Air conditioning systems Lecture No.

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Air conditioning systems

The removal of heat within an enclosed space must be considered as a

multi-step heat transfer process.
1- Heat passes from the occupants or equipment to the air within the space,
and
2- From there to the refrigerant or chilled water. It follows that the
temperature differences at each step are a reciprocal function of the air
mass flow. Where there is a high latent heat load within the space, the
relative humidity will also vary with the air flow – the variation being
higher with low air flow.

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Air conditioning systems Lecture No.(10)

1. All- air systems

a) Single zone
b) Reheat
c) Variable air volume
d) Induction
e) Dual duct
2. Air- water system
a) Two pipe
b) Three pipe
c) Four pipe
d) Secondary water
e) Induction
f) Dual duct induction
g) Fan coil with primary air
3. All water system
4. Multiple units

Fig(1): All-air system

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Air conditioning systems Lecture No.(10)

a) Single zone constant volume systems:

Is simplest all air system is a supply unit, Serving a single zone.
*) Air handling unit can be installed either with a zone or remote from the
space it service.
*) It is called as a constant volume system as the volumetric flow rate of
supply air is always maintained constant.
*) It is a single zone system as the control is based on temperature and
humidity ratio measured at a single point.
*) Air handling unit may be operate with or without ductwork.
*) A single zone responds to only one set of space conditions.

Fig(2) : air handler and associated controls for a simple single – zone
constant volume all air system

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Air conditioning systems Lecture No.(10)

C Controller, motor starter

CHR Chilled water return
CHS Chilled water supply
DA Direct acting
DM Damper motor
DR Discriminator relay
FS Fire safety switch
HWR Hot water return
HWS Hot water supply
LLT Low temperature safety
MPS Motor positioning system
NC Normally closed
NOZ Normally open
P Pressure switch or sensor
RA Reverse acting
V Coil for solenoid valve

*) In this particular system the room thermostat maintains the desired

temperature in the zone by control of the temperature of the air being supplied
to the zone. The discharge thermostat takes a signal from the zone
thermostat and opens or closes the appropriate valve on the heating or cooling
coil to maintain the desired room temperature.
*) Because the heating valve is normally open and direct acting, and the zone
thermostat is direct acting, an increase in room temperature will cause the hot
water valve to close to a lower flow condition.

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Air conditioning systems Lecture No.(10)

*) When cooling is required, the hot water valve will be closed and the cooling
water valve will respond in the proper direction to the thermostat.
*) The discharge thermostat could be eliminated from the circuit and the zone
thermostat control on the valves directly, but response to space temperature
changes would be slower.
Advantages of Single Zone, Constant Volume Systems:
1. The primary advantage of a single zone central system is simplicity of
design;
2. Single zone systems are the most basic and least complex of central all-air
systems;
3. Low first cost among all types of systems;
4. Easiest to maintain.
Disadvantages of Single Zone, Constant Volume Systems:
1. It can effectively condition only one zone. This is only a disadvantage when
improperly applied.
2. Because control is achieved at the air-handling unit, single zone systems
are not easily modified to serve multiple zones, should building usage change
with time.
Applications of Single Zone, Constant Volume Systems:
Typically applications of constant volume, single zone systems include: -
1. Space with uniform loads such as large open areas with small external loads
e.g. theatres, auditorium, and departmental stores;
2. Small spaces requiring precision control such as laboratories;
3. Multiple single zone systems for large areas.

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Air conditioning systems Lecture No.(10)

b) Reheat systems

Fig(3) : Simplified control schematics for a constant – volume reheat system

*) The reheat system is a modification of the single – zone constant – volume
system.
*) Its purpose is to permit zone or space control for areas of unequal loading,
or to provide heating or cooling of perimeter areas with different exposures.
*) It an excellent system in which low humidities need to be maintained.
*) conditioned air is supplied from a central unit at fixed cold air temperature
sufficiently low to take care of the zone having the maximum cooling load.
*) Reheat is permitted in systems that serve application such as museums,
surgical suites.
*) This is economizer arrangement where outdoor air is used to provide
cooling when outdoor temperatures are sufficiently low. Sensor T1 determines
the damper positions and thus the outdoor air intake.
*) the outdoor damper must always be open sufficiently to provide the
minimum outdoor air required for maintaining good indoor air quality.
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Air conditioning systems Lecture No.(10)

Advantages of Single Duct, Multi-zone Systems:

• Relatively small space requirement;
• Excellent temperature and humidity control over a wide range of zone
loads;
• Proper ventilation and air quality in each zone is maintained as the supply
air amount is kept constant under all conditions
Disadvantages of Single Duct, Multi-zone Systems:
• Expensive to operate.
• These systems are energy inefficient as the system involve simultaneous
use of cooling and reheat. For this reason, use of reheat systems is strictly
regulated by most energy codes and standards. Many state and local
regulations restrict the use of reheat.
Applications of Single Duct, Multi-zone Systems:
• Zone or space control for areas of unequal loading;
• Heating or cooling of perimeter areas with different exposures;
• Where close control of both temperature and humidity is desired in process
or comfort applications;
• Areas with high latent loads;
• It is flexible and reheat can be added or removed to accommodate changes
in zoning.

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