VAV Fundamentals ASHRAE
VAV Fundamentals ASHRAE
Content
VAV Overview and core concepts
Target:
Ductwork for VAV systems should be designed for the lowest practical static pressure loss, especially ductwork closest to the fan or airhandling unit.
VAV systems must be selected to operate with efficiency and stability throughout the operating range.
Sound data for VAV units should be obtained according to the procedures specified by the latest ARI Standard 880. General design consideration and precautions.
VAV Overview
A variable-air-volume (VAV) system is a single-path system that controls zone temperature by modulating airflow while maintaining constant supply air temperature. VAV terminal units, located at each zone, adjust the quantity of air reaching each zone depending on its load requirements. Reheat coils may be included to provide required heating for perimeter zones. A VAV boxes provide constant or variable airflow depending on the temperature demands of the space. As the temperature raises the VAV damper opens to send a designed amount of airflow to the space/ or room.
There are many different types of VAV units: Single Duct / cooling only, or cooling with reheat Dual Duct terminal Induction VAV terminal Parallel Flow Fan Powered VAV terminal Series Flow Fan Powered VAV terminal
VAV - Pressure dependent: A pressure dependent terminal unit: is not equipped to measure and maintain primary air discharge volume. The actual airflow through the terminal unit is a function of upstream static pressure and damper plate position.
Bypass VAV
The Bypass terminal unit handles a constant supply of primary air though its inlet. The unit bypasses primary air to the ceiling plenum to meet the needs of conditioned space. This method provides a low first cost with minimum controls, but it is energy insufficient compared to other systems.
Dp w
Room
Supply air
Minimum distance of the pick devise is: = 2 x Diameter from inlet of the VAV.
A minimum distance of pick devise and VAV damper Plate is: = 1.5 x Diameter (where D is diameter of inlet of the VAV)
where:
Important: The greater the pressure drop across the VAV box, the greater the fan power.
Important:
Study the manufacturers data before attempting to do the testing, adjusting and balancing/commissioning the VAV operation.
External influences Characteristic of the air stream (turbulence flow, VAV selections and sizing, space constraints, and noise generation ) (calm down area before and after the VAV- Box)
Flow sensor
Calibration Rig
For accurate control, the minimum setting guideline should not be lower than 2 m/s inlet neck velocity for units using inlet velocity sensors.
Oversizing the discharge duct may create low static conditions, requiring the fan to operate outside its recommended operating range. A problem associated with oversizing terminals with electric heat is insufficient total pressure, which can occasionally trip the airflow safety switch. Space Restrictions. During design, try to ensure that terminals are located for ease of installation, optimum performance, and maintenance accessibility.
Conclusions
A VAV is an individual comfort (efficiency) and cost/ energy saving. An accuracy of the box depends on the quality of: - the box construction - the calibration process - the flow characteristic trend. The box-manufacturer is responsible for the quality and accuracy of it VAV- Box construction. The air flow characteristic - position of VAV- Box has an impact to accuracy/or behaving of control and operation consequences.