Centralized vs Decentralized Air Conditioning Systems - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Architects and Surveyors

Centralized vs Decentralized Air Conditioning Systems

Course Outline

Many different HVAC systems are available today but 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.

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.

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:

Understand the different types of HVAC systems;
Understand the HVAC design challenges on various architectural, functional and operational parameters;
Understand the difference between central and decentralized systems;
Understand the central chilled water system sub-configurations (CAV, VAV and all water systems);
Understand various types of decentralized systems (window, split, package, heat pumps and VRF systems);
Understand the pros and cons of the central and compact systems on thermal comfort;
Understand the pros and cons of the central and compact systems on building architecture;
Understand the pros and cons of the central and compact systems on energy efficiency;
Understand the pros and cons of the central and compact systems on system controls and integration;
Understand the pros and cons of the central and compact systems on robustness and redundancy;
Understand the impact of central system and decentralized system on whole of life costs including capital costs, maintenance costs, energy costs and replacement cost; and
Understand how to select the right system for your application.

Intended Audience

The course is intended for use primarily to the architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers, O&M personnel and HVAC designers.

Benefit to Attendees

Proper selection of the HVAC system is a crucial decision for any new project and the decision depends upon a number of factors like how large area needs to be cooled, what is the application, what kind of total heat is generated inside the enclosed area, the developer’s preference – initial installation cost, aesthetics, and long term maintenance and life cycle costs etc. The HVAC engineer would consider all the related parameters and suggest the system most suitable for your space.
This course discusses the various issues to be considered for ‘central’ vs. local floor-by-floor ‘compact’ systems.

Course Introduction

This course discusses the various issues to be considered for ‘central’ vs. local floor-by-floor ‘compact’ systems.

Course Content

This course content is in the following PDF document:

Centralized vs Decentralized Air Conditioning Systems

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Course Summary

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. In general central systems provide better quality of indoor parameters and energy efficiency. However, central systems are costly to build but the operating costs tend to be low on large systems. The decentralized systems are suitable for small or medium sized buildings free of multiple thermal zones and demanding 100 TR or less of air-conditioning. 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.

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. 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.

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.