Terminology 285

Dual Path: A system in which the air flows through heating and
cooling coils essentially parallel to each other. The coils may be
side-by-side or stacked. Multizone and dual duct systems are
dual path. Some systems may not have a heating coil but instead
bypass return air or mixed air into the hot deck.

Dumping: The rapidly falling action of cold air caused by a vari-

able air volume box or other device reducing airflow velocity.

Economizer Control: A control system for the changeover be-

tween natural cooling with outside air instead of refrigerated
mechanical cooling.

Effective Area: The sum of the areas of all the vena contractas
existing at the outlet. Effective area is affected by the number of
orifices and the exact location of the vena contractas, and the size
and shape of the grille bars, diffuser rings, etc. Manufacturers
have conducted airflow tests and, based on their findings, they’ve
established flow factors, or area correction factors, for their prod-
ucts. Each flow factor, sometimes called “K-factor” or “AK,” ap-
plies to a specific type and size of grille, register or diffuser, a
specific air measuring instrument, and the correct positioning of
that instrument.

Efficiency: Useful energy output divided by the power input.

Energy: A measure of power consumed. The ability to do work.

Stored work. The units of energy are foot-pound, Btu, and kilo-
watt-hour.

Energy Management System: A system based on a microproces-

sor, microcomputer, or minicomputer whose primary function is
the controlling of energy using equipment so as to reduce the
amount of energy used. Also called Energy Management Control
System.
286 HVAC Fundamentals

Enthalpy: Total heat content. Thermodynamic property of a

working substance.

Evaporation Stage: Evaporation stage is the heating of a liquid

refrigerant to convert it to a vapor in the evaporator.

Evaporator Coil: A coil containing a refrigerant other than water

used for cooling the air.

Face Velocity: The average velocity of the air leaving a coil, sup-
ply air outlet, or entering a return air inlet, exhaust air inlet, or
fume hood.

Feet Per Minute: Air velocity (fpm)

Fluid: A liquid or a vapor. A vapor is a compressible fluid and a

liquid is a non-compressible fluid.

Grille: A wall, ceiling or floor mounted louvered or perforated

covering for an air opening. To control airflow pattern, some
grilles have a removable louver. Reversing or rotating the louver
changes the air direction. Grilles are also available with adjustable
horizontal or vertical bars so the direction, throw, and spread of
the supply air stream can be controlled.

Heat: Heat is form of energy transferred by a difference in tem-

perature. Heat always flows from a higher temperature to a lower
temperature. In HVAC systems fluids such as air, water, and re-
frigerants are used to carry or transfer heat from one place to an-
other.

Heat Exchanger: A heat exchanger is a device such as a water or

refrigerant coil that is designed to allow the transfer of heat be-
tween two physically separated fluids.

High Pressure Systems: Static pressures above 6 in. wg. (6"wg.),

with velocities above 2000 feet per minute.