AIR CONDATIONING

At the end of this topic the trainee should be able to:

 Describe types of air conditioning systems
 Explain the operation of air conditioning systems

i. Air conditioning systems (Split,window,central,packaged)

ii. Operation of air conditioning systems
iii. Components of air conditioning

INTRODUCTION TO AIR CONDATIONING

Air conditioning may be defined as simultaneous control of temperature, humidity,

motion, and purity of air within an enclosed space.

It involves various processes such as:-

1. Cooling or heating air
2. Addition of moisture in the air (Humidification) or removal of moisture from
the air (Dehumidification)
3. Controlling movement of air
4. Purification of air
5. Addition of fresh air from outside
6. Distribution of air
PRINCIPLE OF AIR CONDITIONING
In the air conditioning system, the device or unit provides air conditioning is called
an air conditioner. This device continuously draws air from an indoor space which
is required to be cool, it cools in the refrigeration system and discharges back into
the same indoor space. This continuous cyclic process of drawing, cooling, and
recirculation of the cooled air maintains indoor space cool at the required lower
temperature which is required for comfort cooling.

TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM:

There are various types of air conditioning system which are classified into-
a) According to the arrangement of equipment
b) According to Working substance used in the system:
c) According to the purpose
Various types of air conditioning system are discussed below:-

A) WINDOW AIR CONDATIONING SYSTEM

WHAT IS WINDOW AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM? WORKING,

CONSTRUCTION & ADVANTAGES
Window air conditioner is a small unit having capacity of 1/2 TOR to 3 TOR.
Window air conditioner is a room air conditioner mounted in a window,
through a wall.
Construction of Window Air Conditioning System

Window air conditioning system consists of following components:

• Compressor,
• Expansion device (i.e. Capillary tube),
• Air Filter.
• Condenser,
• Evaporator,
• Controls.
Al the above mentioned components are briefly discussed in the following manner.
Window air conditioning system consists of following components:
Compressor

The compressor has its motor and all moving parts operating within a sealed gas
tight housing.

Condenser

It is air cooled type condenser having continuous coil of copper tubing, to which,
aluminium fins are attached to increase surface area, through which, more heat
transfer can take propeller type fan is located immediately in front of condenser
to cool the con- denser coil.

Expansion Device (Capillary tube)

Capillary tube is the most commonly used expansion device in window air
conditioner. It is a tube of very small diameter and long length. Its function is to
reduce the pressure of high pressure, low temperature liquid refrigerant coming
from condenser and convert it into low pressure, low temperature liquid
refrigerant. In short, it creates pressure drop, when liquid refrigerant is passed
through it.

Evaporator

It is located at the front end of room air conditioner. It is also made up of copper
tubing, like condenser coils. Evaporator is surrounded by insulating material,
such that, it reduces operating noise. A propel er type fan is located in front of
evaporator, so that, it can pull the fresh air from outside through ventilation
dampers. The fresh air mixes with room air together and is passed over
evaporator coil.

Air Filter

Air should be filtered, as soon as, it enters the air conditioner. In a window air
conditioner, air filter is located on the air entering side of evaporator coil. Either
permanent or replaceable filters are used.

Controls
Window air conditioner is provided with two controls:

(a) Master control

It controls the compressor, compressor motor, condenser fan motor and evaporator
fan motor. When switch is on cool position, all motors operate and complete
unit works as air conditioning unit.

(b) Thermostat control

It is located in return air path near filter. It is used to ensure desired temperature
conditions inside the room.

Operation of Window Air Conditioning System

High pressure, high temperature vapour refrigerant coming out of compressor is

condensed in condenser using outside (atmospheric) air as cooling medium. The
liquid refrigerant is further passed through capillary tube to reduce its own
pressure and then passed over evaporator, where it absorbs heat from air to cool
it. Due to ab- sorption of heat, the liquid refrigerant gets converted into vapour
refrigerant and these vapours are drawn into the compressor cycle is repeated
again and again.

Air Circuit of Window Air Conditioning System

The function of window air conditioner is to provide comfort to the occupants in

the room by,
1. Cleaning the air,
2. Dehumidifying the air, and
3. Cooling the air,
4. Distributing the air to each and every corner of room.
Window air conditioning system does not require ducts for free delivery of
conditioned air into room to be cooled.
Room air
The air from the room is drawn over the evaporator fan (also called as indoor fan)
through a filter, which removes dirt, dust, impurities etc. The fan used may be
propeller type or centrifugal type. The air is cooled while passing over the
evaporator tubes by giving its heat to the refrigerant circulating inside the
evaporator. A thermostat (in control panel) is provided at the evaporator to
measure the temperature of air coming from the room. If the temperature is
above the set or desired value, it makes the compressor to switch "ON". If the
temperature is below the set value or desired value, it makes the com- pressor to
switch "OFF".

Outside air
The outside (atmospheric) is drawn over the condenser fan. The
vapour refrigerant circulating inside the condenser coil gives up its
Fresh air from outside
To maintain the purity of air inside the room, fresh outdoor air is made to enter into
the room through air damper. The fresh air is cooled by evaporator coils, while
coming from damper. This cooled fresh air is then mixed With the room air.
 B) SPLIT AIT CONDATIONING SYSTEM

WHAT IS SPLIT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM? WORKING,

CONSTRUCTION & ADVANTAGES

Split air conditioner is the modified version of window air conditioner. The idea of
split units came from the fact that, 'in window air conditioner, it is sometimes
not possible to minimize the noise problem, as it is installed on the wall of
conditioned room'. In order to overcome the difficulty of noise, split air
conditioner is developed, in which, compressor and condenser any located at a
remote location and only evaporator coil and a fan are located near the
application. This division or splitting of air conditioning unit gave the
equipment its name as "Split air conditioner". Split air conditioner is basically
an air conditioning system, which is built into two separate or distinct units,
named as 'indoor unit' and 'outdoor unit.
Indoor unit
It is located in the space to be conditioned. It is well insulated on in- side housing.
It consists of evaporator (cooling coil), a fan coupled With motor, electronic
controls and provisions for condensate drain.
Outdoor unit
Outdoor section consists of compressor, capillary tube, condenser and condenser
cooling fan with motor. Outdoor unit can be erected away from the room to be
conditioned. The outdoor unit is connected to in- door unit by extended
pipelines covered with insulating material pro- vided. Therefore, split air
conditioner is also known as "Remote mounted air conditioner". With the help
of insulated piping, the low pressure and low temperature liquid refrigerant
comes in the evapo- rator. Fan fitted in indoor unit sucks the air over the
evaporator coil and delivers it back to room. Thus, the operation of split air
ondi- tioner is similar to the window air conditioner using the basic cycle of
operation as vapour compression refrigeration. The refrigerant is compressed,
condensed, expanded at remote site and gets evaporated only in the room
evaporator.
Advantage of split Air Conditioning System
• Noiseless operation.
• No necessity of wall opening.
• Better circulation of air.
• Less vibrations.
• Occupies less space in the room.
• More accessible for maintenance, because condenser, compressor and fan can be
located at convenient place, away from space or room to be cooled.
• Good aesthetic quality.

Disadvantages of Split Air Conditioning System

• Distance between indoor and outdoor section has to be small to avoid pressure
drop, otherwise it will affect the capacity of plant.

• High cost of unit.

  Chances of leakage are more due to longer refrigerant tubing/ ines

 Poor COP of unit.

 Control over operation is difficult.

Applications of Split Air Conditioner

• Hotels and Restaurants,

• Offices,

• Auditoriums and many more,

• Hospitals,

• Schools,

• Departmental stores,

• Semina halls.

C) CENTRAL AIR CONDATIONING SYSTEM

WHAT IS CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM? CONSTRUCTION,

TYPES & WORKING

In a central station air conditioning system, all the components of the system are
grouped together in one central room and conditioned air is distributed from the
central room to the required places through extensive duct work. The centra air
conditioning system is generally used for the load above 25 tonnes of
refrigeration and 2500 m³/min of conditioned air.

The whole system can be divided into three parts,

• Plant room, which includes compressor, condenser and motor.

• Air handling unit room (AHU room).
• Air distribution system (Ducting).

The plant room is located away from room to be air conditioned.

Other components are grouped together in a AHU and conditioned air is circulated
through air distribution system i.e. ducting with the help of fan or blower to the
room to be air conditioned. As shown in Fig. 1, the air, which is to be
conditioned, is directly allowed to flow over the evaporator coil. Low pressure
and low temperature refrigerant passing through evaporator coil absorbs heat
from the air gets cooled.

When several rooms in the building are to be air conditioned at ap- proximately
same temperature and relative humidity, then central air conditioning system is
chosen instead of unitary air conditioning. This type of system is used for load
above 25 TOR.
Types of Central Air Conditioning System

There are two types of central air conditioning systems.

Direct type central air conditioning system

• In this system, the air from the space to be air conditioned is circulated over the
cooing coil (i.e. evaporator coil) of a refrigerant plant, in which, the low
pressure liquid refrigerant is boiling.
• The latent heat of vapourization for the liquid refrigerant is taken from the air
being circulated over the coil. Due to rejection of heat,the air gets cooled.
from the air being circulated over the coil. Due to rejection of heat, the air gets
cooled.
• This type of direct central air conditioning system is also known as 'Direct
Expansion (DX) System'.

Indirect type central air conditioning system

• In this system, chilled water or brine from the refrigeration plant is circulated
through the cooling coil (i.e. evaporator coil) located in the air handling unit to
cool and dehumidify the room
• This type of direct central air conditioning system is also known as 'Central
Chilled Water (or Brine) System'.

Advantages of Central Air Conditioner

• Low investment (capital) cost per unit of refrigeration as compared to total cost
of separate units.
• Space occupied is less as compared to a room conditioner unit, which needs to be
placed in the room.
• Better accessibility for maintenance.
• The running cost is less per unit of refrigeration.
• Noise and vibration troubles are less to the people in air conditioned places, as
the air conditioning plant is far away from the air conditioned places.
• The exhaust a-r can be returned and maximum possible quantity of exhaust air is
recirculated again, which reduces the cost of refrigeration.

Disadvantages of Central Air Conditioner

1. Central air conditioner results in large size ducts, which are cost y and occupy
large space.
2. Though insulation is provided, thermal losses are likely to occur due to long
ducting.

D) PACKAGED AIR CONDATIONER

WHAT IS PACKAGED AIR CONDITIONER? WORKING,

CONSTRUCTION & ADVANTAGES.

Package air conditioner is a bigger version of window air conditioner, with

capacities of 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 tonnes of refrigeration and some- times, even
upto 25 tonnes of refrigeration. It is also a factory-assembled unit having
complete system mounted in a cabinet. Like the room air conditioner, the
package unit also houses the air filtering. cooling, dehumidifying and air-
handling components. Components for heating and humidifying purposes can
also be included within the unit. For condenser cooling, the cold water is
supplied from the cooling tower mounted outside or at terrace of building. For
uniform air distribution, the centrifugal fan is provided on evaporator side.
Resin bonded fiber mats are placed on inside surface of cabinet for insulation
purpose.
Advantages of Package Air Conditioner
• Installation and assembly labour charges are less.
• Duct work is eliminated.
• Units can be started or stopped easily.
• Easy maintenance.
• Individual room control is possible.
• Failure of unit only affects one area, unlike the failure of central sys- tem, which
affects entire building.

Disadvantages of Packaged Air Conditioner

• More noisy operation.
• Leakage problem.
• Vibrations are more as compared to other unitary systems.
Applications of Packaged Air Conditioner
• Computer centre.
• Telephone exchange.
•Big restaurants.
•Seminar/Bouquet hall.
•Control room.
 PSYCHOMETRY

At the end of this topic the trainee should be able to:

 Define psychrometry
 Explain terms used in psychrometry
 Explain psychrometric process
 Use psychrometric chart to solve problems

 Definition of psychrometry Terminologies in psychrometry

 Psychrometric processes
 Use of psychrometric

1.1 FUNDAMENTAL PROPERTIES OF HUMID AIR (PSYCHROMETRY)

Air is the working fluid of air conditioning systems. Before it is supplied to the
indoor spaces of a building, the air is conditioned by passing it through the
various system components, i.e heaters, coolers, humidifiers etc.
The study of the properties of humid air is called psychrometry.
DEW POINT TEMPERATURE
If air is cooled at constant moisture content, the temperature will eventually reach
the SVP curve and at this point condensation of the water vapour will begin to
take place. This temperature is known as the dew point temperature (DPT).
Dew point temperature may also be defined as the temperature of saturated air
which has the same vapour pressure as the moist air under consideration.
DRY – BULB TEMPERATURE
The dry bulb temperature is the temperature indicated by a dry thermometer
shielded from radiation

WET BULB TEMPERATURE

The wet bulb temperature is the temperature indicated by a thermometer whose
bulb is covered by a muslin (wick) which is kept moist with water, is freely
exposed to the air and is free from radiation. The reading obtained is affected
by the air movement and for this reason there are two wet bulb temperatures –
sling and screen.

(a) The sling wet bulb temperature (t') is obtained in a moving air stream,
which has a velocity of about 2m/s:
(b) The screen wet bulb temperature (tsc ) is taken in still air.

Wet bulb temperature is the lowest temperature that can be reached by the
evaporation of water only. It is the temperature you feel when your skin is
wet and is exposed to moving air. Unlike dy bulb temperature, wet bulb
temperature is an indication of the amount of moisture in the air.
The numerical difference between DBT and WBT is known as wet – bulb
depression.
 The wet bulb temperature can also be
measured by placing the wet wicked
thermometer in a holder attached to a handle
and rotating rapidly, i.e. by moving the
thermometer instead of the air. A device that
works on this principle is called a sling
psychrometer (shown). Usually a dry bulb
thermometer is also mounted on the frame of
this device so that both the wet and dry bulb
temperatures can be read simoulteneously.

PSYCHROMETRIC TABLES
Properties of humid air are published in tables which for a given dry-bulb
temperature and atmospheric pressure, usually 1013.25 mbar, list property
values. (see sample).
The specific enthalpy, the moisture content and the specific volume are given per
kg of dry air.
At 100% saturation the relative humidity is also 100% and all the temperatures are
equal. The vapour pressure at this condition is the saturated saturated vapour
pressure.
1.15 THE PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
The psychrometric tables are useful in accurately determining the properties of
humid air at a given statepoint but provide little information on how the
properties change during a process. This information is provided by the
psychrometric chart which is a graphical representation of the important
properties of humid air. The chart provides a picture of the way in which the
state of moist air alters as an air conditioning process takes place.
Any state point on the chart can be fixed by any two of the following properties:

Dry bulb temperature, t ( o C )

Wet – bulb temoerature, t ' ( o C )

Moisture content, g (kg of water vapour per kg of dry air)

Specific volume v (m3/kg of dry air)

Percentage saturation (% sat)

Specific enthalpy h (kJ/kg dry air).

Constant property lines: psychrometric chart

Percentage saturation: is indicated by curves for each 10%. The lines for
percentage saturation can be used for percentage humidity without significant
error.
Wet-bulb temperature : is represented by sloping lines for each 1oC.
Specific enthalpy – can be obtained by drawing a line through the required point
to join corresponding enthalpy marks on the scales above the saturation line
and those at the bottom or the left hand side of the chart.
Dew point temperature:

Can be obtained by drawing a horizontal line through the required point to cut the
saturation line. The dew point temperature can be read by projecting a vertical
line from the intersection onto the dry-bulb temperature scale.
Specific volume: is represented by sloping lines for each 0.01 m3/kg of dry air
Basic Psychrometric Processes
Psychrometric processes are used in various air heating and cooling devices,
including air humidifying devices. These psychrometric processes are studied by
utilizing a psychrometric chart.
The psychrometric processes are performed in the air to change their psychometric
properties. It is used widely for air conditioning and cooling and heating purposes.
Now the question arises what are these psychrometric properties? The process is
called psychrometric because it is used to obtain some very essential attributes of a
scientific term.
Some psychrometric properties done in air are: humidification of air and also
dehumidification, mixing of different streams of air, heating, and cooling of the air,
sensible heat removal, mixing of two different streams flowing, dry bulb
temperature and wet bulb temperature, and many more.
To understand the psychometric properties a psychrometric chart is used which
makes it easy to understand. We’ll discuss those soon. Till then let us understand
first some of the basic psychrometric processes so that we could know what these
are.

Cooling of Air

It is generally called sensible cooling of air and is widely used in refrigerators, air
conditioners, coolers, and other cooling devices. This is the process where the hot
gases are removed from the room or container only to decrease the temperature.
And there is no change in the moisture of the air inside. Overall if we see there is
only a change in enthalpy of the air, obviously a decrease in enthalpy.
In a water cooler, if we see it, it also removes heat but it does not comes
undercooling of water. Instead the psychrometric process of an air cooler is said to
be sensible heat removal of air. What happens here is that there is high energy
unstable water falling from sides of the water cooler and also there is stable low
energy air which removes the energy of water. How this happens is that when air
loses its kinetic energy its speed reduces and captures water. I want to remove
water from its surface so it evaporates water and it uses its sensible heat to
evaporate it and reach its maximum WBT (wet bulb temperature). It provides its
latent heat to water reaching its maximum WBT and comes out of the fan. This
process goes on continuously by which an air cooler provides us with cold air in
summer. And since air removes from its molecule it is known as sensible heat
removal.

Heating of Air

The sensible heating of air is another psychrometric process done in the air, here
the temperature of the air is raised by using an electric heating coil or by using a
hot refrigerant. And by keeping the moisture of the air the same. While this process
continues the DB (dry bulb) and WB (wet bulb) of the air is rose. Whereas the DP
point is kept constant.
This phenomenon is used in air heaters or comfort air conditioners. For industrial
purposes in various industries.
In the psychrometric chart, for sensible cooling the DB temperature decreases
(goes right to left) whereas in sensible heating it’s the opposite. DB value increases
(goes left to right). After studying how to read the psychrometric chart you could
refer to the link mentioned above and understand the sensible cooling too.

Humidification and Dehumidification of air

This process is the addition or removal of moisture in the air without altering the
temperature or DB(dry bulb) value of air. The humidity level in the chart is divided
into two forms, relative humidity, and specific humidity. While increasing
moisture, the relative humidity level increases from 1 to 2, and the specific
humidity level increases from W1 to W2. While in the removal of humidity the
scenario is the complete opposite. Both the values decrease.
In the psychrometric chart, the relative humidity lines are represented by curves.
NB. psychrometric processes are the processes performed in mechanical devices
for changes in the property of air. Using a psychrometric chart it becomes very
easy to understand these psychrometric processes which are done by
experimenting with the thermometer bulb in dry and wet conditions using various
kinds of air with various properties.
Examples
1. For air at atmospheric pressure of 10135 mbar, dry bulb temperature of
30oC and relative humidity of 60%, determine without using the
psychrometric chart:
(i) Moisture content (ans 0.016 kg/kg)
(ii) Percentage saturation (ans: 59%)
(iii) Specific volume (ans: 0.88m3/kg of dry air)
(iv) Enthalpy (ans: 71.1 kJ/kg)
(v) Dew point temperature (ans: 21.4oC)

2. The atmospheric conditions are: atmospheric pressure: 1.10132 bar, dry bulb
temperature 20 oC and moisture content is 0.0095 kg/kg of dry air. Calculate
the following:
(i) The vapour pressure of the water in the air.
(ii) Relative humidity.
(iii) Dew point temperature.
(0.01524 bar, 65%, 13.24oC)

3. The air supplied to a room of a building in winter is to be at 17oC and have a

relative humidity of 60%. If the barometric pressure is 1.01325 bar, find:
(i) The moisture content
(ii) (ii) The dew point under these conditions.
(0.00723 kg/kg of dry air, 9.18oC)
4. Use the psychrometric chart to find the unknown parameters in the
following: (a) Moisture content, when dry bulb temperature = 35oC, and wet
bulb temperature = 30oC. (ans: 0.0253 kg/kg)
(b) Wet bulb temperature, when dry bulb temperature = 35oC and relative
humidity = 20% (ans: 18.8oC)
(c) Dry bulb temperature, when moisture content = 0.0142 kg/kg dry air and
relative humidity = 40% (ans: 35oC)
(d) Specific enthalpy, when wet bulb temperature = 25oC and dry bulb
temperature = 30oC. (ans: 76.4 kJ/kg)
(e) Moisture content, when dew point temperature is 14oC (ans: 0.01kg/kg)
Objectives
1. Define ventilation, need of ventilation systems
2. Types of ventilation system
3. Ventilation standard air filters
4. Types of fans
5. Fan laws
6. Calculations on fans Definition.
Ventilation may be defined as a process of supplying air and removal of air from
space to improve the indoor quality. This may be accomplished by either
natural or mechanical means. Important of Ventilation
Ventilation is mainly used to control indoor air quality by diluting and displacing
indoor pollutants; it can also be used to control indoor temperature, humidity,
and air motion to benefit thermal comfort, satisfaction with other aspects of the
indoor environment, or other objectives.
Other important of ventilation are discussed below :-

1. Control impurities

You may think that the air quality where you live isn't great, especially if you live
in a bustling city centre, but in many cases, the air inside can be more polluted
than the air outside. A good ventilation system will help expel a build-up of
pollutants, bacteria, moisture and unpleasant odours, such as body odour.

2. Air regulation

Unless you have a good ventilation system in place, you have no control of the air
flow in your building. Too much fresh air can mean costly energy bills, which
is why good ventilation helps control the air, while regulating to the required
health and safety levels.

3. Stop condensation
Condensation can lead to mould and rotten surfaces - which, naturally, is
something you would want to avoid. Damp conditions and condensation can
also cause health issues, such as allergic reactions and respiratory problems for
many people. However, ensuring your company or organisation has good
ventilation systems in place will help reduce these risks.
4. Reduce temperatures
When there are lots of people in a confined space, whether is for work, conference
or a public event, the environment can soon become hot and stuffy. A
wellventilated room will instantly be more comfortable - creating a more
relaxed environment, while also making for a more productive workplace.

5. Health benefits
Another benefit of good ventilation systems is the positive impact it as on health
and well-being. Indoor air pollution coupled with bad ventilation can lead to a
number of health problems including headaches, allergies, asthma, rashes and
sinusitis. However, this can be avoided with the installation of a good
ventilation system.

Types of ventilation systems

1. Natural ventilation
Probably the most well-known form of ventilation is natural ventilation. This
refers to an ongoing supply of clean air from natural sources which, in most
cases, is the most ideal type of ventilation for a building.
These typically depend on natural forces, such as wind and thermal buoyancy, to
drive the outdoor air throughout the buildings. However, the three main factors
required in order for natural ventilation to be effective are:

• Building design – some buildings aren’t designed to allow natural ventilation

to circulate, for example, high-rise offices with no openable windows.
• Climate – hot climates, such as Dubai for example, would typically have less
cool air to circulate in order to properly ventilate a building.
• Human behaviour – the behaviour typically expected to exist within the
building would also have an effect on whether natural ventilation would be the
best type, for example, an office environment and a fitness class would require
different streams of ventilation.

OTHER EXPLANATION ON HOW NATURAL VENTRATION

SYSTEM WORKS.
When the wind is blowing across a building, it will create a positive pressure to
act on the windward side of the building, as a result of this, negative pressure
will also be created on the leeward side.
The temperature difference between the outside and inside of the building
will create a stack effect between the air inside and outside of the
building. The less-dense air that is inside the building will be displaced by
the cooler air from outside the building.
The main disadvantages of the natural ventilation system are that we can’t specify
air change nor filter it before it enters the building also it’s unreliable since it
depends on the wind.
a) If the air is dirty there is no way we can filter it before it enters the
building.
b) The natural ventilation system doesn’t provide the option of
filtering that air.
c) When there is no wind to create the stack effect then no
ventilation will take place.

2. Mechanised fan ventilation

Mechanised fans are generally installed directly into the windows or air ducts of a
building to supply air both to, or from, an environment. This provides buildings
with internal air which is extracted via the fan in a controlled approach.
However, it’s important to note that this type of ventilation usually depends on the
weather, as they are designed to inject clean air and expel stale oxygen. For
example, the infiltration of particles may need to be reduced in humid
conditions, while the exfiltration may need to be prevented during colder
periods, which would minimise condensation.

3. Smoke ventilation
In public buildings, it is a legal requirement to provide smoke ventilation in the
event of a fire. This helps to alleviate the thick build-up of condensed smoke if
a fire were to break out, which then helps to provide a clearer escape route to
anyone trapped in the fire.

4. Supply ventilation
Supply ventilation generally works by pressurising the building, which forces
external oxygen particles inside via a fan. This type of ventilation is especially
common within living room and bedroom areas, as this provides the best air
quality for homeowners in living spaces.
5. Exhaust ventilation
This type of ventilation works by depressurising the building, which reduces the
inside air pressure to mean that it falls below that of the outdoor air pressure.
The exhaust mechanism then works by sucking out the stale air, which is then
replaced by fresh air from a different source (usually an air vent).
This type of ventilation is most commonly found in bathrooms or kitchens where a
lot of steam can build up, and needs filtrating out.

6. Balanced ventilation
A mix of both exhaust ventilation and supply ventilation, balanced ventilation
works by neither pressurising or depressurising a building. Instead, this type of
ventilation looks to inject and exhume the same level of air by positioning at a
number of fans and duct systems in the most efficient positions around the
environment

INTRODUCTION TO FAN FLOW

It is critical for an HVAC technician to understand airflow and how blowers and
fans perform under various conditions. These relationships are expressed in the
three fan laws, which are mathematical formulas. While designers must use
these laws in a quantitative way when sizing and selecting equipment and
ductwork, a service technician should also understand them in a qualitative
way—as in how changing fan speed or static pressure affects airflow and
horsepower.

Fan Law 1: CFM is directly proportional to RPM.

Formula: CFM2 = CFM1 X (RPM2 ÷ RPM1) or RPM2 = RPM1 X (CFM2 ÷

CFM1)

What it means: As you increase fan RPM, CFM increases at a 1:1 ratio. So if you
need to increase CFM by 10%, your RPM has to increase by 10%. Since it is a
1:1 ratio, we can interchange RPM for CFM in Fan Laws 2 and 3. We use Fan
Law 1 all the time in the field. If we need to change the airflow, we change fan
speed by changing a speed tap, VFD output, pulley diameter, or other means.
Apply it in the field: If your blower is moving 1000 CFM at 1100 RPM, and you
need to decrease airflow by 10% to 900 CFM, Fan Law 1 says your RPM must
decrease by 10% also. Let’s put that in the formula:
RPM2 = RPM1 X (CFM2 ÷ CFM1)

RPM2 = 1100 X ( 900 ÷ 1000)

RPM2 = 990 This is your new RPM.

We also need to understand that for us to make predictions using this fan law and
fan laws 2 and 3, everything else about the air and the system needs to stay the
same, including air temperature and density. System friction must also stay
constant, so these fan laws cannot be used with automatic dampers that self-
adjust to maintain flow.

Fan Law 2: Total Static Pressure changes with the square of CFM (or RPM).

Formula: SP2 = SP1 X (CFM2 ÷ CFM1)² or SP2 = SP1 X (RPM2 ÷ RPM1)²

What it means: A 10% increase in CFM will result in a 21% increase in static
pressure. Think about that. A small increase in airflow creates a significant
increase in duct pressure. This increased pressure will be evenly distributed
across components like coils and filters. So, this fan law can be applied to total
static pressure or a static pressure drop across a single component in the
system. That matters because some components have static pressure limitations
that affect their performance. Air filters work best when they have a low-
pressure drop across them. This usually means the air velocity is low enough to
allow for “dwell time” through the filter material, catching more particulates.
Condensate traps that are already close to their limit may have to be made
deeper so that they don’t get overwhelmed. Air proving switches must be
adjusted so that they do their job at the new CFM and static pressure.

Apply it in the field: At 1000 CFM, you read a 0.9″w.c. pressure drop across a
media filter. You need to increase your airflow to 1200 CFM. What will be the
new pressure drop?

SP2 = SP1 X (CFM2 ÷ CFM1)²

SP2 = 0.9 X (1200 ÷ 1000)²
SP2 = 1.3″ w.c.

This new pressure drop will probably be too high, according to most filter
manufacturer specs that recommend less than 1″. It will perform like a dirty
filter, even when brand new. The filter surface area now has to be increased.
Using Fan Law 2 to predict static pressure will prevent you from creating
unintended consequences by increasing airflow on a system that is already
close to its limit.

Fan Law 3: Horsepower changes with the cube of CFM (or RPM)

Formula: HP2 = HP1 X (CFM2 ÷ CFM1)³

What it means: A 10% increase in airflow results in a 33% increase in

horsepower required to do that work. If your motor is already close to its rated
HP, a small airflow increase can overload it. Let’s demonstrate that.

Apply it in the field: At 1000 CFM, your blower draws 1.5A. You need to know
how much HP it is using now and what your new HP will be when you
increase airflow to 1200 CFM. Use an amps-to-hp conversion tool to calculate
HP1 in the Fan Law Formula. You’ll have to know—or make an educated
guess— what the motor efficiency and power factor are. As you can see below,
HP1 is 0.206 HP.

3 BASIC FAN LAWS

Before explaining each law, I want to talk about their limitations. These laws are
only applicable when we are not changing the configuration of the fan
propeller (diameter, number of blades, blade pitch angle, and hub size) and the
 geometry of the fan inlet or outlet. Think of the limitations as constants in a
science experiment where we would hold some variables constant and change
only one variable to observe the changes in outcomes. Here are brief
explanations of each law:
Fan Law 1 tells us that the change in air flow rate of a fan is proportional to the
change in speed of the propeller. If the propeller speed is increased by 10%,
the air flow rate will also increase by 10%.
Fan Law 2 tells us that the change in total static pressure of the ventilation system
will increase by the square of the change in propeller speed of the fan.If the
propeller speed is increased by 10%, the total static pressure will increase 21%.
Fan Law 3 tells us that the change in horsepower required by the fan to turn the
propeller will increase by the cube of the change in propeller speed of the fan.
If the propeller speed is increased by 10%, the horsepower required to turn the
propeller will increase 33.1%.

APPLICATIONS
We are most likely to use the 3 Basic Fan laws for a ventilation system redesign
where the customer desires more air flow but doesn’t want to increase the size
of the fan. This happens often in process ventilation system redesigns where
the cost of changing the ductwork limits the options for increased air flow to
changing the propeller speed. But the laws can also apply to a general
ventilation redesign application. An example of a situation we have
encountered: • Customer desired more air flow from their belt drive exhaust
fans.
• Their exhaust fans were moving 15,000 CFM of air each with a propeller
speed of 1000 RPM.
• The exhaust fan motors were rated at 1750 RPM, 5 HP but were only
using peak HP of 3.75.
• The air supply to the building was through louvers with a static pressure
of .15 in WG. • The customer didn’t want to increase the negative static
pressure in the building.
• They asked us: How much air flow can each fan provide without going
into the motor safety factor if they were only to change the sheave sizes
in each fan?
We started with Fan Law 3 and solved for RPM2:
 RPM2 = (HP2/HP1)1/3 x RPM1
RPM2 = (5.0/3.75)1/3 x 1000
RPM2 = (5.0/3.75)1/3 x 1000
RPM2 = 1101
Then we applied Fan Law 1 to determine the new air flow from each exhaust fan:
CFM2 = CFM1 x (RPM2/RPM1)
CFM2 = 15,000 x (1101/1000)
CFM2 = 15,000 x (1101/1000)
CFM2 = 16,515 Fan Law 2 told us that the
impact of additional air flow into the customer’s building would result in an
increase in static pressure:
SP2 = SP1 x (RPM2/RPM1)2
SP2 = .15 x (1101/1000)2
SP2 = .18

FAN

A Fan is a rotary-blade machine that usually runs on electricity and provides a

continuous air flow. It is essentially an electromechanical device that takes
electrical energy and converts it into rotational mechanical energy (to create an
airflow).

During summer season and hot times, we use ceiling fans, pedestal fans or table
fans to circulate more and evaporate the sweat. Wall mount fans and exhaust
fans help in pulling or pushing the air from garages, bathrooms, workshops.

Different Types of Fans

Let us now take a look at some common and popular types of fans. We included
only larger fans that you can find in homes, offices and small industries. There
 are several other types of fans such as radiator fans, computer fans, universal
fans (fans that run on AC as well as DC power supply) etc.

Here is a list of 13 Types of Fans that we regularly use in our everyday life.

 Ceiling Fans
 Pedestal Fans
 Table Fans / Desk Fans
 Floor Fans
 Tower Fans
 Exhaust Fans
 Wall Mounted Fans
 Window Fans
 Box Fans
 Cabinet Fans
 Bladeless Fans
 Misting Fans
 Industrial Fans

Let us briefly see about these fans one-by-one.

Ceiling Fans
The most popular type of fan that we use in our homes, offices is a Ceiling Fan. As
the name suggests, a ceiling fan hangs down from the ceiling of the room and
circulates the air in the entire room. You can mount it from a flat ceiling, a
slanting (sloping) ceiling, high ceilings, flush mount etc.

Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive devices that are very easy to install and
operate. Some ceiling fans also come with a reverse rotation option, which is
helpful during winter times.

Table Fans / Desk Fans

If you want a fan that you can easily carry from room to room, then he first popular
option is a Table Fan or Desk Fan. These fans are significantly smaller than
ceiling fans and you can place them on tables, desks, stools or even on the floor.

Since Table Fans are small and directional, most of them come with oscillating
feature. This allows the fan to oscillate horizontally between two angles in order
to cover more area.

There are even smaller desk fans than run from USB outlets (or wall adapters).
You can place these fans on your work desk or computer desk for a more direct
air flow.
Pedestal Fans

If you take a regular table fan and fix a stand on its back, it essentially becomes a
Pedestal Fan (this explanation is just for easy understanding). A Pedestal Fan is
also known as a Stand Fan as it has a height adjustable stand to change the
vertical position of the fan and a solid base to make it vertically stable.

Like table fans, even pedestal fans have oscillating feature. You can also carry
these fans from room to room as they are not that heavy (and are meant to be
carried, in case you need it).

Tower Fans
Like Pedestal Fans, Tower Fans are also vertical in nature. But the main difference
is that a pedestal fan is an axial fan (motor at the center of the hub to which the
blades are attached) while a tower fan has a centrifugal blower type fan.

Tower Fans look slightly fancy than other types of fans due to they enclosed
structure. An advantage of tower fans is that they take very less space due to
they tall and slim design.

Floor Fans
As the name suggests, we use floor fans on, well, the floor. At first glance, floor
fans look very similar to table fans but if you observe closely, they usually
don’t come with an oscillating function.

In spite of their size, floor fans are very powerful and people use them in living
rooms, patios, balconies and even on the terrace to blast the air at our feet level.

Exhaust Fans
The main job of exhaust fans to pull air (primarily hot air) and throw it outside.
Hence, you can see them close to the ceiling (this is where most of the hot air
and fumes stays due to its low density) in kitchens, garages, bathrooms and
even bedrooms.

Exhaust fans usually have very high rotating blades but some come with adjustable
speed. A combination of a ceiling fan and an exhaust fan will cool down the
room without an air conditioning unit.

Wall Mounted Fans

We attach a wall mounted or wall fan to the wall. These fans are very useful if you
have a very high ceiling that even with a down rod the ceiling fan seems useless
or if you have a very small room with not enough space to put a table or
pedestal fan.

They look very similar to regular table fans and you can easily control the speed
and oscillation using its pull strings.

Window Fans
Just like exhaust fans pull hot air from the room and push it outside, a Window
Fant does the exact opposite. They pull fresh air from the outside and throw it
into the room. From the name, it is clear that a window fan usually fits into a
window with one or two fans.

The benefit of most window fans is that you can reverse the direction of the fan
(the motor) so that it acts as an exhaust or intake fan whenever you need it.

Box Fans
A Box fan is an extremely versatile fan that you can use as a floor fan, a window
fan, or a desk fan. The outer body of a box fan has a box (square) like structure
with an axial blade fan in it.

Cabinet Fans
A cabinet fan is a special purpose fan that usually works with HVAC ducts. We
actually fit them to the existing AC ducts to enhance the cool air flow from the
air conditioning unit.

Misting Fans
Another specialty fan is a Misting Fan. As the name suggests, it squirts mists into
the near by surrounding, thereby essentially throwing a cool air into the room.
For the misting fans to work, they need a continuous supply of water. This
water then forms into very fine mist with the help of water pumps and special
nozzles.

Misting fans are very popular in tropical countries particularly in public places
such as shopping mall or movie theatre entrances. Other places where you can
use misting fans is to create pool parties, in gardens etc.

Bladeless Fans
A more modern type of fan is a bladeless fan. While it may seem some kind of
magic, the working of a bladeless fan is very simple. The blades (or rotary
vanes) of the fan are hidden in the pedestal (the structure below the main fan).
Air from these blades is then ushed out using a toroid structure.

Industrial Fans
Even though industrial fans are extremely large and powerful than what we
discussed so far, we thought of including an overview of them just as a
comparison. Industrial Fans are usually large axial fans with very powerful
motors. They help in pushing large amounts of air (or gases) in factories,
warehouses and industries.