Print this page HVAC Optimization with Cold Air Distribution
A. Bhatia, B.E.
Course Outline
To economize on
the overall HVAC capital costs and building utilization, architects and developers
are becoming more and more interested in "The Cold Air Distribution"
design concept.
The cold air distribution system refers to supplying air at low temperatures
of around 42 to 50°F instead of the customary 55 to 58°F. Cooling supply
air below 55°F reduces the supply air volume dramatically, thereby reducing
the first cost of the air-handling equipment and recurring energy costs.
This 2-hour course outlines the application considerations that must be addressed
to successfully design, install and operate cold air HVAC system.
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 aware of:
- Design concept of cold air distribution
- Benefits of cold air distribution
- Cold air relationship to air handling equipment
- Cold air relationship to architectural & mechanical spaces
- Cold air relationship to indoor air quality
- Cold air relationship to energy & cost savings
- Concerns of cold air distribution (condensation, sweating and dumping)
- Cold air control strategies
- The design issues
and checklist
This course is aimed at Students, Mechanical and HVAC engineers, Architects, Building designers, Energy Auditors, Operational & Maintenance Personnel, Sales & Marketing personnel, and General Audience.
Course Introduction
Cold air systems
can do more for less. The cold air distribution system refers to supplying air
at low temperatures, which reduces the first cost and provides a comfortable
space for occupants at a reasonable cost.
Both equipment costs and energy costs are low for cold air systems. Humidity
levels can be lower within range of 40 to 50%, resulting in improved air quality,
comfort and productivity.
The physical size
of HVAC equipment is smaller, resulting in smaller mechanical rooms, less dead
space above ceilings, and more room for occupants.
Nonetheless, cold air HVAC designs are not straight forward and require more
attention to details during design phase. This includes detailing to prevent
condensation or sweating on the cold surfaces, dumping of cold air and careful
selection of ceiling diffusers. Duct leakage is more of a concern and coil selection
is based on parameters that are different from conventional designs.
The course reviews the above criteria in detail and is followed by course summary
and multiple - choice quiz at the end.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file HVAC Optimization with Cold Air Distribution . You need to open or download this document to study this course.
Course Summary
The colder temperature
allows primary air volumes to be reduced, compared to a conventional 55°F
supply air design. While the conventional 55°F maintains an acceptable comfort
conditions in a building, it does not necessarily offer the best annual energy
performance or capital cost.
The cold air distribution system provide more cooling with lesser air. The benefits
are that the AHU and duct sheet metal sizes are dramatically reduced, which
in turn reduces first cost and operative cost of the HVAC system. Additional
cost reductions are due to additional space created due to smaller equipments,
reduced electrical requirements, reduced structural load requirements, and the
reduction of the mechanical rooms.
The downside is that the colder air system can lead to the condensation on the
duct surfaces. Dumping of cold air and balancing becomes difficult. These aspects
require careful attention and are most often mitigated by the appropriate selection
and installation of HVAC equipment.
Cold air systems demand more from the designer but when properly applied, the
benefits are immense.
Quiz
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 PDH Center 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 architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
