HVAC system selection

System selection depends on

1/ space availability

2/material availability

3/impact of other trades

4/ cost

5/operation & maintenance

All-air systems

In this system the medium to transfer thermal energy through the building is air. All-air systems can
be sub-classified based on the zone as single zone and multizone, airflow rate for each zone as
constant air volume and variable air volume, terminal reheat, and dual duct

Central HVAC system has combined devices in an air handling unit (AHU), which contains supply
and return air fans, humidifier, reheat coil, cooling coil, preheat coil, mixing box, filter, and outdoor
air.

1/ Single zone

A single zone system consists of an air handling unit, a heat source and cooling source, distribution
ductwork, and appropriate delivery devices.

The main advantage of single zone systems

1/ centralization of equipment

2/simplicity in design and maintenance

3/low first cost compared to other systems.

The main disadvantage

1/less individual control

2/duct works take large space

In a single zone all-air HVAC system, one control device such as thermostat located in the zone
controls the operation of the system

1. Residential Use

• Single-family homes can function as a single thermal zone.

2. Commercial Use

• Supermarkets, discount stores, and similar large, single-story buildings often rely on
multiple single-zone systems.
 • Large office buildings may use separate single-zone systems for different sections.

2/Variable air volume (VAV)

Some spaces require different airflow of supply air due to the changes in thermal loads. The VAV
system consists of a central air handling unit which provides supply air to the VAV terminal control
box that located in each zone to adjust the supply air volume.
Advantages

• Energy-efficient—reduces fan power at part-load conditions.

Constant air volume

The simplest systems are the single-duct CAV systems with terminal reheat. Return air from the
various spaces is drawn through the return ductwork system by a return-air fan and a fraction of this
air is exhausted to the outdoors. The rest is recirculated and mixed with outdoor air to provide the
required amount of ventilation. This mixed air is then filtered and conditioned (via heating and/or
cooling coils) to the primary supply-air set point temperature. The supply air is then distributed to
the various zones throughout the building with a single duct supplying each zone. Terminal reheat
boxes are installed near the end of these duct runs. Coils in these reheat boxes (either electric
resistance, hot water, or in some cases steam) will “re-heat” the supply air to the temperature as
required to satisfy the thermostat in each individual zone.

The control of the CFM: by pressure sensor and adjusting pressure difference to match the cfm.

All water system

In all-water system, heated and cooled water is distributed from a central system to conditioned
spaces. This type of system is relatively small compared to other types because the use of pipes as
distribution containers and the water has higher heat capacity and density than air, which requires
the lower volume to transfer heat. The primary type that is used in buildings to condition the entire
space is a fan-coil unit.
Fan-coil units

Fan-coil unit is a considerably small unit used for heating and cooling coils, circulation fan, and
proper control system, The unit can be vertically or horizontally installed. The fan-coil unit can be
placed in the room or exposed to occupants, so it is essential to have appropriate finishes and
styling. For central systems, the fan-coil units are connected to boilers to produce heating and to
water chillers to produce cooling to the conditioned space. The desired temperature of a zone is
detected by a thermostat which controls the water flow to the fan-coil units. In addition, occupants
can adjust fan coil units by adjusting air louvers to achieve the desired temperature. The main
disadvantage of fan-coils is ventilation air and only can be solved if the fan-coil units are connected
to outdoor air. Another disadvantage is the noise level, especially in critical places.
 VAV FCU
Space availability extensive ductwork to They require minimal
distribute air throughout the ductwork, making them
building suitable for buildings with
limited ceiling or floor space
Material availability more complex components They readily available consist
of fans, coils, and simple
control systems
Impact of other trades The extensive ductwork involves coordination Their
required can interfere with localized nature can minimize
structural elements, electrical disruptions to other trades.
conduits, and plumbing
systems
Cost higher costs attributed to lower initial cost due to
complex ductwork and simpler installation and
advanced control systems reduced ductwork
requirements.
Operation & maintenance Centralized maintenance can Simpler maintenance due to
be more straightforward, localized units.
focusing on the main air
handling units and control
systems

References

1. Robert McDowall, Fundamentals of HVAC Systems (Atlanta: ASHRAE/Elsevier, 2007).

2. ASHRAE. 2012 ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems and Equipment. (Atlanta: ASHRAE,
2012).