right HVAC system must combine a proper choice of
engineered products efficiently providing conditioned air to the space at optimum
energy while adding architectural features which complement the interior design.
The distinction between 'central' and local floor-by-floor 'compact' systems
is critical from an architectural perspective and shall serve the primary theme
for this course.
The course is intended for use primarily to the students, end users, operators,
architects, contractors and HVAC designers.
This course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be knowledgeable about the central and compact systems;
- Be knowledgeable about the architectural and mechanical synergies; and
- Be able to conceptualize,
judge and select the right system.
The basic purpose
of an HVAC system is to provide interior thermal conditions that a majority
of occupants shall find acceptable. The heat and moisture control functions
of HVAC systems provide the foundation for key system components. The additional
functions of air circulation and air quality control establish further component
requirements. In specific building situations, supplemental functions, such
as controlling smoke from fires or preventing background noise for acoustic
privacy, may be imposed on an HVAC system.
Because buildings vary, it is very important to choose a system that is "right"
for the facility. Many different HVAC systems are available today, but most
of the new designs utilize the options that optimize the overall economics of
costs, comfort, reliability and environmental control.
There are literally hundreds of ways in which basic HVAC components may be assembled
into systems. This course explores some of the most commonly encountered system
configurations with advantages and disadvantages.
The course is divided into 4 parts:
PART 1 Air-conditioning Considerations
PART 2 Overview of Central & Compact Systems
PART 3 Central System V/s Compact Systems
PART 4 HVAC Design Development Checklists
Course Content
The the course content is in a PDF file HVAC Design Aspects; Choosing A Right System "Central V/s Compact Systems". You need to open or download this document to study this course.
Course Summary
With the strong
trend in the Heating, ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) industry emphasizing
energy savings, there is an equally a concern from the owners & operators
that the installed costs of new and replacement systems be as economical as
possible. In applying this concept to the buildings, the designer should consider
not only the first costs but also the maintenance costs, rehabilitation costs,
user costs, and reconstruction costs. In commercial workplaces the comfort,
safety and productivity of the occupants is affected by poor performance of
HVAC systems, which has indirect cost implications. There are several choices
for the type of air conditioning systems, each satisfying the HVAC objectives
with different degrees of success.
The final choice of an HVAC system, whether central or floor-by-floor is a critical
decision required to be taken before the facility design is completed. The team
consisting of architect and HVAC design engineer need to integrate the user's
requirements and the building functional requirements. The finally selected
system must fit in to the owner's capital budget and anticipated life cycle
operation and maintenance cost.
Commercial electric air conditioning may be provided by a variety of equipment
ranging from fractional horsepower, self-contained, air-cooled compact units
to the very large built-up central systems of several thousand ton capacity
using water-cooled condensing units and chilled water systems.
Central systems are costly to build but the operating costs tend to be low on
large systems. For intermittent use buildings there is a growing trend to select
a combination of central plant and packaged or split units to meet the overall
functional requirement of the buildings.
Related
Reading
This course is
not intended to be used as a stand-alone document. It is recommended to refer
to the following courses available online:
1. Selection tips
for air-conditioning cooling systems
2. Selection tips for chiller compressors
3. Environmental issues and refrigerants
4. Design options for HVAC distribution systems
5. Six Ways to perform economic evaluation of projects
6. Life cycle analysis of building projects
Once
you finish studying the
above course content,
you need to
take a quiz
to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
