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Most often the HVAC systems are selected based solely on initial cost, or the designer's
experience. This is however short sighted approach. The selection process should consist of
a detailed performance analysis for various systems.
The HVAC system with the highest numerical value then becomes the recommended HVAC
system. Examples of similar installations for other owners should be included with this
report to support the final recommendation. Identifying a third party for an endorsement
allows the owner to inquire about the success of other HVAC installations.
Example
Let’s examine the 3 options of HVAC systems suitability for a high-rise building in an
example below:
(scale economy)
Life-cycle cost 9** 8 72 6 54 8 72
(Energy &
Maintenance)
Project Schedule 7 6 42 8 56 8 56
System Flexibility 9** 6 54 7 63 9 81
Reliability/ 9** 8 72 6 54 8 72
Maintainability
LEED Certification 7 9 63 7 49 8 56
Control Systems 7 8 56 6 42 8 56
Total Score 799 678 754
Priority 1 3 2
The relative importance of factors differs with owners and often changes from one project
to another. For example, typical concerns of owners include first cost compared to
operating cost, the extent and frequency of maintenance and whether that maintenance
requires entering the occupied space, the expected frequency of failure of a system, the
impact of a failure, and the time required to correct the failure. Each of these concerns has a
different priority, depending on the owner’s goals.
The owner can only make appropriate value judgments, if the design engineer provides
complete information on the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Just as the
owner does not usually know the relative advantages and disadvantages of different HVAC
systems, the design engineer rarely knows all the owner’s financial and functional goals. A
compromise must be made for most important design criteria.
So now that you are well versed with the three main categories of air conditioning units, it’s
time to select appropriate option for your building. Some drivers involve the design of the
building itself – height, visibility of equipment, and proximity to surrounding buildings –
while others entail the developer’s preference – initial installation cost, aesthetics, and long
term maintenance and life cycle costs. These, and many other variables, factor into the
decision-making process.
Here are some pointers highlighting the salient features of a centralized HVAC system and a
localized HVAC system. Owners, architects, engineers, designers and other users can discuss
these options with relative objectivity to make the informed decision.
Maintenance
however is complex
and has to be carried
out by specialist
contractors or
Original Equipment
Manufacturers
(OEMs)
Heat rejection Air cooled only Both air and water Both air and water
cooled cooled
Life Safety, smoke No Possible Yes
control integration Dedicated smoke Most fire codes
exhaust and makeup mandate mechanical
air systems must be smoke control and
added separately to removal systems in
the system, which high-rise buildings.
entails both cost and The central system
space. design allows for
smoke control
capability and
stairwell
Characteristics Decentralized Semi-Centralized Centralized Systems
Systems (Window/ (Package / Roof top (Chillers)
Splits/VRF) Systems)
pressurization
system.
Operator No May be required Required
Initial cost Lower overall costs Medium Higher, because
design, engineering
The equipment costs The layout is simple
and construction take
may be higher but and repeated
longer time.
the design and multiple times,
construction costs which saves design
are lower. time.
Operating cost Lower Medium Higher (note kW/TR
is lowest)