Air conditioning

Introduction

 A true air-conditioning system provides full control

of
 air temperature
 humidity
 freshness
 cleanliness
 Classification

AC systems

Partially
centralised
Centralised air Local systems
air/water
systems

 Constant volume  Fan coils  Split units

 Variable air volume  Chilled beams  Variable refrigerant
 Displacement  Chilled ceilings flow (VRF)
ventilation  Room based heat
pumps (Versatemp
system)
 Heat carrying capacity

Q  mC p T
m = mass flow rate
Cp = heat capacity at constant pressure
ΔT = temperature difference

Density Cp (kJ/kg.K)
(kg/m3)
Air 1.184 1.012
Water 1000 4.181

Heat carrying capacity of water is approx 3500

times that of air.
Centralised air system

 Air is the only medium

providing cooling
 Cooling and
humidification/dehumidifica
tion is provided in the
central plant
 Cold air is distributed to
various zones in the building
Partially centralised air/water systems

 Low space requirements

 Reduced size of air handling
system
 Individual space temperature
control
 Energy savings
Local systems

 Not linked to any centralised

plant
 Only provide cooling in the
immediate space where they
are
 May or may not provide
ventilation
Constant air volume

 Provide a fixed
volume of air at a
temperature and
humidity
 Not generally
suitable for
buildings with
multiple zones
 Except if it
incorporates re-
heaters in each zone
Variable air volume

 Used in buildings
with multiple
zones
 Can be relatively
energy efficient
during periods of
low to moderate
loads
 Good temperature
control
 Higher capital and
maintenance costs
 Fan-coil unit
 Comprises a fan, heating coil,
cooling coil and air filter, all
housed in a metal casing
 Fan draws room air and
fresh air through the filter
and across the heating and
cooling coils
 Ideally suited to buildings
with multiple zones
 Small diameter ductwork is
required
 Fan coil systems only need
relatively small air
handling plant
 Risk of condensation on
cooling coils
Chilled beams/ceilings

 Mounted at high level

 Provide a quiet, draught-free
operation
 Passive or active (fan-assisted)
 Minimal maintenance
requirements
 Ceiling void space: min
300mm for chilled beams and
around 60-70 mm for chilled
ceilings
Split units

 Relatively quick and easy to

install.
 Do not require any form of
plant room/area within
 the building.
 Heat pump systems provide
heating and cooling.
 Simple occupant control
provided
 Only suitable for relatively
small spaces.
 Outdoor units can be
unsightly.
Variable refrigerant flow

 Provides simultaneous heating

and cooling
 Relatively quick and easy to
install
 No plant room/area within the
building
 Simple occupant control
provide
 Specialist equipment
 Case Study

Trou aux Biches Hotel