HVAC Requirements

Fundamental Design Requirements of
HVAC System for Buildings
2016 © Prepared by: Ir K. K. Lam – Director of PineBridge Consulting Limited 1

Content
1. What is HVAC Systems
2. Thermal Comfort
3. Cooling Load
4. Type of HVAC Systems
5. Centralized HVAC System
6. System Components
7. References
1.1 HVAC System
• Air conditioning is the generic terms that people impressed to provide
cooling to a place in achieving a comfort environment.
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is a more suitable
terms for representing the system being provided.
• The following figure is showing a typical HVAC system in a residential
unit:
Bedroom
Living / Dining
Room Exhaust
Kitchen Hood
Window Bedroom
Type Air
Conditioner Bathroom
Ventilation
Fan
3
1.1 HVAC System
• The HVAC system in the residential unit composed of
a) Mechanical ventilation for Bath Room and Kitchen for moisture and
odours removal.
b) Exhaust hood over the cooker inside Kitchen for heat and pollutant
removal.
c) Air-conditioners for Living / Dining Room and Bedrooms.
• This shows how comprehensive of the HVAC system covers.
4
1.2 Design Criteria
Typical design conditions adopted in Hong Kong are
Location
Latitude 22°18’N
Longitude 114°10’E
Outdoor Design Conditions
Summer 33°C Dry Bulb and 92% RH
Winter 7°C Dry Bulb and unspecified RH
Indoor Design Conditions
Summer 24°C Dry Bulb and 55% RH
Winter 20°C Dry Bulb
5
1.2 Design Criteria
Typical design conditions adopted in Hong Kong are
Noise Criteria
Office NC-40
Fresh Air Supply
5 – 10L/s-person
Chilled Water Temperature
Supply / Return 7°C / 12 °C [5°C ∆T]
Supply / Return 6.5°C / 12.5 °C [6°C ∆T]
6
1.3 Unit
Unit for Air Conditioning Capacity
• Tonnage (Ton)
• Kilo Watt (kW)
• British Thermal Unit (BTU)
• Horse Power (HP)
• Units Conversion
1 Ton = 3.52kW = 12,000BTU
1 HP ≅ 9,000BTU
7
1.4 Psychrometry and Psychrometric Chart
• Psychrometry is analyzing the state of air-moisture mixture in an air
conditioning process takes place or a physical change occurs.
• Psychrometric chart gives the state conditions of air-moisture mixture if
one know any two conditions that the remaining can be determined
Saturation Line, Relative Humidity,
graphically. Specific Volume, v RH=100% RH (%)
(m3/kg)
Enthalpy, h
(kJ/kg)
PSYCHROMETRIC Moisture Content,

w (kg moisture /
CHART kg dry air)
Web Bulb
Temperature, Twb
(°C)
8
Dry Bulb Temperature, Tdb (°C)
1.5 Sensible Cooling or Heating
• Sensible cooling, process from 1 to 2 that the cooling 1 2
coil temperature must be smaller than the air stream
dew point temperature that no condensation takes
Cooling / Heating Coil
place.
• Sensible heating, process from 2 to 1.
• In both cases, moisture content remain unchanged.
w1 = w2
• Only sensible heat transfer takes place.
HEATING
Q = maCpa(T1 – T2)
where, 2 1
COOLING
ma is mass flow rate of air (kg/s)
Sensible Heat
Cpa is specific heat of air (kJ/kgK)
9
Cooling Coil
1.6 Cooling and Dehumidification
1 2
• Process from 1 to 2 is the arbitrary line for
cooling and dehumidification take place.
• In reality, air stream will undergo a sensible Condensate
cooling from point 1 to 1’ and then followed by Drain
cooling and dehumidification processes from

point 1’ to 2.
• Theoretically, point 2 should rest on line with
RH=100% if perfect mixing takes place that
air will be treated to homogenous temperature. 1’ COOLING
• In reality, when air stream pass through

1
the cooling coil, it is reasonable to assume Latent
COOLING & Heat
the off-coil condition is RH=95% DEHUMIDIFICATION
2
Sensible Heat
10
1.7 Humidification Water Mist Sprayer
1 2
• Water spray into the air stream directly and
the process following the constant web bulb
temperature line provided that it is an Circulation
adiabatic process. Pump
Twb1 = Twb2
• The change in enthalpy from point 1 to 2 is
small and negligible.
h2
2
h1 HUMIDIFICATION
1
Constant Web Bulb
Temperature
11
1.8 Ventilation
• To dilute the pollutant concentration within the space at desired level.
• The design condition normally base on the pollutant concentration for
system design.
• Outdoor pollutant concentration will be used as the reference level for
design provided that it must be lower than the indoor design condition
otherwise dilution cannot be achieved and air treatment is further
required.
12
1.9 Air Filtration
• When ventilation system cannot achieve the design concentration of
pollutant in space by means of dilution, filtration equipment shall be
employed to achieve the design requirements.
• It involves physical removal of pollutant in the air stream supplied into
the space.
• Sometimes, it will be assisted by additional equipment to increase the
filtration efficiency.
• System pressure drop is a prime concern on filter selection that could
lead to impose high capital and operating cost.
13
2. Thermal Comfort
Human Heat Loss Factors
Convection Evaporation Radiation
Activity
Insulating
Factors Clothing Age Physiological
Factors
Health
Air Temperature Surface Temperature Indoor Air Quality Air Motion Relative Humidity
14
Environmental Factors
2. Thermal Comfort
2.1 Metabolism
• Metabolism is a process which the body uses to convert energy in food
into heat and work.
• A person can convert food energy into work with an efficiency as high
as 15 to 20% for a short period and for light activity can be of the order
of 1%.
• The steady-state heat balance of heat energy produced by metabolism
of a body is expressed by:
M=E+R+C+B+S
where,
M is metabolism rate (W)
E is heat loss by evaporation (W)
R is heat transfer by radiation (W)
C is heat transfer by convection (W)
B is heat loss by respiration (W)
S is rate of change of heat storage in body (W) 15
2. Thermal Comfort
2.1 Metabolism
• For a normally clothed, healthy human being in a comfortable
environment and engaged in general activity, S is zero and the thermo-
regulatory system of a body is able to modify R and C to maintain a
stable and satisfactory temperature.
• Total heat rejection rate of a body (Qpeople = E + R + C + B) in a
conditioned space is ranging from 120W to 440W for light to vigorous
activities respectively.
16
2. Thermal Comfort
2.2 Clothing
• The loss of heat from the body and his comfort in a given environment
is much affected by the clothing worn.
• In a room with mixed population of men and women wearing different
cloth, comfort for everyone may be almost impossible to achieve.
• The cloth worn by people will have a seasonal pattern that less thermal
insulation value will be worn in summer.
• The unit used to describe the thermal insulating quality if the clothing
worn is “clo” and has a physical value of 0.155m2K/W
• The clo-value for men and women can be determined by:
clo-value(men) = 0.727Σ(individual clo-value) + 0.113
clo-value (women) = 0.770Σ(individual clo-value) + 0.050
17
2. Thermal Comfort
2.2 Clothing
• Thermal resistances of some typical clothing
Men clo Women clo
Sleeveless singlet 0.06 Bra and pants 0.05
T-shirt 0.09 Half slip 0.13
Underpants 0.05 Full slip 0.19
Shirt, light-weight, short sleeves 0.14 Blouse, light-weight 0.20
Blouse, heavy-weight 0.29
Shirt, light-weight, long sleeves 0.22 Dress, light-weight 0.22
Dress, heavy-weight 0.70
Waistcoat, light-weight 0.15 Skirt, light-weight 0.10
Waistcoat, heavy-weight 0.29 Skirt, heavy-weight 0.22
Trousers, light-weight 0.26 Slacks, light-weight 0.26
Trousers, heavy-weight 0.32 Slacks, heavy-weight 0.44
Sweater, light-weight 0.20 Sweater, light-weight 0.17
Sweater, heavy-weight 0.37 Sweater, heavy-weight 0.37
Jacket, light-weight 0.22 Jacket, light-weight 0.17
Jacket, heavy-weight 0.49 Jacket, heavy-weight 0.37
Ankle socks 0.04 Stockings or tights 0.01
Knee socks 0.10 Sandals 0.02
Shoes 0.04 Shoes 0.04
Boots 0.08 Boots 0.08 18
2. Thermal Comfort
2.2 Clothing
• Average clothing for man and woman is about 0.9 and 0.7 respectively.
• It proves of achieving the satisfactory conditions of comfort for an air
conditioned room with mixed population is difficult.
• The comfort of a clothed individual corresponds to a decrease of 0.5°C
in dry-bulb temperature for each clothing increase of 0.1clo but this can
only be true over a limited range of temperature.
19
2. Thermal Comfort
2.3 Environmental Influences
• Body maintains a thermal equilibrium with the environment by three
modes of heat exchanges involving approximately 25% by evaporation,
45% by radiation and 30% by convection.
• There are four properties of the environment that influence comfort by
modifying the contribution of the three mode of heat transfer in a body:
a) Air dry bulb temperature –
Affecting evaporation and convection.
b) Relative humidity –
Affecting evaporation.
c) Air velocity –
Affecting evaporation and convection.
d) Surface temperature –
Affecting radiation only.
20
2. Thermal Comfort
2.3 Environmental Influences
Air Pollutants
• Air pollution may be defined as the presence in the space of
substance(s) added directly or indirectly in such amounts as to affect
living and non-living things adversely.
• What is classified as a pollutant therefore depends upon recognition of
which substances cause adverse effects. It is an ever-changing
definition.
• Centuries ago only soot or odoured gases may have been considered
air pollutant. Now we recognize that pollutants can cause more subtle
effects than producing unpleasants smells. Even CO2 is now
considered a pollutant.
• CO2 is the space with concentration normally maintained at level not
exceeding 0.1%
21
2. Thermal Comfort
2.4 Other Influences
Physiological Factors
• Age –
Elderly people are less active and implies higher space temperatures
are needed.
• Activity –
People with vigorous activity that generates more heat thus lower
space temperature is desired to maintain the steady state heat balance
equation.
• Health –
People got sick that his feeling on comfort is total difference from
normal condition.
22
2. Thermal Comfort
2.5 Design Conditions
(ASHARE Fundamentals Handbook Figure 5 – ASHARE Summer and Winter Comfort Zone) 23
2. Thermal Comfort
2.5 Design Conditions
• The comfort zone specified in ASHARE with the space conditions likely
to be thermally acceptable to at least 80% of people occupied inside.
• The control of dry bulb temperature is not sufficient to maintain a
comfort environment whereas the relative humidity is also important
because it contributes significance in evaporative heat balance of a
body.
• Relative humidity should be maintained between 20% to 60%.
• Desired dry bulb temperature maintain at 24°C and 22°C for summer
and winter respectively but higher temperature is acceptable subject to
increase in supply air velocity that can achieve comfort criteria of
Effective Draft Temperature can be maintained.
24
3. Cooling Load
Thermal Transmission Load
Infiltration Load
Equipment Load Lighting Load

Solar Load
People Load
Fresh Air Load
25
3. Cooling Load
5.1 Thermal Transmission Load
• The heat gain or heat loss by thermal transmission load through the
building or zone envelop can be determined by
(T − Ti ) 1
Q= o = A(To − Ti ) = UA(To − Ti )
RT R TOT
• where,
• RTOT is the thermal resistance per unit area (m2K/W)
• Typical thermal resistance per unit area of selected building materials
at 24°C mean temperature is listed in the following table.
Material 1/k, (mK/W) R, (m2K/W)
Face Brick 0.76
Sheathing, Fiberboard, Regular Density, 13mm 0.23
Insulation, Mineral Fiber, 75-90mm 1.94
Gypsum board, 15mm 0.08
Air Space, Vertical 0.17
Surface, Still Air, Vertical, Heat Flow Horizontal 0.12
Surface, Moving Air, Heat Season, 6.7m/s 0.029 26
3. Cooling Load
Example
Wall surface area is 450m2 Outside Air Film
Face Brick, 90mm
Outside temperature is 35°C Air Space
Inside temperature is 24°C Sheathing, 13mm fiberboard
Insulation, 75mm Mineral Fiber
Determine the total thermal Air Space
resistance of the adjacent wall Gypsum Board, 13mm
Inside Air Film
system, U-Value and the heat
gain due to thermal
transmission.
Repeat the calculation for
omission of 13mm fiberboard
sheathing, 75mm mineral
insulation.
27
3. Cooling Load
Solution
A = 450m2, To = 35°C, Ti = 24°C
Outside Air Film 0.029
Face Brick, 90mm 0.76 0.068
Air Space 0.170
Sheathing, 13mm fiberboard 0.230
Insulation, 75mm Mineral Fiber 1.940
Air Space 0.170
Gypsum Board, 13mm 0.080
Inside Air Film 0.120
RTOT 2.807
U-Value, U = 1 / RTOT = 1 / 2.807 = 0.356W/m2K

Heat gain due to Thermal Transmission,
qT = UA(To – Ti) = 0.356 × 450 × (35 – 24) = 1.76kW 28
3. Cooling Load
Solution
Omission of 13mm fiberboard sheathing, 75mm mineral insulation
Outside Air Film 0.029
Face Brick, 90mm 0.76 0.068
Air Space 0.170
Gypsum Board, 13mm 0.080
Inside Air Film 0.120
RTOT 0.467
U-Value, U = 1 / RTOT = 1 / 0.467 = 2.141W/m2K

Heat gain due to Thermal Transmission,
qT = UA(To – Ti) = 2.141 × 450 × (35 – 24) = 10.60kW
Omission of insulation layer that will increase the heat gain

by 6 times that contribute significant in cooling load.
29
3. Cooling Load
3.2 Solar Load
Latitude
• Latitude (L) is the angle of line join from the residence place (Point P)
to the center of the earth (Point O) and the Equator plane.
30
3. Cooling Load
3.2 Solar Load
Solar Angles
Solar altitude (β)
Solar azimuth (φ)
Surface-solar azimuth (γ)
Surface azimuth (ψ)
Vertical Surface
N E
β γ=φ±ψ
φ γ
ψ
W S
31
3. Cooling Load
3.2 Solar Load
Solar Angles
• Solar altitude (β) is the angle on a vertical plan between the sun ray
and the horizontal plane on the earth surface.
• Solar azimuth (φ) is the angle on a horizontal plane between the due
south direction and the horizontal projection of the sun ray.
• Surface-solar azimuth (γ) is the angle on a horizontal plane between
the normal to a vertical surface and the horizontal projection of the sun
ray.
• Surface azimuth (ψ) is the angle on a horizontal between the normal to
a vertical surface and the north-south direction line.
32
3. Cooling Load
3.2 Solar Load
Solar Radiation
• Heat gain due to solar radiation will depend on the physical
characteristics of the surface.
• Solar irradiation on a surface and it will be reflected, absorbed and
transmitted that will depends on the optical properties of the surface.
ρ+α+τ=1
Absorbed α
Glass
Irradiation, It
Reflected ρ
Transmitted τ
33
3. Cooling Load
3.3 Solar Load Through Glass
• Glass is transparent to short wave solar radiation (wavelength from 0.2
to 3.5µm) and opaque to long wave radiation (wavelength greater than
5µm).
• Short wave solar radiation transmit through the glass and being
absorbed by opaque surface thus long wave radiation reradiated out
from the hot surface being trapped inside the conditioned space.
34
3. Cooling Load
3.3 Solar Load Through Glass
External Shading
• Shading from overhangs or other projection shall be take into
consideration when determine the sunlit area over the glass panel.
β d
y
γ
Sunlit Area
Projection 35
3. Cooling Load
3.4 Solar Load on Opaque Surface
• Transmissivity (τ) is zero for opaque surface and ρ + α = 1
• Solar heat gain through opaque surface,
U wα
qsw = It A
ho
Convected
Absorbed α
Wall
Irradiation, It
Conducted
Reflected ρ
Reradiated
To Ti
36
3. Cooling Load
3.5 Infiltration Load and Fresh Air Load
Infiltration Load
• Outside air ingress into air conditioned space and imposed a cooling
load to the system is called infiltration load.
• It is due to:
a) Wind pressure and particularly on tall building.
b) Stack effect.
c) The entry of occupants of the building.
• Maintain the air conditioned space slightly pressure could help on
reduction of the infiltration load.
• Infiltration load is difficult to predict because of allocating all air leakage
paths and its geometry is very time consuming and impractical.
37
3. Cooling Load
3.5 Infiltration Load and Fresh Air Load
Fresh Air Load
• Fresh air supply rate can be divided into two categories and cater for
a) People aspiration.
b) Pollutant removal.
• For people aspiration, fresh air supply rate can be chosen as
5L/s/person minimum to maximum of 10.
For heavily smoking area, it can be increased to 15L/s/person.
The population of the air conditioned space must be known.
38
3. Cooling Load
3.6 Internal Load
• The source of internal load within a space is from the occupants,
lighting and equipment operating inside.
People Load
• Under the heat balance equation of metabolism, the heat gain from
people is equal to
qpeople = E + R + C + B
• People load classified by its activity is listed as follows for cooling load
estimate:
Activity Sensible Heat Gain Latent Heat Gain
(W/person) (W/person)
Sleeping 52.5 17.5
Standing 75 75
Office Work 82.5 67.5
Industrial – Light 105 195
Industrial - Heavy 210 390 39
3. Cooling Load
3.6 Internal Load
Lighting Load
• Lamp wattage will be used as the base for determining the heat gain
and the heat dissipate from the ballast shall be taken into consideration
as well.
• Heat gain from lighting is
qlight = Plamp × Fu × Fb
where,
Plamp is the lamp wattage (W)
Fu is the utilization factor or fraction of lamps in use.
Fb is the ballast factor (= 1.2 for typical fluorescent lamp)
• Cooling load from lighting can be determined by multiplying the heat
gain by a CLF
CLlight = Plamp × Fu × Fb × CLF
40
3. Cooling Load
3.6 Internal Load
Lighting Load
• Cooling Load Factor added in the heat gain from lamp to cater for the
delay and time lag effect when turn on and turn off the lighting
respectively.
• CLF = 1 if lighting is operating 24 hours continuously.
• CLF of lighting switch ON at 0:00 and switch OFF at 10:00
CLF
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0 Hour
0 5 10 15 20
41
3. Cooling Load
3.6 Internal Load
Equipment Load
• It is required to understand the dynamic response of the heat release
from the equipment and the easiest way is getting the information from
the manufacturer.
• Cooling Load Factor should be applied to cater for delay and time lag
effect same as that in lighting load.
CLequip = qequip × CLF
where,
Heat gain from equipment, qequip = Pequip × (1 - η) × DF
Pequip is rated power of equipment (W)
η is efficiency of equipment (Assuming power not contributed to useful
work all convert to heat)
DF is diversity factor of operation.
42
4.1 Unitary System
• Provide air conditioning to a room or a zone with its system
configuration and operation as an individual.
• Packaged equipment is adopted where either window type or split type
air conditioner is available.
• Cooling only or heat pump unit is available in the market.
Remark:
• Heat pump means refrigeration equipment that utilizes the condenser
heat exchange for space heating and the evaporator extract heat from
atmosphere.
• Heat pump unit is using a 4-ways valve to change the refrigerant flow
such that the coil facing the conditioned space will change to
condenser.
43
4.1 Unitary System
Heat Pump
• Schematic diagram of refrigerant circuit – COOLING MODE.
Outdoor Air
Expansion
Valve Compressor
Indoor Air
44
4.1 Unitary System
Heat Pump
• Schematic diagram of refrigerant circuit – HEATING MODE.
Outdoor Air
Expansion
Valve Compressor
Indoor Air
45
4.1 Unitary System
Window Type Air Conditioner
• It is a packaged unit that the refrigeration equipment is integrated in a
single unit with the evaporator extract heat from space for air
conditioning and the condenser reject heat to atmosphere.
• Air is circulating across the condenser and evaporator for heat
exchange.
46
4.1 Unitary System
Split Type Air Conditioner
• The principle is similar as window type air conditioner except the
refrigeration equipment is separately housed into two units.
• It is used if remote heat rejection is required with indoor and outdoor
unit interconnected by refrigerant pipes, power and control wiring.
Refrigerant
Pipes
47
4.1 Unitary System
Split Type Air Conditioner
Outdoor Unit
• It composed of compressor and condenser for heat rejection to
atmosphere.
• Some manufacturer integrates the expansion valve to the outdoor unit
but housed inside indoor unit is also available.
Indoor Unit
• It composed of an evaporator for extract heat from the air conditioned
space.
48
4.2 Mini Central System
Multi Split System – Direct Expansion
Wall Mounted
Indoor Unit
Cassette Type
Indoor Unit
Outdoor Unit
Duct Type
Indoor Unit
Floor Standing
Type Indoor Unit
49
4.2 Mini Central System
Multi Split System – Direct Expansion
• Multi split air conditioner with one or a group of outdoor unit supplying
a numbers of indoor units.
• The refrigerant flow rate can be varied by adjusting the speed of
compressor to suit.
Limitation (Depends on Air Conditioner Manufacturer Specifications):
• It is suitable for mini system where individual group cooling capacity is
less than 50HP.
• The distance of refrigerant pipe run between indoor and outdoor units
is normally not exceeding 100m.
• The elevation between the indoor and outdoor unit should not exceed
50m to prevent the refrigerant oil cannot return back to the outdoor
unit.
50
4.3 Central System
• The refrigeration plant is centralized and chilled water and/or hot water
is circulated within the building for cooling and/or heating of the air
conditioning space respectively.
• The is no limitation on the system capacity provided that small system
is economically justified
• Since the refrigeration equipment is centralized, it can easy of system
maintenance
• The heat rejection can be either air cooled or water cooled but the later
is preferred because of low condensing temperature thus result in
higher Coefficient of Performance (COP)
• Typical COP for air cooled and water cooled chiller is 3 and 5
respectively.
51
5.1 All Air System
• Only air is circulating and or distributed within the air conditioned space.
Design Consideration
• Only air ducts is installed within the air conditioned space thus eliminate
the risk of water damage by water pipes.
• Ceiling space shall be sufficient to cater for air duct installation.
• Major power supply is confined within the plant room only.
• Routine maintenance of the major air handling equipment is confined
inside plant room that reduce nuisance to occupant.
• Headroom constraint on condensate drain pipe is eliminated.
• Using ceiling void for air return can eliminate the provision of return air
duct but special attention should be drawn on:
- Fire compartment and smoke control of conditioned space and the
adjacent compartments.
- Surface spread of fire requirements of materials installed inside
ceiling void. 52
5.1 All Air System
Constant Air Volume
• Only single temperature and/or humidity are used as the system control
parameter.
• It is suitable for open plan application and eliminates using single
system to serve the conditioned space with external wall facing different
orientation. Modulating
Valve
C Controller
T Temperature
Sensor
Single
Zone R1 R2 R3 53
5.1 All Air System
Variable Air Volume (VAV)
• It is suitable for multi zone application with different individual
temperature and/or humidity set points.
• Terminal unit (VAV Box) is installed inside conditioned space to regulate
the supply air flow rate to meet the room control set point.
• VAV box composed of a damper for modulate the supply air flow rate
compete with a flow sensor at downstream of the damper as a
feedback signal to control the damper position such that the flow set
point can be assured be maintained. The control relies on the space
temperature as the set point for temperature control.
• Humidity control can be made by mixing the hot air supply by a second
VAV box. Alternatively, if heating only require in perimeter zone and
only a short period is require in a year, terminal reheat by duct heater at
downstream can be considered as an economic solution.
54
5.1 All Air System
Variable Air Volume (VAV) - Single Duct
• Either heating or cooling for the air conditioned space can be provided.
Modulating
Valve
Controller
Temperature
C T Sensor
C Terminal Unit -
C C C VAV Box
Multi-
Zone T T T
R1 R2 R3
55
5.1 All Air System
Variable Air Volume (VAV) - Single Duct with Terminal Reheat
• Suitable for system with minor heating load in winter on perimeter
zone and the duration within the season is short.
Modulating
Valve
Controller
Temperature
C T Sensor
C Terminal Unit -
C C C VAV Box
Duct Heater
Multi-
Zone T T T
Interior Interior Perimeter
Zone Zone Zone
R1 R2 R3
56
5.1 All Air System
Variable Air Volume (VAV) - Dual Duct
Modulating
Valve
Temperature
C T
Sensor
Controller
C T
C
Terminal Unit -
C C C C VAV Box
Multi-
Zone T T
R1 R2 57
5.2 Air-Water System
• AIR - Pretreated fresh air supplied to conditioned space to suit
ventilation requirements and dehumidification of outdoor air.
• WATER - Chilled water distributed within the conditioned space to take
up the space cooling load whereas hot water for heating load.
• Terminal unit can be small capacity fan coil unit and / or air handling
unit to suit the spatial constraint of the conditioned space
• Space requirement for ducting installation is reduced when compare
with All-Air system but another consideration on headroom for maintain
the 1:100 fall of condensate drain is required.
• Normally adopt temperature control only.
58
2-pipes system
• For either cooling or heating only.
• If system requires seasonal changes between cooling and heating,
system changeover takes time for gradual changes to avoid thermal
stress on system equipment.
Chilled Water
Supply & Return
Pipes Solenoid
Modulating
Valve Valve C C
C T C C
Fan Coil Unit

C
T T
Pretreat Fresh Air
Handling Unit
Zone
59
4-pipes system
• Cooling and heating can be provided within the conditioned space
simultaneously.
• Humidity control can be applied as well.
Hot Water Supply

& Return Pipes
Chilled Water
Supply & Return Solenoid
Pipes Valve C
C H
Fan Coil Unit

T
60
5.3 All-Water System
• Only chilled water distributed into the conditioned space and can be
either 2-pipes or 4-pipes system.
• Wall opening on external wall shall be provided for fresh air intake.
• Terminal unit can be small capacity fan coil unit and / or air handling
unit to suit the spatial constrain of the conditioned space.
• For fan coil unit being used, special attention should be drawn on the
humidity level could be higher because the dehumidification
performance of fan coil unit is weak when compare with the cooling coil
in air handling unit.
61
5.3 All-Water System
2-pipes system
• For either cooling or heating only.
• If system requires seasonal changes between cooling and heating,
system changeover takes time for gradual changes to avoid thermal
stress on system equipment.
Chilled Water
Supply & Return
Pipes Solenoid
Valve C C
C C
Fan Coil Unit

T T
Zone
4-pipes system
62
• System configuration similar as Air-Water System.
5.4 Chilled Water System
• Consideration should be made on system balancing for maintain
sufficient chilled water supply to terminal unit.
• Chilled water flowing in a circuit will favour to the path with less
resistance and same analogy as electric circuit theory.
• Balancing valve will be installed in chilled water distribution branch to
increase the water side pressure drop such that desired water flow rate
could be achieved.
• The system pressure drop, ∆P, can be represented by:
∆P = RV& 2
where R is flow resistance and V& is chilled water flow rate.
• For control valve which regulate the chilled water flowing through the
terminal unit and the system water flow rate will vary with the
simultaneous demand.
• Hot water system is using the same principle as chilled water supply.
63
Direct Return
Chilled Water Supply Pipe
Control
Valve
Chiller
Chiller
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Balancing
Valve
Chilled Water Return Pipe
64
Direct Return
• The former the terminal unit connect to chilled water supply pipe that
the return pipe run will be shorter.
• Difficult in chilled water flow balancing because the system pressure
drop difference significantly in the first and last terminal units.
65
Reverse Return
Chilled Water Supply Pipe
Control
Valve
Chiller
Chiller
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Balancing
Valve
Chilled Water Return Pipe
66
Reverse Return
• The former the terminal unit connect to the chilled water supply pipe
that the chilled water return pipe run will be longer.
• Easier in chilled water flow balancing because the system pressure
drop of each terminal unit is nearly the same and only minor
adjustment by balancing valve is required.
• Higher piping cost may result because of additional reverse return pipe
but can be minimized by properly allocate the chilled water risers.
67
6.1 Chiller
Factors to be Considered on Equipment Selection:
• Cooling Capacity
• Outdoor / Condenser Water Supply Temperature.
• Chilled Water Leaving Temperature.
• Fouling Factor
• Size and Configuration of Equipment
• Running and Starting Current
• Supply Voltage
Low voltage chiller can have cooling capacity up to 1,000Ton with air
cooled chiller up to the maximum limit of 400Ton
High voltage chiller can be considered from 1,000 Ton and onward.
68
6.1 Chiller
• Type of Compressor
Reciprocating compressor suitable for small capacity with each
compressor cater for around 100 Ton cooling capacity. It will generate
more operating noise as it involves positive displacement component
such as piston and cylinder.
69
6.1 Chiller
Screw compressor is rotary which suitable for cooling capacity similar
as reciprocating type. It generates less operating noise when compare
with reciprocating type.
70
6.1 Chiller
Centrifugal compressor which is no limit in capacity and can be
designed using single compressor for and cooling capacity.
71
6.1 Chiller
Air-cooled Chiller
Schematic Diagram of Air-cooled Chiller 72

6.1 Chiller
Air-cooled Chiller
• Heat rejection to atmosphere directly by circulating air across the
condenser.
• The condenser is constructed by copper pipe mechanically expanded
to fit the aluminum fins that refrigerant run inside the pipe and air is
circulating outside.
• For high corrosive environment, the condenser coil should have epoxy
coating to protect the aluminum fins against corrosion or using brass
fins but result in higher equipment cost.
• The condensing temperature of refrigerant must be higher than
outdoor air to facilitate effective heat exchange that can take place.
• Normal condensing temperature for air cooled chiller is 45°C to suit
Hong Kong climatic conditions.
• Typical chilled water supply temperature is set at 7°C.
• The condensing and chilled water temperature governs the COP of air
73
cooled chiller at around 3.
6.1 Chiller
Water-cooled Chiller
Schematic Diagram of Water-cooled Chiller 74

6.1 Chiller
Water-cooled Chiller
• Heat rejection to atmosphere is indirectly via condenser water
circulating across the shell and tube or plate type heat exchanger to
absorb heat from refrigerant.
• The hot condenser water reject heat to atmosphere by evaporative
cooling takes place in cooling tower.
• Since the condenser water can be cooled down to 30°C by evaporative
cooling and the normal condensing temperature for water cooled chiller
can be set at 35°C such that the COP can be achieved to 5.
75
6.2 Cooling Tower
76
6.2 Cooling Tower
• Cooling tower is designed for evaporative cooling of water takes place
by reject heat to atmosphere via latent heat exchange from water to air.
• The filler inside the cooling tower is increasing the wetted contact
surface area to increase the heat transfer efficiency.
• Natural draft and forced draft cooling tower is available and the former
commonly used in power plant whereas the later widely used in air
conditioning.
• The latent heat of evaporation of 1kg of water liberate 2,400kJ of heat
energy.
• The condenser water entering (Twi) and leaving (Two) temperature in
cooling tower is about 35°C and 30°C respectively. For 1kg of water
circulating in cooling tower (mw) which reduce in heat energy is:
= mwCpw(Twi – Two) where Cpw is Specific Heat of Water = 4.2kJ/kg
= 21kJ (less than 1% of latent heat loss of 1kg water)
• For simplicity, loss of water in evaporation = 1% of water circulation 77
rate.
6.2 Cooling Tower
Drip Loss
• Water spray on top of the cooling tower with water droplets being
extracted out in the air stream which is classified as Drip Loss, m & drip .
• It depends on cooling tower construction and air flow velocity but can
be taken as 1% of the condenser water mass flow rate for system
design.
Air Mass Flow Rate
• Heat balance equation of cooling tower: Air Discharge
& w Cpw (Twi − Two ) = m
m & a (hao − hai ) hao m& a ,m
& drip
hao
Twi
o
&w
m
hai
Air Intake
hai
i &m
m Two
Tao=Twi Make-up Water &w

m 78
6.2 Cooling Tower
Make-up Water
• Heat balance equation of water:
m& w Cpw (Twi − Two ) = m
& eh w −fg
where,
hw-fg is enthalpy change of water from liquid to vapour.
• Make-up water mass flow rate:
m& m =m & e +m& drip
 Cpw (Twi − Two ) 
& w
=m + 0.01
 h w − fg 
79
6.3 Pump
• It drives water within distribution piping network and increase water
pressure to cater for the flow induced pressure drop within the network
80
6.4 Piping System
Pipe Friction
• Darcy Formula – Full Bore Pipe Flow
(Chilled Water and Condenser Water Pipe)
4fl V 2
∆P = ×
D 2g
where,
f is friction factor found in Moody Diagram depends on
Reynolds Number, Re = ρDV/µ,
Pipe roughness, ε
Pipe diameter D.
∆P is pressure drop in (m)
81
6.4 Piping System
Chilled Water and Condenser Water Pipe
• Pressure Drop range between 200 to 400Pa/m
• Flow velocity should keep below 2.5m/s
82
6.4 Piping System
Chilled Water and Condenser
Water Pipe
• Total Pressure Drop in piping and
fittings,
 ∆P 
Pf −pipe = (L + ∑ L e ) ×  
 L 
where,
L is length of pipe (m)
 ∆P  pressure drop per meter
 
 L 
length (Pa/m)
Le is equivalent length of fittings (m)
83
Le D
6.4 Piping System
Condensate Drain Pipe
• Mass flow rate of condensate,
V& S
m& cond = (w M − w C )
νC
• Knowing the mass flow rate and with condensate drain pipe gradient
set at 1 : 100, pipe size can be determined by Colebrook-White
Equation.
Psychrometric
Chart
E
R
C S
84
6.4 Piping System
Condensate Drain Pipe
• Alternatively, condensate drain pipe can be sized by the cooling
capacity of unit being served. Typical figures can be found from table
below:
85
6.5 Fan
• It drives air in ducting system that air is transporting from one place to
another or circulating within the space. There is an increase in air
pressure to cater for flow induced pressure drop within the distribution
system.
• Typical fan duct system:
Intake
Louver Filter Fan Damper
Ducting & Fittings
Diffuser
Basic Selection Criteria
• Type of Fan – Axial, Centrifugal, Propeller
• Air Flow Rate
• Pressure Differential
• Size of Equipment
86
6.6 Air Duct
• For distribution and/or circulate air in a conditioned space in a
controlled manner.
• Fire damper shall be provided for air duct passes through fire
compartment wall or floor slab to maintain the integrity of fire
compartment.
• In some critical area, smoke fire damper is required for smoke control
as well.
• Shape of air duct can be round, oval or the commonly used
rectangular.
• For rectangular duct, the aspect ratio (Width / Height) should better be
maintained at not more than 4 to optimize the flow induced pressure
drop.
Round Rectangular H Oval Duct

Duct Duct
87
W
6.6 Air Duct
Duct Velocity (Recommended by CIBSE Guide C Table 4.34)
• Low Velocity Air Duct System – 3 to 6m/s.
• High Velocity Air Duct System – 7.5 to 15m/s
• However, due to space constrain, the main duct velocity in Low
Velocity System will be up to 8m/s whereas kitchen exhaust will be up
to 10m/s or above.
Application Main Duct Branch Duct Final Duct
Velocity Velocity Velocity
Private Office, Library 6.0 5.5 3.0
General Office, Restaurant, Bank 7.5 6.0 3.5
(Figures extracted from CIBSE Guide B3 Table 3.1)
88
6.7 Air Handling Unit
• For processing air circulating within conditioned space that house all
components within a unit that can compose of the following:
Filters
Cooling Coil
Heating Coil
Humidifier
Fan, etc.
Modular Type Air Handling Unit

• There is no limit in capacity provided that there is no space constrain
on equipment installation
89
6.8 Fan Coil Unit
90
Ceiling Recessed Type
6.8 Fan Coil Unit
Ceiling Exposed Type 91

6.9 Terminal Unit – VAV Box
Acoustic Lining
Flow
Sensor
Damper
Upstream From Downstream To
Supply Air Duct Slot Diffuser
Controller
False Ceiling
Space Temperature
Sensor and Controller
92
6.9 Terminal Unit – VAV Box
• The control set point if the room temperature for temperature control
only.
• Controller regulate the supply air flow rate to achieve the control set
point.
• A flow sensor at downstream of the damper provide feedback signal to
the controller to reflect the actual supply flow rate.
93
6.10 Diffuser / Louver
• Diffuser is used to supply air to a conditioned space such that preferred
flow pattern is achieved.
• Louver is used for air intake or discharge in which weatherproof type
shall be used at building perimeter that will subject to weather
conditions thus avoid water ingress into the ducting system.
• The flow velocity at diffuser / louver shall be maintained for thermal
comfort and achieving acoustic requirement.
Application Critical Normal Uncritical
Supply 1.5 2.5 3.0
Return 2.0 3.0 4.0
(Figures extracted from CIBSE Guide B3 Table 3.4)
94
Square Diffuser
• Suitable for office application installed with false ceiling such that
supply air will stick along false ceiling soffit thus achieve high servicing
distance.
Linear Diffuser
• Provide downward or inclined flow pattern which depends on angle of
blade being selected.
• The width can be as small as 100mm and can be tailor made to suit
the ceiling curvature that is it is widely used to suit the ceiling pattern
designed by interior designer.
Register
• Suitable for supply air flow required minor adjustment in flow
direction(s) that the blade angle can be adjusted manually.
95
Slot Diffuser
• It is utilized in VAV system because of satisfactory flow pattern can be
achieved when the supply air flow is low.
Jet Nozzle
• Normally used in the perimeter of Atrium because the supply air can be
jet at low level at a predesigned throw distance.
• For Atrium with its high ceiling height is expected, supply air vertically
downward is ineffective and jet nozzle is a preferred option.
96
6.11 Air Filter
Viscous Filter
• Surface of the filtering media is coated with a layer of the viscous oil
that dust particulate is stick over when air stream passing through. It is
suitable for industrial application.
• Cell Type – Chips of filtering media embedded in a frame that
replacement is required if duct hold down capacity reduced to
unacceptable level.
Air Flowing
Over
Chips coated
with Viscous Oil Dust Particulate
Stick Over
Filter Cell
Air with Dust

Particulate
97
6.11 Air Filter
Viscous Filter
• Automatic type – Rolling belt fixed with free rotating blade that
immerse in the basin of viscous oil to washout the accumulated dust
and refresh the viscous oil over the blade surface for next filtering
cycle.
Free Rotating
Blade
Oil Basin
98
6.11 Air Filter
Dry Filter - Washable Filter
• The filtering media is aluminum wire that is washable for removing dust
being trapped inside. Frequently used in HVAC system for air filtering
in fan coil unit or pre-filter in air handling unit.
• Filtering efficiency can be 50 to 65%.
99
6.11 Air Filter
Dry Filter - Disposable Type Filter
• Modular or cell type which using cotton-wool or fiberglass as the
filtering media. The dust hold down capacity is very large and filtering
efficiency can be as high as 80 - 95% even higher.
• The filtering media normally installed in V shape to increase its contact
surface area with some of them inserted with corrugated metal sheet to
maintain air passage area thus minimize system pressure drop.
V-Shape Bag Filter Filter with Corrugated 100

Metal Sheet
6.11 Air Filter
Electric Filter – Electrostatic Precipitator
• As air enters the electrostatic precipitator, the particles pass through an
electrical field that gives an electrical charge to the particles.
• The charged particles pass through a series of alternately charged
collector plates.
• Particles are repelled by plates with the same polarity and attracted to
plates with opposite polarity.
Working Principle of Electrostatic Precipitator

101
6.11 Air Filtration
Absorption Filter
• It uses water to absorb the water soluble gas in the air stream which is
classified as pollutant.
• In parallel, dust particles and suspended particulate will be washing out
as well that’s widely used in kitchen exhaust for reduction of pollutant
concentration.
• Chemical reaction will take place in the absorption process.
• It can be as simple as having a chamber with water spray and air
passing through for pollutant removal.
102
6.11 Air Filtration
Adsorption Filter
• No chemical reaction will take place and is purely a physical process.
• Activated carbon that adsorb the gaseous pollutant contribute to odour.
• It is frequently used in Refuse Room for odour removal and is effective
for cigarette smoke as well.
103
6.12 Thermal Insulation
• To minimize the heat transfer of water pipes and air duct to the
surrounding by wrapping a layer of material with low thermal
conductivity, k (W/mK).
• To maintain the temperature at the outer surface of thermal insulation
to a level higher than the dew point temperature of the surrounding air
thus avoid condensate appeared over the surface
• Vapour barrier shall be provided to main the air tightness of the outer
surface of thermal insulation especially at the junction of insulating
materials. The ingress of air in contact with cold surface will result in
damping of thermal insulation thus increase in thermal conductivity that
break the function of thermal insulation.
104
• The following is table showing the commonly used thermal insulation
and its surface characteristics.. Special attention shall be drawn on
thermal insulation in exposed weather condition and inside plant room
will be finished by cement sand plaster to protect against mechanical
damage as well as deteriorated by sunlight radiation.
Type Surface Finish Characteristic Remark
Fiberglass Aluminum Highly Absorb
Foil Water
Phenoic Aluminum Absorb Water
Foam Foil
Polystyrene Bare Flammable Cement plaster shall be applied
over external surface
Elastomer Bare Slightly Absorb Avoid direct sunlight exposure
Water otherwise anti-UV paint should
be applied
105
• In pipe or duct support location, high density type thermal insulation
shall be used and using metal strip to spread the loading may required
to avoid squeezing of the thermal insulation.
• Thermal insulation should not pass through the fire compartment wall
or floor slab unless a fire collar is installed to hinder the fire
propagation through the gap for thermal insulation.
106
6.13 Chemical Treatment
• By adding chemicals into chilled water, hot water and condenser water
at the desired concentration to inhibit Corrosion, Scale and Biological
growth.
• For hot water and condenser water system, chemically shall be added
to prevent legionnaire disease control.
• Periodic water sample check is required to ensure the desired
chemical concentration is being maintained.
107
6.14 Feed and Expansion System
• Water changes its temperature will changes its volume according to its
change in density.
• Feed and expansion tank is required as a buffer to retain or replenish
the volumetric change of water in distribution network against
temperature change.
• Tank can be closed type (Pneumatic tank) or open type (Water Tank
located above the topmost terminal unit)
• The change in water volume, ∆V (m3), can be determined by:
∆V = MW × (v1 - v2)
where,
MW is total weight of system water (kg)
v1 is specific volume of water at initial water temperature (m3/kg)
v2 is specific volume of water at final water temperature (m3/kg)
• Tank effective volume shall sufficient to take up ∆V.
108
6.15 Automatic Control
• Automatic control covers from the chiller plant to as small as a single
fan coil unit should be provided to maintain the system in desired
operating conditions as well as energy management.
Example 1
• Chiller plant should be automatically controlled to suit the cooling load
demand.
• Sequencing can be adopted to optimize the operating life of the
equipment.
• Energy management can be included to optimize the chiller operating
efficiency but one should know the cooling load history for system
design.
109
Example 2
• Chiller Start Sequence
1) Start the chilled water pump.
2) Open the motorized valve at downstream of chiller for chilled water
pass through.
3) If sufficient chilled water flow is detected by the flow meter, chiller
can be started.
4) The chiller capacity and operating characteristic will be adjusted by
its built-in chiller control to maintain the preset chilled water supply
temperature.
110
Example 2
• Chiller Stop Sequence:
1) Stop the chiller.
2) Continue operate the chilled water pump for a short period (say 5
minutes) for the residual liquid refrigerant at evaporator to absorb
heat from chilled water.
3) Close the motorized valve at downstream of chiller.
4) Stop the chilled water pump.
• For water cooled chiller, similar approach for condenser water pump,
cooling tower shall be applied
111
7. References
7.1 Building Service and Equipment - F Hall (Pearson Publishing)
7.2 ASHARE – Fundamentals
7.3 CIBSE Guide A, B & C
7.3 Air Conditioning Engineering – W.P. Jones (ELBS)
112

HVAC Requirements

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HVAC Requirements

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Fundamental Design Requirements of

HVAC System for Buildings

2016 © Prepared by: Ir K. K. Lam – Director of PineBridge Consulting Limited 1

PSYCHROMETRIC Moisture Content,

cooling and dehumidification processes from

• In reality, when air stream pass through

Convection Evaporation Radiation

Thermal Transmission Load

Equipment Load Lighting Load

Fresh Air Load

U-Value, U = 1 / RTOT = 1 / 2.807 = 0.356W/m2K

U-Value, U = 1 / RTOT = 1 / 0.467 = 2.141W/m2K

Omission of insulation layer that will increase the heat gain

Fan Coil Unit

Hot Water Supply

Fan Coil Unit

Fan Coil Unit

Chilled Water Supply Pipe

Chilled Water Return Pipe

Chilled Water Supply Pipe

Chilled Water Return Pipe

Schematic Diagram of Air-cooled Chiller 72

Schematic Diagram of Water-cooled Chiller 74

Tao=Twi Make-up Water &w

Round Rectangular H Oval Duct

Modular Type Air Handling Unit

Ceiling Exposed Type 91

Air with Dust

V-Shape Bag Filter Filter with Corrugated 100

Working Principle of Electrostatic Precipitator

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