MCAST BTEC National Diploma in Building Services Engineering

Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design

Operational Characteristics of VAC Equipment, Plant & Materials

Joseph Gatt

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Contents P.35.3-1 Air Terminal Devices ......................................................................... 4 A. Diffusers, Grilles and Dampers.................................................................. 4 Linear Louver Diffuser .............................................................................. 4 Circular Diffusers ..................................................................................... 4 Domestic Grilles ....................................................................................... 5 Linear Bar Grilles ..................................................................................... 6 Standard Weather Louvers ........................................................................ 6 Self-Drain Louvers ................................................................................... 8 B. Coanda Effect ......................................................................................... 9 C. Exhaust Terminals .................................................................................. 9 P.35.3-2 Humidifiers ..................................................................................... 11 Capillary Type Washers .............................................................................. 11 P.35.3-3 Air Filters & Maintenance ..................................................................13 Viscous Impingement .................................................................................13 P.35.3-4 Ductwork ........................................................................................ 14 A. Ducting Material .................................................................................... 14 B. Ductwork Shapes & Applications .............................................................. 15 Rectangular Ducting ................................................................................ 15 Circular Ducting ...................................................................................... 15 Flat Oval Ducting ....................................................................................16

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C. Effect of Duct Space ...............................................................................16 P.35.3-5 Fans .............................................................................................. 17 P.35.3-6 DX & Hydronic Heater/Cooler Batteries ............................................... 18 P.35.4-8 Calculation...................................................................................... 19 References................................................................................................... 20

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P.35.3-1 Air Terminal Devices A. Diffusers, Grilles and Dampers Linear Louver Diffuser (Brooke Air, 2011) states that an alternative form of continuous air distribution system for variable air volume or fan coil application is offered with the louver style ceiling diffuser. In either single lengths or in section, with frame alignment pins for continuous applications, the diffuser can be supplied with one or two way cores. Removable cores are offered as standard. Moreover, ease of installation and service access to air filters or controls may be allowed by the removable cores. The cores are retained with spring clips and are supplied complete with detachable safety cords. The standard width increments rage from 150-400mm and can be supplied in single lengths up to 1200mm long. The core section lengths are limited to 1200mm for continuous applications, although frames can be manufactured up to 3m long. Type: 1 or 2 way blow Control: Includes diffuser mounted opposed blade dampers or spigot mounted flap dampers. Options: A full range of plenums are available to suit a variety of installation conditions. Fixings: In order to provide an easy installation, the yoke strap fixing methods is offered as standard. Finish: A wide range of paint finishes are available. The standard finish, however, is satin anodised aluminium. Circular Diffusers According to (Brooke Air, 2011), the circular diffusers are specifically designed to suit applications such as atria, auditoria or industrial premises, due to their high air capacity terminals. The core position is adjustable on a central screw thread,

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which gives conventional horizontal diffusion with exposed duct or ceiling mounted

installations, or a progressively adjustable vertical projection setting for spot cooling and heating applications. The diffuser frames and cores are manufactured from aluminium spinnings and incorporate steel adjustment mechanisms and core retainers. Finish: The standard diffuser finish is stove enamelled silver with matt black louver dampers, but a wide range of paint finishes is also available. Sizes: Such diffusers are manufactured in ten standard duct sizes ranging from 150mm to 760mm. Installation: For ceiling mounted applications, the cores are easily removed to allow the diffuser neck to be riveted or screw fixed to the stub duct. When these are installed with flexible ducting, it is advisable to fit a suitable length of sleeve to prevent the damper blades catching the duct reinforcing wire. Otherwise, ensure that there is adequate clearance throughout the blade travel. For ease of commissioning, the damper adjuster can be accessed through the centre cone of the diffuser. Domestic Grilles (Brooke Air, 2011) states that the range of single deflection grilles has been specifically designed for domestic usage or other

applications where occupants need to regulate the air flow rate. The units incorporate a set of rear damper blades which are easily adjustable from the face operated lever, giving very low leakage levels in the closed position. The grilles can be supplied with either horizontal or vertical adjustable blades. Alternatively, other forms of fixed blade core can be supplied to suit architectural requirements. Fixing: Standard fixing method is by countersunk screw through the flange.

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Finish: Standard finish is satin anodised aluminium. Sizes: The domestic grille can be supplied in sizes ranging from 150mm x 100mm, increasing in 25mm increments to a maximum of 500 x 300 or 300 x 300. Linear Bar Grilles According to (Brooke Air, 2011), the linear grille offers a wide range of blade formats to meet both architectural and system suited requirements, to sidewall, and is ideally or cill

bulkhead

applications. Grilles can be supplied in modular units or, for continuous

applications, in single sections up to 3m. All core types are optionally available as removable items, or alternatively, can be supplied without frames. Hinged core sections can also be supplied to provide access to concealed control valves, thermostats or switches. For continuous applications, make-up sections can be manufactured to suit internal or external corner details. Grilles can also be curved to suit architectural features. Control: Opposed blade volume control damper or adjustable vertical rear blades. Fixings: Standard fixing method is by countersunk screw through the flange. Recommended secret fixing method is by removable core. Finish: Standard finish is satin anodised aluminium. Sizes: Linear grilles are available in standard heights ranging from 40 mm up to 600 mm and in single section lengths of up to 3m, depending on the height. Note that grille heights less than 50 mm cannot be fitted with opposed blade dampers. Standard Weather Louvers (Brooke Air, 2011) explains that standard louvers have been designed to provide weather protection to ventilation openings in buildings. In addition to the modular

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sizes shown it is possible to specify louvers for cladding, louver screens, access doors and other architectural features. These frame louvers and are blade composed of

assemblies,

manufactured to suit the building aperture size. Different formats are available to suit aesthetic

requirements. Frame options include flanged and recessed types. An

adjustable louver option is available for applications requiring automatic or manual closure/opening of the louver. Such louvers are manufactured from extruded aluminium sections which conform to BS1474. Frames and blades are screwed, riveted or cleated to form a robust structure. Louvers are conventionally specified in terms of the building aperture size. The most common application of such louvers is to protect the supply and exhaust duct openings through the building fabric from the ingress of water. Louvers may also be used for transfer applications where free flow ventilation of rooms is required to meet building regulations. Standard finish stove silver special finishes are available to suit most architectural requirements and include: Natural satin anodised (AA25 micron) Colour Anodised Polyester powder coat Stoved epoxy Stoved acrylic Syntha Pulvin PVF2 Primed Mill

Bird or vermin guard galvanised mesh fixed to the rear of the louver section. Insect screen in stainless steel fixed to the rear of the louver. Rain lip in the form of an extended bottom blade.

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Self-Drain Louvers According to (Brooke Air, 2011), these louvers have been developed to provide maximum weather protection to critical ventilation

openings in buildings. This is achieved by an innovative blade design which drains any surface water internally and thereby prevents carry over by the intake air. In addition, the deep format frame allows a shallow blade angle (35 degrees) which increases louver free area and can reduce louver size. The frame is ideal for modular louvers although it is possible to form curtain walling via butt jointing. Louvers are composed of aluminium frame and blade assemblies manufactured to suit the aperture size. Frame styles include recessed and flange types. Louvers are constructed entirely from aluminium extrusions to BS1474. Frames and blades are riveted or screwed to form a robust construction. Louvers are conventionally specified in terms of the building aperture size. These louvers are designed for maximum weather protection of supply and exhaust ventilation openings in buildings, especially where water ingress must be kept to a minimum, ideal for coastal and exposed areas. In addition, these louvers can be applied to curtain walling applications around plant enclosures and rooms. Standard finish stove silver special finishes are available to suit most architectural requirements and include: Natural satin anodised Colour Anodised Polyester powder coat Stoved epoxy Stoved acrylic Syntha Pulvin PVF2 Primed Mill

Bird or vermin guard galvanized mesh fixed to the rear of the louver section. Insect screen in stainless steel. Where used in deep recessed applications, such

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louvers can be supplied with an extended bottom cill to carry water away from the building facia. B. Coanda Effect According to (CIBSE Guide B, 2005), when a jet is discharged from a terminal device to a flat surface, it entrains air from one side only, resulting in deflection of the jet towards the surface. This phenomenon occurs due to frictional losses between the jet and the surface. The effect reduces with distance from the terminals as increasing volumes of air are entrained from the room side of the jet. However, the Coanda effect is maintained despite temperature differences between the jet and the room air. The selection and positioning of supply air terminals is a critical factor, particularly for rooms with low ceilings. If the Coanda effect is not present, the maximum throw for any terminal is reduced by approximately 33%. The main factors that influence whether or not the Coanda effect will occur are: The distance between terminal and surface The width of jet exposed to surface The velocity of the jet The presence of projections and other disturbing influences.

(CIBSE Guide B, 2005) p.2-54 C. Exhaust Terminals (CIBSE Guide B, 2005) states that exhaust terminals may be positioned as follows: In a stagnant zone where supply jet influence is limited Close to a source of unwanted heat, e.g. above a bulb

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Close to an excessively cold surface to increase its surface temperature and thereby reduce radiant losses and cold draughts

At a point of local low pressure, e.g. the centre of a ceiling diffuser

The following positions should be avoided: Within the zone of influence of a supply air terminal since this allows conditioned air to pass directly to exhaust without first having exchanged heat with its surroundings; this results in very low ventilation efficiency Close to a door or aperture which is frequently opened since this leads to the exhaust handling air from outside the conditioned space In a position which causes contaminated room air to be drawn through the occupants breathing zone.

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P.35.3-2 Humidifiers According to (CIBSE Guide B, 2005), humidifiers are classified as follows: Direct humidifiers o o o o Hydraulic separation Compressed air separators Mechanical separation Vapour injection

Indirect type humidifiers o o o o o o o o Spray washers Capillary type washers Sprayed coils Pan humidifiers Mechanical separators Steam humidifiers Rotating drum humidifiers Infrared evaporators

Capillary Type Washers

(CIBSE Guide B , 1986) p.B3-47 Capillary type washers are assembled up from unit cells. Each cell is packed with filaments of glass, which is specially orientated to give the minimum resistance to air flow with the highest efficiency. The cells are sprayed from nozzles at a gauge

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pressure of 40kPa. These cells produce droplets of water which, by capillary action, produce a constant film of moisture over each glass filament. The air passing through the cell is broken up into finely divided air streams. These provide maximum contact between water and air and result in high efficiency of saturation. Most dust particles down to 3m size are also eliminated from the air stream. It is therefore necessary to provide a constant flush of water through the cells to eliminate the danger of blockage. Alternatively, an irregular supply controlled by time clock, may be used to flush the cells with water at programmed intervals. The velocity through the washer chamber is 2.5 m/s with a maximum of 2 m/s through the cells. Saturation efficiency of 97% can be achieved with as little as 0.8 litres of water per 10 m3 of air per second. Although a minimum of 4.5 litres per 10 m3 of air per second is required for flushing purposes. The cells have a maximum water capacity of 11 litres per 10 m3 of air per second. Capillary cells are arranged in parallel flow formation, where the air and water pass through the cell in the same direction, or in a contra-flow arrangement with water and air passing through the cell in opposite directions. Selection is ruled by the humidifying or dehumidifying duty required from each cell, and also the degree of cleanliness of the air handled. Prevention of bacteriological and other contamination must also be considered.

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P.35.3-3 Air Filters & Maintenance According to (CIBSE Guide B, 2005), air filters are classified as follows: Viscous impingement o o Dry o o Panel, bag, cartridge or unit with fabric or fibrous medium Absolute or diffusion [HEPA] Panel or unit Moving curtain

Electrostatic o o Charged plate Charged medium

Adsorption units Mechanical collectors

Viscous Impingement A filter made up of a relatively loosely arranged medium, such that the airstream is forced to change direction frequently as it passes through the filter medium. The medium usually consists of spun-glass fibers, metal screens, or layers of curvy expanded metal whose surfaces are coated with cheap oil.

(CIBSE Guide B, 2005) p.2-122

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P.35.3-4 Ductwork A. Ducting Material (CIBSE Guide B, 2005) states that materials most suitable for the formation of ductwork are: Metal o o o o o o Steel Galvanized steel Black steel Stainless steel Aluminium Copper

Non-metal o o o o o o o o Resin bonded glass fibre Glass reinforced plastic [GRP] Polypropylene Polyester (textile or fabric ducting) Polyvinyl chloride [PVC] Polyisocyanurate Concrete Synthetic rubber

(CIBSE Guide B, 2005) p.3-37

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B. Ductwork Shapes & Applications Rectangular Ducting Rectangular ducting is most common for low pressure systems because: It is readily adapted to fit into the space available. It can be readily joined to such component items as heating and cooling coils and filters. Branch connections are made more easily.

The aspect ratio should be close to 1:1 since high aspect ratios increase the pressure loss, the heat gains/losses and the overall costs. This should be done for the overall economy and performance. These ducts are rarely used in ceiling zones due to space limitations because ducts with a 1:1 aspect ratio require a deep service area. For high pressure systems, rectangular ducting should not be the first choice. It requires

strengthening of the flat sides and needs to be sealed to make it suitable for this application (CIBSE Guide B, 2005). Circular Ducting Circular ducting increase its economy by the spirally wound ducting and a standard range of pressed and fabricated fittings. Economy gets even better in low pressure systems having a relatively small proportion of fittings.

Particularly for the main runs of ductwork, it is likely to be easier to install. Due to its high inherent stiffness, circular ducting is preferable for high pressure systems and for systems operating at high negative pressures. At high negative pressure, additional stiffening rings may be necessary (CIBSE Guide B, 2005).

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Flat Oval Ducting Where there is a limitation on one of the dimensions in the space available for the duct run, flat oval ducting provides an alternative to circular ducting. Since flat oval ducting can fit in spaces where there is insufficient room for circular ducting, and can be joined using the techniques combines rectangular for the circular duct of assembly, circular oval it

advantages

and

ductwork.

Flat

ducting

requires less reinforcement than the corresponding size of rectangular duct because it has considerably less flat surface that is subject to vibration. Flat oval duct may be suitable for both positive and negative pressure applications depending the parameters. C. Effect of Duct Space According to (Newnes, 2004), thoughts should be given to the following issues: The energy in overcoming duct resistance can be reduced by approximately 18% if the duct diameter is increased by 5%. The resistance of the duct can be reduced to 12.5% if air is fed into the middle of a duct instead of from one end. It is recommended that air is distrusted into several ducts in ceiling voids where space is restricted. This, however, enables the air velocity, hence reducing the resistance. The horizontal duct resistance can be reduced by up to 87% if the location of the AHU would be central in the area to be served. Duct resistance mostly occurs due to duct fittings. It is therefore recommended to enable duct runs to be as straight as possible to avoid many joints. It should be noted that high priority should be given to ductwork when coordinating multiple services.

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P.35.3-5 Fans

(CIBSE Guide B, 2005) p.2-130

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P.35.3-6 DX & Hydronic Heater/Cooler Batteries

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P.35.4-8 Calculation Q: A multipurpose hall with dimensions 20m x 18m x 5m high has 75 occupants. 8 litres per second and 25lt/s of re-calculated air are supplied to the theatre for each person. If 10% of the supply volume leaks out of the theatre, calculate the room air change rate and the air volume flow rate for the various parts of the ventilation system i.e.: leakage, extraction, fresh air, re-calculated and exhaust. 1. Supply air quantity: 2. Air change rate: 3600 . 8 25 75 2.5 1000 1000

3600 3. Leakage from the theatre: 10% 0.1 2.5 4. Quantity of air extracted from the theatre: 2.5 0.25 5. Quantity of fresh air entering the ductwork: . 8 75 0.6 1000 1000 1.9 0.35 2.25 0.25 3600 2.5 3600 5 20 18 5

6. Quantity of re-circulated air: 2.5 0.6 7. Exhaust air quantity: 2.25 1.9

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References Name; Edition; Author

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