Duct Design

Lecturer: , PhD
Fellow ASME, Fellow ASHRAE
Tel: 3-5712121 ext. 55105
E-mail:ccwang@mail.nctu.edu.tw

Why duct design is important

The efficiency of air distribution systems
has been found to be 60-75% or less in
many houses because of insufficient
and/or poorly installed duct insulation
and leaks in the duct system. Properly
designed and installed duct systems can
have efficiencies of 80% or more for little
or no additional cost.

 Duct systems that are undersized, are

pinched, or have numerous bends and
turns may lead to low air flow rates and
high air velocities.
Low air flow rates cause the heating and
cooling equipment to operate inefficiently.
High air velocities increase noise.

Duct Design Objective

The objectives of good duct design are
occupant comfort, proper air distribution,
economical heating and cooling system
operation, and economical duct
installation.
The outcome of the duct design process
will be a duct system (supply and return
plenums, ducts, fittings, boots, grilles, and
registers) that provides conditioned air to
meet all room heating and cooling loads.

Duct Terms..

Duct materials

Sheet metals
Glass fibers
Flexible nonmetallic

Supply Duct Systems

Supply ducts deliver air to the spaces that are to

be conditioned. The two most common supply
duct systems for residences are the trunk and
branch system and the radial system because of
their versatility, performance, and economy.
The spider and perimeter loop systems are other
options.

The trunk and branch system

A large main supply trunk is connected directly

to the air handler or its supply plenum and
serves as a supply plenum or an extension to the
supply plenum.
Smaller branch ducts and runouts are connected
to the trunk.
The trunk and branch system is adaptable to
most houses, but it has more places where leaks
can occur. It provides air flows that are easily
balanced and can be easily designed to be
located inside the conditioned space of the
house.

 The principal design limitation of the extended

Plenum system is the length of single-size trunk
duct. To maintain reasonably uniform air
Pressures in the air-distribution system, the
length of a single-size trunk duct should be
limited to about 24 feet. When this length is
exceeded. pressure tends to build up toward the
end of the duct, resulting in too much airflow in
branches near the ends. And insufficient airflow
in branches closer to the equipment.

SPIDER SYSTEM
A spider system is a more distinct
variation of the trunk and branch system.
Large supply trunks (usually largediameter flexible ducts) connect remote
mixing boxes to a small, central supply
plenum. Smaller branch ducts or runouts
take air from the remote mixing boxes to
the individual supply outlets. This system
is difficult to locate within the conditioned
space of the house.

RADIAL SYSTEM

No main supply trunk; branch ducts or runouts

that deliver conditioned air to individual supply
outlets are essentially connected directly to the
air handler, usually using a small supply plenum.
The short, direct duct runs maximize air flow.
The radial system is most adaptable to singlestory homes. This system is normally associated
with an air handler that is centrally located so
that ducts are arranged in a radial pattern.
However, symmetry is not mandatory, and
designs using parallel runouts can be designed so
that duct runs remain in the conditioned space
(e.g., installed above a dropped ceiling).

PERIMETER LOOP SYSTEM

A perimeter loop system uses a perimeter
duct fed from a central supply plenum
using several feeder ducts. This system is
typically limited to houses built on slab in
cold climates and is more difficult to
design and install.

RETURN DUCT SYSTEMS

Return ducts remove room air and deliver it
back to the heating and cooling equipment
for filtering and reconditioning. Return duct
systems are generally classified as either
central or multiple-room return.

MULTIPLE-ROOM
RETURN SYSTEM

Return air from each room supplied with

conditioned air, especially those that can be
isolated from the rest of the house (except
bathrooms and perhaps kitchens and mechanical
rooms). The ultimate return duct system ensures
that air flow is returned from all rooms (even
with doors closed), minimizes pressure
imbalances, improves privacy, and is quiet.
However, design and installation costs of a multiroom return system are generally higher than
costs for a central return system, and higher
friction losses can increase blower requirements.

CENTRAL RETURN SYSTEM

Consists of one or more large grilles located in central

areas of the house (e.g., hallway, under stairway) and
often close to the air handler. To ensure proper air flow
from all rooms, especially when doors are closed,
transfer grilles or jumper ducts must be installed in
each room.
Transfer grilles are through-the-wall vents that are
often located above the interior door frames, although
they can be installed in a full wall cavity to reduce noise
transmission. The wall cavity must be well sealed to
prevent air leakage. Jumper ducts are short ducts
routed through the ceiling to minimize noise transfer.

Central return - Advantages

Ductwork minimal: usually one large duct
witha relatively short run
Allows for sufficient air flow with a minimum
of air friction loss, thus minimizing blower
requirements
Easy to install
Often preferred with an open plan Permits
convenient air-filter servicing if a filtergrille is
used, especially if equipment is in an attic or
crawl space
Generally less costly

Central return - Disadvantages

Generally noisier unless special acoustical
pro-Doors to individual rooms must be
undercut to Large duct may require a
special chase Large grille can be
unattractive visions Doors to individual
rooms must be undercut are made
Doors to individual rooms must be
undercut to permit proper airflow
Large duct may require a special chase
Large grille can be unattractive

Classification of duct systems

Low pressure systems: Velocity 10 m/s,
static pressure 5 cmH2O(g)
Medium pressure systems: Velocity 10 m/s,
static pressure 15 cm H2O (g)
High pressure systems: Velocity > 10 m/s,
static pressure 15<p 25 cmH2O(g)

 Recommended air velocities depend mainly on

the application and the noise criteria. Typical
recommended velocities are:
Residences: 3 m/s to 5 m/s
Theatres: 4 to 6.5 m/s
Restaurants: 7.5 m/s to 10 m/s

High velocities in the ducts results in:

Smaller ducts and hence, lower initial cost and lower
space requirement
Higher pressure drop and hence larger fan power
consumption
Increased noise and hence a need for noise
attenuation

Limit Noise Creation..

 If nothing is specified, then a velocity of 5

to 8 m/s is used for main ducts and a
velocity of 4 to 6 m/s is used for the
branches. The allowable air velocities can
be as high as 30 m/s in ships and aircrafts
to reduce the space requirement.

Bernoulli Eq.
Where = streamline (local) velocity , m/s
v2
dP

gz const. (N*m/kg)
p = absolute pressure , Pa N/
2

= density , kg/m3
g = acceleration caused by gravity , m/s2
z = elevation , m

For constant density

v2
P

gz const.
2

(N*m/kg)

For Actual Duct

1V12
2

P1 g1 z1

2V22
2

P2 g 2 z2 pt ,12

---- (1)

where V = average duct velocity m/s

Pt,1-2 = total pressure loss caused by friction and dynamic losses
between sections 1 and 2 ,Pa

On the left side of Equation (1), add and subtract Pz1 ; on the right
side,add and subtract Pz2 , Where Pz1 and Pz2 are the values of
atmospheric air at heights z1 and z2 . Thus,

1V12
2

P1 ( p z1 p z1 ) g1 z1

2V22
2

P2 ( p z 2 p z 2 ) g 2 z2 pt ,1 2

Atmospheric pressure at any elevation ( pz1 and pz2 ) expressed in

terms of the atmospheric pressure pa at the same datum elevation is
given by
pz1 = pa ga z 1
pz2 = pa ga z 2

pt ,12 ( ps ,1

V12
2

) ( ps , 2

V22
2

pt,1-2 = pt + pse
pt = pt,1-2 + pse
where

) g ( a )( z2 z1 )
------ (2)

ps,1 = static pressure , gage at elevation z1 , Pa

ps,2 = static pressure , gage at elevation z2 , Pa
V1
= average velocity at section 1 , m/s
V2
= average velocity at section 2 , m/s
a
= density of ambient air , kg/m3

= density of air or gas in duct , kg/m3

pse = thermal gravity effect , Pa
pt = total pressure change between sections 1 and 2 , Pa
pt,1-2 = total pressure loss caused by friction and dynamic losses
between sections 1 and 2 , Pa

System Analysis
The total pressure change caused by friction , fittings ,
equeipment, and net thermal gravity effect (stack effect) for each
section of a duct system is calculated by the following eqution :
m

j 1

k 1

r 1

pti p f i pij pik pseir

for i = 1,2,., nup + ndn
where pti = net total pressure change for i-section , Pa
pfi = pressure loss due to friction for i-section , Pa
pij = total pressure loss due to j-fittings, including fan system effect (FSE)
, for i-section , Pa
pik = pressure loss due to k-equipment for i-section , Pa
pseir= thermal gravity effect due to r-stacks for i-section , Pa
m = number of fittings within i-section
n = number of equipment within i-section
= number of stacks within i-section
nup = number of duct sections upstream of fan (exhaust/return air subsystems)
ndn = number of duct sections downstream of fan (supply air subsystems)

Type of air duct

Supply duct. Conditioned air is supplied to the
conditioned space.
Return duct. Space air is returned (1) to the fan
room where the air-handling unit is installed or
to the packaged unit.
Outdoor air duct. Outdoor air is transported to
the air-handling unit, to the fan room, or to the
space directly.
Exhaust duct. Space air or contaminated air is
exhausted from the space, equipment, fan room,
or localized area.

Pressure characteristics
of a fan duct system

Various types of air duct: (a)

rectangular duct; (b) round duct
with spiral seam; (c) flat oval
duct; (d) flexible duct.

 For the space available between the structural

beam and the ceiling in a building, rectangular
ducts have the greatest cross-sectional area.
They are less rigid than round ducts and are
more easily fabricated on-site. Unsealed
rectangular ducts may have an air leakage from
15 to 20 percent of the supply volume flow rate.
Rectangular ducts are usually used in lowpressure systems.
For a specified cross-sectional area and mean air
velocity, a round duct has less fluid resistance
against airflow than rectangular and flat oval
ducts. Round ducts also have better rigidity and
strength.

 Flat oval ducts have a cross-sectional shape between

rectangular and round. They share the advantages of both the
round and the rectangular duct with less large-scale air
turbulence and a small depth of space required during
installation. Flat oval ducts are quicker to install and have
lower air leakage because of the factory fabrication.
Flexible ducts are often used to connect the main duct or the
diffusers to the terminal box. Their flexibility and ease of
removal allow allocation and relocation of the terminal devices.
Flexible ducts are usually made of multiple-ply polyester film
reinforced by a helical steel wire core or corrugated aluminum
spiral strips. The flexible duct should be as short as possible,
and its length should be fully extended to minimize flow
resistance.

Friction Loss

Noncircular Ducts
A momentum analysis can relate average wall shear stress to
pressure drop per unit length for fully developed turbulent flow in
a passage of arbitrary shape but uniform longitudinal crosssectional area. This analysis leads to the definition of hydraulic
diameter :
Dh = 4A / P
where Dh = hydraulic diameter , mm
A = duct area , mm2
P = perimeter of cross section , mm
Rectangular Ducts. Huebscher(1948) developed the relationship
between rectangular and round ducts that is used to determine size
equivalency based on equal flow , resistance , and length .
1.30(ab) 0.625
De
( a b) 0.250
where De = circular equivalent of rectangular duct for equal
length , fluid resistance , and airflow , mm
a = length one side of duct , mm
b = length adjacent side of duct , mm

Pressure change in duct

Flat Oval Ducts. To convert round

ducts to flat oval sizes , the circular
equivalent of a flat oval duct for
equal airflow, resistance, and length.
1.55 AR 0.625
De
P 0.25

where AR is the cross-sectional area

of flat oval duct defined as
AR = ( a2 / 4 ) + ( A a )
and the perimeter P is calculated by
P = a + 2 ( A a )
where
P = perimeter of flat oval duct , mm
A = major axis flat oval duct , mm
a = minor axis of flat oval duct , mm

Evaluation of frictional
pressure drop in ducts
The Darcy-Weisbach equation is one of the most commonly used
equations for estimating frictional pressure drops in internal flows.
This equation is given by:
L V 2
p f f

where f is the dimensionless friction factor, L is the length of the

duct and D is the diameter in case of a circular duct and hydraulic
diameter in case of a non-circular duct. The friction factor is a
function of Reynolds number, ReD = VD/ and the relative
surface roughness of the pipe or duct surface in contact with the
fluid. For turbulent flow, the friction factor can be evaluated
using the empirical correlation suggested by Colebrook and White
is used, the correlation is given by: 1 2log [ 2.51 ]
f

10

3.7 D

(Re D ) f

where is the average surface roughness of inner duct expressed

in same units as the diameter D.

 Reynolds identified two types of fluid flow in 1883 by

observing the behavior of a stream of dye in a water
flow: laminar flow and turbulent flow. He also
discovered that the ratio of inertial to viscous forces is
the criterion that distinguishes these two types of fluid
flow. This dimensionless parameter is now widely
known as Reynolds number Re, or
Re = vL/
where density of fluid, (kg /m3)
v velocity of fluid, (m/s)
L characteristic length, ft (m)
viscosity or absolute viscosity, lb / ft s (N s/m2)

 For Laminar flow

Parabolic profile

For turbulent flow

Average surface roughness of commonly used duct materials

In general in air conditioning ducts, the fluid flow is turbulent. It

is seen from the above equation that when the flow is turbulent,
the friction factor is a function of Reynolds number, hydraulic
diameter and inner surface roughness of the duct material.
Table 2 shows absolute roughness values of some of the
materials commonly used in air conditioning.
Of the different materials, the GI sheet material is very widely
used for air conditioning ducts. Taking GI as the reference
material and properties of air at 20oC and 1 atm. pressure, the
frictional pressure drop in a circular duct is given by:
1.852
0.022243Q air
L
p f
(N/ )
D 4.973

Dynamic losses in ducts

Dynamic pressure loss takes place whenever there is a change
in either the velocity or direction of airflow due to the use of a
variety of bends and fittings in air conditioning ducts. Some of
the commonly used fittings are: enlargements, contractions,
elbows, branches, dampers etc.
Normally these fittings and bends are rather short in length (<
1 m), the major pressure drop as air flows through these
fittings is not because of viscous drag (friction) but due to
momentum change.
In turbulent flows, the dynamic loss is proportional to square
2

V
of velocity. Hence these are expressed as: p K
d

where K is the dynamic loss coefficient, which is normally

obtained from experiments

 Sometimes, an equivalent length Leq is defined to

estimate the dynamic pressure loss through bends and
fittings. The dynamic pressure loss is obtained from the
equivalent length and the frictional pressure drop
equation or chart, i.e.,
pd K (

V 2
2

)(

f .Leq
Deq

)(

V 2
2

where f is the friction factor and Leq is the equivalent

length

Design Velocity
In supply main ducts vd,max usually does not
exceeds 3000 fpm (15 m/s). Airflow noise must be
checked at dampers, elbows, and branch takeoffs to
satisfy the indoor NC range.
In buildings with more demanding noise control
criteria, such as hotels, apartments, and hospital
wards, in supply main ducts usually vd,max 2000 to
2500 fpm (10 to 12.5 m/s), in return main ducts vd,max
1600 fpm (8 m/s), and in branch ducts vd,max 1200
fpm (6 m/s).

Turns, bends or elbows:

The most common type of bends used in air conditioning
ducts are 90o turns shown in the Fig. A. Fig. B denotes
turning vane to reduce turning loss.

Fig. A, airflow through a 90 bend (elbow)

Fig. B, Use of turning vanes in a 90 bend (elbow)

Branch take-offs & Branch entries

Figure - A branch take-off

Figure - A branch entry

FITTING LOSS COEFFICIENTS

Sudden Enlargement/Contraction

sudden enlargement

sudden contraction

Friction Chart for Round Duct (= 1.2 kg/m3 and = 0.09 mm)

Deficient System Performance with System

Effect Ignored ()

()Establishment of Uniform Velocity Profile

in Straight Fan Outlet Duct(Adapted by permission AMCA Publication201)

Flow Resistances
Connected in
Series

Flow Resistances
Connected in
Parallel

Velocity method
Select suitable velocities in the main and branch ducts
Find the diameters of main and branch ducts from airflow rates
and velocities for circular ducts. For rectangular ducts, find the
cross-sectional area from flow rate and velocity, and then by
fixing the aspect ratio, find the two sides of the rectangular duct
From the velocities and duct dimensions obtained in the
previous step, find the frictional pressure drop for main and
branch ducts using friction chart or equation.
From the duct layout, dimensions and airflow rates, find the
dynamic pressure losses for all the bends and fittings
Select a fan that can provide sufficient FTP for the index run
Balancing dampers have to be installed in each run. The damper
in the index run is left completely open, while the other
dampers are throttled to reduce the flow rate to the required
design values.

 Using the following figure shows a typical

duct layout. Design the duct system using
Velocity method,

 The velocity method is one of the simplest ways of

designing the duct system for both supply and
return air. However, the application of this method
requires selection of suitable velocities in different
duct runs, which requires experience. Wrong
selection of velocities can lead to very large ducts,
which, occupy large building space and increases
the cost, or very small ducts which lead to large
pressure drop and hence necessitates the selection
of a large fan leading to higher fan cost and
running cost. In addition, the method is not very
efficient as it requires partial closing of all the
dampers except the one in the index run, so that the
total pressure drop in each run will be same.

Equal friction method

In this method the frictional pressure drop
per unit length in the main and branch
ducts (pf/L) are kept same, i.e.,
p f
p f
p f
p f
(
)A = (
)B = (
)C = (
) D = ...
L
L
L
L

 Equal friction method is simple and is most widely

used conventional method. This method usually
yields a better design than the velocity method as
most of the available pressure drop is dissipated as
friction in the duct runs, rather than in the balancing
dampers. This method is generally suitable when the
ducts are not too long, and it can be used for both
supply and return ducts. However, similar to
velocity method, the equal friction method also
requires partial closure of dampers in all but the
index run, which may generate noise. If the ducts are
too long then the total pressure drop will be high
and due to dampering, ducts near the fan get overpressurized.

 For example, let the duct run A-C-G-H be the index

run and the total pressure drop in the index run is 100
Pa. If the pressure drop in the shortest duct run (say
A-B) is 10 Pa, then the damper in this run has to be
closed to provide an additional pressure drop of 90 Pa,
so that the required airflow rate to the conditioned
zone 1 can be maintained. Similarly the dampers in
the other duct runs also have to be closed partially, so
that the total pressure drop with damper partially
closed in each run will be equal to the pressure drop in
the index run with its damper left open fully.

=Q
+Q
+Q
+Q
+Q
= Q

Q
A
1
2
3
4
5
i
i =1

 From the airflow rate and (pf/L) the equivalent

diameter of the main duct (Deq,A) can be obtained
either from the friction chart or using the frictional
pressure drop equation, i.e.,

Deq , A

1
0.022243Q A1.852 4.973
=(
)
p f
(
)A
L

Since the frictional pressure drop per unit length is

same for all the duct runs, the equivalent diameters of
the other duct runs, B to I are obtained from the
equation: 1.852
1.852

1.852
Q
Q
Q
(
4.973 ) C =
4.973 ) B = (
4.973 ) A = (
Deq
Deq
Deq

 If the ducts are rectangular, then the two sides of the

rectangular duct of each run are obtained from the
equivalent diameter of that run and by fixing aspect
ratio as explained earlier. Thus the dimensions of the
all the duct runs can be obtained. The velocity of air
through each duct is obtained from the volumetric
flow rate and the cross-sectional area.
Next from the dimensions of the ducts in each run, the
total frictional pressure drop of that run is obtained by
multiplying the frictional pressure drop per unit
length and the length, i.e.,

p f
Pf , A = (
) A .LA
L

Pf , B

p f
=(
) B .LB
L

 Next the dynamic pressure losses in each duct

run are obtained based on the type of bends or
fittings used in that run.
Next the total pressure drop in each duct run is
obtained by summing up the frictional and
dynamic losses of that run, i.e.,
PA = pf,A + pd,A PB = pf,B + pd,B
Next the fan is selected to suit the index run with
the highest pressure loss. Dampers are installed
in all the duct runs to balance the total pressure
loss.

Using the following figure shows a typical duct

layout. Design the duct system using Equal
Friction method,

From the example, it is seen that the Velocity

method results in larger duct diameters due to
the velocities selected in branch and downstream.
However, the required FTP is lower in case of
velocity method due to larger ducts.
Equal Friction method results in smaller duct
diameters, but larger FTP. Compared to velocity
method, the required dampering is more at outlet
1 and less at outlet 2 in case of equal friction
method.

Performance of duct systems

For the duct system with air in turbulent flow,
the total pressure loss (pt) is proportional to the
square of flow rate; i.e.,
Total pressure drop , Pt (Q ) 2
or , total pressure drop , Pt = C (Q )2

Variation of total pressure drop with flow rate for a given duct system

Fan

To overcome the fluid friction and the resulting head, a fan is

required in air conditioning systems. When a fan is introduced
into the duct through which air is flowing, then the static and
total pressures at the section where the fan is located. This rise is
called as Fan Total Pressure (FTP). Then the required power
input to the fan is given by:
Q air .FTP
W fan =
fan
The FTP should be such that it
overcomes the pressure drop of
air as it flows through the duct and the air finally enters the
conditioned space with sufficient momentum so that a good air
distribution can be obtained in the conditioned space. Evaluation
of FTP is important in the selection of a suitable fan for a given
application. It can be easily shown that when applied between
any two sections 1 and 2 of the duct, in which the fan is located,
the FTP is given by:
(V2 2 V12 )
FTP ( p2 p1 )

2g

g ( z2 z1 ) gH1

Fan
A fan is the prime mover of an air system or ventilation
system. It moves the air and provides continuous airflow
so that the conditioned air, space air, exhaust air, or
outdoor air can be transported from one location to another
through air ducts or other air passages.
A fan is also a turbomachine in which air is usually
compressed at a compression ratio Rcom not greater than
1.07. The compression ratio, dimensionless, is defined as

where Pdis discharge pressure at outlet of compressor or

fan, lbf/in.2 abs. or psia (kPa abs.) Psuc suction pressure at
inlet of compressor or fan, psia (kPa abs.)

Fan

Fan Capacity or Volume Flow Rate

Fan Pressure
Air Temperature Increase through Fan
Fan Power and Fan Efficiency
Fan Performance Curves

Types of fans: (a) centrifugal; (b) axial; (c) crossflow

In a backward-curved or backward-inclined centrifugal fan, the

blade tip inclines away from the direction of rotation of the
impeller. The 2 angle of a backward-curved centrifugal fan is less
than 90. The impeller of a backward-curved centrifugal fan
usually consists of 8 to 16 blades. For greater efficiency, the shape
of the blades is often streamlined to provide minimum flow
separation and, therefore, minimum energy losses. Backwardcurved centrifugal fans with such blades are called airfoil fans, as
distinguished from fans with sheet-metal blades. The blades in a
backward-curved fan are always longer than those of a forwardcurved fan. A volute or scroll casing is used.
Radial-Bladed Fans
The blades in a radial-bladed centrifugal fan are either straight or
curved at the blade inlet. The blade tip or blade outlet is always
radial; that is, 2 90, as shown. Usually, there are 6 to 10 blades in
a radial-bladed impeller. The construction of the radial blades is
comparatively simple.

AXIAL FANS
Types of Axial Fans
For an axial fan, a parameter called the hub ratio is closely related to
its characteristics. Hub ratio Rhub is defined as the ratio of hub diameter
Dhub, in ft (m), to the tip-to-tip blade diameter or diameter of impeller
Dbt, in ft (m),

 Propeller Fans. an impeller

having 3 to 6 blades is
mounted within a circular ring
or an orifice plate. The blades
are generally made of steel or
molded plastic and sometimes
may increase in width at the
blade tip. If the impeller is
mounted inside an orifice plate,
the direction of airflow at the
blade tip will not be parallel to
the axle. Eddies may form at
the blade tips. Propeller fans
are usually operated at very
low static pressure with large
volume flow. They often have
a hub ratio Rhub 0.15.

 Tube-Axial Fans. The impeller of a tube-axial fan usually

has 6 to 9 blades. It is mounted within a cylindrical
casing. The blades can be airfoil blades or curved sheet
metal. Airfoil blades usually made of cast aluminum or
aluminum alloy. The hub ratio Rhub is generally less than
0.3, and the clearance between the blade tip and the
casing is significantly closer than in propeller fans.
Vane-Axial Fans. The impeller of a vane-axial fan has 8
to 16 blades, usually airfoil blades. The hub ratio is
generally equal to or greater than 0.3 in order to increase
the fan total pressure. Another important characteristic
of vane-axial fans is the installation of fixed guide vanes
downstream from the impeller. These curved vanes are
designed to remove swirl from the air, straighten the
airflow, and convert a portion of the velocity pressure of
the rotating airflow to static pressure.

Fan Laws
Airflow rate , Q
2
V
Static pressure rise , PS
2 V 2
Fan power input , W Q (PS ) Q ( 2 )
Law 1: Density of air remains constant and the speed varies:
; P 2 and W
3
Q
S
Law 2 : Airflow rate Q remains constant and the density varies:
and PS
Q CONST ; W
Law 3 : Static pressure rise Ps remains constant and density varies :
1
Q

; Ps=const ;

1
1
and W

Interaction between fan and duct system

Fan and duct performance curves and balance points

Thank You

Stack effect
When an air duct system has an elevation difference and
the air temperature inside the air duct is different from the
ambient air temperature, the stack effect exists. It affects
airflow at different elevations.
Form Equation (2) , the thermal gravity effect for each nonhorizontal
duct with a density other than that of ambient air is determined by
the following equation :

p se = g(a-)( z2 z1 )
Where

pse = thermal gravity effect , Pa

z1 and z2 = elevation from datum in direction airflow , m
a
= density of ambient air , kg/m3

= density of air gas within duct , kg/m3

g
= 9.81 = gravitational acceleration , m/s2

For the system shown in Figure 3, the

direction of air movement created by
the thermal gravity effect depends on
the initiating force (e.g., fans, wind,
opening and closing doors, turning
equipment on and off). If for any
reason air starts to enter the left stack
(Figure 3A), it creates a buoyancy effect
in the right stack. On the other hand, if
flow starts to enter the right stack
(Figure 3B), it creates a buoyancy effect
in the left stack. In both cases, the
produced thermal gravity effect is
stable and depends on stack height and
magnitude of heating. The starting
direction of flow is important when
using natural convection for ventilation.

Static Regain Method

This method is commonly used for high velocity
systems with long duct runs, especially in large
systems. In this method the static pressure is
maintained same before each terminal or branch.
Static Regain method yields a more balanced
system and does not call for unnecessary
dampering. However, as velocity reduces in the
direction of airflow, the duct size may increase
in the airflow direction. Also the velocity at the
exit of the longer duct runs may become too
small for proper air distribution in the
conditioned space.

The purpose of the Static Regain method is to create equal static pressures at
successive junctions which will presumably cause equal flows in branches that are
identical "a branch might lead to a di}user or to an entire duct subsystem. When this
principle is applied to a main duct with identical branches leading to identical
diffusers equal air quantities will be delivered without the need to throttle the flow in
the upstream branches The same principle is utilized to provide equal pressures at
the take off points of a duct riser that serves several which means that the duct sizing
of each can be considered typical.

Design Procedures

Velocity in the main duct leaving the fan is selected first.

Velocities in each successive runs are reduced such that the gain
in static pressure due to reduction in velocity pressure equals the
frictional pressure drop in the next duct section. Thus the static
pressure before each terminal or branch is maintained constant.
For example, Figure shows a part of the duct run with two
sections 1 and 2 before two branch take-offs. The velocity at 1 is
greater than that at 2, such that the static pressure is same at 1
and 2. Then using the static regain factor, one can write:

p f,2 + pd,2 =R(p,1 p,2 )

 where pf,2 and pd,2 are the frictional and

dynamic losses between 1 and 2, and pv,1
and pv,2 are the velocity pressures at 1 and
2 respectively.

ps ,1 = ps , 2

Principle of static regain method

 If section 1 is the outlet of the fan, then its

dimensions are known from the flow rate and
velocity (initially selected), however, since both
the dimensions and velocity at section 2 are not
known, a trial-and-error method has to be
followed to solve the above equation, which
gives required dimensions of the section at 2.
The procedure is followed in the direction of
airflow, and the dimensions of the downstream
ducts are obtained.
As before, the total pressure drop is obtained
from the pressure drop in the longest run and a
fan is accordingly selected.