Air Conditioning Equipment Selection, Design and Sizing

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems form the backbone of climate control in various facilities, ensuring optimal indoor conditions for comfort, productivity, and health. An in-depth understanding of key components and design principles is crucial for professionals working in the field. This comprehensive overview aims to delve into the essential aspects of HVAC, covering high side and low side equipment, air handling units, chiller and cooling tower systems, chilled water pumping systems, piping and duct design, as well as external static pressure and insulation.

High side equipment plays a pivotal role in the HVAC system, focusing on the heat absorption and rejection process. Chillers, the cornerstone of this system, utilize different mechanisms such as absorption, centrifugal, or reciprocating, tailoring their operation to specific requirements. Complementing chillers are cooling towers, which dissipate heat from the system, ensuring optimal efficiency. Understanding the classifications and components of these systems is fundamental to their effective integration into HVAC designs.

On the other hand, low side equipment involves air distribution and regulation. Air Handling Units (AHUs) are central to this function, ensuring the circulation and conditioning of air within a controlled environment. The classification of AHUs, such as single-zone, dual-zone, or multi-zone, provides flexibility in meeting diverse spatial requirements. Fan Coil Units (FCUs) further refine air temperature control, considering mounting types like horizontal, vertical, or ceiling-mounted units.

Chillers, with their ability to cool water or other fluids, are critical for temperature regulation in HVAC systems. Understanding their classifications based on mechanism and their interplay with cooling towers enhances system efficiency. Cooling towers, categorized as natural draft, forced draft, or induced draft, contribute to the heat dissipation process, optimizing overall performance.

AHUs regulate and circulate air, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. Understanding their major components – filters, coils, humidifiers, fans, dampers, and controls – is essential for effective design and operation. Classification based on airflow and configuration, along with considerations for specific applications, provides a holistic understanding of AHUs.

This system involves the circulation of chilled water through chillers, pumps, piping, and terminal units. Different distribution schemes, such as Constant Primary Flow or Primary Variable Flow, dictate water distribution. Important terminologies like static head, dynamic head, and Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) are vital for efficient system design and operation.

Efficient transport of fluids and air is facilitated through well-designed piping and duct systems. Understanding chilled water pipe sizing, duct sizing methods, and considerations for fittings and accessories ensures optimal system performance. Duct construction materials, insulation, and support systems are critical factors in achieving energy-efficient HVAC designs.

External static pressure is a key parameter influencing the airflow and efficiency of HVAC systems. Proper understanding and management of this pressure are essential for maintaining optimal conditions. Insulation principles, encompassing heat transfer fundamentals and material selection, play a crucial role in mitigating energy losses and ensuring system efficiency.

In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of these HVAC components and systems is imperative for professionals in the field. From the high side and low side equipment to the intricacies of air handling units, pumping systems, and piping and duct design, a holistic approach ensures the successful design, installation, and maintenance of efficient HVAC systems tailored to diverse environmental needs. Ongoing advancements in technology and industry standards necessitate continuous learning and adaptation for HVAC professionals to stay at the forefront of this dynamic field.

Target Learners:

1. Knowledge of Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer

2. Undergraduate students of Mechanical who are in either Vth, VIth, VIIth or VIIIth semester

3. Graduate students of Mechanical

4. Working professionals with B.Tech./B.E., in Mechanical

5. Diploma students of Mechanical

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Syllabus

High Side and Low Side Equipment

High Side Equipment’s play a crucial role in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, contributing to efficient temperature control within various facilities. These systems encompass diverse components, each designed for specific functions. Among them, chillers stand out as key components. These devices cool water or other fluids to regulate air temperatures. Chillers are classified based on their mechanism, such as absorption, centrifugal, or reciprocating, tailoring them to specific operational requirements. Cooling towers complement the chiller's function by dissipating heat from the system, promoting optimal efficiency. These towers come in various types, including natural draft, forced draft, and induced draft, each with distinct cooling characteristics and applications. Air Handling Units (AHUs) constitute another vital aspect of HVAC system. These units regulate and circulate air, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. Their classification depends on the handling method, such as single-zone, dual-zone, or multi-zone units, adapting to diverse spatial requirements. Fan Coil Units (FCUs) further refine air temperature control, combining a fan and a heat exchanger. FCUs can be classified based on their mounting type, including horizontal, vertical, or ceiling-mounted units, catering to specific architectural and spatial constraints. The need for an efficient Air Distribution System is paramount in HVAC, ensuring the even distribution of conditioned air. This system comprises components like ductwork, air outlets, and diffusers. Ductwork, a critical element, comes in various types, such as rectangular, round, or spiral, tailored to diverse applications. Duct Accessories play a supporting role, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the overall air distribution system. These accessories include dampers, silencers, and grilles, each serving specific functions in controlling airflow and noise. In the realm of pipe accessories, components like valves, pumps, and expansion joints play vital roles in fluid distribution within HVAC systems. They enable precise control of water flow and pressure, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. In summary, a comprehensive understanding of these components and systems is essential for designing, installing, and maintaining efficient HVAC systems that meet the diverse needs of different environments.

Air Handling Units

Air Handling Units (AHUs) play a pivotal role in HVAC systems, responsible for conditioning and circulating air within a controlled environment. These units consist of several major components, each contributing to their functionality. The key components include filters, heating and cooling coils, humidifiers, fans, dampers, and controls. Filters remove impurities from the air, coils regulate temperature, humidifiers control moisture levels, fans circulate air, dampers adjust airflow, and controls ensure precise system operation. AHUs are categorized based on air flow and configuration. In terms of air flow, there are constant air volume (CAV) units that maintain a consistent airflow and variable air volume (VAV) units that adjust airflow based on demand. Regarding configuration, AHUs can be horizontal, vertical, or modular, providing flexibility in installation. Another classification considers the application of AHUs. Common types include rooftop AHUs for outdoor installation, indoor AHUs for spaces with limited access, and air handling units specifically designed for critical environments like hospitals or laboratories. Air Handler Controls are integral to regulating and monitoring AHU performance. These controls manage temperature, humidity, and airflow, ensuring optimal conditions within the space served. AHUs must adhere to industry certifications, codes, and standards to guarantee compliance with safety and efficiency guidelines. When selecting an AHU, various factors come into play. It involves analyzing the specific requirements of the space, considering factors like air quality, temperature control, and energy efficiency. A well-designed AHU enhances indoor air quality, comfort, and overall system efficiency. Shifting focus to chilled water pumps, these are critical components in HVAC systems that circulate chilled water to remove heat from the building. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used, relying on the centrifugal force to move water. Positive displacement pumps, on the other hand, displace a specific volume of fluid with each rotation, providing precise control. Understanding fundamental pump terms and characteristics is crucial for efficient operation. This includes terms like head, flow rate, efficiency, and pump curves, all of which impact performance. Adjusting pump performance involves altering speed, impeller size, or system resistance, while pump selection parameters consider factors like system demand, pump type, and efficiency. Pump data sheets provide essential information for accurate selection and installation. Proper site installation ensures optimal pump performance and longevity, considering factors such as alignment, vibration control, and proper system integration. In summary, a comprehensive understanding of AHUs and chilled water pumps is essential for designing and maintaining efficient HVAC systems tailored to specific environmental needs.

Chiller & Cooling Tower System

In a Chilled Water Pumping System, the main components include chillers, pumps, piping, and terminal units, all working collaboratively to circulate chilled water for cooling purposes. The Piping and Pumping Arrangement outlines the layout and configuration of pipes and pumps to ensure efficient water circulation throughout the HVAC system. Different distribution schemes, such as Constant Primary Flow, Constant Primary and Secondary Variable Flow, and Primary Variable Flow, dictate the manner in which chilled water is distributed to various building zones. Constant Primary Flow systems maintain a consistent flow rate in the primary loop, adjusting secondary flow rates based on demand. Constant Primary and Secondary Variable Flow systems allow for variable flow rates in both primary and secondary loops, providing greater flexibility and energy efficiency. Primary Variable Flow systems adjust the flow rate in the primary loop based on demand, influencing the secondary flow rate accordingly. A summary of the Chilled Water Pumping System emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate distribution scheme to meet the specific needs of a building, balancing energy efficiency and performance. Understanding important terminologies in pump head calculations is crucial for system design. Static Head refers to the height difference between the pump and the highest point in the system, Dynamic Head accounts for the friction losses in pipes, and Total Pump Head is the sum of static and dynamic heads. Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) is critical in preventing cavitation, and differentiates between Open Loop and Closed Loop Circuits. Piping Circuits in HVAC systems dictate the flow of chilled water, while Head Losses due to Pipe Friction, Pipe Fittings, Pipe Accessories, and Equipment Losses are factors influencing overall system performance. A Sample Calculation may involve determining pump head requirements based on system characteristics and requirements, ensuring an optimal and energy-efficient design. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of these components, distribution schemes, and terminologies is vital for designing, installing, and maintaining an efficient Chilled Water Pumping System in HVAC applications.

Chilled Water Pumping System

Piping & Duct Design

Piping systems and design form the backbone of HVAC installations, ensuring the efficient transport of chilled water and condenser water. The introduction to piping systems encompasses the fundamental principles and considerations in designing these networks. Chilled water pipe sizing is a crucial aspect, covers the basics, including factors like flow rates, velocity, and insulation, pressure drop, pump head, and balancing. Condenser water pipe sizing explores the specific requirements for the pipes carrying water to the condenser of the chiller, emphasizing factors like temperature differentials and flow rates. Fittings and accessories play a vital role in Chilled Water Piping, affecting flow dynamics and system efficiency. The typical connections in Chilled Water Pipes are examined, highlighting common practices in joining and sealing these pipes. Transitioning to duct systems and design, an introduction sets the stage for understanding the role of ductwork in HVAC. Duct sizing methods are critical in ensuring the proper airflow for effective temperature control. Pressure losses in the Air Distribution System are explored, emphasizing the need to minimize resistance and optimize efficiency. Duct sizing do's and don'ts provide practical guidelines for designing duct systems, focusing on factors like velocity, friction, and noise control. Air terminal units, which regulate airflow into conditioned spaces, are discussed in terms of their selection and placement. Duct construction and support systems delve into the physical aspects of ductwork, including materials, insulation, and the structural elements supporting the ducts. Typical ductwork layouts showcase common configurations, considering factors like space constraints and airflow requirements. In summary, a comprehensive overview of piping and duct systems is essential for HVAC professionals. From sizing considerations to the selection of fittings and accessories, understanding the intricacies of these components ensures the successful design and implementation of efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

External Static Pressure and Insulation

Static pressure is a fundamental parameter in HVAC systems, representing the pressure exerted by air on the walls of ducts and other components. Its importance lies in its role as a key indicator of system performance, influencing the airflow and efficiency of the entire HVAC system. Understanding and managing static pressure is crucial for maintaining optimal conditions in a given space. Pressure losses in a duct system encompass various types, each affecting the overall static pressure. These losses can occur through friction, duct fittings, accessories, and other elements. The Loss Coefficient for Duct Fittings, explored in two parts, delves into the impact of bends, tees, and other fittings on pressure drop, aiding in the precise calculation of static pressure. The critical path in static pressure calculation identifies the most significant contributors to pressure losses, allowing HVAC professionals to prioritize adjustments for optimal system performance. Sample calculations, provide practical insights into determining pressure losses and ensuring efficient duct design. Shifting to insulation, the introduction emphasizes its role in mitigating heat transfer within HVAC systems. Fundamentals of heat transfer and associated terminologies provide the theoretical foundation for insulation design. Design objectives and considerations, covered through instructor-led sessions, guide professionals in achieving energy-efficient and thermally effective insulation solutions. Insulation material types and the ASHRAE thermal conductivity chart aid in selecting materials that align with specific project requirements. Weather protection and jacketing considerations ensure the durability and longevity of insulation systems. Different types of duct insulation are explored, taking into account factors such as temperature, moisture, and space constraints. The role of acoustics in HVAC applications highlights the importance of sound control in duct systems, ensuring comfortable and noise-free environments. In summary, a comprehensive understanding of static pressure, pressure losses, insulation principles, and acoustics is essential for designing and maintaining efficient HVAC systems. Practical calculations and instructor-led discussions contribute to the knowledge base required for successful implementation in diverse heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the fundamentals of HVAC systems, covering both high side and low side equipment

Explores industry-standard equipment and essential concepts such as chillers, cooling towers, air handling units, and piping systems

Provides a comprehensive overview of external static pressure and insulation principles, which are critical for efficient HVAC design and operation

Taught by Subject Matter Experts, who are recognized for their work in the HVAC field

Suitable for individuals with a background in Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, making it a great choice for students and professionals alike

Incorporates a practical approach by discussing real-world HVAC applications and scenarios

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Air Conditioning Equipment Selection, Design and Sizing with these activities:

Review Fundamentals of Heat Transfer

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A solid understanding of heat transfer is essential for this course. This activity will help you refresh your knowledge.

Browse courses on Heat Transfer

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Review your notes from previous courses or textbooks on heat transfer.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding of heat transfer principles.
Watch online videos or tutorials on heat transfer to reinforce your knowledge.

Review: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 7th Edition

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of HVAC concepts, helping build a strong foundation for this course.

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Read each chapter and take notes on key terms and concepts.
Complete the end-of-chapter review questions to test your understanding.
Search for online resources and videos to supplement your understanding of specific topics.

Develop a Mind Map of HVAC Components

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Creating a mind map will help you visualize and organize the various HVAC system components and their interconnections.

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Brainstorm a list of all the major HVAC components.
Organize the components into a hierarchical structure using branches and sub-branches.
Add details and descriptions to each component, including its function and how it interacts with other components.

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Calculate Psychrometric Properties

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Psychrometric calculations are crucial for HVAC design and analysis. This activity will enhance your proficiency in these calculations.

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Find practice problems or online tools that provide psychrometric calculations.
Solve a variety of problems involving psychrometric properties, such as relative humidity, specific humidity, and dew point.
Check your answers against provided solutions or use online calculators for verification.

Follow Tutorials on Duct Design and Sizing

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Proper duct design and sizing are critical for efficient HVAC systems. These tutorials will provide you with practical guidance.

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Search for online tutorials or videos on duct design and sizing.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes on important concepts and formulas.
Apply the concepts learned to practice examples or case studies.

Design and Simulate a Small HVAC System

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This project will allow you to apply your knowledge of HVAC components and principles to a practical design scenario.

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Select a specific type of HVAC system to design, such as a residential or commercial system.
Determine the design requirements based on the building's size, occupancy, and climate.
Choose appropriate HVAC components and arrange them in a system layout.

Contribute to OpenFOAM HVAC Simulations

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OpenFOAM is a powerful open-source tool for CFD simulations. This activity will provide you with hands-on experience in HVAC system modeling.

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Familiarize yourself with OpenFOAM and its capabilities for HVAC simulations.
Find an existing OpenFOAM project or start a new one related to HVAC.
Contribute to the project by adding new features or improving existing ones.

Attend a Workshop on Advanced HVAC Control Strategies

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This workshop will provide you with insights into the latest control techniques used in HVAC systems for improved efficiency and comfort.

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Search for and register for a workshop on advanced HVAC control strategies.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and hands-on activities.
Apply the knowledge gained to your own HVAC design projects or research.