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Letter Grouping Term

A absolute filter

A absolute humidity
A absolute pressure
A absolute temperature
A absolute vacuum
A absolute viscosity

A absolute zero temperature

A absorbate

absorbent

A absorber

A absorber area

A absorber spray pumps

A absorber surface

A absorptance

A absorption

A absorption chiller

A absorption coefficient

A absorption hygrometer (chemical hygrometer)


A absorption refrigerating system

A absorptivity

A AC
A acceleration

A acceleration due to gravity

A accelerometer

A acceptable indoor air quality

A acceptable performance

A acceptable thermal environment

A acceptable vulnerability

A acceptance

A acceptance angle

acceptance representative

access control
A access door

A access panel

A accessible

accidental release
A accumulator

A accuracy

acetylene welding
A acoustic anemometer

A acoustic environment

A acoustical Doppler effect

A acoustical thermometer

A acoustics

active tracer gas release


activated alumina desiccant

A activated carbon

active chilled beam

active power

A actuator

A acute toxicity

adapted plants

A adaptive model

A addenda

addition
A adiabatic compression
adiabatic efficiency
A adiabatic expansion

A adiabatic process

A adiabatic saturation

A adiabatic saturation temperature

A adjustable-frequency drive (AFD)

A adjusted net total capacity

A adopting authority
A ADPI

A adsorbent

A adsorption

A aeration

A aerodynamic excitation

A aerosol

A AFD
A age of air
agitator

agricultural land
A AHJ

A air atomizing burner

A air bound

A air change rate


A air changes

air changes per hour (ACH)


A air circulation

A air cleaner

A air cleaning

air cleaning system

A air conditioner

A air conditioning

A air contaminant

A air curtain

A air density

A air device

A air diffuser

A air diffusion

A air discharge coefficient

A air dispersion systems

A air distribution
A air distribution component

A air drop

A air dumping

A air economizer

A air eliminator

air entrainment
A air exchange

A air films

air filter bypass

A air infiltration

air inlet

air leakage

A air leakage factor

A air leakage rate

A air lock

A air main

A air mass
A air motor

A air outlet

A air pollutant

A air pollution

A air power

A air recirculating kitchen hood

A air separation (air fractionation)

A air separation unit

A air shutter

A air speed

A air splitter

A air spread

air stratification
A air system balancing
A air temperature
A air terminal

A air terminal device

A air terminal unit

A air throw

A air transport factor


A air treatment

A air valve

A air velocity

A air vent

A air washer

A air, exhaust
A air, makeup
A air, outdoor
A air, recirculated
A air, standard
A air, supply
A air, transfer
A air, ventilation

A air/cloth ratio

A air/gas ratio

A air/mass ratio

A air/media ratio

A air-blast cooling

A airborne particles
A airborne sound

A air-conditioner capacity

A air-conditioning installation

A air-conditioning system

A air-cooled air conditioner

A air-cooled condenser

A air-cycle refrigeration

A air-delivery rate
A air-diffusing ceiling

A air-diffusion performance index (ADPI)

A air-distribution envelope

A airflow

airflow rate (Q)

A airflow resistance

A airflow retarder

A airfoil

A air-handling unit (AHU)

airborne droplet nuclei


A airing
A air-side economizer

A airtight construction

A airtightness

A air-to-air energy recovery effectiveness

A air-to-air energy recovery system efficiency

A air-to-air heat exchanger

A AK factor

A alarm
alarm acknowledgment
A alarm point

A albedo

A algae

A algaecide

A algorithm

A alkalinity

A alkylbenzene

A allocation device

A alteration

A alternating current

A alternative energy sources

A ambient air

A ambient air conditions

A ambient noise

A ambient pressure

A ambient temperature

A ammonia refrigerant
A ampacity

A amplifier

A analog data

A analog display

A analog input
A analog output

A analog to digital converter

A analog transmission

A analytical solution

A analyzer

A anechoic termination

A anemometer

A aneroid barometer

A aneroid capsule

A anesthetic effect

A angle of discharge

A angle of incidence

A angle valve

A anion

A annealing

A annual fuel-utilization efficiency (AFUE)

A annual heating load

A annual incident unshaded total solar radiation

A annual mean zone air temperature

A annual sensible-cooling load


A annual transmitted solar radiation

A annular flow

A anode

anticipating control
A antisiphon valve

A aperture area

A aperture plane

A APLV

A apparatus dew point (ADP)

A apparent load

A apparent power

A apparent solar time

A apparent temperature

apparent thermal conductivity


A apparent volumetric efficiency

A application part-load value (APLV)

A application rating

A application-specific controller (ASC)

A approach

A approved
approximate lethal concentration (ALC)
A aquastat

A aquifer

A arc welding

A Archimedes principle

A architect

A architect engineer

A arithmetic-mean temperature difference

A aromatic content

A aromatic hydrocarbon

A as-built records

A aseptic environment

ASHRAE atmospheric dust spot efficiency

A ASHRAE arrestance

A ASHRAE synthetic-arrestance dust

A aspect ratio

A aspirated psychrometer

A aspiration

A assembly

A atmospheric burner

A atmospheric condenser

A atmospheric dust
A atmospheric freeze drying

A atmospheric pressure

A atmospheric tower

A atomize

A attenuation

A attic fan

A attic ventilation

A authority

A authority having jurisdiction

A automatic

A automatic changeover

A automatic control device

A automation

A auxiliary air

A auxiliary devices

A auxiliary energy
A auxiliary fuel

A auxiliary thermal source

A available energy

A average age of air

A average air outlet speed (Vo)

A average arrestance

A average ASHRAE arrestance


A average ASHRAE dust-spot efficiency

A Avogadro’s law

A axial fan

A axial flow compressor

A axonometric drawing

A azeotrope

A azeotropic blend

A azeotropic point

A azeotropic refrigerant

A azeotropic temperature

A alpha-value (α-value)

B Babo’s law

B back pressure

B back pressure valve

B back siphonage

B backdraft damper

B backflow

B backflow preventer

B backflow prevention

B background irradiance
B background noise

B back-siphonage preventer

B backward-curved impeller

B backward-inclined impeller

B baffle

B balance point

B balanced draft

B balanced flow

B balanced heat recovery

B balanced relief valve

B balancer

B balancing

B balancing damper

B balancing station

B balancing valve

B ball valve

B ballast

B ballast factor

B ballast losses

B barometer

B barometric condenser

B barometric damper
B barometric effect

B barometric pressure

B BAS

B base temperature

B base use

B baseboard radiator

B baseline building design

B baseline building performance

B baseline data

B baseline model

B baseline period

B basis of design (BOD)

Baudelot cooler
B beam irradiance

B Beer’s law

B bellows

B bellows seal

B bellows valve

B bias

B bifurcated fan

B billing data
B billing demand

bimetallic element
B bimetallic thermometer

B bin

B bin method

B binary

B binary vapor cycle

B biocide

B biological deposits

B blackbody

B blackbody equivalent temperature

B blade pitch

B blade twist

B blanket thermal insulation

B blast coil

B blast freezer

B blast gate
B blast gate damper

B blast heater

B bleed valve

B bleeder

B blends

B blind flange
B block thermal insulation

B blowdown

B blower

B blower door

B blowoff valve

B blowthrough unit

B blue energy

B BMS

B boiler

B boiler burner unit

B boiler capacity

B boiler crown sheet

B boiler feed pump

B boiler feedwater

B boiler feedwater heater

B boiler foaming

B boiler generator

B boiler heating surface

B boiler horsepower

B boiler priming

boiler rating
B boiler water leg
B boiler waterline
boiling ebullition process
B boiling point

B boil-off gas
B bolometer

B bonding

B booster

B boot

B bore

B boundary conditions

B boundary layer

boundary layer flow

B Bourdon gage

B Boyle’s law

B brackish water

B brake horsepower

B brake power

B branch

B branch circuit

B branch line

B braze

B brazed

B brazed tube

B break-even temperature

B breakthrough

B breakthrough time

breather plug

B breathing zone
B breeching

B Brewster’s law

B brine

B brine expansion tank

B brine return tank

B brine tank

B brine-spray refrigerating system

B briquette ice

B Btu meter

B bubble-point temperature

B budget building design

B buffer

B buffer tank

B buffer zone

B building

building automation and control network (BACnet)

B building automation system (BAS)


B building envelop leakage

B building envelope

B building envelope opaque areas

B building envelope void

B building exit

B building height

building information

B building information model (BIM)

B Building Information Modeling (BIM)

B building management system

building material
B building official

B building power line carrier


B building project

B building services

B building space

B building thermal envelope

B bulb

B bulk modulus of elasticity

B buoyancy inertial parameter

B burner

B burner ignition

B burner low fire setting

B burner register

B burner throat

B burner window box

B butt joint

B butt weld

B butt weld pipe

B butterfly damper

B butterfly valve

B bypass

B bypass air

B bypass factor

B bypass leakage
B bypass terminal

C air diffusion component

C CAD

C CAD/CAM

C calculated variable

C calibrate

C calibration

C calorie

C calorimeter

C CAM
C camber

C camber depth

C canopy

C canopy hood

C cantilever valve

C capacitance

C capacitor

C capacity
C capacity factor

C capacity, latent cooling

C capacity, sensible cooling

C capacity, total cooling

C capillarity

C capillary air washer

C capillary tube

C carbon steel pipe

C carbonation

C carbonator

C carbonization

Carnot cycle

C Carnot-cycle efficiency

C carrier frequency

C carrier frequency

C cascade control

C cascade refrigerating system

C casing

C casing radiated sound power level

C cast-iron sectional boiler

C cathode
C cathode ray tube (CRT)

C cathodic protection

C cation

C cavitation

C CBR (chemical, biological, and/or radiological)


C CDD

ceiling

ceiling damper
C ceiling diffuser
C ceiling outlet

C cellular elastomeric thermal insulation

C cellular filter

C cellular polystyrene thermal insulation board

C cellular polyurethane thermal insulation

C Celsius temperature

C centaxial fan

C centigrade temperature

C central control

C centrifugal compressor
C centrifugal exhauster

C centrifugal fan

C centrifugal freeze drying

C centrifugal pump

C centrifuge

C CER

C certificate of readiness

C certified standard instrument

C CFC

C change of state

C changeover

C changeover temperature

C charge capacity

C charge neutralizer

C charge test time

C charging connection

C charging valve

Charles’ law
C check valve

C checklists

C chemically active or toxic

C chill

C chill factor

chilled beam systems


C chilled water

C chiller

C chilling

C chimney

C chimney effect

C chlorofluorocarbon

C chord

chronic toxicity

C circuit breaker

C circulating fan

C circulation-type evaporator

C circulator
class of construction

class of refrigerating system

C clean space

C cleanroom

C clear ice

C clear zone

C clearance

C cleat

C CLF

C clo

C clo unit
C close nipple

C closed crankcase compressor

C closed cycle

C closed process

C closed system

C closed-loop control

C clothing/ensemble insulation

C cloud point
C Coanda effect

C coaxial cable (coax)

C coaxial condenser

C cock valve

C code official
C coefficient

C coefficient of compressibility (compressibility factor)

C coefficient of discharge

C coefficient of expansion

C coefficient of friction

C coefficient of performance (COP)

C coefficient of performance, heat pump heating

C coefficient of restitution

C coefficient of variation (CV)

cogeneration

C cognizant authority

C coil

C coil deck

C coil depth

C coil face area

C coil height

C coil length

C coil recovery loop

C coil width
C coil, indoor

C coil, outdoor

C coincident demand

C coke

Colburn heat transfer equation

Colburn mass transfer equation


C cold box

C cold chain

C cold injury (low-temperature injury)

C cold room (cold chamber)

C cold shrink fitting

C cold storage

C cold store

C cold technology

C cold trap

C cold-air distribution system

C cold-room door dike

C cold-room flexible door


C cold-room sliding door

C cold-room swinging door

C cold-room, flush-fitting door

C cold-storage cooler

C cold-storage disease (storage disorder)

C cold-storage locker
C cold-storage room

C cold-store facility

C cold-water distribution system

C collar

C collecting electrodes

C collector cover glazing

C collector time constant

C collector-loop heater

C collimation angle

C color

C color rendition

C color temperature

column friction loss

C combination control

C combination space-heating and water-heating appliance

C combined appliance

C combined cycle gas turbine

C combined heat and power system (CHP)

C combined panel

C combined performance factor cooling season (CPFCS)

C combined radiative and convective surface coefficient

C combined section of an air-handling unit


C combined space-heating and water-heating mode

C combined surface coefficient

C combining-volumes principle

C combining-weights law

C combustible gas or vapor detector

C combustion

C combustion air

C combustion chamber

C combustion control

C combustion detector

C combustion gas tests

C combustion products

C combustion volume

C comfort air conditioning

C comfort chart

C comfort condition

C comfort cooling

C comfort index

C comfort zone

C commercial refrigerator

C commercial system

C commissioning

C commissioning authority
C commissioning process

C commissioning process progress report

C commissioning team

C community energy system

C companion flange

C compartment water cooler

C compliance
C component

C component direct evaporative cooler

C component of ventilation or air conditioning

C component substances law

C compound compression

C compound compressor

C compound gage

C compound-refrigerating system

C compressibility

C compressibility factor

C compressing cycle

C compression

C compression economizer

C compression efficiency
C compression joint

C compression ratio

C compression stage

C compression stroke

C compression tank

C compression volume ratio

C compression-type refrigerating system

C compressor

C compressor calorimeter

C compressor capacity reducer

C compressor clearance pocket

C compressor discharge

C compressor discharge stroke

C compressor displacement

C compressor economizing

C compressor oil return

compressor or condensing unit efficiency


C compressor piston displacement

C compressor refrigerating effect

compressor saturated discharge temperature


C compressor starting - no load start

C compressor surge

C compressor theoretical displacement

C compressor unit

C compressor unloader

C compressor volume ratio

C compressor work

computer and data processing room (CDPR) unitary air


conditioner

C computer memory

C computer simulation

C computer software

computer software library


C computer storage

C computer-aided drafting (CAD)

C computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

C computer-based system

C concealed fixing

C concentrating collector

C concentration

C condensate

C condensate return pump

C condensate subcooling heat exchangers

C condensation

C condensation point

C condenser

condenser coil
C condenser cooling liquid

C condenser liquid flow rate

C condenser load

C condenser receiver

C condenser subcooling

C condenser tube

C condensing furnace
condensing heat rejection
C condensing pressure

C condensing pressure valve

C condensing temperature

C condensing unit

C condensing unit calorimeter

condensing unit capacity

C condensing unit refrigerating effect

C condition line

C conditioned air

conditioned space
C confidence level

C confidence limits

C connection in parallel
C connection in series

C consensus

C consensus process

C consensus standard

C conservation of momentum law

C console air conditioner

C constant cut-in

C constant pressure expansion valve

C constant-level valve

C construction checklist

C consumer’s water system

C contact cooling

C contact freezing

C contact icing

C continuous insulation (ci)

C contract documents

C contractor

C contra-rotating fan
C control

C control action
C control detecting element

C control device

C control element

control function

C control logic

C control mode

C control panel

control point
C control power element
C control sequence

control system
C control temperature

controlled device
C controlled medium

C controlled variable

controller

C controller error signal

C controller gain

C controller proportional band


C control-measuring element

C convective film coefficient


C convector

C convector radiator

C conversion burner

C cooking effluent

C cool

C cool down

C cool storage

C coolant

C cooler

C cooler refrigerating effect

C cooling

C cooling air

C cooling and heating heat pump

C cooling capacity

C cooling coil

C cooling degree days (CDD)

C cooling design temperature

C cooling design wet-bulb temperature

C cooling effectiveness

C cooling efficiency ratio (CER)

C cooling energy consumption


C cooling liquid flow rate

C cooling load

C cooling load factor (CLF)

C cooling medium

C cooling system

C cooling system energy coefficient of performance

C cooling tower

C cooling unit

C cooling-tower cell

C cooling-tower fill

C cooling-tower fogging

C cooling-tower packing

C cooling-tower plume

C cooling-tower ton

C coordination drawings

C COP

C COP degradation factor (CDF)

C core area

C core area of a sand trap louver

C core area of an air terminal device


C Coriolis acceleration

C Coriolis effect

C Coriolis force

C corrected effective temperature

C correcting variable

C corrective maintenance

C corresponding state

C corrosion

C corrosion inhibitor

C corrosivity

C Coulomb’s law

C counterflow heat exchanger

C counterflow heat transfer

C counterflow tower
C cowl

C creep action

C critical discharge point

C critical nucleate boiling heat flux

C critical point

C critical process

C critical refrigerant charge

C critical speed

C critical state

C critical velocity

C cross connection

C cross pipe

C cross ventilation

cross transmission

C cross-connection control backflow prevention

C crossflow heat exchanger

C crossflow tower
C crossover

C crosstalk

C cryocooling (cryogenic cooling)


C cryogenic liquid

C cryogenics

C cryogrinding process

C cryohydrate

C cryopump

C cryostat

C cryotemperature (cryogenic temperature)

C cryotrap

C cup anemometer

C Curie point

C Curie’s law

C Curie-Weiss law

C current facility requirements (CFR)

C cut-in

C cut-in point

C cut-out
C CV

C C-weighting
C cycle

C cycle defrosting system

C cycle thermal efficiency

C cycling

C cycling life

C cyclone filter

C cylinder head

D daily range

D Dalton’s law

D damp building

D damper

D damper actuator

D damping

D darcy unit

D data

D data bank

D data base
D data display module

D data logging

D data reduction

D data table

D DBT

D dead air pocket

D dead band

D dead-end trap

D debug

D decay rate

D decision maker

D declination of sun

D decomposition

D dedicated outdoor air

dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS)


D deep ground temperature

D deep vacuum

D definite composition law

D deflecting vane anemometer

D defrost control

D defrosting

D defrosting cycle
D defrosting heat ratio

D defrosting system

degradation coefficient

degree day (Kelvin-day)


D degreening

D degrees of freedom (DOF)

D dehumidification

D dehumidifier

D dehumidifying effect

D dehydration (drying)
D dehydrator
D deicing

D delivery effectiveness

demand

D demand charge

demand control
D demand defrost

D demand factor

D demand interval
D demand limit tripping

D demand limiter

D demand load

D demand period

D demand savings

D demand-limited storage

D demonstrated accuracy

D dense-air system

D density

depletable (nonrenewable) energy


D deposition

D derivative control

D derivative control mode

D desiccant

D desiccation

D desiccation ratio

D design air temperature

D design airflow

D design capacity

D design conditions

D design energy cost


D design intent

D design intent document

D design load

D design pressure

D design professional

D design temperature

D design voltage

D design working pressure

D desorption

D desuperheater

D desuperheating coil

D desuperheating heat rejection

D determination

D deviation

D device

D dew

D dew point

D Dewar flask

D dew-point depression

D dew-point hygrometer
D dew-point rise

D dew-point temperature

D dial thermometer

D diaphragm

D diaphragm compressor

D diaphragm valve

D diaphragm valve (membrane valve)

D diathermanous

D dielectric constant

D dielectric strength

D dielectric thawing

D diesel cycle

D diesel engine

D differential

D differential controller

D differential pressure
D differential pressure control

D differential temperature

D diffuse

D diffuse reflectance
D diffuse sky irradiance

D diffuse solar radiation

D diffuser

D diffuser radius of diffusion


D diffuser terminal

D diffusion

D diffusion absorption system

D diffusion area
D diffusion coefficient

D digital to analog converter

D diluent

D dilution flue

D DIM

D dimensionless number

D dip tank

D direct acting

D direct current (DC)

D direct digital control (DDC)

D direct drive
direct exhaust system
D direct expansion (DX)

D direct ice contact

D direct normal irradiance

D direct sound

D direct vent system

D direct-expansion (DX) refrigeration systems

D direct-fired heating

D direct-injection humidifier

D directional thermal emittance

D direct-load management

D direct-return piping system

disc valve

D discharge capacity

D discharge coefficient

D discharge line
D discharge line valve

D discharge or intake velocity (Vk)

D discharge pressure

D discharge sound power level

D discharge temperature

D discharge test time

D discharge valve

D discharge-loss coefficient

D discharging

D disconnect

D displacement flow

D displacement ventilation system

D disposable filters

D distributed energy costs

D distributed isolation material (DIM)

D distribution law
D distribution system

distribution system efficiency


D distributor

D district cooling

D district energy system

D district heating

D district-cooling system cooling density

D district-heating system heating density

D diversion pipe fitting

diversity factor
D diverting element

D diverting valve

D DOF

D domestic hot water

D domestic water coil

D dominant peak

D Doppler effect

D double break

D double island canopy hood

D double-acting compressor
D double-bundle condenser

D double-check valve backflow preventer

D double-contact freezer

D double-detector check (DDC) backflow preventer

D double-pipe condenser (tube-in-tube condenser)

D double-pipe heat exchanger

D double-pole switch

D double-riser suction line

D double-seated valve

D double-suction compressor

D double-suction riser

D double-throw switch

D double-wall heat exchanger

D down-discharge makeup air

D down-feed system

D down-flow-type central furnace

D DR
D draft

D draft hood

D draft rate

D draft regulator

D draft relief

D draft-hood relief opening

D draft-rating index

D drag coefficient

D drain back

D drain cock

D drain down

D drain pan

D drain plug (drain cock)

D drain valve

D draught

D drawdown

D drawing

D drier (dehydrator)
D drier coil

D drift

D drift eliminator

D drinking-water cooler

D drip

D drip tray (defrost pan)

D droop

D drop-in refrigerant

D droplet condensation

D drum cooler

D dry air

D dry compression

D dry expansion

D dry expansion evaporator

D dry ice

D dry ice bunker

D dry layer filter

D dry piston compressor

D dry saturated steam


D dry saturated vapor

D dry ton
D dry-air cooler

dry-bulb temperature
D

D dry-bulb temperature (DBT)

D dryer

D dry-return heating system

D dry-type air cooler

D dry-type equipment

D dry-type evaporator

D dry-type transformer

D dual compression

D dual thermostat

D dual-duct air-conditioning system

D dual-duct terminal

D dual-effect compressor

D dual-effect control

D dual-fuel burner

D dual-heating system

D dual-pressure control

D dual-pressure regulator

D dual-pressure relief device

D dual-temperature refrigerator
D duct

D duct board

D duct breakout noise

D duct connection component


D duct distribution
D duct fitting
D duct flow area

D duct liner

D duct sealing

D duct sizing

D duct support

D duct system

D duct transformation

D duct transition section

D ductless hood

D duct-support spacing

D ductwork

D Dulong-Petit law

D dump water

D dump-trap liquid-return heating system

D duplex circuit

D duplex transmission

durability
D dust
D dust eliminator

D dust extracting plant


D dust increment

D dust spot opacity

D dust spot opacity index

D dust-holding capacity

D dust-holding capacity per cycle

dust-holding capacity per unit area

D duty cycling

D DX
D dynamic characteristics of a fan

D dynamic head loss

D dynamic ice

D dynamic pressure
D dynamic suction head

D dynamic suction lift

D dynamic viscosity

D dynamometer

E ebullator

E economizer
E EDB

E eddy current

E eddy current test

E eddy flow
E EDR
E EER

E effective air change rate

E effective compressor work

effective draft temperature

E effective efficiency

E effective emittance of an air space

E effective freezing

E effective length of a duct

E effective length of a fitting

E effective power input

E effective temperature

E effective temperature difference

E effectiveness

E effectiveness ratio of a heat exchanger

E efficiency

E efficiency ratio

E ejector
E elastomer

E elbow (ell)

E electric contact thermometer

E electric current

E electric generating capability

electric load factor (ELF)

E electric noise

E electric power

E electric power factor (PF)

E electric power load factor

E electric power load shedding

E electric power on-site generation

E electric resistance thermometer

E electric space heating

E electrical bus

E electrical conductance

E electrical demand

E electrical enclosure

E electrical energy

E electrical fault

electrical feeder
E electrical induction
E electrical insulation

E electrical resistance (Ω)

E electrical resistor

E electrical volume resistivity

electrically erasable programmable read only memory


(EEPROM)

E electric-power baseload generation

E electric-power cogeneration generation

E electrolyte

E electrolytic brine

electrolytic hygrometer
E electromagnetic radiation

E electromotive force (emf)

E electronic ballast

electronic protocol implementation conformance statement


E electronic switch

E electropneumatic device

E electrostatic filter

E electrostatic precipitator

E elevation drawing

E embossed plate evaporator

E EMCS

E emergency relief valve

E emf

E EMI
E emissive power

E emissivity

E emittance

E EMS

E emulsion

E enclosed liquid cooler

E enclosed space

E endothermic reaction

E energy

E energy audit

E energy availability

E energy cascading

E energy concept

E energy conservation

E energy conservation measure (ECM)

E energy cost

E energy cost allocation systems (ECA systems)

E energy cost budget

E energy efficiency ratio (EER)

E energy factor

E energy level
energy management control systems (EMCS)
E energy management functions

E energy management system (EMS)

E energy recovery system

E energy savings

E energy service company (ESCO)

E energy sources

E energy storage system

energy transmittance ratio

energy use intensity (EUI)


E energy value target

E energy-cost allocation (ECA)

E engine

E engine bleed air

E engineering

E enhancement factor
E entering dry-bulb (EDB) temperature

E entering wet-bulb (EWB) temperature

E enthalpy

E entrainment flow

E entropy ratio

E entry loss

E envelope

E envelope component

E envelope floor

E environment

E environmental chamber

E environmental conditions

E environmental systems

E enzyme

E equal friction method duct sizing


E equalizer

E equalizer tank

E equalizing damper

E equation of state

E equation of time

E equilibrium

E equilibrium-point dryness (EPD)

E equipment

E equipment capacity

E equivalent diameter

E equivalent direct radiation (EDR)

E equivalent evaporation

E equivalent length

E erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM)

E error

E ethylene glycol

E eudiometer

E eupatheoscope
E eutectic

E eutectic ice

E eutectic plate

E eutectic point

E eutectic solution

E evacuated thermal insulation

E evaporating temperature
E evaporation

E evaporation loss

E evaporation rate

E evaporative condenser

E evaporative cooler

E evaporative cooling

evaporative cooling unit


E evaporative equilibrium

E evaporator

E evaporator holdover

E evaporator pressure regulator

E evaporator unit

E EWB

E excess air

E excitation

E exergy
E exfiltration

E exhaust air

E exhaust opening

E exhaust system

existing building

existing building commissioning process


E exit air

E exitance

E exothermic reaction

E expander cycle

E expansion

E expansion bend

E expansion coefficient

E expansion joint

E expansion stroke

E expansion tank

E expansion valve

E expansion-valve capacity

E expansion-valve superheat
E expansion-valve superheat change

E expendable refrigerant

E experiment

E expert system

E extended surface

E exterior building envelope

E exterior lighting power allowance

E exterior-imaging survey

E external defrosting

E external equalizer

E external heat

E external interrupt

E external interrupt switch

E external resistance
E external static pressure loss

extinction coefficient
E extract air

E eyebrow hood

F-factor
F fabric filter

F facade area

F face area

F face velocity
F facility management system (FMS)

F factor of safety

F Fahrenheit temperature

F failsafe

F failure response

F fan

F fan air density

F fan airflow rate


F fan blast area

F fan boundary

F fan casing

F fan coil unit

F fan curve

F fan discharge area

F fan inlet or outlet area

F fan input power boundary

F fan laws

F fan motor power


F fan nodal line

F fan performance curve

F fan power input

F fan power output

F fan pressurization test

F fan shroud

F fan sound power

F fan speed

F fan static efficiency

F fan static pressure

F fan system power

F fan total efficiency

F fan total pressure

F fan types

F fan velocity pressure

F fan wheel

F fan wheel cone

F fanning friction factor

F far field

F Faraday’s laws of electrolysis


F feed forward

F feedback

F feeder

F feedwater economizer

F fenestration

F fenestration elements

F Fermat’s principle

F Fick’s law

F field in engineering

F field of view (FOV)

F field-installed device (FID)

F figure of merit (FOM)

F filename

F fillet weld

F film boiling

F film coefficient

F film-cooling tower

F film-forming condensation
F filter

F filter cell

F filter drier (filter dehydrator)

F filter efficiency (Ef )

F filter efficiency rating

F filter media

F filter mixing box

F filter separation efficiency

F filter-media velocity

F filtration

F fin

F fin efficiency

F fin pitch
F fin spacing

F final filter

F final resistance

F finned length

F finned surface area

F finned tube

F finned-tube baseboard

F finned-tube boiler

F finned-tube radiator

fiscal year
fiscal year ending

F fire damper
F fire point

F fire tube boiler

F firebox

F firefighter's smoke control station

F firing valve

F first air

first-hour rating

F fit-out project

F fitting inlet flow area

F fitting outlet flow area

F fixed error
F fixed-setting control

F flame impingement

F flame safeguard control

F flammable refrigerant

F flange

F flanged joint

F flanking sound transmission

F flare nut

F flared joint
F flaring tool

F flash chamber

F flash gas

F flash intercooler

F flash point

F flash tank

F flash vaporization

F flashing

F flat plate collector

F flat weighting

F flexible duct

F flexible-shaft centrifugal compressor

F float switch

F float valve
F float-and-thermostatic steam trap

F float-and-thermostatic trap (F&T)

F floating action

floating control

F floating floor
F floc point

F flooded evaporator

F floor area

F flotation

F flow

F flow area

F flow coefficient

F flow control

F flow equalizer

F flow nozzle
F flow pattern

F flow rate

F flowmeter

F flue

F flue collar

F flue damper
F flue gas

F flue gas collector

F flue gas vent

F flue losses

F flue outlet

F fluid

F fluid mechanics

F fluid transport

F fluidics

F fluidized-bed freezer

F fluorocarbon

F flux

F flywheel

F flywheel effect

F foamed-in-place thermal insulation

F foaming

F fog
F FOM
F footstep bearing

F forced draft

F forced lubrication

F forced-air circulation
F forced-air distribution system

F forced-air or gravity-type furnace

F forced-draft burner

F forced-draft cooling tower

F forecooler

F forward-curved impeller

F fossil fuel

F four pipe air-conditioning system

F four wire transmission

F Fourier number

F FOV

F fractionation

F free area

F free delivery

F free float

F free-field sound field

F freeze concentration (cryoconcentration)

F freeze desalination

F freeze dryer

F freeze drying (lyophilization)

F freeze out
F freeze stat

F freeze up
F freeze/thaw resistance

F freeze-drying additive

F freezer burn

F freeze-up control

F freezing

F freezing mixture

F freezing plateau (thermal arrest)

F freezing point

F freezing rate

F freezing room

F freezing-point depression

F frequency

F frequency range of interest

F frequency response

F frequency spectrum

F fresh air makeup

F friction factor

F friction head

F friction loss

F friction ring (rubbing ring)

F frictional resistance

F frost deposit
F frost formation
F frost heave

F frost point

frost level indicator

F frostback

F Froude number

F frozen earth storage

F frozen-food cabinet

F frozen-food locker

F frozen-food weight factor

fuel

F fuel input rate

F full-load amperes

F fume

F fume hood

F fume-hood face

F fume-hood system
F fumigation

F functional performance testing (FPT)

F furnace

F fusible plug

F fusion

G gage (gauge)

G gage glass

G gage pressure (gauge pressure)

G galvanic corrosion

G garment insulation (Iclu)

G gas

G gas constant

G gas constant coefficient

G gas enrichment

G gas metal arc welding (GMAW)

G gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)

G gas turbine

G gas welding
G gas/air mixture

G gaseous state

G general lighting

G generally accepted engineering standard

G geothermal energy
G gland

G glide

G global irradiance

G global warming potential (GWP)

G Graetz number

G Graham’s law

G grain of moisture

grant-in-aid
G GRAS (generally recognized as safe)

G Grashof number
G gravity circulating evaporator

G gravity circulating system

G gravity current

G grease duct

G grease-laden exhaust

G grease-removal device

G greasetight

G green energy

G grille

G grooved joint piping

G gross building envelope floor area

G gross capacity

G gross conditioned floor area

G gross floor area

G gross lighted floor area

G gross refrigerating capacity

G gross roof area

G gross semiheated floor area

G gross sensible capacity


G gross solar collector area

G gross total capacity

G gross wall area

G ground coupling

G ground fault

G ground-loop heat pump application

G groundwater

groundwater heat pump

G guide-vane assembly

G guillotine damper

H habitable space

H halide torch

H halocarbon

halogen

H halogenated chlorofluorocarbon

H hand valve

H harmonic

H harmonic order

H Hartford loop

H HDD

H head
H head pressure control valve

H header

H heat

H heat anticipation

H heat balance

H heat bridge

H heat capacity

H heat equivalent of work

H heat exchange

H heat flow

H heat flux

H heat gain (heat uptake)

H heat index

H heat lag (thermal lag)

H heat loss

H heat loss coefficient


H heat loss rate

H heat meter

H heat of combustion (HOC)

H heat of fusion (fusion heat)

H heat of reaction

H heat of subcooling

H heat operated

H heat pump

H heat pump balance point

H heat pump balance point temperature

H heat pump compressor heating effect

H heat rate

H heat recovery

H heat rejection

H heat reservoir
H heat sink (cold source)
H heat source
H heat storage

H heat trace

H heat transfer

H heat transfer fluid

H heat transfer radiation coefficient

H heat transfer surface

H heat trap

H heat treatment

H heat value

H heated slab

H heater

H heat-exchanger face area

H heat-exchanger tube plate

H heating

H heating capacity

H heating coil

H heating cycle

H heating degree day

H heating degree day (HDD)

H heating design temperature

H heating load

H heating load factor (HLF)


H heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF)

H heating stack loss

H heating system

H heating value

H hemispherical thermal emittance

H Henry’s law

H HEPA filter

H hermetic compressor

H herringbone evaporator (v-coil)

H HFC

H high discharge temperature cut-out

H high event control

H high/low control

H high-frequency thawing

H high-polluting events

H high-pressure boiler

H high-pressure control

H high-pressure float valve

H high-pressure refrigerant system

H high-pressure safety cutout


H high-pressure side

H high-stage condensers

H high-temperature brazed joint

H high-temperature hot-water system

H high-vacuum thermal insulation

higher heating value (HHV)


H hipot test

H historic

H hit-and-miss damper

H HLF

H hoarfrost

H holding charge

H holdover coil

H home run wiring

H hood

H hood face

H Hooke’s law

H hoop stress

H horizontal axis of measurement

H hot- and cold-type water cooler

H hot deck
H hot gas

H hot/humid climate
H hot-gas bypass regulator

H hot-gas defrost valve

H hot-gas defrosting

H hot-gas line

H hot-water heating system

H hot-water storage tank

H hot-water supply boiler

hourly free-floating zone air temperature


H hourly heating load

H hourly incident unshaded solar radiation

H humid heat

H humidifier

H humidify

H humidifying effect

H humidistat

H humidity percentage

humidity ratio
H humidity saturation ratio

H hunting in a control system

H HVAC duct

H HVAC system

H HVAC system end-to-end accuracy


H HVAC zone

H hydraulic diameter

H hydraulic lift

H hydraulic shock

H hydrocarbon
H hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)

H hydrolysis

H hydrometer

H hydronic distribution system

H hydronic system balancing

H hydronics
H hydrostat

H hydrostatic lockup potential

H hydrostatic pressure

H hygrometer

H hygrometry
H hygroscopic

H hyperbolic tower

H hysteresis

H Ranque-Hilsch effect

H Ranque-Hilsch tube

I IAQ
I ice builder

I ice harvester

I ice maker

I ice point

ice regelation
I ice slurry (liquid ice)

I ice storage

I ice surfacing
I ice tray
I ice water

I ice-bank control

I ice-bank cooler
I ice-bank evaporator

I ice-bank tank (ice-buildup tank)

I ice-cooled equipment

I ice-core sucking and filling system

I ice-making capacity

I ice-making temperature

I ice-making water forecooler

I ice-melting equivalent

I ice-on-coil thermal storage


I icing
I ID

ideal gas

I immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)

I ignition temperature (ignition point; kindling temperature)


I illuminance

I imaging line scanner

I impact filter

I impedance

I impeller

I impeller backplate

I impeller reaction

I impeller tonal noise frequency

I incidence angle

I incident angle

I incomplete combustion

I indicated compressor work

I indicated horsepower
I indicated work
I indicating thermometer

I indicator diagram

I indicator diagram reexpansion line

I indirect cooling system

I indirect evaporative cooler

I indirect evaporative cooler with integrated heat exchanger

indirect evaporative cooling unit


I indirect fired

I indirect heat exchanger

I indirect ice contact

I indirect load management

I indirect refrigerating system

I indirect system

I indirect-fired generator

I indirect-fired heater

I indirect-heating system

indoor air

I indoor air quality (IAQ)

I indoor air volume

I indoor coil

I indoor environment quality (IEQ)

I indoor side

I induced air temperature

I induced draft

I induced-draft water-cooling tower

I induction
I induction ratio

I induction terminal

I induction unit

I inductive load
I Industry Foundation Classes

I infiltration

I infiltration degree days

I infiltration factor

I infiltration parameter

I informative appendix

I infrared detector

I infrared emittance

I infrared imaging system

I infrared noise

I infrared radiation (IR)

I infrared resolution

I infrared sensing device

I inherent motor protection

I inherent regulation

I inhibitor

I initial resistance
I inlet area

I inlet Reynolds number

I input rating

I input/output device

I insert system

I insertion loss

I insertion thermostat

I inside dimension

I insolation

I inspection authorities

I instantaneous efficiency

I instantaneous heater

I instantaneous irradiance

I instantaneous thermal efficiency

I instantaneous water heater

insulation
I integral control mode

I integral draft diverter

I integral fin
I integrated heater

I integrated part-load value (IPLV)

I integrated system

I integrator

I intercooler (interstage cooler)

I interior imaging survey

I interior lighting power allowance

I interior zone

I intermediate atmospheric vent backflow preventer

I intermediate pressure (interstage pressure)

I intermittent burner ignition

I intermittent ignition burner

I internal discharge makeup air

I internal energy

I internal equalizer

I internal gross volume

I internal heat

I internal process heat

I internal static pressure loss

I internal vibration isolation

I interpretation of a standard
I interrupt device

I interrupted burner ignition

I interruptible load

I interruptible rate

I interstitial space

I intrinsic electric barrier

I inverted bucket steam trap

I inverted bucket trap (IBT)

I I-P

I I-P units (inch-pound units)

I IRIS damper

I irradiance

I isenthalpic expansion

I isentropic process

I isobar

I isobaric
I isochome

I isochor

I isokinetic sampling

I isolated combustion system

I isolated system

I isolation devices

I isomer
I isometric drawing

I isopsychric
I isotherm
I isothermal

I issues log

I iterative procedure

J jacket

J jet

J jet cooling

J jet freezing

J jet pump

J jind filter

J Josephson effect

Joule-Thomson effect

K kata thermometer

K katharometer (katherometer)

K Kelvin temperature

K Kepler’s laws
K k-factor (thermal conductivity)

K kilovolt ampere (kVA)

K kinematic viscosity

K kinetic energy

K king valve (master valve)

K Kirchoff’s law

K Kohlrausch’s law

K Kundt’s law

L labeled

L laboratory

L laboratory fume hood

L labyrinth seal

L lag

L Lambert’s law

L laminar flow
L lap weld

L latent cooling capacity

L latent cooling effect

L latent heat

L latent heat load

L latent heat of condensation

L latent heat of fusion

L latent heat of vaporization

L latent storage

L lazy airflow

L leader

L leak detection

L leakage

L leakage class

L least squares

L LeChatelier’s principle

L Lenz’ law

L Lewis number

L licensed contractor

L life-cycle assessment

L life-cycle cost
L lift

L lift-check valve

L light transmission

L lighting fixture

L lighting power density (LPD)


L lighting system

L limit control

L limit stat

L limit stop

L limit switch

L line voltage thermostat

L linear regression

L linear swell

L line-break motor protection

L liner system (LS)

L liquefaction

L liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

L liquid

L liquid cooler

L liquid feed

L liquid line

L liquid- or suction-heat exchanger

L liquid overfeed system

L liquid overfeed system evaporator

L liquid pocket
L liquid receiver

L liquid state

L liquid transmission

L liquid trap

L liquid, mechanical vacuum pump

L liquid/vapor mixture

L liquid-charged thermostat

L liquid-cooled unit

L liquid-expansion steam trap

L liquid-immersed transformer

L liquid-injection valve

L liquid-line filter

L liquid-line filter drier

L liquid-refrigerant injection

L liquor

L listed

L lithium bromide

L load

L load diversity ratio

L load factor
L load leveling

L load management

L load profile

L loading dust

L local mean air velocity

L locked rotor current

L logic

L logical decision

L logical flowchart

L logical instruction

L loop

L loss of charge protector

L louver

L low temperature

lower flammability limit (LFL)

L low-limit controller

L low-pressure boiler

L low-pressure control

L low-pressure float valve


L low-pressure receiver

L low-pressure refrigerant system

L low-pressure safety cut-out

L low-pressure side

L low-pressure stage

low-temperature brazed joint


L
L low-temperature district heating

L low-temperature hot-water system

L low-velocity air terminal device

L LPG

L lubricant circulation rate

L lubricated plug valve

L luminous

M M&V

MBtuh

M Mach number

M machinery room

M magnetic ballast

M magnetic cooling

M magnetic flux

M magnetic flux density

M magnetic thermometer

M main
M main meter

M maintenance program

M makeup air

M makeup air unit

M makeup water

M management information function

M manifold

M manometer

M manual

M manual changeover

M manual damper

M manual expansion valve

M manual reset valve

M manual switch

M manual valve

M manually adjusted air terminal device

M manway (manhole)

M Margoulis number
M mass

M mass diffusivity ratio

M mass flow rate

M mass transfer

M mass velocity

M mass-action law

M master controller

M master meter

M materials inherently of low hazard

M maximum allowable charging period

M maximum allowable pressure

M maximum deviation

M maximum opening

M maximum outdoor air damper

M maximum temperature glide

M maximum usable cooling supply temperature

M maximum usable discharge temperature

M maximum working pressure


M may

M mean
M mean monthly outdoor air temperature

M mean radiant temperature

M mean tank temperature

M mean temperature

M mean velocity

M means of egress

M measurement station

M measurement system verification

M mechanical anemometer

M mechanical atomizing burner

M mechanical chiller

M mechanical cooling

M mechanical efficiency

M mechanical energy

M mechanical heating

M mechanical joint

M mechanical properties

M mechanical refrigerating system

M mechanical seal

M mechanical shaft work


M mechanical ventilation

M mechanical, draft-water cooling tower

M medium pressure refrigerant system

M medium temperature refrigerated storage

M Meissner state

M melting

M melting point

M membrane manometer (diaphragm manometer)

M memory stop

M meniscus

M mercury switch

M mercury thermometer

M MERV
M MERV rating

M metabolic heat

M metabolic rate

M metabolism

M metered data

M metered demand

M metering
M methanol (methyl alcohol)

M microclimate

M microorganism

M mineral-fiber thermal insulation

M minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV)

M minimum motor efficiency

M minimum operating pressure

M minimum outdoor air damper

M miscibility

M mitigation

M mixed air

M mixed flow fan

M mixing air diffusion

M mixing box (blending box; mixing unit)

M mixing section

M mixing system

M mixing valve

M mode of vibration

M mode shape

M model
M modular air-conditioning system

M modular boiler

M modulate

M modulating control

M modulating-control valve

M modulation

modulus of elasticity

M moisture carryover

M moisture content

moisture permeability
M moisture proofing

M moisture ratio

M moisture removal capacity

M moisture removal rate

M mol fraction water vapor

M mold

M molecular flow

M molecular sieve

M Mollier diagram (Mollier chart)

M monitoring
M monitoring and verification (M&V) plan

M Moseley’s law

M motor overload protection

M motor power, motor engine

M motorized valve (motor operated valve)


M MRT

M muffler

M multiblade damper

M multicellular metal-foil thermal insulation

M multichannel heat exchanger

M multilayer thermal insulation

M multiple-leaf damper
M multishell condenser

M multistage compression

M multistage compressor

M multistage expansion

M multistage refrigerating system

M multivane rotary compressor

M multizone

M mushroom valve
N nadir

N NAICS

N nameplate rating

N naphthenic oil

N nationally recognized laboratory

N natural air circulation

N natural convection

N natural convection cooling

N natural draft

N natural gas

N natural ventilation

N natural-draft burner

N natural-draft water-cooling tower

N naturally stratified storage

N near azeotropic

N near field

N near resonance

N nebulize

N needle bearing

N needle valve
N negative air pressure

N negative-rated operating pressure

N net capacity

N net cooler refrigerating capacity

N net effective filtering area

net energy
N net exhaust flow rate

N net latent cooling effect

N net occupiable area

N net positive suction head (NPSH)

net sensible capacity


N net refrigerating effect

N net refrigeration capacity

N net total capacity

N net total cooling capacity

N net total cooling effect

N net usable volume

network
new building
N neural network

N neutral pressure level

N Newton’s law of cooling

N Newton’s laws of motion

N night cover
N night setback thermostat

N nitrogen capacity

N nitrogen purge

N nodal line

N no-frost refrigerating system

N noise

N noise criteria curve (NC curve)

N noise reduction (NR)

N nominal capacity

N nominal freezing

N nominal motor efficiency

N nominal size of an air terminal

N nominal size of duct and fitting

N nominal storage capacity

N nominal time constant

N nonautomatic
N nonazeotropic

N nonconcentrating collector

N noncondensable gas

N noncondensable separation and storage tank

N noncyclic ice maker


N nondepletable energy

N nondepletable energy sources

N nondestructive test (NDT)

N nonessential lighting

N nonimaging survey

N nonisothermal jet

N nonlaminar flow workstation

N nonlinear impedance

N nonpositive displacement compressor

N nonrenewable energy

N nonreturn damper

N nonreturn valve

N non-self-renewable air cleaners

N nonstandard part-load value (NPLV)

N nonuniform flow

N nonvolatile refrigerant

N normal operating conditions

N normalization

N normalized leakage

N normally closed device

N normally open device

N normative appendix

N north oriented
N nozzle

N nozzle outlet

N NPLV
N NPSH
N NR

N nucleate boiling

N numerical control

N Nusselt number

O O&M designer

O object plane resolution

O occupant sensor

O occupant-controlled naturally conditioned spaces

O occupiable space

occupied zone

octave band
O OD
O ODB
O odor

O odor dispersion time

O odor reduction time

O off-cycle defrosting

O office building

O off-peak period

O off-peak system
O Ohm’s law

O oil charge

O oil cooler

O oil cooling
O oil drain valve (oil purge valve)
O oil fired

O oil pressure cut-out

O oil pressure delivery


O oil pressure gage

O oil receiver

O oil rectifier

O oil removal

O oil return

O oil separator

O oil still

O oil temperature cut-out

O oil trap

O oil-burner nozzle
O oil-charge valve

O oil-charging pump

O oil-circulation rate

O oil-free compressor

O olf

O on-demand heat

O one-pipe hydronic system

O one-pipe steam system

O ongoing commissioning process (OCx)

O on-peak period

O opacity
O opacity index

O open shell-and-tube condenser

O open system

O open-brine refrigerating system

O open-cell foamed plastic thermal insulation

O open-loop control

O open-loop control system

O open-spray recovery loop exchanger

O open-type compressor

O operating differential
O operating efficiency

O operating life

O operating opening

O operating pressure

O operational cleanroom

O operative temperature

O operator

O operator station

O optical Doppler effect


O optimization

O optimum operative temperature

O optimum refrigerant charge

O optimum start

O orifice meter

O orifice plate

O o-ring

O Orsat apparatus

O orthographic drawing

O osmotic pressure

O Otto cycle

O outdoor air

O outdoor air change rate

O outdoor air fraction

O outdoor coil

O outdoor dry-bulb temperature (ODB)

O outdoor side

O outlet area

O outlet spacing

O outlet valve

O outlet velocity
O output

O outside air

O overall heat transfer coefficient

O overall system efficiency

O overall thermal transfer value (OTTV)

O overcurrent

O overcurrent motor protection

O overhead system

O overpressure

O overshoot

O owner

O Owner’s Project Requirements

O owner's program

O owner's representative

O ozone

O ozone depletion potential (ODP)

P packaged

P packaged air conditioner


P packaged boiler

P packaged direct-evaporative cooler

P packaged indirect evaporative cooler

P packaged systems

P packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)

P packaged terminal heat pump (PTHP)

P packing

P packing plant

P packless valve

P palladium cells

P panel cooler

P paraffinic oil

P parallax

P parallel fan-powered VAV box

P parallel-flow heat exchanger

P parallel-flow heat transfer

P partial pressure
partially halogenated chlorofluorocarbon

particle size
P partition fan

P part-load ratio

P part-load value

P parts per million (ppm)

P party wall

P Pascal’s law

P passive chilled beam

P passive system

P passivity
P PCM

P PD

P peak demand

P peak discharge rate

P peak draw capacity

P peak-to-peak (p-p) vibration value

P Peclet number

P Peltier effect
P penetration

P penetration data acceptance criteria

P percent outdoor air

P perfect combustion

P perfect mixing

P perfluorocarbon

P perforated ceiling

P perforated plate

P performance

P performance additives

P performance contracts

P performance factor

performance rating method

P performance rating of a fume hood

P perimeter zone

P periodic law

P perlite thermal insulation

P permanent bleed rate


P permanent-bleed-type valve

P permeability

permeance

P permissible exposure level (PEL)

P permissible range

person-to-person transmission
P PF
P PFC

P pH

P phase-change material

phon
P photometer

P photovoltaic

P photovoltaic cell

P PI

P PIC
P pickup load

P PID

P piezometer

P piggyback refrigerating system


P pilot duty

P pilot duty rating

P pilot operated relief valve

P pilot valve

P pilot-operated solenoid valve

P pilot-operated valve

P pipe fittings

piping

P Pitot tube

P pitting

P Pittsburgh lock joint

P plan (drawing)

P plane radiant temperature

P planned maintenance

P plate evaporator

P plate fin

P plate freezer

P plate heat exchanger


P plate liquid cooler

P plate-type condenser

P plenum

P plenum fan

P plug flow

P plug valve

P plumbing fixture

P PLV
P PMV

pneumatic accessories
P pneumatic/electric (electronic) transducer

P pneumatic/electric control

P pneumatic/electric switch

P point of operation

P pollution

P polydisperse

P polytrope
P polytropic compression

P polytropic expansion

P polytropic process

P pool

P poppet valve
P positional control level

P positional sash movement effect

P post purge

P post-retrofit period
P potable

P potential energy

P pour point

P power adjustment factor

P power burner

P power factor (PF)

P power input

P power roof ventilator

P power ventilator

P PPD
P PPM
P Prandtl number

P precipitator

P precision

P precooler

P predicted mean vote (PMV)

P predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD)

P predictive maintenance

P preheat coil

P preheating

P preliminary operating manual

P preliminary run

P prepurge operation

P prerotary vane assembly

P prescriptive design

P pressure

P pressure control

P pressure dependent (PD)


P pressure difference

P pressure differential cut-out

P pressure differential valve

P pressure drop

P pressure equalizing

P pressure factor

P pressure head

P pressure imposing element

P pressure independent

P pressure limit of watertightness

P pressure loss

P pressure loss coefficient

P pressure powered pump

P pressure reducing valve (PRV)

P pressure regulator

P pressure relief device

P pressure relief valve


P pressure switch

P pressure temperature relief device

P pressure vessel
P pressure volume temperature (PVT)

P pressure-dependent control system

P pressure-limiting device

P pressure-sustaining valve

P pressure-type air cooler

P pressurized stair shafts

P prevention of vacuum system

P preventive maintenance

P primary air

P primary air temperature

P primary alternate test method

P primary refrigerant

P primary surface

P primary test

P primary test method

P primary transfer fluid


P prime contractor

P prime mover

P prime professional

P prime surface

P procedure

P process
P process control

P process energy

P process load

P product-integrated control (PIC)

P programmable read-only memory (PROM)

P programming control

P projected baseline

P projection factor

P propeller fan

P proportional control mode

P proposed building performance

P propylene glycol

P PRV
P PSC motor

P psychrometer

P psychrometer wet-bulb temperature


P psychrometric

P psychrometric chart

P psychrometry

P PTAC

P published ratings

P pull-down load
P pull-down test

P pulsating flow

P pump

P pump bowl assembly

P pump down

P pump laws

P pump system power

P pump-down charge

P pumping water level (PWL)

P purchased-energy rates

P pure ice
P pure tone

P purge

P purge recovery system

P purge system

P purge valve
P purging device

P PVT
P PWL

P pyranometer

P pyrgeometer

P pyrheliometer

P pyrometer

P pyrunometer

Q qualification test

Q qualifier

Q quality-based sampling

R radar doppler effect

R radial-bladed impeller (paddle-bladed impeller)

R radial-energy distribution system

R radiance

radiance at a point on a surface


R radiant

R radiant asymmetry temperature

R radiant barrier
R radiant energy

R radiant flux

R radiant flux density

R radiant heat

R radiant panel

R radiant reflectance (luminous reflectance)

R radiant transmittance (luminous transmittance)

R radiant-cooling system

R radiant-heating system

R radiation

R radiation angle factor

R radiation pasteurization

R radiation shield

R radiation sterilization

R radiative forcing

R radiator valve
R radioactive
R radiometer

R radiosity

R rain louver

R random error

R random-access memory (RAM)

R range
R Rankine cycle

R Rankine temperature

R Raoult’s law

R rated airflow

R rated final resistance

R rated operating pressure

R rating

R raw water
R RDF

R reactive power

R readily accessible

R read-only memory (ROM)

R real power

R receiver

R reciprocating compressor

R recirculated air

R recirculating system

R recirculating unit
R recirculation of discharge air

R reclaim

R reclaimed refrigerants

R recommissioning

R recooling

R record drawings

R recording thermometer (temperature recorder; thermograph)

R recover

R recoverable heat

R recovered energy

R recovered or reclaimed heat

R recovered refrigerants

R rectifier

R recycle

R recycled refrigerants

R reduced input rate with manually adjustable modulating


control
R reduced pressure detector check (RPDC)

R reduced pressure zone backflow preventer

R reduced-absorptivity exterior coating

R reduced-heat input rate

R reed valve

R reference filters

R reference temperature

R reflectance

R reflective thermal insulation

R reflectivity

R refrigerant

R refrigerant blend

R refrigerant charge

R refrigerant distributor

R refrigerant heat rejection

R refrigerant hydrolysis
R refrigerant mass flow rate

R refrigerant metering device

R refrigerant pressure-imposing device

R refrigerant pump

R refrigerant pump-out system

R refrigerant receiver

R refrigerant recovery unit

R refrigerant subcooler

R refrigerant subcooling

R refrigerated plate freezing

R refrigerated truck end bunker

R refrigerating cycle

R refrigerating effect

R refrigerating engineering

R refrigerating heating system

R refrigerating load

R refrigerating service load

R refrigerating system

R refrigerating system classification

R refrigerating system contaminants

R refrigerating unit

R refrigerating-system high side


R refrigerating-system low side

R refrigerating-system machinery
R refrigerating-system performance factor

R refrigerating-system restrictor

R refrigeration

R refrigeration circuit

R refrigeration oil

R refrigerator baffle

R refrigerator cabinet breaker strip

R refuse-derived fuel (RDF)

R regain of moisture

R regeneration air

R regeneration heater

R regeneration specific heat input


R regenerative air-cycle system

R regenerative cooling

R regenerative cycle gas turbine

R regenerative heating

R regenerative scrubber
R regenerator

R register

R registered engineer

R regulating valve

R regulator

R regulatory bodies

R reheat

R reheat coil
R reheat terminal
R reheat VAV box

R reheating

R relative humidity (rh, RH)

R relative light transmission

R relay

R releasable water

R release

R release rate

R reliability

R relief air

R remote-bulb thermostat

R renewable energy

R rep

R repair

R repeatability
R replacement air

R replacement cost

R replication

R research

R reset

R reset control

R residence time

R resident

R resident engineer

R residential

R residential air conditioning


R residential application

R residual moisture

R residual pressure

resistance

R resistance coefficient

R resistance heating element


R resistance temperature device (RTD)

R resistance welding

R resistive load

R resolution

R resonance

R resonance frequency

R resorption-type refrigerating system

R resource energy impact

R resource impact factor (RIF)

R resource utilization factor (RUF)

R respirable particles

R respiration

respiratory heat
response time
R retentivity

R retrocommissioning

R retrofit

R retrofit isolation

R return

R return air

R return flow nozzle

R return fluid temperature

R return-flow compressor

R reverberation

R reverberation time

R reverse acting

R reverse cycle

R reverse cycle defrosting

R reverse flow

R reverse pressure
R reverse return piping system

R reversible cycle

R reversible work

R reversing relay

R Reynolds number

R rh, RH

R Richardson number

R rigid duct

R rigid duct flow area

R rime ice

R ripple

R rise of an air jet in mixing air diffusion

R rise time

R rock bed regenerative cooling system

R roll

R roll bond evaporator

R roll filter

R roller bearing

R rolling piston compressor

R roof
R roof assembly

R roof spray cooling

R rooftop air conditioner

R room air conditioner

R room calorimeter

R room cavity ratio (RCD)

R room criterion curve (RC curve)

R root mean square (RMS)

R rotary atomizing burner

R rotary compressor

R rotating blackouts

R rotating vane anemometer

R roughness factor

R RTD

R runaround heat exchanger

R runaround system
R running cycle

R runtime

R rupture disc

R R-value

S sabin

S safe pressure

S safety device

S safety head

S safety interlock
S salinometer

S sampling tube

S sand-trap louver

sash crack
S sash movement effect

S sash movement performance rating

S saturated
S saturated air

S saturated liquid

S saturated water-vapor pressure

S saturation

S saturation deficiency

S saturation effectiveness

S saturation pressure

S saturation temperature

S savings determination

S savings-measurement approach

S scale

S scale inhibitor

S scale setting

S scale trap

S scan interval

S scan rate

S scfm

S schematic design drawing


S Schmidt number

S Scotch boiler

S scraped heat exchanger

S scraped-surface freezer

S scraper ring

S screw compressor

S scroll compressor

S scrubber (air washer)

S seal

S sealed compressor motor

S sealed-unit compressor

S seamless drawn tube

S secondary air

S secondary condenser
S secondary coolant (secondary fluid)

S secondary fluid

S secondary refrigerant

S secondary surface

S secondary transfer fluid

S seebeck effect

S self-contained system
S self-contained, mechanically refrigerated drinking-water
cooler

S self-powered control (self-operated control; system-powered


control)

S self-renewable air cleaner

S semiautomatic changeover

S semiautomatic defrosting

S semihermetic compressor

semipackaged primary indirect evaporative cooler


S
(semipackaged primary IEC)

semipackaged secondary indirect evaporative cooler


S
(semipackaged secondary IEC)

S semisynthetic oil

S sensible capacity

S sensible cooling capacity

S sensible cooling effect

S sensible cooling panel

S sensible heat

S sensible heat ratio

S sensible heat ratio (SHR)

S sensible heating capacity

S sensible heating panel

S sensitivity
S sensitivity ratio

S sensor

S separator filter

S sequence of operation

S sequencer

S series fan-powered terminal

S series perimeter loop-heating system

S service agency

S service water heating

S serviceability

S servo control

S servo system

S set pressure

S setback

S setpoint

S shading coefficient

S shading coefficient (SC)

S shaft pressurization system

S shaft ventilation
S shall

S shape factor

S sharp freezer

S shell-and-coil condenser

S shell-and-coil evaporator

S shell-and-tube condenser

S shell-and-tube evaporator

S shell-and-tube heat exchanger

S Sherwood number

S shop

S shop drawing

S short cycling

S short term exposure limit (STEL)

S short-circuiting flow

S should

S shutoff

S SI units (Le Système International d’Unités)

S sick building

S sick building syndrome

S sight glass
S signal converter

S silencer

S silica gel desiccant (aerogel)

S simulation model

S simulation program

S single phasing

S single-acting compressor

S single-duct air-handling system

S single-duct unit

S single-family house

S single-island canopy hood

S single-leaf damper

S single-line diagram

S single-stage compression

S single-stage control

S single-vane rotary compressor

S single-zone system

S site solar energy

S site-recovered energy

S skylight well
S slab insulation

S slab thermal insulation

S sliding vane compressor (rotating vane compressor)

S sling psychrometer
S slip

S slip joint
S slot diffuser

S slow freezing

S sludge

S slugging

S slurry
S slush ice

S small hermetically sealed system

S smoke

S smoke barrier

S smoke control mode

S smoke control system

S smoke control zone

S smoke exhaust system

S smoke management system

S smoke zone

S smudging

S snap action

S snap-in fastener

S snaplock joint
S Snell's laws of refraction

S snubber (pulsation suppressor)

S soft copper tube

S soft soldering

S soft water (softened water)

S softening point

S solar absorptance

S solar collector

S solar collector absorber

S solar collector aperture area

S solar collector cover

S solar collector drain back

S solar collector drain down

S solar collector gross area

S solar collector instantaneous efficiency

S solar collector loop heater

S solar collector tilt angle

S solar collector transfer fluid

S solar compensator

S solar distribution fraction

S solar energy

S solar energy source

S solar fraction

S solar heat gain


S solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)

S solar irradiance

S solar loss through window

S solar noon

S solar radiation
S solar simulator
S solar time

S solar-optical properties

S soldered joint

S soldering

S soldering flux

S solenoid valve

S solid expansion thermometer

S solid state

S solidification point

S solid-state motor protection

S solubility

S solute
S solvent

S sonic thermometer

S sonic velocity

S sorbant

S sorbate

S sorbent
S sorption

S sound

S sound attenuation (noise reduction, sound damping, sound


deadening)

S sound attenuator

S sound decay rate

S sound insulation

S sound level

S sound power

S sound power level

S space-cooling-only mode

S sparge pipe

S spatial resolution

S specific capacity
S specific enthalpy
S specific entropy

S specific heat (CP)

S specific humidity

S specific infiltration ratio

S specific refrigerant flow rate

S specific superheat

S specific volume (SV)


S specification

S spectral thermal emittance

S speech interference level (SIL)

S spinning-disc humidifier

S spiral fin (helical fin; strip fin)

S splash lubrication

S split air-conditioning system

S split condenser

S split system

S spontaneous ignition temperature

S spool piece

S spot cooling

S spot welding

S spray cooling

S spray freeze drying

S spray nozzle

S spray pond

S spray wall tank

S spray-type air cooler

S spray-type air washer

S spray-type evaporator

S spread

S spring range
S stability

S stabilized temperature

S stack

S stack effect

S stagnation temperature

S stand-alone system

S standard air

S standard ambient temperature


S standard barometric pressure

S standard conditions

S standard cooling efficiency ratio (SCER)

S standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM)

S standard deviation

S standard rating
S standard rating conditions

S standard rating cycle

S standard temperature

S standard units

S standby condition

S standing-seam joint

S Stanton number

S starting overload

S start-up

S state

S state diagram

S static discharge head

S static gage pressure

S static head

S static pressure

S static pressure loss

S static regain method duct sizing


S static suction head

S static suction lift

S static temperature

S status

S status device

S steady state

S steady-state condition

S steam
S steam boiler
S steam exhaust

S steam header

S steam jet air ejector

S steam jet refrigerating system

S steam quality

S steam trap

S steam-atomizing burner

S Stefan-Boltzmann law

S step change

S step controller

S step modulating control


S stepped piston compound compressor

S sterilization

S still air freezing

S Stirling cycle

S stoichiometric reaction

S stoker

S Stokes’ laws

S stonewall flow

S stop valve

S storage capacity

S storage disease
S storage efficiency

S storage factor

S storage gas

S storage inventory

S storage medium

S storage water heater

S stored heat

S straddle refrigerating unit (saddle unit; plug unit)

S straightening element
S strainer

S stratification

S stratification index
S stratified airflow

S stratified fluid

S stratified storage

S stratified system

S stress

S strong liquor (rich liquor; strong solution)

S structural barrier

S structural thermal insulation

S structure borne noise

S stuffing box

S subbase

S subcooled liquid

S subcooler

S subcooling

S subcooling heat rejection effect

S subcooling refrigerating effect

S sublimation

S sublimation front (sublimation interface)

S submaster controller

S submerged arc welding

S submerged coil condenser

S submetering

S suction head
S suction inlet

S suction lift

S suction line

S suction pressure

S suction trap (suction line accumulator; liquid separator)

S suction vapor temperature

S suction-line filter

S suction-line-filter drier

S sun effect (solar heat gain)

S superchilling

S superconducting state (superconductive state)

S superconduction (superconductivity)

S superconduction critical temperature

S superconductor

S supercooled liquid

S supercooling

S supercritical

S superheat

S superheated steam

S superheated vapor
S superheater

S supersaturated air

S supersaturated vapor

S supersaturation

S supply air

S supply mains

S supply pressure

S surface coefficient
S surface cooling

S surface dehumidifier

S surface effect

S surface film resistance

S surface film thermal conductance

S surface reflectance

S surface tension

S surface thermostat
S surroundings
S SV

S swaging tool

S swamp cooler

S sweat joint

S sweep rate

S swept volume

S swing check valve

S swing joint

S swirl

S switch

S synthetic oil

S system

S system effect

S system effects

S system load management

S system operation

S systematic error

systematic uncertainty
S
S system-refrigerating effect

S systems manual

T TAB
T TAB technician
T tank
T tankless heater

T tap

T task/ambient conditioning (TAC) system

T TD

T temperature

T temperature controller

T temperature difference

T temperature difference method

T temperature differential (∆t)

T temperature differential sensor

T temperature differential within the occupied zone

T temperature glide
T temperature gradient

T temperature gradient risk

T temperature index

T temperature index coefficient of thermal performance

T temperature of flowing fluids

T temperature profile

T temperature sensor

T temperature, dry bulb


T temperature, wet bulb

T temperature-controlled surfaces

T temperature-sensing element

T tenable environment
T terminal

T terminal casing leakage

T terminal damper leakage

T terminal leakage

T terminal unit

T terminology

T test

T test air

T test authority

T test condition tolerance

T test method

T test operating tolerance

T test panel

T test period

T test pressure

T test pressure loss

T test rooms

T testing

T testing standard
T testing, adjusting, and balancing

T thawing

T theoretical storage capacity

T therm

T thermal absorptance

T thermal anemometer

T thermal anomalies

T thermal boundary resistance

T thermal break

T thermal bridge

T thermal comfort

T thermal conductance

T thermal conductivity

T thermal conductor

T thermal convection

T thermal delay

T thermal diffusion

T thermal diffusivity

T thermal efficiency

T thermal emissivity
T thermal emittance

T thermal energy

T thermal energy meter

T thermal energy storage

T thermal envelope

T thermal environment

T thermal equilibrium

T thermal expansion

T thermal frequency response

T thermal inertia

T thermal input

T thermal insulation

T thermal insulation fill

T thermal lag

T thermal load

T thermal neutrality

T thermal output

T thermal plume
T thermal radiance

T thermal radiant flux density

T thermal radiation

T thermal reflectance

T thermal regain

T thermal relay

T thermal resistance

T thermal sensation

T thermal storage

T thermal storage charge

T thermal storage efficiency

T thermal storage load leveling

T thermal storage medium

T thermal superinsulation

T thermal time lag


T thermal transmittance

T thermal unit

T thermistor

T thermocouple

T thermodynamic equilibrium

T thermodynamic properties

T thermodynamic shock

T thermodynamic system

T thermodynamic trap

T thermodynamic work

T thermodynamics

T Thermodynamics First law

T thermoelectric refrigeration

T thermogram

T thermography

T thermometer
T thermometer electric resistance

T thermometry

T thermophysical properties

T thermophysics

T thermopile

T thermosiphon

T thermosiphon exchanger

T thermostat

T thermostat anticipator

T thermostat compensator

T thermostat offset

T thermostatic balanced pressure steam trap

T thermostatic bimetallic steam trap

T thermostatic control

T thermostatic expansion valve

T thermostatic regulator

T thermostatic switch

T third octave (1/3) band sound pressure level

T three-phase electrical service

T three-pipe air-conditioning system

T three-way valve
T threshold limit values®

T threshold limit value®—time weighted average (TLV®—TWA)

T throttling expansion

T throttling range

T throttling valve
T through the wall air conditioner

T throw (T)

T tilt angle

T time defrosting

T time delay
T tinted

T titanium tetrachloride

T toggle action

T tolerance

T ton day of refrigeration

T ton of refrigeration

T tonne

T torsional excitation

T total air

T total cooling effect

T total head
T total heat
T total heat rejection

T total irradiance

T total pressure

T total pump head pressure

T total refrigerant heat rejection effect

T total refrigerating effect

T total refrigeration capacity

T total static pressure loss

T total suspended particulates

T total thermal emittance

T total ton

T total-to-static efficiency
T total-to-total efficiency

T tower scrubber

T toxicity

T toxicity of a refrigerant

T training plan

T transducer

T transfer air

T transfer fluid
T transformation fitting

T transformer

T transient

T transient state

T transition point

T transmission

T transmission loss

T transmittance radiation

T transpiration cooling
T transport property data

T transverse joint

T trap

T traverse

T trend log (trend record)

T triple point

T troffer

T trombe wall

T true solar time

T tube

T tubeaxial fan

T tube-in-sheet evaporator

T tube-in-tube condenser

T tube-on-sheet evaporator

T tuberculation

T tubular centrifugal fan

T tunnel cooler
T tunnel freezer

T turbine

T turbocompressor

T turbocompressor stall

T turboexpander (expansion turbine)

T turbulator

T turbulent flow

T turning vane

T two-phase flow

T two-pipe system

T two-stage control

T two-stage thermostat

T two-way valve

T Type I hood

T Type II hood

U ultimate strength

U ultraviolet (UV) radiation

U unconditioned space
U underfloor air-distribution system (UFAD)

U undervoltage

U unglazed solar collector

U uniflow compressor
U uniform velocity

U unit control panel (UCP)

U unit cooler

U unit heater

U unit ventilator

U unitary system

U unprotected tubing

U unshrouded impeller

U unsteady state

U upfeed system

U usable storage capacity

U use factor

U useful refrigerating effect

U utility meter

U utilization factor
U UV

V vacuum

V vacuum breaker (vacuum cracking)


V vacuum cooling (vacuum chilling)

V vacuum diffusion pump

V vacuum freezing

V vacuum gage

V vacuum pump

V vacuum pump (ion pump)

V vacuum test

V valve
V valve area

V valve body

V valve cage

V valve cover

V valve disc

V valve flutter (valve bounce)

V valve guard

V valve lift

V valve obturator

V valve plate

V valve plug

V valve port

V valve seat

V valve stem

V valve trim

V Van’t Hoff’s principle

V vane ratio

V vaneaxial fan
V vapor

V vapor barrier

V vapor concentration

V vapor content ratio

V vapor control

V vapor jet

V vapor lock

V vapor lock device

V vapor mass fraction


V vapor pickup tube

V vapor pressure

V vapor quality

V vapor refrigerating system

V vapor retarder

V vaporization

V vaporizing burner

V vapor-pressure thermometer

V variable flow

V variable output

variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system

V variable volume, variable temperature (VVT)

V variable-capacity equipment
V variable-frequency drive (VFD)

V variable-speed control of a fan

V variable-speed drive
V VAV box

V velocity

V velocity coefficient

V velocity constant

V velocity head

V velocity pressure

V velocity profile

V velocity reduction method duct sizing

V vena contracta

V vent

V vent connector

V vent damper

V vent gas

V vent limiter

V vent or air intake terminal

V vent pipe

V vent relief

V vented crawlspace
V ventilation

V ventilation air

V ventilation effectiveness

V ventilation effectiveness concentration

V Venturi

V Venturi tube

V verification

V vertical axis of measurement (y-axis)

V very cold climate

V vessel

V vibration

V vibration isolation

V vibration severity

V viscometer

V viscosity

V viscosity coefficient

V viscosity index (VI)

V viscosity manometer
V viscous filter

V viscous flow

V volatile liquid

V volatile organic compounds (VOC)

V volatile refrigerant

V volt ohmmeter (VOM)

V voltage

V voltage drop

V voltage relay

V voltampere reactive (VAR)

V volume control damper

volumetric air flow rate


V volumetric efficiency due to cylinder heating

V volumetric heat capacity

V volumetric moisture capacity

V volumetric total efficiency

W wall section

W wall sleeve

W wall-mounted canopy hood

W walls

W warm up

W warming-up allowance

W waste energy sources


W waste heat

W water

W water column (wc)

W water contaminant

W water cooling tower


W water defrosting

W water economizer

W water gage (wg)

W water hammer

W water heater

W water heater low pressure

W water loop heat pump application

W water manifold

W water pollutant

W water rejection efficiency of a weather louver

W water system

W water treatment

W water tube boiler

W water vacuum refrigerating system

W water vapor
W water vapor content

water vapor density


W

W water vapor flux


W water vapor migration

W water vapor resistivity

W water vapor retarder

W water vapor transmission rate (WVTR)

W water-formed deposit

W water-holding capacity

W waterside economizer

W waterside economizer cooling

W watertightness

W watt meter

W wax

W wc
W WEEL

W weep

W welded joint

W well ventilated

W wet compression system

W wet return

W wet saturated steam

W wet ton (moisture ton)


W wet vapor

W wet-bulb depression

W wet-bulb temperature

W W-factor

W white noise

W white room

W Wien’s displacement law

W Wien’s radiation law

W wind chill

W wind pressure
W window air conditioner

W wiredrawing

W Wobbe index

W work

W working fluid

W working pressure range

W workplace environmental exposure level (WEEL)

Y yield point

Z zeolite

Z zeotrope
Z zeotropic

Z zeotropic refrigerant

Z zero energy band

Z zero point energy

Z zeroth law of thermodynamics

Z zone

Z zone valve

Z zoned smoke control


© ASHRAE. For personal use only. Use of this content in ASHRAE publications is permitted
as needed. For non-ASHRAE publications, up to 10 terms and definitions may be reprinted
without requesting additional permission from ASHRAE. Additional reproduction,
distribution, or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without
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go to permissions@ashrae.org.

definition

filter having an efficiency of 99.90% or higher, capable of dealing with particle sizes down to
0.01 micrometer; a HEPA filter. See [[HEPA filter]].
see [[water vapor density]].
a positive value of a pressure when the datum pressure is absolute zero.
temperature as measured above absolute zero.
space totally void of matter (theoretical).
see [[dynamic viscosity]].
zero point on an absolute temperature scale. See [[Kelvin temperature]]; [[Rankine
temperature]].
that substance absorbed by an absorbent.

material that, due to an affinity, extracts one or more substances from a liquid or gaseous
medium with which it is in contact and which changes physically or chemically, or both,
during the process. Calcium chloride is an example of a solid absorbent, while solutions of
lithium chloride, lithium bromide, and the ethylene glycols are examples of liquid
absorbents.

(1) device containing fluid, or other material, for absorbing refrigerant vapor or other
vapors. (2) part of the solar collector receiving the incident radiation energy and
transforming it into thermal energy. It may possess a surface through which energy is
transmitted to the transfer fluid; however, the transfer fluid itself can be the absorber.

the area of the absorber medium if both transfer fluid and solid surfaces jointly perform the
absorbing function.

recirculate absorbent solution over the absorber tube bundle to ensure adequate wetting of
the absorber surfaces. These pumps are not found in all equipment designs.

see [[solar collector absorber]].

(1) absorbed portion of the radiant energy striking a surface. (2) ratio of the radiant flux
absorbed by a body to that incident upon it. Compare to [[reflectance]].

(1) a process whereby a porous material extracts one or more substances from an
atmosphere, a mixture of gases, or a mixture of liquids. (2) absorption of acoustical energy
by acoustical materials and air. (3) transformation of radiant energy to a different form of
energy by interaction with matter.

absorption chillers differ from mechanical vapor compression chillers because they utilize a
thermal or/and chemical process to produce the refrigeration effect necessary to provide
chilled water. There is no mechanical compression of the refrigerant taking place within the
machine, as occurs within more traditional vapor compression type chillers.
ratio of the radiant flux absorbed by a body to that incident upon it.

(1) chemicals impregnated into small paper cards that change color with specific relative
humidities. (2) instrument in which the relative humidity is determined from the absorption
of water vapor by a hygroscopic material.
refrigeration is created by evaporating a refrigerant in a heat exchanger (evaporator) with
the vapor then absorbed by an absorbent medium from which it is subsequently expelled
by heating at a higher partial vapor pressure (in a generator) and condensed by cooling in
another heat exchanger (condenser).

absorbed portion of the radiant energy striking unit area of a substance. Compare to
[[absorptance]].
See [[alternating current]].
the vector quantity that specifies the time rate of change of velocity.

rate of increase in velocity of a body falling freely in a vacuum; its value varies with latitude
and elevation. The International Standard, derived from the value at sea level and 45 deg
latitude, is 9.806 65 meters per second per second (m/s2), or 32.174 feet per second per
second (ft/s2).

a transducer that converts a mechanical input acceleration to an electrical output that is


proportional to the input acceleration.

air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by


cognizant authorities and with which a substantial majority (80% or more) of the people
exposed do not express dissatisfaction.

a component or system able to meet specified design parameters under actual load.

an environment that a substantial majority of the occupants would find thermally


acceptable.

the level of vulnerability that has been deemed by the decision maker to be acceptable
based on the level of risk, the potential consequences, and other factors.

a formal action, taken by a person with appropriate authority (which may or may not be
contractually defined) to declare that some aspect of the project meets defined
requirements, thus permitting subsequent activities to proceed.

the angular zone within which radiation is accepted by the receiver of a concentrator.
Radiation is said to be accepted because radiation incident within this angle reaches the
absorber after passing through the aperture.

an entity identified by the owner who leads, plans, schedules, and coordinates the activities
needed to implement the building acceptance testing activities. The acceptance
representative may be a qualified employee or consultant of the owner. The individual
serving as the acceptance representative shall be independent of the project design and
construction management, though this individual may be an employee of a firm providing
those services.

a method for regulating or restricting access to network resources or a physical space.


movable panel mounted in a surface of an enclosure in order to permit inspection of the
inside.

accessories intended to permit access into ducts, they are positioned in proximity to all
those internal parts which require inspection and/or maintenance, such as fire dampers.

as applied to equipment and components, equipment or components where close approach


is not prevented by locked doors, elevation, or other barriers or obstructions.

unanticipated emission of a regulated substance or other extremely hazardous substance


into the ambient air from a stationary source.
(1) apparatus to store cold by accumulation of ice on a coil. (2) pressure vessel connected to
more than one circuit of a pneumatic system to obtain the average pressure of the
connected circuits. (3) vessel for storing low pressure side liquid refrigerant; also known as a
low pressure receiver, surge drum, surge header, or surge tank.

(1) degree of freedom from error, that is, the degree of conformity to truth or to a rule.
Accuracy is contrasted with precision (e.g., four place numbers are less precise than six
place numbers). (2) the ability of an instrument to indicate or record the true value of a
measured quantity. The error of indication, which is the difference between the indicated
value and the true value of the measured quantity, expresses the accuracy of an
instrument.

welding using an acetylene gas torch for fusing a selected metal (welding rod) in such a
position as to fill the space where a junction is to be made.
device to sense velocity of air at a point by use of the Doppler effect on the velocity of
sound. It may also sense temperature.

characteristics of a room that determine the qualities of sound therein, relative to hearing.

change in pitch of a sound observed when there is relative motion between source and
observer.
one that evaluates temperatures from the measurement of the speed of sound in a gas.
Used for very low temperatures.

(1) characteristics of a room that determine the qualities of sound therein, relative to
hearing. (2) science of the production, transmission, and effects of sound.

controlled release of a tracer gas by a pressurized system or pump. (Term is used in


ventilation rates measurement.)
form of aluminum oxide that absorbs moisture.
form of carbon made porous by special treatment which allows it to be capable of
adsorbing various odors, gases, and vapors. It may be coated or treated with chemicals to
improve the removal of specific gases or odors.

convector with integrated air supply where primary air plus induced air pass through the
cooling coil(s). Cooling medium is generally water.

the product of the voltage across a branch of an alternating current circuit and the
component of the electric current that is in phase with the voltage.

device, either electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically operated, that acts as a motor to


change the position of movable devices such as valves or dampers.

the adverse health effect(s) from a single, short-term exposure, as might occur during an
accidental release of refrigerants or other toxic chemicals.

plants that reliably grow well in a given habitat with minimal attention from humans in the
form of winter protection, pest protection, water irrigation, or fertilization once root
systems are established in the soil. Adapted plants are considered to be low maintenance
but not invasive.

a model that relates indoor design temperatures or acceptable temperature ranges to


outdoor meteorological or climatological parameters.

set of revisions to a document, contract, or standard in the form of a supplement.

an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building outside of the existing building
envelope.
compression of a gas during which no heat is exchanged with the surroundings.
(1) efficiency with which work is done with respect to heat gains or losses. (2) (indicated
efficiency) ratio of the work absorbed in compressing a unit mass of refrigerant in a
compressor to the work absorbed in compressing the same mass in an ideal compressor.
See [[isentropic process]].
expansion of a fluid during which no heat is exchanged with the surroundings.

thermodynamic process during which no heat is extracted from or added to the system.

evaporating water into air without external gain or loss of heat. Sensible heat in both air
and water becomes latent heat in evaporated vapor. The air is cooled and humidified.

the temperature at which water (liquid or solid) at temperature t, by evaporating into moist
air at dry-bulb temperature t and humidity ratio W, can bring air to saturation adiabatically
at the same temperature t while total pressure p is constant. Also known as
thermodynamic-wet-bulb temperature.

see [[variable-frequency drive]].

the gross sensible capacity less the actual fan power. (Also see [[gross sensible capacity]].)

the agency or agent that adopts a standard.


[[air diffusion performance index]]
material that has the ability to cause molecules of gases, liquids, or solids to adhere to its
surfaces without changing the material physically or chemically. Certain commercially
available solid materials, such as silica gel, activated carbon, and activated alumina, have
this property.

(1) process in which fluid molecules are concentrated on a surface by chemical or physical
forces or both. (2) surface adherence of a material in extracting one or more substances
present in an atmosphere or mixture of gases and liquids, unaccompanied by physical or
chemical change.
exposing a substance or area to the circulation of air.

time varying loads acting on the blades of a fan due to nonconformities of the airflow. Note:
spatial nonuniformities of airflow, which are steady in time, give rise to harmonic excitation
at frequencies which are integer multiples of the rotation rate of the fan. Time excitations
of the airflow give rise to random excitation. Turbulence of the airflow gives rise to random
excitation.

small particles (solid or liquid) suspended in air (e.g., dust, fumes, fog, and smoke). The
diameter of the particles may vary from micrometers (formerly micron) down to less than
0.01 micrometer. See [[fume]].
See [[adjustable-frequency drive (AFD)]].
time of passage of air from one point to another within an indoor space.
device to create turbulent motion in a fluid, usually inside a vessel.

land that is, or was within ten years prior to the date of the building permit application for
the building project, primarily devoted to the commercial production of horticultural,
viticultural, floricultural, dairy, apiary, vegetable, or animal products
See [[authority having jurisdiction]].
burner in which the oil is atomized by compressed air which is forced into and through one
or more streams of oil, breaking the oil into a fine spray.
condition where the introduction of air causes either a flow restriction or a malfunction of
the system.

airflow in volumetric units per hour divided by the volume of the space on which the air
change rate is based (normally expressed in air changes per hour).
expression of the amount of air movement or air leakage into or out of a building in terms
of the number of building volumes or room volumes exchanged.

ventilation airflow divided by room volume. It indicates how many times, during one hour,
the air volume from a space is replaced with outdoor air.
motion of air, either natural or induced.
device used to remove airborne impurities from air. Compare to [[filter]]. See also
[[precipitator]].
the use of equipment that reduces the concentration of airborne contaminants, such as
microorganisms, dusts, fumes, respirable particles, other particulate matter, gases, odors,
and/or vapors in air.

a device or combination of devices applied to reduce the concentration of airborne


contaminants such as microorganisms, dusts, fumes, respirable particles, other particulate
matter, gases, and/or vapours in air.

assembly of equipment for the simultaneous control of air temperature, relative humidity,
purity, and motion. Compare to [[air-conditioning system]].

the process of treating air to meet the requirements of a conditioned space by controlling
its temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution.

unwanted airborne constituent that may reduce acceptability of the air.

controlled stream of air moving across the height and width of an opening with sufficient
velocity and volume to reduce the infiltration or transfer of air from one side of the opening
to the other and to inhibit insects, dust, and debris from passing through; or both.

the mass per unit volume of the air. See [[standard air]].

a diffuser, grille, register, or transfer grille used for controlling air patterns or air distribution
or for preventing line of sight through an opening while allowing airflow through. See [[air
terminal device]] or [[diffuser]].

see [[diffuser]].

(1) distribution of the air in a space, called the treated space, in a manner to satisfy certain
specified conditions such as air change rate, pressure, cleanliness, temperature, humidity,
air velocity, and noise level, in a specified zone within this treated space, which is called the
occupied zone. It is usually achieved by means of air terminal devices which form the
common boundaries between the treated space and the air-distribution system. (2) the
introduction of air into a building space for the purpose of providing acceptable velocity and
temperature distribution in the occupied zone.

ratio of the net area at vena contracta of air flowing through an orifice to the total free area
of the opening.

any diffuser system designed to, both, convey air within a room, space, or area and diffuse
air into that space while operating under positive pressure. Systems are commonly
constructed of, but not limited to, fabric or plastic film.

transportation of a specified airflow to or from the treated space, by ducts or plenums. Air-
treatment devices can be added to the distribution system for the purpose of treating the
air (e.g., cleaning, heating, cooling, humidifying or dehumidifying, etc.)
there are three main categories of components: elements of distribution (components for
the purpose of ensuring a correct distribution of the air); air terminal units (ATUs)
[equipment inserted into or added to the ends of ducts for the purpose of controlling one or
more of various parameters such as velocity, pressure, flow rate, and temperature (also see
air terminal unit)]; and accessories of distribution (components ensuring the fitting and
fixing in place of the elements of distribution and their inspection and maintenance).

vertical distance between the base of an air outlet and the bottom of the airstream at the
end of the air throw. Note: drop occurs from the natural expansion of the airstream.

rapid falling of cold air that occurs when a variable-air volume (VAV) box or other device
reduces airflow and the supply air leaves the diffuser at very low velocity.

duct and dampers arrangement with an automatic control system that together allow a
cooling system to supply outdoor air to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling
during mild or cold weather.

(1) in a hydronic system, a fitting or tank mounted in the piping system that separates
entrained air from the water and discharges the air to an air vent. (2) in a steam system, a
device that closes if either steam or water is present in the vent body and opens when air or
noncondensables reach it.

capture of part of the surrounding air by an airstream discharged from an outlet; sometimes
called secondary air motion.
exchange of outdoor air with the air already in a building can be divided into two broad
classifications: ventilation and infiltration.

interior and exterior air surface film coefficients for winter and summer design conditions.

unfiltered air that passes through the [[air-handling unit (AHU)]] filter installation but
remains unfiltered because it bypasses the installed air filters.
the uncontrolled inward airflow through openings in the building envelope caused by the
pressure effects of wind, the effect of differences in indoor and outdoor air density, or both
(cfm) [m3/s].

device or opening through which air is withdrawn from or discharged into a conditioned
space (grilles, registers, diffusers, and slots may be used as air inlets).

1) the flow of air through the building envelope caused by a specified pressure difference; a
measure of airtightness, cfm at fixed pressure (m3/s at fixed pressure). 2) undesirable or
unwanted leakage of air from within a component within an air-distribution system that
could include such items as ducts, air terminal devices, and AHUs.
airtightness expressed as the air leakage rate per unit envelope or unit area.

air leakage of a component or components subjected to air pressure.


compartment whose purpose is to control air exchange into or out of a conditioned space.
Two individual closures usually are used to restrict air transfer by keeping one of them
closed.

(1) pipe carrying air to the laterals supplying ice cans contained in a freezing tank. (2) supply
line from air compressor or central pressure reducing station to branch feeder in a
pneumatic control installation. (3) tube carrying the supply of compressed air to the
components of a pneumatic control system.

(1) any combination of outdoor and transfer air intended to replace exhaust air and
exfiltration. (2) totality of gas molecules in a defined volume of air.
(1) air-operated device that is used primarily for opening or closing pneumatic valves and
dampers. (2) device that converts compressed air into mechanical force. (3) pneumatic
operator, a final control device that assumes a position as directed by an input pressure
signal.

any device or opening for supplying air to a space (such as a diffuser, a grille, or a register),
through which air is discharged into a conditioned space. See [[air terminal device]] and
[[diffuser]].

any material in the atmosphere that affects persons and their environment (pollutants
include materials such as liquids, solids, aerosols, gases, and odors).

result of the presence of air pollutants in the atmosphere.

(1) (theoretical), power required to drive a fan or blower as though there were no losses in
the fan or blower (100% efficiency). (2) operational power required to move air at a given
rate of flow against a given resistance. The ratio of air power to input power of a fan or
blower is termed efficiency.

kitchen hood containing filters to remove contaminants, after which the treated air is
recirculated to the room.

separation of the various components of air through distillation at very low temperature.

device used to remove air from another fluid stream. See also [[purge]].
an adjustable device for varying the amount of primary air entering atmospheric or
powered burners.
the rate of air movement at a point, without regard to direction.
blade or blades fitted across an air duct to divide the airstream into a number of streams in
parallel. Should not be used in current engineering practice due to excessive pressure drop
and noise considerations.
divergence of an airstream after it leaves an outlet.
the layering of air within a space due to density differences caused by temperature
distribution of the air.
see [[testing, adjusting, and balancing]].
the temperature of the air measured at a test point.
see [[air terminal unit]].

any device (e.g., grille, register, diffuser) placed in an opening to a room, through which
controlled air enters or leaves. Component of the air-distribution system which has the
purpose of achieving the predetermined movement of air into or from a treated space.

(1) an air-distribution assembly consisting of inlet duct connection(s) and outlet duct
connection(s) whose purpose fulfills (either manually or automatically) one or more of the
following functions: controls the rate of the airflow, controls the velocity or pressure and/or
temperature of the air, mixes primary streams of different temperatures or humidities, or
mixes within the device primary air with air from the treated space. (2) an air terminal unit
may be composed of automatic or manual dampers, filters valves, heating or cooling coils,
sound attenuation, nozzles, or fan assemblies. See also [[diffuser terminal]].

horizontal or vertical axis distance an airstream travels after leaving an air outlet before the
stream velocity is reduced to a specific terminal value. The rated throw will be a function of
a predetermined terminal velocity.

ratio of the rate of useful, sensible heat removal from the conditioned space to the energy
input to the supply and return fan motor(s), expressed in consistent units and within
designated operating conditions.
process by which the state of the air is modified with respect to various properties such as
temperature, moisture content, dust content, bacterial count, gas, and vapor contents.

device to control volume and flow in air distribution. See also [[damper]].
rate of motion of air in a given direction, measured as distance per unit time. See also
[[velocity]].

manual or automatic device for removing air from circulating hot or chilled water systems,
also used for removing air from steam systems. See [[air eliminator]].

unit for the purpose of removing particulate matter from the airstream by spraying or
atomizing clean water into an air supply system; capable of heating, cooling, humidifying, or
dehumidifying the air depending on whether the water is heated or chilled. See
[[scrubber]].
see [[exhaust air]].
see [[makeup air]].
see [[outdoor air]].
see [[recirculated air]].
see [[standard air]].
see [[supply air]].
see [[transfer air]].
see [[ventilation air]].
value used in dust collector calculations to measure air velocity through the bag filter
media. Note: calculated by dividing active volumetric airflow by the effective area of the
cloth media.
ratio of the air volume to the gas volume. A specified ratio is necessary to achieve a desired
character of combustion.
ratio of the mass of atmosphere in the actual earth to sun path to the mass which would
exist at sea level if the sun were directly overhead.
value used in dust collector calculations to measure air velocity through non-cloth bag filter
media (e.g., paper cartridges). Note: calculated by dividing active volumetric airflow by the
effective area of the cloth media.

cooling by forced circulation of air at high velocity. Compare to [[jet cooling]].

impurities as solid or liquid particulate matter from whatever source.


sound that reaches the point of detection by radiation through the air.
useful net, available refrigerating capacity of an air conditioner for removing sensible and
latent heat from the space being conditioned.
combination of all components required to provide air conditioning.
assembly of equipment for air treatment to simultaneously control its temperature,
humidity, cleanliness, and distribution to meet the requirements of a conditioned space.
See [[air conditioner]].
air conditioner whose refrigerating system has an air-cooled condenser.

a refrigerant condenser in which heat removal is accomplished entirely by heat absorption


by air flowing over condensing surfaces. See also [[condenser]]; [[desuperheater]];
[[double-pipe condenser]] ([[tube-in-tube condenser]]); [[evaporative condenser]]; [[shell-
and-tube condenser]].

a refrigeration cycle consisting of four stages: compression of air, cooling the air down to
ambient temperature, expansion of the air, and heating of the cold air by heat absorption in
the space to be cooled.

the air volume flow rate per unit area of the entire floor space being conditioned.
modular air-terminal device designed to diffuse air to the treated space from a pressurized
plenum through holes or slots in the ceiling surface or the supporting framework. Also see
[[air terminal device]].

a single number rating of the air-diffusion performance of a mixing system at specified


supply-air delivery rate, temperature, moisture content, and space cooling load. ADPI is
based on air speed and effective draft temperature.

surface or locus of points of equal velocity which describe an air-distribution profile.

(1) movement of air usually within boundaries (such as ducts). (2) the volume of air per unit
time.
the volume of standard air per unit of time that moves past a given plane, expressed in
cubic feet per minute (cfm) or liters per second (L/s).
deterrent (due to friction, change of direction, etc.) to the passage of air within an air-
distribution system and/or equipment.

material or construction that adequately impedes transmission of air under specified


conditions. Compare to [[structural barrier]]; [[water vapor retarder]].

a cross sectional blade shape of a fan type that is used to optimize flow to reduce
turbulence.

assembly consisting of sections containing a fan or fans and other necessary equipment to
perform one or more of the following functions: circulating, filtration, heating, cooling, heat
recovery, humidifying, dehumidifying, and mixing of air. Is usually connected to an air-
distribution system.

particles are released when an infected host coughs or sneezes; droplet nuclei are formed
when mucus coating these particles evaporates and the virus becomes airborne. Also
known as quanta.
natural ventilation by window opening.
see [[air economizer]]

construction in which the building envelope is designed with a continuous air barrier.

qualitative term describing the integrity of the building envelope relative to air permeation;
the resistance of the building envelope to the flow of air and entrained moisture. Compare
to [[air infiltration]].

ratio of actual heat transfer to the thermodynamically limited maximum heat transfer
possible in a counterflow exchanger of infinite transfer area. Note: effectiveness may be
stated as total, sensible, or latent when the ratio defined above uses these heats as the
actual and maximum possible heat transfer quantities. Compare air-to-air energy recovery
with system efficiency.

ratio of the apparent heat recovered to the sum of the thermodynamically limited
maximum possible in a counterflow heat exchanger of infinite heat transfer area, plus, all
external energy inputs including, but not limited to, fan energy, auxiliary heaters, cross
leakage, and casing loss. Note: this ratio adjusts heat exchanger effectiveness for auxiliary
energy inputs of the energy recovery system.

exchanger that transfers heat from an exhaust airstream to a separated supply airstream.
Note: fixed plate, rotary wheels, heat pipes, runaround coil loops, and shell and tube are
the most common types.

the effective area of an air terminal device equal to the measured airflow rate divided by
the velocity reading of a particular instrument used in a prescribed manner.

signal, either audible or visual, or both, that alerts an operator to an off-normal condition
which requires some form of corrective action.
the process of indicating that a human operator has seen and responded to an event
notification.
that point in the range of a variable which is the threshold of an off-normal condition.

ratio of reflected solar radiation from a surface and the incident solar radiation. See also
[[reflectance]].
minute, freshwater plants that form a scum on the surfaces of recirculated water apparatus,
interfering with fluid flow and heat transfer.
any substance inhibiting the growth of algae.
prescribed set of well-defined rules or processes for the solution of a problem in a finite
number of steps (e.g., a full statement of an arithmetical procedure for evaluating sine x to
a stated precision).
sum of bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide ions in water. Other ions, such as borate,
phosphate, or silicate, can also contribute to alkalinity.
a synthetic hydrocarbon composed of a benzene ring attached to one or more saturated
hydrocarbon chains.
a device that monitors parameters used to determine the net HVAC energy consumed in
conditioning an individual unit.
a replacement or addition to a building or its systems and equipment; routine maintenance,
repair, and service or a change in the building’s use classification or category shall not
constitute an alteration.
electric current in an electrical circuit that periodically reverses polarity. See also
[[frequency]].
nondepletable sources alternative to energy derived from combustible waste or heat
recovery processes.

air within a defined space. Air surrounding a building, the source of outdoor air brought into
a building, etc. (Usually outdoor air or the air in an enclosure under study).

characteristics of the environment. For example, temperature, relative humidity, pressure,


and motion.
all noise associated within a given environment at a given time, including noise from the
sound source of interest (e.g., background noise plus the particular sound of interest).
Compare to [[background noise]].
(1) environmental pressure in which a device operates. (2) pressure of the medium
surrounding a device. (3) the pressure of the surroundings relative to zero absolute
pressure.

temperature of the medium (such as air, water, or earth) into which the heat of equipment
is dissipated.
anhydrous ammonia (NH3).
ability of a wire to carry electric current safely without undue heating.

(1) circuit used to increase the power, voltage, and/or current level of a signal. (2) device
that enables an input signal to control power from a source independent of the signal and
thus be capable of delivering an output that bears some relationship to, and is generally
greater than, the input signal. (3) device whose output is an enlarged reproduction of the
essential features of an input signal and that draws power from a source other than the
input signal.

data represented in a continuous form, as contrasted with digital data represented in a


discrete (discontinuous) form; an analog of the variable represented.

(1) display of a physical variable in a continuous form. (2) display of analog data values.

(1) a verifying quantity (e.g., pressure, voltage, or temperature) which can have any value
between a minimum and a maximum, used as the initiating part of a control system. (2)
input of a physical variable in a continuous form, such as a voltage input to a voltmeter.
(1) continuous variable used to represent another (e.g., in temperature measurement, an
electric voltage or current output represents temperature input). (2) output that is
continuously variable and represents a physical variable such as a voltage, current, or
pressure output.

device that converts a signal that is a function of a continuous variable into a representative
number sequence.

(1) method by which analog values are transferred from the sensing location to a controlling
location. (2) sending of a continuously variable signal from one point to another.

mathematical solution of a model that has a deterministic result for a given set of
parameters and boundary conditions.

device in the high side of an absorption system for increasing concentration of refrigerant in
the vapor entering the rectifier or condenser.

device placed at the end of a test duct to prevent excessive reflection of the sound waves
back into the test duct where they would interfere with the waves to be measured.

device to sense and measure velocity of airflow at a point.


a barometer in which a change of atmospheric pressure relative to a vacuum bends a
metallic surface connected to a pointer.
thin, disc-shaped box or capsule, usually metallic, partially evacuated and sealed, held
extended by a spring, that expands and contracts with changes in atmospheric or gas
pressure.
loss of the ability to perceive pain and other sensory stimulation.

the largest included angle between center lines of principal jets of the primary airstream.

the angle between the solar beam and the normal to the aperture plane of the solar
collector.
valve in which the inlet and outlet are at an angle, usually 45° or 90°.
(1) ion that is negatively charged (e.g., chloride, silicate, sulfate). Compare to [[cation]]. (2)
negatively charged ion of an electrolyte that migrates toward the anode influenced by an
electric potential gradient.

(1) process involving controlled heating and subsequent controlled, generally slow, cooling.
Applied usually to induce ductility in metals. (2) treatment intended to remove internal
stresses, alter mechanical or physical properties, produce a definite microstructure, and
remove gases.

the ratio of annual output energy to annual input energy, which includes any nonheating
season pilot input loss and, for gas- or oil-fired furnaces or boilers, does not include electric
energy.

the heating load for the entire one-year simulation period (e.g., for hourly simulation
programs, this is the sum of the hourly heating loads for the one-year simulation period).

sum of direct solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation that strikes a given surface for the
entire one-year simulation period when no shading is present (e.g., for hourly simulation
programs, this is the sum of the hourly total incident solar radiation for the one-year
simulation period).

the average zone air temperature for the one-year simulation period (e.g., for hourly
simulation programs, this is the average of the hourly zone air temperatures for the one-
year simulation period).
sensible-cooling load for the entire one-year simulation period (e.g., for hourly simulation
programs, this is the sum of the hourly sensible cooling loads for the one-year simulation
period).
sum of direct solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation that strikes a given surface for the
entire one-year simulation period when no shading is present (e.g., for hourly simulation
programs, this is the sum of the hourly total incident solar radiation for the one-year
simulation period.)
form of two-phase flow in a pipe where the gas forms the core and the liquid flows
annularly against the internal walls of the pipe.
positive electrode in an electrolytic system, such as is applied in cathodic protection. The
electrode at which oxidation or corrosion occurs or from which the current is transmitted to
the electrolyte. Compare to [[cathode]].

control methodology that is actuated faster than normal to produce a smaller differential of
the controlled variable.
valve or mechanical device that eliminates siphon flow.
the maximum projected area of a solar collector through which the unconcentrated solar
radiant energy is admitted.
the projected plane at or above the solar collector through which the unconcentrated solar
radiation is admitted.
[[application part-load value]]. See [[part-load value]].

the effective coil surface temperature when there is dehumidification. This is the
temperature to which all the supply air would be cooled if 100% of the supply air contacted
the coil. On the psychrometric chart, this is the intersection of the condition line and the
saturation curve, where the condition line is the line going through entering air conditions
with slope defined by the sensible heat ratio ([gross sensible capacity]/[gross total
capacity]). (Also see [[gross sensible capacity]] and [[gross total capacity]].)

a value that can be calculated for a system based on the quantity of the fluid flow, the
average temperature of the entering fluid, and the average temperature of the space.

product of the volts and amperes of a circuit. This product generally is divided by 1000 and
designated in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). It comprises both real and reactive power.

time based on the apparent angular motion of the sun across the sky, with solar noon the
time the sun crosses the meridian of the observer.
temperature of an object as determined from the measured radiance.

measured property of a material or assembly of materials; heat flows by a combination of


conduction, convection, radiation, and latent heat exchange and may depend on
orientation, direction, or both. The specific test conditions (i.e., sample thickness,
orientation, environment, environmental pressure, surface temperature, mean
temperature, temperature difference, and moisture distribution) should be reported with
the values. The symbol K is used to denote the lack of pure conduction or to indicate that all
values reported are apparent. Materials with a low apparent thermal conductivity are called
insulation materials.
on an indicator card, the ratio of suction line length to stroke.
part-load value based on operation at actual design conditions. Typically used in system
design and specification.
a rating based on tests performed at application rating conditions (other than standard
rating conditions).
digital controller dedicated to a specific application, such as a VAV box or water-source heat
pump.
(1) in a water cooling tower or evaporative cooling device, the difference between the
average temperature of the circulating water leaving the device and the average wet-bulb
temperature of the entering air. (2) in heat exchangers, the temperature difference
between the leaving fluids.
acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
the concentration of a substance, such as a refrigerant, that is lethal to even a single test
animal when tested by the same conditions as for an LC50 test.
thermostat designed for use in water.
geologic unit that is capable of yielding groundwater to a well in sufficient quantities to be
of practical use.
group of welding processes wherein coalescence of metal is produced by heating with an
electric arc or arcs, with or without the application of pressure, and with or without filler
metal.
a body immersed in a fluid undergoes an apparent loss in weight equal to the weight of the
fluid it displaces.

designation reserved, usually by law, for a person professionally qualified and duly licensed
to perform architectural services, including, but not necessarily limited to, analysis of
project requirements, creation and development of project design, preparation of drawings,
specifications and bidding requirements, and general administration of the construction
contract.

individual offering professional services as both architect and engineer.

in a parallel flow or counterflow heat exchanger, the arithmetic mean of the temperature
differences between the two fluids at both ends of the exchanger.

the amount of aromatic hydrocarbon fraction contained in an oil.

a compound containing carbon and hydrogen and having a molecular structure of one or
more closed ring structures with the carbon atoms joined by double bonds.

documents that represent the actual installed conditions, equipment, and systems, such as
drawings, computer graphics, equipment data sheets, operation manuals, maintenance
manuals, and the training program and video media.

a sterile environment.
measure of the ability of a device to remove the staining portion of atmospheric dust from
the test air.

quantifies filter efficiency by mass of particles removed or arrestance and is generally only
used to measure performance of prefilters or low efficiency filters—efficiencies measured
by weight give little indication of their performance for the smallest, lightest particles (the
most respirable and hazardous). 
compounded test dust used for arrestance measurement and for loading filters.

(1) in any rectangular configuration, the ratio of the longer dimension to the shorter. (2)
ratio of the length to width of a rectangular air duct.
psychrometer having mechanical means for rapidly circulating air to be tested over dry and
wet bulbs.

production of movement in a fluid by suction created by fluid velocity. See also [[Venturi]].

portion of an envelope component represented by an arrangement and connection of


building construction materials with a specific thermal transmittance or thermal
conductance.
gas burner in which air for combustion is supplied by natural draft and the inspirating force
created by gas velocity through orifices.

condenser in which the pipes in open air are cooled by water flowing over them.

particulate matter naturally occurring in the air. See also [[air contaminant]].
process in which the solid phase of the solvent is sublimed at atmospheric pressure.

standard atmospheric reference pressure (assumed sea level) is defined by the


International Civil Aeronautics Organization (ICAO) as 101.325 kPa. In I-P units, the value is
approximately 14.696 psi, or 29.921 inches of mercury at 32°F.

(also called natural draft cooling tower), air movement through a cooling tower by
aspiration or natural convection.
to create a fine spray from a liquid.
the decrease in the sound level between the source and the receiver from various
mechanisms, such as geometrical divergence, atmospheric absorption, and building
structures.
exhaust fan to exhaust air near the top of a building while air, generally cooler, is forced
(drawn) in at lower levels.

introduction of cool, outdoor air into an attic by exhausting its warm air to the outdoors.

(of a controller), ratio of effect on a manipulated variable of one input signal as compared to
that of another.
the agency or agent responsible for enforcing a standard.

self acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some nonmanual influence,
such as a change in current strength, pressure, temperature, or mechanical configuration.

changeover from one mode of operation to another without operator intervention (e.g., a
thermostat that changes from heat to cool without need for manual operation of levers or
setpoints).

a device capable of automatically controlling devices without manual intervention.

(1) implementation of process by automatic means. (2) investigation, design, development,


and application of methods of rendering processes automatic, self moving, or self
controlling. (3) theory, art, or technique of making a process more automatic.

unconditioned or partially conditioned supply or supplemental air delivered to a laboratory


at the laboratory fume hood to reduce room air consumption.

(also known as controls), equipment such as relays and switches to manipulate signals.

see [[auxiliary thermal source]].


fuel used in an auxiliary thermal source.
a source of thermal energy, other than solar, used to provide the service water heating,
usually in the form of electrical resistance heat or thermal energy derived from combustion
of fossil fuels.
energy in the form of shaft work or in a form completely convertible to shaft work by ideal
processes.

average of local mean ages of air measured throughout an indoor airspace.

the time-averaged speed of the air from each individual supply air outlet.

for an air cleaning devices with efficiencies less than 20% in the size range of 3.0–10.0 µm,
the average value of the arrestances made on the device during the loading test, weighted
by the amounts of dust fed to the device during each, incremental, dust-loading step.

the average value of the arrestances made on a single filter during the loading test,
weighted by the dust fed to the filter between successive arrestance measurements.
the average value of the dust spot efficiencies made on a single filter during the loading
test, weighted by the dust fed to the filter during the intervals between successive dust spot
tests.
under the same conditions of pressure and temperature, equal volumes of all gases contain
equal numbers of molecules.

fan that moves air in the general direction of the axis about which it rotates.

turbocompressor in which the compressed fluid generally flows in a direction parallel to the
axis of rotation.

perspective drawing showing plan and partial elevations on the same drawing.

a mixture of liquids whose vapor and liquid phases in equilibrium have identical
compositions (the boiling point is constant).

a blend containing two or more refrigerants whose equilibrium vapor and liquid phase
compositions are the same at a given pressure. At this pressure, the slope of the
temperature versus composition curve equals zero, which mathematically is expressed as
(dt/dx)p = 0, which, in turn, implies the occurrence of a maximum, minimum, or saddle
point temperature. Azeotropic blends exhibit some segregation of components at other
conditions. The extent of the segregation depends on the particular azeotrope and the
application.

temperature at which a liquid mixture boils and produces a vapor having the same
composition as the liquid.

a blend that contains two or more refrigerants whose equilibrium vapor phase and liquid
phase compositions are the same at a given pressure. The temperature of an azeotropic
refrigerant remains constant as it evaporates or condenses at constant pressure (compare
to [[zeotropic refrigerant]]).

the temperature at which the liquid and vapor phases of a blend have the same mole
fraction of each component at equilibrium for a specified pressure.

the ratio of path pressure drop, including fully open control damper pressure drop, to the
pressure drop across the fully open damper at design flow.

addition of a nonvolatile solid to a liquid in which it is soluble lowers the vapor pressure of
the solvent in proportion to the amount of substance dissolved.

the static pressure existing at the outlet of an operating pressure relief device due to
pressure in the discharge line.

(also known as evaporator pressure regulator), an automatic valve located between the
evaporator outlet and the compressor inlet that responds to its own inlet pressure that
prevents the evaporator pressure from falling below a selected value.

reverse flow in a water system caused by negative pressure in an incoming pipe when the
point of use is at atmospheric pressure. Note: back siphonage generally is more evident in
an open water system.
device which, when mounted in a duct or opening, permits the flow of air in one direction
only. Can be gravity (counter weighted) or power operated.
reverse flow in a water system from the normal or intended direction. Note: backflow
generally is more evident in an open water system.
device designed to prevent reverse flow in a water system. Note: term normally used where
back-pressure-type backflow is implied.

program, ordinance, or code designed to prevent backflow into a potable water system and
to discover, eliminate, and prevent all uncontrolled cross connections, existing or potential.

irradiance at the entrance aperture of the infrared sensing system that is not radiated
directly from the object being investigated.
total noise from all sources other than a particular sound that is of interest. Compare to
[[ambient noise]].
see [[backflow preventer]].

centrifugal rotor in which the convex sides of blades face in the direction of rotation.

component of a centrifugal fan or pump consisting of simple flat blades backwardly inclined
to match the velocity pattern of the fluid passing through the impeller wheel for high-
efficiency operation. Impeller blade width and length affect flow rate and pressure or lift
performance. See [[centrifugal fan]]; [[centrifugal pump]].

surface, usually in the form of a plate or wall, used for separating spaces or deflecting fluids.

the outdoor temperature at which a building's heat loss to the environment is equal to
internal heat gains from people, lights, and equipment.

two fans connected to a combustion unit, one to supply the combustion air and the other to
induce draft.

fluid flows where the design supply flow volumetric rate equals the design return/exhaust
volumetric rate. Also called balanced ventilation or balanced system.

occurs when internal heat gain equals recovered heat, and no external heat is introduced to
the conditioned space. Maintaining balance may require raising the temperature of
recovered heat.
a pressure relief valve that incorporates means of minimizing the effect of back pressure on
the operational characteristics of the valve (opening pressure, closing pressure, and
relieving capacity).
a commonly used term for the person or firm that performs testing, adjusting, and
balancing of HVAC systems.

the methodical proportioning of air and hydronic flows through the system mains,
branches, and terminal devices using acceptable procedures to achieve the specified airflow
or hydronic flow within testing, design, and installation limitations.

adjustable blade device to control airflow.


assembly to measure and control fluid flow; composed of a measuring device, a volume
control device, and recommended lengths of straight ductwork or pipe leading into and out
of the measuring device.
metering-type valve with locking positions to control hydronic flow.

valve consisting of a rotatable ball with a hole through its center. Typically manufactured in
either full port (opening) or conventional (reduced) port (opening) construction.

a device used in conjunction with an electric discharge lamp to cause the lamp to start and
operate under the proper circuit conditions of voltage, current, wave form, electrode heat,
etc.
ratio of commercial electric ballast lamp lumens to reference ballast lamp lumens, used to
correct the lamp lumen output from rated to actual.
electric power (watts) consumed internally by the ballast components.

instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. Standard atmosphere is the equivalent of


14.696 psia (101.325 kPa) or 29.92 in. (760 mm) of mercury at 32°F (0°C).

apparatus in which steam is condensed at reduced pressure by direct contact with water.

(1) counterweighted damper set so that variations in chimney barometric pressure will
cause the damper to open or close gradually to maintain a constant draft directly upstream
of the damper. (2) mechanically balanced damper that rotates from changes in pressure
within breeching to bleed air into the breeching to maintain a steady draft.
variations in barometric pressure caused by altitude or weather changes.

the pressure of the atmosphere relative to zero absolute pressure (a perfect vacuum).

see [[building automation system]].

temperature from which temperature departure is calculated (e.g., degree-day).

primary HVAC system losses incurred and auxiliary system energy consumed in maintaining
a central HVAC energy source available for consumption by all residents.

steam, hydronic, or electric heating device located at or near the floor.

a computer representation of a hypothetical design based on the proposed building project.


This representation is used as the basis for calculating the baseline building performance for
rating above standard design.

the annual energy cost for a building design intended for use as a baseline for rating above
standard design.
the measurements and facts describing facility operations and design during the baseline
period. This will include energy use or demand and parameters of facility operation that
govern energy use or demand.

the set of arithmetic factors, equations, or data used to describe the relationship between
energy use or demand and other baseline data. A model may also be a simulation process
involving a specified simulation engine and set of input data.

the period of time selected as representative of facility operations before retrofit.

a document that records the concepts, calculations, decisions, and product selections used
to meet the Owner’s Project Requirements and to satisfy applicable regulatory
requirements, standards, and guidelines. The document includes both narrative
descriptions and lists of individual items that support the design process.

liquid cooler in which the liquid to be cooled passes by gravity over a refrigerated surface.
(Also known as falling film surface cooler)
irradiance received from the sun without significant change in direction from the sun’s
apparent position.
absorption of light by a solution changes exponentially with the concentration, all else
remaining the same.

(1) flexible, corrugated chamber that converts pressure variation into mechanical
movement. (2) flexible, fluid-containing vessel that will expand or contract as a result of a
change in the pressure of the contained fluid. Can be used to transmit force and/or motion
in a pneumatic or hydraulic system or as a sensor of temperature or pressure when the
bellows is sealed.

mechanical seal of flexible, corrugated-metal bellows with one end attached to a ring
pressed against the shoulder of the shaft, the other end to a disc pressed against the
housing.
packless valve in which a bellows forms the seal between the adjustment spindle and the
valve body.
tendency of an estimate to deviate in one direction from a true value (a systematic error).
See [[error]]. Compare to [[precision]].
tubeaxial (ducted) fan whose motor is mounted outside a bifurcated (divided) duct with
only the blades of the fan located in the airstream.
information collected from invoices sent to an owner from the energy supplier (e.g., an
electric or gas bill).
the demand used to calculate the demand cost. In the United States, this is very often the
monthly peak demand of the customer or the peak demand over a several month
timeframe (a demand ratchet). Billing demand in many countries may be the contract
demand. Other variations are possible.

actuating element consisting of two strips of metal with different coefficients of thermal
expansion attached so that internal strains caused by temperature changes bend the
compound strip.
a thermometer that indicates temperature from the flexing of two strips of materials of
different coefficients of expansion bonded together.
a class interval or grouping, typically for outdoor air temperature.

energy calculation method, usually used in prediction, in which the annual (or monthly)
energy use of a building is calculated as the sum of the energy used for all of the outdoor
temperature bins. The bin method allows heat pump (or other heater or cooler)
performance, which is different for each bin, to be accounted for.

characteristic or property involving a selection, choice, or condition in which there are two
possibilities (as binary numbers in a computer, on/off or open/closed switch position).

thermodynamic cycle relative to the varying condensing and evaporating temperatures of a


nonazeotropic mixture of two fluids.

chemical substance capable of killing living organism, usually in a selective way.

water-formed deposits of biological organisms or the products of their life processes.


Biological deposits include barnacles, algae, or slimes.

(1) body that absorbs all the radiant energy falling on it. (2) body that has the maximum,
theoretical, radiant-energy emittance at a given temperature. See also [[absorber]].

apparent temperature of an object as determined from the measurement of its radiance


and the assumption that it is an ideal blackbody with emissivity of 1.0.

the angle between the chord of the blade and the plane of rotation (axial fan) or centerline
of the rotor hub. The pitch may be constant for the length of the blade, or it may be larger
at the blade root than at the tip.
the property of a propeller blade describing the variation of the pitch from the blade root to
the tip.

relatively flat and flexible insulation in coherent form, furnished in units of substantial area.

heat transfer surface, most frequently of an extended surface arrangement, over which air
is blown to be heated or cooled, depending on the temperature of the fluid within the coil.

chamber in which cold air is circulated rapidly around products to be frozen so that freezing
occurs rapidly enough to avoid formation of large ice crystals which may damage the
product.
heavy duty duct closure device.
in an air-handling system, a sliding damper.
set of heat transfer coils or sections used to heat air which is drawn or forced through them
by a fan. A unit heater.
valve that has a fixed orifice incapable of being closed by an action of the valve, permitting a
flow through or in parallel with the main valve port.
pipe attached to a unit, such as a condenser, to bleed off liquid refrigerant parallel to main
flow.
refrigerants consisting of mixtures of two or more different chemical compounds, often
used individually as refrigerants for other applications.
flange used to seal the end of a pipe.
rigid insulation preformed into rectangular units.

(1) discharge of water from a steam boiler or open recirculating system that contains high
total dissolved solids. The addition of makeup water will reduce the concentration of
dissolved solids to minimize their precipitation. (2) in pressure relief-devices, the difference
between actuation pressure of a pressure relief valve and reseating pressure, expressed as
a percentage of set pressure or in pressure units.

a ducted centrifugal fan used in a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system. See also
[[centrifugal fan]]; [[fan]].
an assembly consisting of a fan/blower and a calibrated flow measuring station [orifice
plate, flow nozzle(s), flow ring, etc.] used for pressurizing or depressurizing a building
envelope.
safety valve that maintains a predetermined pressure in a vessel by discharging excess gas
to the atmosphere.

air-handling unit with a section or sections downstream of the supply air fan.

sometimes called ocean energy, blue energy is a term for the method of generating
electricity through the convergence of both fresh and salt water. This energy can be
extracted through a variety of means, including tidal power, current power, wave power,
thermal energy conversion, and osmosis. Power may also be collected by harnessing the
wind power associated with the body of water, usually the ocean.

see [[building management system]].

a closed, pressure vessel that uses fuel or electricity for heating water or other fluids to
supply steam or hot water for heating, humidification, or other applications.

boiler designed especially for gas and oil and sold integrally with the burner.

design maximum rate of heat output.


part of a boiler forming the top of the furnace in a firebox boiler or the equivalent surface in
other types.
pump that returns condensed steam, makeup water, or both directly to the boiler. Normally
installed with a large receiver.
water supplied to a boiler by pumping.

apparatus for raising the temperature of the boiler feedwater, usually with exhaust steam.

carryover of slugs of water into the piping from overloading of the boiler. Compare to
[[boiler priming]].

part of an absorption machine in which the refrigerant vapor is driven off by heat.

surfaces of the boiler that are exposed to the products of combustion on one side and water
on the other, expressed in area units (of the side receiving the heat).

equivalent evaporation of 34.5 lb of water per hour from and at 212°F (100°C). This is equal
to heat output of 970.3 Btu/lb/h × 34.5 lb = 33,475 Btu/h, approximately 9809.5 W.

carryover of boiler water with the steam due to insufficient steam space, faulty boiler
design, or operating conditions. Compare to [[foaming]].

design maximum rating of a steam or water boiler expressed as the total heat transferred
by the heating surfaces in Btu/h (kW). Sometimes expressed in horsepower or pounds
(torque, kilograms) of steam per hour. Compare to [[boiler capacity]].
space that contains water between the outer shell and furnace shell.
level at which water is maintained within a steam boiler.
vaporization of a liquid with formation of bubbles.
temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the absolute external pressure
at the liquid vapor interface.
liquefied gas lost by vaporization during storage in a tank.
sensitive thermal device for measuring radiant energy.
(also known as electrical ground), connection to ground potential of a metal part on an
appliance or component which may become energized by an electrical fault or may develop
a static charge.

accessory to increase output of, for example, a compressor, pump, or header.

sheet metal transformation piece used to make connection between round and rectangular
ductwork.
inside diameter of a hollow cylinder or of a hole.

physical conditions (values of physical quantities, conditions of energy interchange, etc.)


imposed on a system at the boundaries separating the system from its surroundings.

region of retarded fluid flow near the surface of a body moving through the fluid or past
which the fluid moves. See also [[flow]].
flow of that portion of a viscous fluid in the area of a body in contact with the fluid and in
motion relative to the fluid.
mechanical pressure measuring instrument that senses pressure with a curved oval tube
that tends to straighten when the pressure increases and recurves when the pressure
decreases.
product of the volume of a gas times its pressure is a constant at fixed temperature. Also
known as Mariotte’s law.
impure water with a lesser content of salt than seawater, but higher than that of potable
water.
brake power expressed in horsepower.

actual power delivered by or to a shaft (from the use of a brake to measure power).

(1) in ducts, piping, or conduit, another section of the same size or smaller, at an angle with
the main. (2) section of pipe or duct from a main to a terminal device.

the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the
outlet(s). The final wiring run to the load.
air supply line connecting a controller and controlled device.
to join metals by fusion of nonferrous alloys that have melting points above 800°F (427°C)
but lower than those of the metals being joined. May be accomplished by means of a torch
(torch brazing), in a furnace (furnace brazing), or by dipping in a molten flux bath (dip or flux
brazing).

joined by fusion using a spelter of brass. Considered equivalent to hard soldering.

tube made from sheet or strip with a longitudinal brazed joint.


outdoor temperature at which total heat losses from conditioned spaces equal internally
generated heat gains.
a condition that occurs in a gas phase filter when, as contaminated air passes through a
filter, the outlet contaminant concentration reaches a predetermined percentage of the
challenge.

for gas phase filters, the sudden decline in efficiency, defined as the operating time (at
constant operating conditions) before a certain penetration is achieved.

removable plug, cap, or other means of venting a space containing insulating material
through vaportight sheathing.

the region within an occupied space between planes 3 and 72 in. (75 and 1800 mm) above
the floor and more than 2 ft (600 mm) from the walls or fixed air-conditioning equipment.
the connection to any fuel-fired equipment, device, or appliance and the horizontal section
of the exhaust system used for conducting the products of combustion from a fuel-fired
equipment, device, or appliance to the vertical section, which is identified as the vent,
chimney, or flue.
index of refraction for a material is equal to the tangent of the polarizing angle for the
material.
formerly any liquid cooled by a refrigerant and used for heat transmission without a change
in its state, having no flash point or a flash point above 150°F (66°C). Now called a
secondary coolant.
vented reservoir in a closed, circulating brine system for the accommodation of volume
expansion of brine due to temperature change.
reservoir in an open, circulating brine system for storing brine at the pump suction and for
inspecting the condition and flow of brine.

(1) in a brine circulating system, a storage or balance tank for brine. (2) in an ice plant, a
main freezing tank in which cans are immersed while ice is being produced. (3) in domestic
and commercial fields, a container surrounding the evaporator and filled with brine for
storing refrigerant or equalizing temperature at various points of the evaporator (especially
an ice cream cabinet).

cooling of air by spraying brine into the airstream. Note: process discontinued in meat
refrigerating plants because of salt corrosion of meat-carrying rails.

ice produced as small, regularly shaped and sized pieces.


metering system capable of measuring the energy added to or extracted from an electric or
fluid stream. Also called thermal energy meter, heat meter, or thermal meter. Compare to
[[watt meter]].

a liquid-vapor equilibrium point for a volatile pure liquid or for a multicomponent mixture
of miscible, volatile, pure component liquids, in the absence of noncondensables, where the
temperature of the mixture at a defined pressure is the minimum temperature required for
a vapor bubble to form in the liquid.

a computer representation of a hypothetical design based on the actual proposed building


design. This representation is used as the basis for calculating the energy cost budget.

(1) digital circuit element used to increase the number of outputs a circuit can drive or to
convert input or output levels for signal level compatibility. Also, any isolating amplifier
stage. (2) insulating circuit used to avoid reaction of a drive circuit on any driven circuit. (3)
salts or other compounds that reduce the changes in the pH of a solution upon the addition
of an acid or alkali. (4) storage device used to compensate for a difference in rate of flow,
data, time, or occurrence of events when transmitting data from one device to another.

tank fitted into a circuit to dampen fluctuations in flow.

an unconditioned part of a building containing some or all of the distribution system.

a structure wholly or partially enclosed within exterior walls, or within exterior and party
walls, and a roof, affording shelter to persons, animals, or property.

data communications protocol for building automation and control networks

an energy management system, usually with additional capabilities, relating to the overall
operation of the building in which it is installed, such as equipment monitoring, protection
of equipment against power failure, and building security. Compare to [[building
management system]].
overall leakage of the building characterized by the airflow rate at a given pressure
difference across the envelope of the building. Compare to [[air infiltration]]).

(1) outer elements of a building, including walls, windows, doors, roofs, and floors, including
those in contact with earth. (2) the exterior plus the semi-exterior portions of a building. For
the purposes of determining building envelope requirements, the classifications are defined
as follows. Building envelope, exterior: the elements of a building that separate conditioned
spaces from the exterior. Building envelope, semi-exterior: the elements of a building that
separate conditioned space from unconditioned space or that enclose semiheated spaces
through which thermal energy may be transferred to or from the exterior, to or from
unconditioned spaces, or to or from conditioned spaces.

all exposed areas of a building envelope which enclose space, except for openings for
windows, skylights, doors, and building service systems (i.e., all areas of a building envelope
that permit passage of radiant energy in or out of the building space).

any localized area of the building envelope that has a thermal resistance significantly
different from the area surrounding it. The void may be due to partial or complete absence
of thermal insulation.
any doorway, set of doors, or other form of portal that is ordinarily used only for emergency
egress or convenience exit.

vertical distance from level grade or average grade to the highest finish roof surface, in the
case of flat roofs, or to a point at the average height of the highest roof having a pitch.

The object (or set of objects) represents not only the geometry required to represent the
component or assembly graphically (visually) but also has the ability to have much more
information about that object associated with it or related to other intelligent objects
associated with it. Rule-based relationships between intelligent objects that enable related
properties to be updated when one property changes.

a data specification for representing building information for the purposes of interoperable
data exchange. Also, a data model of a specific building or its systems, components, or
other information elements based on that specification.

the human activity of using BIM software and other related software, hardware, and
technologies to create and use in a building information model. See [[building information
model]].

an energy management system relating to the overall operation of the building in which it is
installed. It often has additional capabilities, such as equipment monitoring, protection of
equipment against power failure, and building security. It may also be a direct digital
control (DDC) system where the mode of control uses digital outputs to control processes or
elements directly.

any element of the building envelope, other than air films and insulation, through which
heat flows and that is included in the component U-factor calculations.
the officer or other designated representative authorized to act on behalf of the authority
having jurisdiction.

method of transmitting control signals using existing electrical wiring. Signals are introduced
by superimposing on, or altering, existing waveforms. Signals are sensed by detecting these
modifications of the wave forms with a remotely controlled receiver.
building or group of buildings proposed or under construction, including on-site energy
conversion or electric generating facilities, which utilize a single submittal for construction
permit or are within the boundary of a contiguous area under one ownership.

utilities (such as electricity, gas, steam, telephone, and water) supplied and distributed
within a building.

the volume of a building that exchanges air with outdoor (ambient) air. The building volume
is the space that is deliberately conditioned for human comfort (ft³ [m³]).

elements of a building that enclose spaces and which control or regulate heat and mass
transfer (air, water vapor, and entrained moisture) between the interior spaces and the
building exterior. Note: the interior surfaces of insulated floors, walls, windows, and ceilings
generally comprise the thermal envelope. Compare to [[thermal envelope]]. See [[air
infiltration]].

portion of a thermal sensing system that is placed in the controlled (or measured) variable.

ratio of the compressive or tensile force applied to a material per unit surface area to the
change in volume of the material per unit volume. Also known as bulk modulus,
compression modulus, or hydrostatic modulus.
a parameter derived from the dimensionless Richardson number relating fluid inertial
forces to buoyancy forces in a storage device.

part of a fuel burning device (as a stove or furnace) where flame is produced.

(1) initiation of combustion. (2) process or means of igniting a fuel/air mixture.

setting that determines the fuel firing rate at which burner ignition occurs where
low/high/low/off or modulating combustion controls are used. The firing rate corresponds
to approximately one third or less of the full burner delivery rate for rotary burners. It
corresponds to approximately one fifth or less of the full burner delivery rate of air for
mechanical atomizing burners.

series of air-directing vanes (usually adjustable) that are used to direct and/or control the
combustion airflow through the burner.
sleeve, usually formed of refractory, located at the burner exit, within which combustion
starts.

device to introduce secondary combustion air into the furnace in a 360° pattern around the
flame and, with an ignition cone, to cause accelerated vaporization of the oil.

joint between two members lying approximately in the same plane.


weld formed by placing two edges or ends one against the other and welding them.
Compare to [[lap weld]].
pipe welded along a butted longitudinal seam and not scarfed or lapped.
(1) damper consisting of a plate turning on a diametral axis inside a duct. (2) pair of flaps
hinged to a common diametrical spindle and permitting flow in one direction only. (3) two
flaps in "V" arrangement.
valve in which the regulating mechanism is a circular or elliptical disc that is rotatable about
an axis.
a pipe or duct, usually controlled by valve or damper, for conveying a fluid around an
element of a system.
any portion of the mixed air that circumvents conditioning.

the percentage of the air that does not come into contact with the coil; the remaining air is
assumed to exit the coil at the average coil temperature. See also [[apparatus dew point]].

unwanted passing of untreated air into the treated air between the components within
casings such as filters or coils within a section.
air terminal unit using a method of volume modulation whereby airflow is varied by
distributing that volume required to meet the load, the balance of primary air being
diverted to the return.
there are three main categories of components: air-terminal devices (ATDs),
complementary accessories to air terminal devices, fixing accessories for air-terminal
devices.
[[computer-aided drafting]]

parts design and manufacturing method utilizing a computer database where drawings are
not needed. Synonymous with computer integrated manufacturing.

(1) variable that cannot actually be measured directly but one which can be calculated by
measuring other variables (e.g., measure wet-bulb temperature and measure dry-bulb
temperature to determine enthalpy). (2) variable that is calculated from one or more
inputs.

the act of comparing an instrument of unknown accuracy with a standard of known


accuracy to detect, correlate, report, or eliminate by adjustment any variation in the
accuracy of the tested instrument.

comparison of the particular instrument with a primary standard, a secondary standard of


higher accuracy than the instrument to be calibrated, or a known input source.

heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1°C; specifically, from 4°C to 5°C.
The Fifth International Conference on the Properties of Steam (1956) defined the
International Table calorie as 4.1868 J. Mean calorie = 1/100 part of the heat required to
raise 1 gram of water from 0°C to 100°C. Kilocalorie = 1000 calories.

device for measuring heat quantities such as machine capacity, combustion heat, specific
heat, vital heat, and heat leakage.
[[computer-aided manufacturing]]
the arched curvature of the propeller blade.
the perpendicular distance from the chord of the blade’s cross section to the point of
maximum camber.
covered area that extends from a wall of a building, protecting an entrance or a loading
dock.

a wall-mounted or free-standing kitchen hood. Hoods will overhang the appliance(s) on all
open sides, which forces replacement air to be drawn across the open sides of the cooking
equipment, thus increasing the effectiveness of the hood to capture and contain effluent
generated by the cooking operations.

see [[reed valve]].

property of an electric device or capacitor that permits storage of electric energy in an


electrostatic field and the release of that energy at a later time.

in an alternating electrical system, a device that will store an electric charge used to change
a power factor.

(1) measure of the maximum amount of energy or material that may be stored in a given
system. See also [[nameplate rating]]; [[air-conditioner capacity]]. (2) the rate of heat
removal by the refrigerant used in the compressor or condensing unit in a refrigerating
system. This rate equals the product of the refrigerant mass flow rate and the difference in
the specific enthalpies of the refrigerant vapor at its thermodynamic state entering the
compressor or condensing unit and refrigerant liquid at the thermodynamic state entering
the mass flow control device. (3) the rate that heat is removed or added to a system. (4)
maximum load for which a machine, apparatus, device, or system is designed or
constructed.
(of a machine, equipment, or thermal storage), ratio of the average load required, in the
period of time considered, to the capacity in mass, volume, or energy terms. Reciprocal of
storage factor.

the rate, expressed in watts (Btu/h), at which the equipment removes latent heat from the
air passing through it under specified conditions of operation.

the rate, expressed in watts (Btu/h), at which the equipment removes sensible heat from
the air passing through it under specified conditions of operation.

the rate, expressed in watts (Btu/h), at which the equipment removes heat from the air
passing through it under specified conditions of operation.
action by which the surface of a liquid in contact with a solid (as in a small bore tube) is
raised or lowered proportional to surface wetting.
enclosure with an assembly of cells packed with fibrous materials over which water is
sprayed and through which air is passed to clean it.

(1) refrigerating capillary tube is a tube of small bore used for the simultaneous purposes of
metering the refrigerant and of accomplishing the expansion process between condenser
and evaporator in refrigerating systems. (2) small-bore tube used for metering by
controlling length and bore size. In refrigeration, a tube of small internal diameter used as a
refrigerant pressure and flow control between high and low sides. (3) tube used to transmit
pressure from the sensitive bulb of some temperature controls to the operating element.

pipe that owes its properties chiefly to the carbon content of the steel.

absorption of injected CO2 into a liquid, usually preceded or accompanied by liquid cooling.

apparatus for injecting CO2 into water for preparing carbonated beverages.
formation of carbonaceous deposits, which may be produced by decomposition of
lubricating oil or other organic materials.

ideal, reversible thermodynamic cycle composed of two isothermal processes and two
adiabatic processes. The cycle represents the maximum, theoretical conversion of heat
energy into mechanical energy.

conversion of heat to work, which is limited by the temperature at which conversion occurs
as (T1 – T2)/T1, where T1 is the higher absolute temperature where heat is absorbed, and
T2 is the lower absolute temperature where heat is rejected.

in a periodic carrier, the reciprocal of its period. Note: the frequency of a periodic pulse
carrier often is called the pulse repetition frequency in a signal transmission system.

the frequency that is used to modulate the input signal for amplification.
complex control system in which the set value of one or more controllers is altered by one
or more controlling equipment devices.
one having two or more refrigerant circuits, each with a pressure-imposing element,
condenser, and evaporator, where the evaporator of one circuit cools the condenser of
another (lower temperature) circuit.
enclosure normally housing fans, coils, filters, or other components and generally made of
metal lined where necessary with material for thermal insulation and/or acoustic
attenuation.

(1) sound power that radiates from a fan located within a housing, section, or casing. (2)
sound power that radiates from the air terminal unit casing.

assembly of individual, hollow, cast-iron sections connected with push nipples, external
headers, or internal seals.
negative electrode in an electrolytic system at which reduction occurs (e.g., Fe++, Cu++, Ca+
+, Mg++). Compare to [[anode]].
(1) electronic vacuum tube containing a screen on which information may be shown by
modulated beam of electrons (a beam of cathode rays). (2) electronic storage tube. (3)
picture tube. (4) oscilloscope tube.
technique to minimize corrosion of a metal surface by coating the cathodic surface of an
electrochemical cell.
positively charged ion of an electrolyte that migrates toward the cathode influenced by an
electric potential gradient.

(1) formation by mechanical forces of vapor in liquids; specifically, the formation of vapor
cavities in the interior or on the solid boundaries of liquids in motion, where the pressure is
reduced to a critical value without a change in ambient temperature. (2) formation of
cavities on a surface of a solid by liquid moving over it with velocity high enough to induce
erosion of the surface when the cavity collapses. (3) in pumps, cavitation occurs when the
pressure of the fluid is below the vapor pressure of the fluid at that temperature. Cavitation
has been described as having marbles or small stones inside the impeller casing. Cavitation
over an extended period of time will erode the impeller and cause pump failure.

generally used with respect to airborne contaminants.


[[cooling degree day]]. See [[degree day]].

(1) overhead interior lining or surface of a room. (2) an upper exposure level that should not
be exceeded such as the permissible exposure level ceiling (PEL-C) or threshold limit value
ceiling (TLV-C).

device to protect air openings in fire-rated ceiling assemblies that operates to interrupt
airflow automatically in the event of fire in order to restrict passage of heat and flame.
see [[diffuser]].
see [[diffuser]].

insulation composed principally of natural or synthetic elastomers or both, processed to


form a flexible, semirigid or rigid foam, having a predominately closed-cell structure.
Insulation is usually expressed in k value (Btu/h·ft·°F [w/m·°K]).

air filter of juxtaposed square or rectangular elements which can be easily dismantled for
cleaning or replacement.

insulation composed of cellular polystyrene in the form of boards, produced by heat and
pressure from expansion of foamable polystyrene beads within a mold (bead board) or by in
situ foaming of molten polystyrene in an extrusion mode (extruded board).

insulation composed principally of the catalyzed reaction product of polyisicyanate and


polyhydroxy compounds, usually processed with fluorocarbon gas to form a rigid foam
having a predominately closed-cell structure.

temperature scale used with the SI system in which the freezing point of water is 0°C, the
triple point is 0.01°C, and the boiling point is 100°C; absolute zero is minus 273.15°C.
(Formerly referred to as the centigrade scale).

in-line duct fan with centrifugal blades which can develop static pressures higher than
normal duct fans. Also identified as a tubular centrifugal fan.

see [[Celsius temperature]].

ability to control all functions from one central location, thereby enabling the operator to
request and respond to all commands from one physical or network location.

a nonpositive displacement compressor that depends, in part, on centrifugal forces for


pressure rise. A turbocompressor.
factory-assembled fan consisting of one or several centrifugal wheels connected to a motor
and enclosed in a housing. A back-draft damper can be provided.

fan in which the air enters the impeller axially and leaves it substantially in a radial
direction. Fan rotor or wheel within a scroll-type casing (shroud) that includes supports for
either belt drive or direct connection. Centrifugal-fan-types are as follows: forward curve,
backwardly inclined (backward curved), airfoil, or radial blade design. Fans can be provided
as single width, single inlet (SWSI) or double width, double inlet (DWDI) configurations and
are limited to 16 predefined arrangement types based on discharge location and rotation.

process in which a liquid product is vacuum frozen while being centrifuged in order to avoid
foaming.

pump having a stationary element (casing) and a rotary element (impeller) fitted with vanes
or blades arranged in a circular pattern around an inlet opening at the center. The casing
surrounds the impeller and usually has the form of a scroll or volute. Centrifugal pump
types are inline or base mounted. Pump arrangements are end suction, horizontal, or
vertical split case.

device for separating substances of different densities by centrifugal force.

[[cooling efficiency ratio]]

a document stating that all equipment, systems, and controls have been correctly installed;
operated as specified; tested, adjusted, and balanced; and are verified as ready for
functional performance testing and other acceptance procedures.

an instrument calibrated by the manufacturer or other reliable agency and certified as


traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

[[chlorofluorocarbon]]

(1) change from one of the three phases, solid, liquid, or gas, to another. (2) occurrence in a
remote system causing the contact of an alarm or status device to move from one of two
possible positions to the other (e.g., into alarm, causing the contact of an alarm device to
close or return to normal, causing the contact to open).

(1) change from heating to cooling or vice versa. (2) change from one set of controls to
another.
outdoor temperature the designer selects as the point of changeover from cooling to
heating by the HVAC system.

the amount of heat that can be transferred into the storage device at a specified rate for a
specific set of values for the initial temperature of the storage device, the temperature rise
of the exiting fluid, and the mass flow rate of fluid through the storage system.

a device that brings the charge distribution of the aerosol to a Boltzman charge distribution.
This represents the charge distribution of the ambient aerosol.

the duration of a single transient test in which energy is added to the storage device.

device to enable a refrigerating system to be charged with refrigerant. Also, the tube or
hose through which charging is accomplished.

valve used to charge or add refrigerant to a system or add oil to a compressor crankcase.

at constant pressure, the volume of a fixed mass or quantity of gas varies directly with the
absolute temperature. Also known as Gay-Lussac’s law.
(also known as nonreturn valve), valve allowing fluid flow in one direction only. When flow
is initiated, the force of the fluid flowing opens a disc from its seating surface, allowing flow.
Upon deactivation of flow, the disc returns the valve seat and does not allow backflow.
There are two main types of check valves: swing-check valves and lift-check valves.

verification checklists that are developed and used during all phases of the commissioning
process to verify that the Owner’s Project Requirements are being achieved. Checklists
include general verification, testing, training, and other specific requirements.

materials corrosive or in-themselves toxic or productive of poisonous gases or fluids.


Flammable or explosive materials easily ignited, including materials known to be fire
producers or explosives.
to apply refrigeration moderately to products without freezing them.

the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin as a function of air temperature and wind
speed. Chill factor is expressed in time (e.g., 11 seconds) to express how long it will take
exposed skin to freeze. Compare to [[wind chill]], which is expressed as a temperature.

chilled ceiling systems have a very low profile (often flush with the ceiling) and work by
means of convection heat transfer and induced air movement in the room in which they are
placed. Chilled ceilings lack the ability to control the humidity or provide ventilation and
must be paired with a ventilation system in order to maintain latent heat gains.
water used as a cooling medium (particularly in air-conditioning systems or in processes) at
below ambient temperature.

(1) direct-expansion chillers are complete refrigerating systems consisting of a compressor,


condenser, and evaporator with all operating and safety controls. Compressor types include
the following: reciprocating, centrifugal, or screw design. Compare to [[absorption chiller]].
(2) refrigerating machine used to transfer heat between fluids. Chillers are either direct
expansion with a compressor or absorption type.

process of lowering of the temperature of a substance to a specific temperature above


freezing. See [[supercooling]]; [[superchilling]].
one or more passageways, vertical or nearly so, for conveying flue gases to the outside
atmosphere. Compare to [[flue]] or [[vent]].
rising of air or gas in a duct or other vertical passage, like a building, caused by lowered
density air at the top of the passage.

(1) generally, any of several compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine, used
chiefly as refrigerants and as blowing agents in plastic foams. Compare to [[fluorocarbon]];
[[halocarbon]]. (2) a fully halogenated (no hydrogen remaining) halocarbon containing
chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms.

the straight line distance between the leading and trailing edges of a blade.

adverse health effect(s) from long-term, repeated exposures. This information is used, in
part, to establish [[TLV-TWA]], [[PEL]], or consistent indices.
a device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means and to open the
circuit automatically at a predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself (when
properly applied within its rating).

free flow propeller fan designed to circulate the air in a room without any air duct.

flooded evaporator comprising a low-pressure receiver, in which the unvaporized


refrigerant returns to the evaporator inlet by gravity or by means of a pump or an ejector.

a small pump, typically fractional horsepower.


for the building envelope, a subcategory of roof, above-grade wall, below-grade wall, floor,
slab-on-grade floor, opaque door, vertical fenestration, or skylight.

formerly in extensive use but now becoming obsolete as a result of code change to
classification. Systems are classifications according to the degree of probability that a
leakage of refrigerant will enter occupied areas. The two classifications are high probability
system or low probability system. See ASHRAE Standard 15.

a defined area in which the concentration of airborne particles is controlled within specified
limits; air that has been treated to remove pollutants, particulates, and odors.

specially constructed, enclosed area environmentally controlled with respect to airborne


particulates, temperature, humidity, air pressure, air-pressure flow patterns, air motion,
vibration, viable organisms, and lighting.

(also known as crystal ice), block ice obtained by agitating water during freezing and
subsequently removing, by suction, the core of unfrozen water where impurities are
concentrated.

when outlets are placed within or near the test zone, a clear zone is defined as the space
around the outlet within which long-term occupancy is not recommended.

distance between the item requiring maintenance and the closest interfering surface.

(1) short section of rolled steel angle used to connect two intersecting steel members. (2)
strip of sheet formed by roll forming into a profile that is used to secure the sheet metal
rolled jointing flanges added to rectangular ducts.

[[cooling load factor]]


a unit used to express the thermal insulation provided by garments and clothing ensembles,
where 1 clo = 0.88 ft2·h·°F/Btu (0.155 m2·°C/W).
unit of measurement of the insulation or thermal resistance of clothing.
nipple with a length twice the length of a standard pipe thread.
one in which the crankcase is completely sealed from the atmosphere but connected with
the low-pressure side of the system.

a refrigeration system where the fluid is used without introduction of new fluid.

series of changes of state in a system at the termination of which the system is reverted to
its original state.
heating or refrigerating piping system in which circulating water or brine is completely
enclosed, under pressure above atmospheric, and shut off from the atmosphere, except
that the expansion/compression tank could be open to the atmosphere. See also [[water
system]].

(1) (also known as feedback control) control system in which the effect of the control action
on the controlled variable is sensed and used by the controller to provide a new output
(feedback control). Compare to [[open-loop control]]. (2) signal path that includes a forward
path, a feedback path, and a summing point and that forms a closed circuit.

the resistance to sensible heat transfer provided by a clothing ensemble. Expressed in clo
units. Note: the definition of clothing insulation relates to heat transfer from the whole
body and, thus, also includes the uncovered parts of the body, such as head and hands.

temperature at which a clear liquid becomes hazy or cloudy due to the formation of crystals
or particles when tested under standardized conditions.
characteristic of an airstream that causes it to cling to the surface along which it flows. The
velocity of the airstream as it passes along the surface generates low pressures. This action
causes surrounding air to be aspirated.

specially constructed single or multiconductor cable which provides shielding from


electrostatic fields.
water-cooled condenser in which water and refrigerant flow in parallel paths but in
opposite directions.
generally a plug valve, usually for regulating the flow of a fluid, and requiring a wrench for
operating.
see [[building official]].
a coefficient is a factor in a mathematical product.

coefficient required to correct the perfect gas equation when applied to real gases.

ratio of the net area at vena contracta of air flowing through an orifice to the total free area
of the opening.
a number that, when multiplied into the number expressing the rise of temperature, gives
the resulting expansion of a body.
a number that, when multiplied into the number expressing the pressure between two
bodies, gives the resulting friction.

(1) ratio of the rate of net heat output to the total energy input expressed in consistent
units and under designated rating conditions. (2) ratio of the refrigerating capacity to the
work absorbed by the compressor per unit time.

the ratio of the rate of heat delivered to the rate of energy input, in consistent units, for a
complete heat pump system, including the compressor and, if applicable, auxiliary heat,
under designated operating conditions.

a fraction that, when multiplied into the relative velocity of two colliding bodies just before
impact, gives their relative velocity just afterward.
standard deviation of a group of measurements divided by the mean.
sequential production of either electrical or mechanical power and useful thermal energy
(heating or cooling) from a single energy form.

an agency or organization that has the expertise and jurisdiction to establish and regulate
concentration limits for airborne contaminants; or an agency or organization that is
recognized as authoritative and has the scope and expertise to establish guidelines, limit
values, or concentrations levels for airborne contaminants.

cooling or heating element made of pipe or tube that may or may not be finned and formed
into helical or serpentine shape.
insulated, horizontal partition between refrigerated space and bunker.
the dimension of the finned surface as measured from the entering air face to the leaving
air face in the direction of airflow.
product of the height and length of the coil finned area.

dimension of the vertical face of the coil as installed, including only the height over tubes
and fins exposed to the flow of air. Note: some steam coils have vertical tubes.

dimension of the face of the coil in the direction of the bare tubes, finned tubes, or both,
exposed to the flow of air.
finned-tube water coils with interconnecting piping placed in supply and exhaust airstreams
and filled with a circulated liquid heat transfer fluid.
dimension of the face of the coil perpendicular to the direction of the tubes. Does not
include the casing. Note: height may be substituted for width if the condenser has a vertical
coil orientation.
the heat exchanger that removes heat from (cooling) or adds heat to (heating) the
airstream being conditioned.

the heat exchanger that rejects heat to (cooling) or absorbs heat from (heating) a source
external to the conditioned space. In the cooling mode, the coil operates as a condenser. In
the heating mode, the coil operates as an evaporator.

the metered demand of a device, circuit, or building that occurs at the same time as the
peak demand of the building or facility or at the same time as some other peak of interest,
such as a utility’s system load. This should properly be expressed so as to indicate the peak
of interest (e.g., “demand coincident with the building peak.”)

solid substance remaining after the partial burning of coal in an oven distillation or in a
retort.

dimensionless heat transfer equation used in calculating natural convection movement of


heat from vertical surfaces or horizontal cylinders to fluids (gases or liquids) flowing past
these surfaces. The symbol is jH.

dimensionless mass transfer equation consisting of the Sherwood number divided by the
Reynolds number and the Schmidt number to the 1/3 power. The symbol is jD.
in a gas separation unit, the insulated section that contains the low-temperature heat
exchangers and distillation columns.

continuity of means successively employed to provide the refrigerated preservation of


perishable food stuffs from the production to the consumption stage.

storage at a temperature below which physiological disorder in produce will manifest itself.
This temperature will vary with the produce.
insulated structure served by a refrigerating system.
process for assembling two precision-machined parts by cooling the inner member so that it
can be inserted into the outer member; the members fit tightly together when both are at
the same temperature.

technology or systems used in the process of preserving perishables by refrigeration in


systems usually operating below 45°F (7°C). Compare to [[cool storage]]; [[ice storage]].

refrigerated warehouse.
any technology which involves and deals with processes, systems, and equipment related to
refrigeration and cold science.
apparatus in which the walls are cooled in order to condense and trap vapors; can be used
to reduce pressure.
system that uses a primary air supply with a temperature range of approximately 33°F to
50°F (1°C to 15°C). Note: typically used with ice storage systems. Compare to [[cold-water
distribution system]].

projection on the door that extends into the refrigerated compartment(s) and that
functions primarily as a barrier to minimize heat flow to the interior of the cabinet.

two-way, push-through-type door made of thick plastic sheeting.


single or multiple door that is movable laterally, usually in guides.

door pivoting on a vertical axis and that can be either pulled or pushed open.

door that does not protrude beyond the face of the wall.

insulated room usually maintained below 40°F (5°C) but not below 30°F (1°C).

injury to produce occurring during storage.

cold-storage establishment containing food-storage boxes or lockers for individual users.


cold room designed to receive and store produce sometimes already cooled down to
approximately the desired storage temperature.
(also known as cold store complex or cold store combine), warehouses and food processing
plants grouped with a central refrigerating installation.
system that uses a primary chilled-water supply with a temperature range of approximately
34°F to 40°F (1°C to 10°C). Note: typically used with ice storage systems. Compare to [[cold-
air distribution system]].

piece of metal that is added to shaped sheet metal components (e.g., tapers, transitions) to
provide parallel ends to facilitate jointing with adjacent components.

for plate-type electronic air cleaners, the metal plates on which dust is deposited, including
those in the ionizing section.

the material covering the aperture to provide thermal and environmental protection.

the time required for the fluid leaving a solar collector to attain 63.2% of its steady-state
change following a step change in irradiance.
a heater installed within the collector loop when testing the solar domestic-water heating
system with a nonirradiated array.
the angle within which the radiation beams from the source depart from the line drawn
from the source to the receiver.
the appearance of a lubricant when viewed by transmitted light.

effect of a light source on the color appearance of an object in comparison with the color
appearance observed under a reference light source, usually daylight.

temperature of a perfect radiator (blackbody) that would emit the same relative intensity at
two wavelengths (usually red and green lights) as the relative intensity radiated by the
subject surface.

the friction loss through a column of pipe with a line shaft through it such that fluid flows in
an annulus. Column friction loss is dependent upon both capacity and the length and
diameter of column and shaft used.

control device in which one or more control variables are being monitored (such as a
combination high- and low-pressure control for a refrigerant system).

a unit that is designed to provide space heating and potable water heating from a single,
primary energy source.
an assembly consisting of a heat pump or air conditioner, a desuperheater, a water heater,
and if required, a potable water pump; the assembly provides space conditioning and
domestic hot water.

device that uses waste heat boilers to capture exhaust energy for steam generation.

system combining power production with the use of a lower-quality heat byproduct of
power generation for district heating.

a complete ceiling panel that is designed and can be independently installed and operated
for both sensible cooling and sensible heating of an indoor space through heat transfer
between the thermally effective panel surfaces and the occupants and/or the indoor space
by thermal radiation and natural convection.

the seasonal coefficient of performance of the combined appliance when used to meet both
the space-cooling and domestic water-heating loads that occur during the space-cooling
season. The quantity is dimensionless.

constant of proportionality relating the rate of combined convective and radiative heat
transfer at a surface to the temperature difference across the air film on that surface.

section within which two or more functions are combined.


an operating mode where the heat pump is space heating and the desuperheater is heating
domestic water.
see [[combined radiative and convective surface coefficient]].
when gases take part in chemical reactions, the volume of the reacting gases and those of
the products (if gaseous) are in the ratio of small whole numbers, provided that all
measurements are made at the same temperature and pressure. Also known as Gay-
Lussac's law.

if weights of elements that combine with each other are called their combining weights,
then elements always combine in ratio of their combining weights.

instrument for determining concentration of combustible gas or vapor.


chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually
light either as a glow or flame.
air required to provide for the complete combustion of fuel and usually consisting of
primary air, secondary air, and excess air.
enclosure, with or without lines or baffles, into which fuel or gaseous derivatives of fuel are
discharged so that combustion can occur.

(1) adjustment of the fuel rate and air/fuel mixture ratio in response to heating load and
flue gas air condition over the full range of the burner capacity from some preset minimum
to 100%. (2) device or series of devices that control the flow of fuel and combustion air in
the desired ratio to provide efficient combustion.

part of primary safety control which is responsive directly to flame properties.

sampling of combustion products to determine the percentage of constituents and their


temperature.

effluents from the combustion of a fuel, including the inerts but excluding excess air.

space provided for the burning of fuel.

treating air to control its temperature, relative humidity, cleanliness, and distribution to
meet the comfort requirements of the occupants of the conditioned space.

chart showing operative temperatures with dry-bulb temperatures, relative humidities, and
air motion by which the effects of the various conditions on human comfort may be
compared.
environmental condition in a space such that the majority of the occupants should, on a
statistical basis, be comfortable.

refrigeration for comfort, as opposed to refrigeration for storage or manufacture.

index combining the properties of an environment for evaluating the sensation of comfort
of occupants; equal to 15 plus 0.4 times the sum of the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures
in degrees Fahrenheit. See also [[thermal comfort]].

(1) operative temperature. See [[temperature]]. (2) range of effective temperatures under
which most of a group of people feel comfortable.

(1) refrigerated enclosure containing goods which are accessible to the exterior through a
door. (2) types of refrigerators used commercially, including reach-ins, walk-ins, and
refrigerated display cases (all types being either service or self-service, which are used by
business establishments).

heating, cooling, or refrigerating system used in a commercial or business place.

see [[commissioning process]].

an entity, identified by the owner, who leads, plans, schedules, and coordinates the
commissioning team to implement the commissioning process.
a quality-focused process for enhancing the delivery of a project. The process focuses upon
verifying and documenting that the facility and all of its systems and assemblies are
planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the Owner’s Project
Requirements. (See [[Owner’s Project Requirements]]).

a written document that details activities completed as part of the commissioning process
and significant findings from those activities. The commissioning process progress report is
continuously updated during the course of a project. The progress report is incorporated
into the commissioning plan as an ongoing appendix.

the individuals who, through coordinated actions, are responsible for implementing the
commissioning process.
see [[district energy system]].
pipe flange to connect with another flange or with a flanged valve or fitting. It is attached to
the pipe by threads, welding, or other methods and differs from a flange (which is an
integral part of a pipe or fitting).

a water cooler that, in addition to the primary function of cooling and dispensing potable
water, includes a refrigerated compartment with or without provisions for making ice.

act of complying with the rules or requirements of a standard.


smallest functional element of an installation.

a self-contained cabinet without a fan whose primary functions are (1) the conversion of the
sensible heat of unsaturated air passing through the cabinet to latent heat by the process of
evaporating recirculating or nonrecirculating water directly exposed to this air and (2) the
movement of this air through the cabinet that allows a portion of this water to evaporate.

single, functional element forming a part of a ventilation or an air-conditioning installation.

every material consists of one substance or is a mixture of two or more substances, each of
which exhibits a specific set of properties independent of the other substances.

compression that is accomplished by stages, as in two or more cylinders in series.

compressor in which compression is accomplished by stages, as in two or more cylinders.

pressure gage that indicates pressures above and below atmospheric pressure.

multistaged refrigerating system where a single charge of refrigerant circulates through all
stages of compression.

ease with which a fluid may be reduced in volume by the application of pressure.
Compressibility depends on the state of the fluid as well as the type of the fluid itself.

relative variation of the departure from the perfect gas laws.

refrigerating cycle composed of four principal stages: vaporization of the refrigerant,


compression of the vapor, liquefaction of the vapor, and expansion of the liquid.

process by which the pressure of a gas is increased by reducing its volume.

device that reduces compressor energy use by introducing intermediate pressure gas into
the compressor during the compression stroke.
ratio of work required to compress, adiabatically and reversibly, all the vapor delivered by a
compressor (per stage) to the actual work delivered to the vapor by the piston or blades of
the compressor.
multipiece joint with cup-shaped threaded nuts which, when tightened, compress tapered
sleeves so that they form a tight joint on the periphery of the tubing that they connect.

ratio of the absolute pressure after compression to the absolute pressure before
compression.

each part at compression whereby the total compression of a gas is accomplished by


several compressors in series to reduce the compression ratio for each stage.

that movement of a piston in a compressor cylinder during which the gas is compressed and
discharged.

pneumatic cushioning device, operating at system pressure, that absorbs fluid expansion as
a result of temperature change and prevents unnecessary periodic operation of the relief
valve. Compare to [[expansion tank]].

ratio of the volume of compression chamber at intake of gas to volume at discharge in


positive displacement compressors.

system in which the temperature and pressure of a gaseous refrigerant are increased
mechanically. In most cases, the refrigerant undergoes changes of state.

(1) device for mechanically increasing the pressure of a gas. (2) often described as being
either open, hermetic, or semihermetic to describe how the compressor and motor drive is
situated in relation to the gas or vapor being compressed. Types include centrifugal, axial
flow, reciprocating, rotary screw, rotary vane, scroll, or diaphragm. 1. device for
mechanically increasing the pressure of a gas. 2. specific machine, with or without
accessories, for compressing refrigerant vapor.

apparatus for determining the refrigerant flow rate and, subsequently, the capacity of a
refrigerant compressor by measuring the heat input required to balance the refrigerating
effect produced in the evaporator by the compressor.

(1) design maximum rate of heat removal by the refrigerant assigned to the compressor in a
refrigerating system. This is equal to the product of the mass rate of refrigerant flow
produced by the compressor and the difference in specific enthalpies of the refrigerant
vapor at its thermodynamic state entering the compressor and the refrigerant liquid at
saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure of the vapor leaving the compressor.
(2) device, such as a clearance pocket, movable cylinder head, or suction bypass, by which
compressor capacity can be adjusted without otherwise changing the operating conditions.

space of controlled volume to give the effect of greater or less cylinder clearance, thereby
changing compressor capacity.
that part of the compressor at the high-pressure side.
that part of the piston stroke between the opening of the discharge valve and the top dead
center.
actual volume of gas or vapor at compressor inlet conditions moved by a compressor per
revolution or per unit of time.

process whereby a side port in the compressor (usually a screw compressor or multiwheel
centrifugal compressor) is used to provide refrigerant subcooling, resulting in an
improvement in overall system efficiency.

transport of oil from the evaporator to the compressor.

the ratio of the work absorbed for compressing a unit mass of refrigerant in a compressor or
condensing unit to the work absorbed for compressing the same unit mass of refrigerant in
an isentropic compressor or condensing unit. (Also known as isentropic efficiency.)
volume swept by a piston during one stroke or one revolution of the crankshaft.

rate of heat removal by the refrigerant assigned to the compressor in a refrigerating system.
This is equal to the product of the mass rate of refrigerant flow produced by the compressor
and the difference in specific enthalpies of the refrigerant vapor at its thermodynamic state
entering the compressor and refrigerant liquid at saturation temperature corresponding to
the pressure of the vapor leaving the compressor.

the saturation temperature corresponding to the refrigerant pressure at the compressor


discharge, usually taken at or immediately downstream of the compressor discharge service
valve (in either case on the downstream side of the valve seat), where discharge valves are
used.
(also known as unloaded start), practice of starting a compressor after equalizing pressures
in high- and low-side pressures.

condition achieved in a centrifugal compressor when the momentum of the refrigerant gas
through the compressor is insufficient to overcome the thermal lift requirement. Direction
of flow temporarily reverses through the compressor until the lift requirement decreases.
The condition repeats until the operating condition is corrected. Accelerated wear and
damage can eventually result.

total volume swept by the working strokes of all the pistons of a compressor per revolution
of the crankshaft or per unit of time.

a refrigerating component, designed to compress a specific refrigerant vapor, consisting of


compressor, prime mover, and regularly furnished accessories.

(1) device for controlling compressor capacity by rendering one or more cylinders
ineffective. (2) device on or in a compressor for equalizing the high- and low-side pressures
for a brief period during starting in order to decrease the starting load on the motor.

ratio of volume of compression chamber at intake of refrigerant gases to the volume at


discharge in positive displacement compressors.

(1) (theoretical), enthalpy difference along an isentrope. (2) mechanical energy required by,
or load imparted to, the piston of a compressor or shaft of a centrifugal compressor.

a unitary air conditioner, for a computer and data processing room, consisting of one or
more assemblies that include a DX evaporator or chilled-water cooling coil, an air-moving
device, and air-filtering devices. The air conditioner may include a compressor, condenser,
humidifier, or reheating device.

general term for the computer equipment that holds information in any (usually binary)
language in electrical, optical, or magnetic form. This equipment also receives information
for storage and gives out the stored information for storage and later use. The word
“memory” usually means storage inside the computer, while “storage” refers to optical and
electrical media storage outside of the computer.

(1) (general) representation of an actual system by analogous characteristics of some device


easier to construct, modify, or understand. (2) (physical) the use of a model of a physical
system in which computing elements are used to represent some but not all of the
subsystems. (3) computer-aided decision process in which proposals are tested in a
computer before one or more of the proposals are considered for use (e.g., DOE-2).

programs and instructions put into a computer.

(1) computer subprograms called into an automation system program to perform a special
assignment. (2) general collection of software packages available for a particular data-
processing system.
device that stores information temporarily during data transfers. Clarified by buffer. See
[[computer memory]].

equivalent to conventional drafting, only performed on a computer. Points, lines, and


symbols are used to convey design intent or detail construction means and methods. Most
often plotted onto paper media and published in that form for drawings and specifications
and delivered to the owner, contractor, and reviewing authorities and agencies for approval
and actual construction.

system in which a computer directs the manufacture and assembly of a product.

energy management system in which a computer is the central controlling device. See
[[energy management system (EMS)]].
installation of an air--terminal device where the attachment to the duct, wall, or ceiling is
hidden from view to room occupants.
a solar collector that uses reflectors, lenses, or other optical elements to concentrate the
radiant energy passing through an aperture onto an absorber with a surface area smaller
than the aperture area.
the quantity of one constituent dispersed in a defined amount of another.

liquid formed by condensation of a vapor. In steam heating, water condensed from steam;
in air conditioning, water extracted from air, as by condensation on the cooling coil.

pump used to transfer condensate from one point in a system to another receiver; usually
installed with a receiver tank and a float valve; the pump being controlled by tank level.

a variation of solution heat exchangers; used on steam-fired, double-effect machines and


on some single-effect, steam-fired machines. Uses the condensed steam to add heat to the
solution entering the generator.
change of state of a vapor into a liquid by extracting heat from the vapor.

temperature at which a vapor liquefies if the latent heat is removed at standard or stated
pressure. See also [[dew point]]; [[saturation temperature]]; [[boiling point]].

a heat exchanger in which the primary heat transfer vapor changes its state to a liquid
phase.
a condenser constructed of pipe or tubing exposed to air
the fluid used as the condensing media in a liquid cooled, self-contained refrigerator.

the mass flow rate of liquid through the condensing unit under the conditions specified.

for water-cooled condensers, the amount of heat added to the water removed from the
load; the integrated product of the flow rate through the condenser and the temperature
difference across the condenser.

a water-cooled condenser with the tubes or pipes grouped in the upper portion of the shell,
leaving the lower section of the shell for use as a receiver.

number of degrees that a pressurized liquid is cooled lower than its saturated temperature
at that pressure.
heat exchanger tube manufactured to special requirements such as tolerances, finish, and
temper.

one that circulates the products of combustion and extracts available heat to a point that
causes condensation to occur. Some of this latent heat of condensation is recovered as
usable energy, resulting in higher operating efficiency.
(1) portion of the total refrigerant heat-rejecting effect of a condenser, which is used for
condensing the entering refrigerant vapor to a saturated liquid at the entering refrigerant
pressure. (2) the portion of the total heat rejection of a condenser that is used for
desuperheating and condensing the entering refrigerant vapor to a saturated liquid. This is
the product of the mass rate of refrigerant flow and the difference between the enthalpy of
the entering refrigerant vapor and that of the saturated refrigerant liquid at the leaving
pressure.

pressure of a gas at which it condenses.


automatic valve responsive to inlet pressure to prevent compressor discharge pressure
from falling below a specific value. Normally used as a form of head pressure control
(backup valve) but also used on refrigerating systems for maintaining hot-gas defrost
systems.

(1) the saturation temperature, in °F (°C), corresponding to the refrigerant pressure at the
condenser heat exchanger inlet. (2) the saturation temperature, in °F (°C), corresponding to
the measured refrigerant pressure at the condenser inlet.

(1) an apparatus for processing low-pressure refrigerant vapor back into high-pressure
liquid refrigerant to be used for cooling a refrigerator. (2) machine designed to condense
refrigerant vapor to a liquid by compressing the vapor in a positive displacement
compressor and rejecting heat to a cooling medium. A condensing unit usually consists of
one or more positive displacement compressors and motors, condensing coils, liquid
receivers, and other devices mounted on a common base.

apparatus for determining refrigerant flow rate and, subsequently, the capacity of a
condensing unit by measuring the heat input required to balance the refrigerating effect
produced in the evaporator by the condensing unit.

rate of heat removal by the refrigerant assigned to the condensing unit in a refrigerating
system. This is equal to the product of the mass rate of refrigerant flow produced by the
condensing unit and the difference in the specific enthalpies of the refrigerant.

rate of heat removal by the refrigerant assigned to the condensing unit in a refrigerating
system. This is equal to the product of the mass rate of refrigerant flow produced by the
condensing unit and the difference in the specific enthalpies of the refrigerant vapor
entering the unit at a specified superheat and the refrigerant liquid leaving the unit at a
specified subcooling.

on a psychrometric chart, the infinite number of wet- and dry-bulb temperatures which will
satisfy the requirements of an air supply for a given room temperature.

(also treated air) air treated to control its temperature, relative humidity, purity, pressure,
and movement.
that part of a building that is heated and/or cooled and/or humidity controlled for the
comfort of occupants. Compare [[unconditioned space]].
the probability that a stated interval will include the true value. In analyzing experimental
data, a level of 95% is usually used.

used for multisample data and uncertainty interval (used for single-sample data), the range
of values that can be expected, given a stated probability, to include the true value. For
example, a statement that the 95% confidence limit is 5 to 8 means that there is a 95%
probability (19 chances out of 20) that the interval between 5 and 8 will contain the true
value.

system in which flow is divided among two or more channels from a common starting point
or header.
system in which flow through two or more channels is in a single path entering each
succeeding channel only after leaving the first or previous channel.

substantial agreement reached by concerned interests according to the judgment of a duly


appointed authority after a concerted attempt at resolving objections. It implies much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity.

procedures adopted by a standards-developing organization to reach consensus.

in ASHRAE, a standard developed by the consensus process reflecting a consensus of


professional opinions of the members of a committee of balanced interests with the
support of other experts who review and comment on drafts during open public review.

when a system of masses is subject only to internal forces that masses of the system exert
on one another, the total vector momentum of the system is constant.

see [[packaged air conditioner]].

used in refrigerating devices constructed to permit the cut-in point to remain constant
while providing a variable cut-out (variable differential) range when the setting is changed.

valve that maintains a constant output pressure regardless of the input pressure.

device for maintaining within a reservoir a constant level of fluid (e.g., oil fuel for delivery to
an oil burner).
a form used by the contractor to verify that appropriate components are onsite, ready for
installation, correctly installed, and functional.

all potable water piping, valves, fittings, and appurtenances on the premises side of the
service connection. It is the secondary component of a public water system.

cooling by direct contact with a cold surface.

(1) a contact freezer is a freezer in which the product is frozen by contact with a
refrigerated surface. (2) freezing of produce by direct contact with a refrigerated surface.
Crust freezing (shell freezing) is very quick freezing of the outer part of a product (mainly
poultry), and final freezing is completed by conventional methods.

process of chilling in which finely crushed ice is placed in direct contact with the product in
its unpacked or packed state.

insulation that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other
than fasteners and service openings. It is installed on the interior or exterior or is integral to
any opaque surface of the building envelope.

include a wide range of documents that will vary from project to project, with the Owner’s
needs, and with regulations, laws, and countries. Contract documents frequently include
price agreements; construction management processes; subcontractor agreements or
requirements; requirements and procedures for submittals, changes, and other
construction requirements; timeline for completion; and the construction documents.

in construction terminology, the person or entity responsible for performing the work and
identified as such in an owner/contractor agreement.

see [[fan types]].


to regulate the operation of equipment.
(of a controller or a controlling system), nature of the change of the output produced by the
input (e.g., direct-acting or reverse-acting devices).
in a control measuring unit, the element that responds directly to, or senses, the variable to
be measured. See [[sensor]].
a specialized device used to regulate the operation of equipment.
mechanism that directly acts to change the value of the controlled variable (such as
actuators or relays).
process of maintaining building conditions such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, and
irrigations systems, etc.

control logic is the diagrammatical flow chart of operations of programming for software
that controls the operations of the program. The control logic responds to commands from
an input and generates an output to perform operation-related tasks. Control logic can be
modeled using a state diagram, which is a form of hierarchical state machine. These state
diagrams can also be combined with flow charts to provide a set of computational
semantics for describing complex control logic.

see [[derivative control mode]], [[integral control mode]], [[proportional control mode]].

assembly of the indicating devices and remote control units required for the operation of a
system.

the process output value to maintain setpoint. Setpoint plus offset is equal to control point.
actuator in an automatic control.
see [[sequence of operation]].

(1) the methods and means of governing the performance of any apparatus, machine, or
system. (2) system governing the starting, stopping, direction of motion, acceleration,
speed, and retardation of the moving member. (3) designation of how the equipment is
governed (i.e., by an attendant, by automatic means, or partially by automatic means and
partially by an attendant). (4) one or more of the components in a mechanism responsible
for interpreting and carrying out manually initiated directions.
the measured temperature at the location of the controlling device for a specific purpose
(e.g., a room thermostat).

device that receives a signal from a controller and acts on the process plant to vary its
operating condition in accordance with the information received. In HVAC & R systems,
controlled devices typically are valves, dampers, and motors.
substance that is to be maintained at a specific value of temperature, concentration, or flow
rate.

in either a closed-loop or open-loop control system, the measured physical phenomenon


(e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, lighting, CO2) that causes a controller to respond in
an effort to reduce or minimize the deviation from a desired value.

device for regulation of a system or component in normal operation, manual or automatic.


If automatic, the implication is that it is responsive to changes of pressure, temperature, or
other variables whose magnitude are to be regulated.

difference between the control point (actual value of the controlled variable) and the
setpoint. This quantity may have a positive or a negative value.

ratio of change in controller output to the change in the value of the sensed value.

range of controller output as it goes from one extreme to the other.


element used to measure the status of a controlled variable.
constant of proportionality relating the convective rate of heat transfer at a surface to the
temperature difference across the air film on that surface.
surface designed to transfer its heat to a surrounding fluid largely or wholly by forced
and/or natural convection.
terminal unit used in hot-water or steam systems to deliver heat to a space (but primarily
by convection and not radiation).
burner intended for field installation that changes the fuel type of an existing furnace or
boiler from oil or coal to a gas-burning system.

matter (such as moisture, vapor, products of combustion, smoke, and particulate matter)
rising from cooking equipment during equipment operation,.

to remove heat in an environment generally at a temperature not below 33°F (–1°C).


Compare to [[refrigerant]].
reduction of space temperature down to occupied setpoint after a period of shutdown or
setup.

technology or systems used to store cooling capacity. Normally applies to comfort or air-
conditioning applications. Compare to [[cold storage]] and [[ice storage]].

a single-phase fluid (usually a liquid) used for transferring heat from one place to another.
Sometimes referred to as heat transfer fluid, brine, and/or secondary refrigerant (see
[[refrigerant]]).

thermally insulated enclosure kept at a reduced temperature by a refrigeration system.

rate of heat absorption by a refrigerating medium (air, water, brine, etc.) flowing through a
cooler at stated conditions. It is measured as the product of the mass flow rate of the
refrigerating medium and the difference in specific enthalpies of the refrigerating medium
entering and leaving the cooler.

removal of sensible and/or latent heat. Compare to [[chilling]] and [[refrigeration]].

(1) ambient air used to remove heat from a device, space, or system. (2) cooled air used to
lower the temperature of a space or products stored in a space.

see [[heat pump]], [[cooling]], and [[heating]].

(also known as total cooling capacity), design maximum rate at which equipment removes
heat from a fluid under specified conditions of operation.

an arrangement of pipes or tubes, not enclosed in a pressure vessel, that can be used either
with refrigerant or secondary coolant to provide cooling or cooling with dehumidification.

see [[degree day]].


the outdoor dry-bulb temperature equal to the temperature that is exceeded by 1% of the
number of hours during a typical weather year.

the outdoor wet-bulb temperature equal to the temperature that exceeds a stated number
of hours during a typical weather year. The value is normally stated as a percent. This value
is applicable to cooling systems where the main purpose is dehumidification and the
prevention of mold and mildew.

the primary air dry-bulb temperature reduction divided by the primary air entering dry-bulb
temperature less the entering secondary wet-bulb temperature.

a ratio calculated by using the formula: CER = (C+ FE)/E where: C = cooling capacity, Btu/h
(W), FE = fan electrical input, W × 3.413 Btu/W (W), E = total electrical input (W).

the site electric energy consumption of the mechanical cooling equipment including the
compressor, air-distribution fan (regardless of whether the compressor is on or off),
condenser fan, and related auxiliaries.
the flow rate of liquid refrigerant required for all cooling purposes in a compressor or
condensing unit.

(1) amount of cooling per unit time required by the conditioned space or product. (2) heat
that a cooling system must remove from a controlled system over time.

ratio of the cooling building load to the steady-state cooling capacity.

substance used, with or without a change of state, to lower the temperature of other
bodies or substances. See [[coolant]]. See [[refrigerant]].

apparatus for lowering the temperature of a space or product to a specified temperature.

a ratio calculated by dividing the net total cooling capacity in watts by the total power input
in watts (excluding reheaters and humidifiers) at any given set of rating conditions. The net
total cooling capacity is the total gross capacity minus the energy dissipated into the cooled
space by the blower system.

heat transfer device, often tower like, in which atmospheric air cools warm water, generally
by direct contact (evaporation).
unit that includes means for cooling and which may also include means for other air-
handling-unit functions.
smallest tower subdivision that can function as an independent heat exchange unit. It is
bounded by exterior walls or partitions. Each cell may have one or more fans or stacks and
one or more distribution systems.
see [[cooling-tower packing]].

fog condition created when the exhaust air or plume from a cooling tower, which is
essentially a saturated air/water vapor mixture warmer than ambient air, becomes
supersaturated so that part of the water vapor condenses into visible liquid droplets.

(also known as tower fill), that part of a crossflow, counterflow, or natural draft tower
consisting of splash bars, vertical sheets of various configurations, or honeycomb
assemblies, tile, or other materials which cause the water to break up into droplets to effect
heat and mass transfer between the circulating water and the air flowing through the
tower.

visible exhaust from a cooling tower. Compare to [[cooling-tower fogging]].

total heat rejection capacity of a cooling tower; traditionally, 15,000 Btu/h. Note: this value
is based on 25% compressor heat added to a ton of refrigeration. Current energy-efficient
equipment may have lower values than traditional values.

drawings showing the work of all trades to illustrate that equipment can be installed in the
allocated space without compromising equipment function or access for maintenance and
replacement.
[[coefficient of performance]]
a multiplier (≤1) applied to the full-load system COP or COP2. CDF is a function of part-load
ratio. (Also see [[part-load ratio]].)

total plane area of the portion of a grille, face, or register bounded by a line tangent to the
outer edges of the outer openings, through which air can pass.

product of minimum height (h) and minimum width (b) of the front opening of a sand trap
louver assembly with the louver blades removed. Also see [[core area of an air terminal
device]].

area of an air terminal device located within a convex closed surface of minimum area,
inside of which are all openings of the air terminal device through which the air can pass.
(a) acceleration which, when added to the acceleration of an object relative to a rotating
coordinate system and to its centripetal acceleration, gives the acceleration of the object
relative to a fixed coordinate system. (b) vector that is equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction to that of definition (a).

(a) deflection relative to the earth’s surface of any object moving above the earth, caused
by the Coriolis force. Note: an object moving horizontally is deflected to the right in the
northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern. (b) the effect of the Coriolis force in
any rotating system. Also called Coriolis deflection.

velocity-dependent pseudoforce in a reference frame that is rotating with respect to an


inertial reference frame; it is equal and opposite to the product of the mass of the particle
on which the force acts and its Coriolis acceleration.

effective temperature corrected by accounting for the effect of radiation. See also
[[operative temperature]].
output from controlling device that inputs to the controlled element.

classification of expended or reserved resources used to predict and correct impending


failure. Corrective action is strictly remedial and always performed before failure occurs.
The identical procedure performed in response to failure is classified as a repair. Corrective
action may be taken during a shutdown caused by failure, provided the action is optional
and unrelated. Corrective maintenance is carried out on all items where the consequences
of failure or wearing out are not significant (less important items), and the cost of this
maintenance is not greater than preventive maintenance.

states of fluids when the ratios of their state variables (pressure, temperature) to the critical
values of these variables have equal values.
rusting or deterioration of a substance (usually a metal) because of a reaction to its
environment.
(1) typically, a chemical agent that protects internal machine parts from the corrosive
effects of the absorbent solution in the presence of an air chemical agent that slows
corrosion of metal parts of a system. (2) substance added to a brine or other cooling
medium.
capacity of an environment or environmental factor to bring about destruction of a specific
metal by the process of corrosion.
the attraction or repulsion between two electric charges acts along the line between them,
is proportional to the product of their magnitudes, and is inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between them.

heat exchanger in which fluids flow in opposite directions approximately parallel to each
other; inlets for the two fluids are at opposite ends of the exchanger.

directional pattern of the heat transfer fluids used in energy-exchange equipment where
the warmest fluid “A” indirectly contacts the warmest fluid “B” at the entering side of the
equipment and the coldest fluid “A” indirectly contacts the coldest fluid “B” at the leaving
side of the equipment. Most energy exchange equipment is designed to use this method of
heat transfer as it creates the highest log mean temperature difference (LMTD). When an
energy exchange equipment is designed for counterflow heat transfer, and it is correctly
connected in the field, the results would be loss in heat transfer capacity.

one in which air, drawn in through air inlets at the tower perimeter (induced draft) or forced
in (forced draft) at the base by the fan flows up through the fill material in a direction
opposite to the falling hot water.
air terminal device intended to be installed above a natural ventilation exhaust duct with
the aim (by creating negative pressure and depending on wind speed) of avoiding reverse
flow and increasing flow rate. It may or may not have moving parts.

slow make/break action of a switch mechanism in a controller, as differentiated from snap


action or toggle action.
the point in the load profile at which the combination of the required discharge rate and the
current storage inventory causes the discharge temperature from the thermal storage
device to rise to its highest value.

(peak nucleate boiling heat flux), heat flux for which the surface coefficient of heat transfer
between a heating wall and a liquid under nucleate boiling is a maximum. Also called
maximum nucleate boiling heat flux.

the location on a plot of thermodynamic properties at which the liquid and vapor states of a
substance meet and become indistinguishable. The temperature, density, and composition
of the substance are the same for the liquid and vapor phases at this point. The density,
pressure, specific volume, and temperature at the critical point are referred to as the critical
density, critical pressure, critical volume, and critical temperature, respectively.

processes with environmental control needs that are more constrained than occupancy
comfort parameters. Examples of typical processes or areas that have unique needs and are
thus critical are as follows: printing, papermaking, textiles, computer rooms, broadcasting
studios, food processing, medical and hospital areas, cleanrooms, controlled laboratories,
unusual safety and health needs, potentially explosive areas, cold storage, milling and
machining, casting, glassmaking, and other specialized manufacturing or process spaces.

compromise refrigerant quantity required by a system to maximize performance when a


capillary or fixed restriction expansion device is used.

operating speed at which the vibration of a unit reaches an unacceptable limit.

see [[critical point]].


(1) in fluid mechanics, the velocity above which flow in a pipe is no longer laminar. (b)
velocity at which given phenomena occur.

(1) connection between supply and return line in a hydronic system. May be used to
balance system pressure, maintain a minimum circulation flow rate or temperature, etc. (2)
in a piping system, a connection in which a pipe carrying potable water is connected to a
closed vessel (or system) that is above atmospheric pressure and that contains nonpotable
fluid. This is typically the point where a backflow preventer is required.

fitting with four branches in the same plane with right angles between them.

(1) natural ventilation in which the airflow mainly results from wind pressure effects on the
building facades and where stack effects in the building are of less importance. (2) type of
ventilating with air supply and exhaust points at opposite sides of ventilated space.

spread of infectious disease from an infected individual to a susceptible person.

(first line of defense) installation of a backflow preventer or a vacuum breaker at each cross
connection on a premise to protect both premise system and the main system.

heat exchanger in which fluids flow perpendicular to each other. Compare to [[counterflow
heat exchanger]].
one in which air, drawn or forced in through the air intakes by a fan, flows horizontally
across the fill section perpendicular to the falling hot water.
migration between airstreams.

undesirable transfer of energy from active signal line(s) to one or more independent signal
lines, creating signals that may reach proportions to cause system errors.

cooling below –244°F (–153°C, 120 K).


liquefied gas below –244°F (–153°C, 120°K).
science that deals with the production of very low temperatures and their effect on the
properties of matter.

(freeze grinding) , grinding at a low temperature of a substance that otherwise could not be
ground or would be spoiled by the temperature rise resulting from the operation.

eutectic mixture of which one component is water. See also [[eutectic solution]].

device designed for producing an ultrahigh vacuum by condensation or adsorption of a gas


at a very low temperature, usually below –320°F (–196°C, 77 K).

batch operating apparatus in which a cryogenic liquid or solid evaporates to maintain a


cryotemperature, which need not be constant but may vary in a predetermined fashion.

temperature within a few degrees of absolute zero (2.2 K).


surface cooled below –244°F (–153°C, 120 K) in order to condense vapors. Can be used to
reduce pressure.

device with several (often hemispherical) cups attached to the ends of symmetrical radial
arms that rotate by air motion (wind) at a speed proportional to the wind velocity.

temperature above which a given ferromagnetic substance becomes paramagnetic.

magnetic susceptibilities of most paramagnetic substances are inversely proportional to


their absolute temperatures.
susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance above the Curie temperature varies inversely as
the excess of the temperature above that point.
a written document that details the current functional requirements of a facility and the
expectations of how it will be used and operated. This includes goals, measurable
performance criteria, cost considerations, benchmarks, success criteria, and supporting
information.
initiation of an event for which control is applied.

predetermined value (pressure, temperature, etc.), at which operation commences.

cessation of an event for which control is applied.


[[coefficient of variation]]

[C-scale or dB(C)], sound levels at different frequencies modified by a weighting network as


defined in ANSI S1.4. Adjusts the levels of a frequency spectrum in a modest way, similar to
the way the human ear does when exposed to high levels of sound. These results are close
to unweighted or linear sound spectrums.
(1) complete course of operation of working fluid back to a starting point, measured in
thermodynamic terms (functions). (2) complete series of values of a periodic quantity that
occur during a period. (3) in alternating current, the time for a change of state from a zero
through a positive and a negative maximum and back to zero. (4) interval of space, time, or
a sound wave in which one set of repetitive events or phenomena is completed. (5) process
or series of processes wherein the initial and final states of the system are identical.
Therefore, at the conclusion of a cycle, all the properties have the same value as at the
beginning. (6) set of operations that is repeated regularly in the same sequence. The
operations may be subject to variations on each repetition. (7) the period of equipment
operation from cut-in to cut-in.

a system in which the refrigerated surfaces of the general refrigerated compartments are
defrosted while maintaining nominal refrigerated food temperatures. Defrost water is
disposed of automatically or collected in a container for subsequent manual removal.

ratio of the integrated energy output to the integrated energy input of a process or machine
for a single cycle of operation.

(1) continuous oscillation occurring without periodic stimuli. A situation in a closed-loop


system where the controller output to an input change causes instability. (2) periodic
change in the controlled variable from one value to another. Also called hunting.

expected total duration of lifetime cycling expressed in time or number of events.

funnel-shaped device for removing particles from air or other fluids by centrifugal action or
force.
in a reciprocating engine, pump, or compressor, the end of a cylinder opposite to that from
which the piston rod or connecting rod projects.
difference between high and low temperatures for a typical day. Used in HVAC load
calculations.
each constituent of a mixture of gases behaves thermodynamically as if it alone occupied
the space. The sum of the individual pressures of the constituents equals the total pressure
of the mixture.
a building that has a persistent and excessive accumulation of moisture which will, if
allowed to persist, shorten the intended useful life of the building’s contents, materials,
structural fasteners, or systems.

element inserted into an air-distribution system or element of an air-distribution system


permitting modification of the air resistance of the system and consequently changing the
airflow rate or shutting off the airflow.

device that provides the necessary force to position a damper.


(1) progressive diminution with time of certain quantities characterizing a phenomenon. (2)
reducing the amplitude of vibrations by dissipating the corresponding mechanical energy to
some suitable absorbing sink.

measure of permeability. At one darcy, a material will pass a fluid of one centipoise
viscosity through a section of one square centimeter at a rate of one cubic centimeter per
second, with a drop in pressure of one standard atmosphere.

(1) general term used to denote any or all facts, numbers, letters, and symbols that refer to
or describe an object, idea, condition, situation, or other factors. (2) information obtained
by experimental means, assumed to be in numerical form; recorded values of the variables;
readings.
any electronic depository of data.
ordered and named collection of data, particularly for use in computerized information
systems.
device that stores computer output and translates this output into signals that are
distributed to a program-determined group of lights, annunciators, and numerical indicators
in operator consoles and remote stations.

(1) (also known as real time processing) processing of data in synchronism with a physical
process so that the results of the data processing are useful to the physical operation. (2)
device used for collection of characters or analog signals. (3) recording of data about events
that occur in time sequence.

process of transforming masses of raw test- or experimentally obtained data (usually


gathered by automatic recording equipment) into useful, condensed, or simplified
intelligence.
collection of data with each item uniquely identified either by some label or by its relative
position.
[[dry-bulb temperature (DBT]]

(also known as dead zone) stagnant area in a space unaffected by air circulation.

the range of values within which a sensed variable can vary without initiating a change in
the controlled process.
piping arrangement for collecting oil or liquid refrigerant from suction gas prior to entry to a
compressor.
(1) to isolate and remove a mistake or malfunction. (2) to operate equipment prior to use to
detect and replace parts that are defective or expected to fail and to correct error in
fabrication or assembly.

any physical attribute that decreases with time in a regular fashion. An example is the rate
of decay of the concentration of a tracer gas, as used to measure the air infiltration rate of a
building. See also [[sound decay rate]].

designated individual responsible for risk management of a given facility.


angle of the sun above or below the equatorial plane. The value is plus if north of the plane
and minus if south.
process of chemical change; breaking up of structures; spoilage.

a ventilation system that delivers 100% outdoor air to each individual space in a building.

an HVAC system specifically designed to condition 100% outdoor air to appropriate design
conditions (temperature and humidity) and deliver this air to other systems or spaces.
ground temperature at or below a soil depth of two meters.
(also known as high vacuum), a vacuum of 1000 µm Hg (130 Pa) or less of absolute
pressure.

a given chemical compound always contains the same elements in the same fixed
proportions by weight. Also known as the definite proportions law.

analog device containing a pivoted vane that rotates within its casing from the force of air
moving through the casing so that the indicated tension in a coil spring, with damping, is
related to the velocity of the air at that instant.

act of controlling the refrigerating cycle or heating cycle to periodically melt the
unacceptable accumulation of ice on evaporator tubes, windows, etc.

the process of removing unwanted ice or frost from a surface.


duration of the off cycle of a refrigerating system sufficient to permit defrosting of a cooling
coil.
ratio between the energy transferred into the supply air and the maximum recoverable
energy in exhaust air, excluding the energy input for defrosting.

equipment and controls designed to remove frost (ice) from cooling coils of a refrigerating
system.
a measure of efficiency loss due to cycling of equipment.

the difference in temperature between the outdoor mean temperature over a 24-hour
period and a given base temperature, used in estimating heating and cooling energy use.
For any one day, there are as many degree days (Kelvin-days) as there are degrees
Fahrenheit (degrees Celsius) departure of the mean temperature for the day from the base
temperature
imposed transformation from a green color to a yellow or orange color (especially with
citrus fruits) due to destruction of chlorophyll.

the set of independent displacements and/or rotations that specify completely the
displaced or deformed position and orientation of the body or system. This is a fundamental
concept relating to systems of moving bodies in engineering. A particle that moves in three-
dimensional space has three translational displacement components as DOFs, while a rigid
body would have at most six DOFs, including three rotations. Translation is the ability to
move without rotating, while rotation is angular motion about some axis.

removal of water vapor from air.

an air cooler or an absorption or adsorption device used for lowering moisture content.

mass of water condensed during cooling or the equivalent refrigerating capacity expressed
in terms of the latent heat of the water condensed per unit of time.

removal of water from any substance.


a device for removing moisture from refrigerant or other substances.
intentional melting of an ice layer.
the ratio of the thermal energy transferred to or from the conditioned space to the thermal
energy transferred at the equipment distribution system heat exchanger. Energy delivered
to or from the conditioned space includes distribution system losses to the conditioned
space.

(1) the time rate of energy flow. In the United States, demand usually refers to electric
power and is measured in kW (equals kWh/h) but can also refer to natural gas, usually as
therms or ccf per day. In many other countries, demand is commonly used with other
energy sources, especially district heat. (2) the highest amount of power (average Btu/h
over an interval) recorded for a building or facility in a selected time frame.

part of an electric bill based on kilowatt demand and the demand interval, expressed in
dollars per kilowatt. Note: demand charges offset construction and maintenance of a
utility’s need for large generating capacity.

an application that utilizes input signals that measure the past and current demand and
provide control of future use to maintain or reduce the target level.
automatic defrosting system in which the defrost cycle is initiated by a drop in performance
of the refrigerating system.
ratio of the maximum electric demand to the connected load, usually monthly or annually.
See also [[electric power load factor]].
period during which kilowatt demand is monitored by a utility service, usually 15 or 30
minutes.
removing interruptible or deferrable load(s) at the user level when electric power or current
flow to that user, or to a portion of the load, exceeds a specified level for more than a
specified time, as determined by agreement. The automatic function can be enabled or
disabled remotely by the serving utility via centralized communication.

a device that monitors user electric power demand and causes that demand to be limited in
a manner not to exceed a selected or programmed maximum value.

actual load on a circuit at any time. Sum of all loads which are on. Equal to the connected
load minus the loads that are off.
electric power demand interval.

the reduction in the demand from the pre-retrofit baseline to the post-retrofit demand
once independent variables (such as weather or occupancy) have been adjusted for. This
term is usually applied to billing demand, to calculate cost savings, or to peak.

thermal storage system controlled to limit the electric power demand.

the accuracy of an instrument testing against a primary or calibrated instrument.

cold-air system maintained under pressure greater than atmospheric in which air is
compressed, heat of compression dissipated, and the air, chilled by expansion and
performance of work, can create useful refrigeration.

mass per unit of volume.

energy that comes out of the ground in the form of liquids, gases, or solids and is
considered depletable or nonrenewable because it is energy that cannot be replenished in a
short period of time.
direct formation of the solid phase by cooling a vapor below the triple point.

control action in which the output is based on the rate of change of the input.

mode that contributes to the output of the controller an amount equal to the derivative of
the error signal, multiplied by the derivative gain.

(1) a solid that will collect and hold water from a liquid or gas. It must be insoluble in the
refrigerating medium to be in order to be used in refrigerant driers. (2) absorbent or
adsorbent liquid or solid that removes water or water vapor from a material.

process for evaporating water or removing water from a material.

in freeze drying, ratio of the mass of the substance resulting from a freeze drying process to
the mass of the original product. Dryness ratio in freeze drying is the ratio of the mass of dry
matter to the mass of frozen substance. See [[freeze drying (lyophilization)]].

air temperature which an HVAC system or apparatus is designed to maintain (indoor design
air temperature) or to operate against (outdoor design air temperature).

required airflow when the system is operating under assumed maximum conditions of
design, including diversity.
output capacity of a system or piece of equipment at design conditions.

specified environmental conditions, such as temperature and light intensity, required to be


produced and maintained by a system and under which the system must operate.

the annual energy cost calculated for a proposed design.


an initial version of the operating manual developed in the conceptual design stage. It
contains a description of the building functions for which the design is intended, lists the
design parameters of systems to perform these functions, and provides a brief description
of the operating routines that are to be followed to comply with the functional
requirements of the building.

a detailed, written document evolving throughout the commissioning process, clearly


defining items and criteria of the design intent.
peak instantaneous load that a system is expected to meet.
the maximum allowable working pressure that a system, a part of a system, or an apparatus
is designed to and/or can withstand.
individual responsible for the design and preparation of architectural or engineering
contract documents. An architect or engineer licensed to practice in accordance with
applicable state licensing laws.

(1) the temperature at which a system or zone is meant to maintain. (2) the temperature, or
range of temperatures, at which a piece of equipment is selected to perform.

specific voltage for which a line or piece of equipment is designed. A reference level of
voltage for identification and not necessarily the precise level at which it operates.

in the United States, the maximum working pressure for which an apparatus has been
designed. See [[design pressure]]. In some countries, the design pressure is greater than the
maximum working pressure. Compare to [[operating pressure]].

liberation of a gas held in a substance by sorption.

a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that transfers heat from high-pressure, high-


temperature refrigerant to domestic water. Heat transfer occurs when the heat pump (air
conditioner) operates to satisfy the building space conditioning load. Within the
refrigeration circuit, the desuperheater is located between the compressor discharge and
the reversing valve of a heat pump or between the compressor discharge and the inlet to
the refrigerant-to-air condenser of an air conditioner.

heat exchanger, preceding the condenser or incorporated in it, for removing all or part of
the superheat.
sensible heat rejection from gaseous refrigerant in a condenser. Occurs prior to the gas-to-
liquid phase change.

a complete set of measurements for a particular point of operation of a fan.

(1) difference between the setpoint and the value of the controlled variable at any point in
time. (2) the difference between a single result and the mean of many results.

piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or to perform a


special function.

deposit of water droplets on cold surfaces. Formed by the condensation of water vapor.

temperature at which water vapor has reached the saturation point (100% relative
humidity). Temperature of the air at which it must be cooled at constant barometric
pressure for water vapor to condense. When the dew-point temperature falls below the
freezing point, it is often identified as the frost point. Compare to [[frost point]].

silvered vacuum flask with double walls with the space between the walls highly evacuated.

difference between dry-bulb temperature and dew-point temperature. See [[wet-bulb


temperature]].
device that measures the temperature at which water droplets appear on a cooled,
polished surface.
increase in moisture content (specific humidity) of air expressed in terms of a rise in dew-
point temperature.

temperature of moist air saturated at pressure p, with the same humidity ratio W as that of
the given sample of moist air. It is defined as the solution td(p, W) of the equation: Ws(p, td)
=W
a device that indicates temperature by a pointer moving over a circular scale.

(1) bellows whose elastic deflection can be increased by the use of corrugations. (2) flexible
membrane separating two cavities. (3) in pneumatics or hydraulics, the membrane
separating the fluid pressure system from the mechanical side.

type of oil-free compressor in which flexion of a diaphragm creates compression.

membrane valve that closes with the admission of fluid pressure to a diaphragm and opens
when pressure is reduced. See [[disc valve]]
packless valve in which the seal between the adjustment spindle and the valve body is a
diaphragm.
pertaining to the nature of a substance or a space that allows the passage of heat (more
particularly, radiant heat).

for an isotropic medium, the ratio of the capacitance of a capacitor filled with a given
dielectric to that of the same capacitor having only a vacuum as a dielectric.

maximum electric field that an insulator can withstand without breakdown.

process using dielectric heating with high voltage and high frequency or ultrahigh frequency
electric fields.

in a two- or four-stroke reciprocating engine, air without fuel is compressed, usually to


more than 500 psig (3500 kPa), to raise its temperature above the ignition temperature of
the fuel that is injected into the hot compressed air at or near the start of the power stroke.
In modified diesel engines, a glow plug is used to aid ignition when the engine is started.

reciprocating engine that changes thermal energy to mechanical energy using the heat of
compression to ignite the injected fuel.

(1) of a control, the difference between cut-in and cut-out temperatures or pressures. (2)
range which the controlled variable must pass in order to actuate various control functions.

(1) controller reactive to the difference between values of two variables. (2) device used to
maintain a given difference in pressure or temperature between two elements or two
points.
the difference in pressure between any two points in the system.
see [[differential controller]].

(1) difference in temperature that exists between any two points or states when measured
on the same temperature scale. (2) in control terminology, the difference in temperature
between the high event and the low event.

indicates that flux propagates in many directions as opposed to a single direction, as in a


direct beam, which refers to collimated flux . When referring to reflectance, it is the
directional hemispherical reflectance less the specular reflectance. Note: diffuse has been
used in the past to refer to hemispherical collection of transmitted or reflected radiation
(including the specular component). This use is deprecated in favor of the more precise
term hemispherical.

directional hemispherical reflectance less the specular reflectance.


solar radiation that has been scattered in passing through the earth’s atmosphere. It is
equal to the global irradiance less the direct-normal and ground-reflected components.

the solar radiation received from the sun after its direction has been changed by scattering
by the atmosphere or other objects, such as the ground.

(1) circular, square, rectangular, or linear air-distribution outlet, generally located in the
ceiling, and composed of deflecting members discharging supply air in various directions
and planes and arranged to promote mixing of primary air with secondary. (2) duct of
increasing area following the outlet of a rotary blower so that the reduced velocity of the
fluid will convert some of the kinetic energy into pressure energy.

see [[throw (T)]].


diffuser with an integral air terminal.

(1) displacement of the molecules of a fluid within another fluid. (2) distribution of air
within a space by an outlet discharging supply air in various directions and planes.

refrigerating absorption system that, in addition to refrigerant and absorbent, also has an
inert medium (such as hydrogen) to balance pressure in the various parts of the
refrigerating circuit.
effective area covered by a jet of air on leaving an outlet air device.
see [[mass diffusivity ratio]].

(1) device that transforms digital data into analog data. (2) in data processing, a device that
converts an input number sequence into a continuous variable. (3) in power system
communications, a circuit or device whose input is information in digital form and whose
output is the same information in an analog form.

neutral fluid added to another fluid to reduce the concentration of the second fluid in a
mixture.
flue designed to effect the dilution of flue gases with air before discharge from an
appliance.
[[distributed isolation material]]

ratio of various physical properties (such as density or heat capacity) and conditions (such as
flow rate or mass) of such nature that the resulting number has no defining units of mass,
rate, etc. Also called a nondimensional parameter.

liquid-holding process vessel in which components to be treated can be immersed.

device or control where the control action of the device or control increases (or decreases)
as the variable increases (or decreases). Compare to [[reverse acting]].

electric current in an electrical circuit that does not reverse polarity. Note: direct current is
said to flow from positive to negative, but electrons travel from negative to positive.

a type of control where controlled and monitored analog or binary data (e.g., temperature,
contact closures) are converted to digital format for manipulation and calculations by a
digital computer or micro processor, then converted back to analog or binary form to
control physical devices.

driver and driven equipment with positive connections for rotation at the same speed.
mechanical venting system supplied or recommended by the manufacturer through which
the products of combustion pass directly from the furnace or boiler to the outside and
which does not employ a means of draft relief. Includes units that have small air passages in
the flue that have an opening area that is not in excess of 10% of the cross-sectional area of
the stack.
see [[direct-expansion (DX) refrigeration systems]].
ice storage system using a method of heat exchange in which ice is formed by direct
refrigeration and melted by immersion in circulating water or secondary coolant. Also called
static direct contact storage.

(beam) irradiance received from the sun without significant change of direction from the
apparent position of the sun. See also [[pyrheliometer]].

sound that reaches a given location in a direct line of sight from the source, without any
reflections.

system that provides outdoor air directly to a unit for combustion and for draft relief and
which provides for discharge of all flue gases to the outside atmosphere.

(1) system in which the cooling effect is obtained directly from the expansion of the liquid
refrigerant into a vapor. (2) common term applied to an air-conditioning or refrigeration
system that utilizes the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. In a vapor-compression
refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant removes heat in the evaporator by directly expanding the
entering liquid refrigerant into vapor as it leaves the evaporator. The vapor is then
compressed and piped to a condenser where the heat removed by the evaporator and the
heat of compression are rejected to another medium so that the gaseous refrigerant is
condensed to a liquid. The liquid is then piped to a pressure reducing device/metering
device to be supplied to the evaporator.

system where the combustion heat and the products of combustion are transferred directly
to the heated medium.
device that injects steam directly into the airflow.

ratio of the radiance from a surface in a particular direction to the radiance in that direction
from a blackbody at the same temperature under the same conditions.

subfunction of power system distribution automation that controls interruptible user loads
or otherwise selected user appliances from one or more centralized, utility-operated
locations in chosen groups, load classes, and/or timed patterns. Characterized by remote
control by the serving utility of user interruptible loads. Also called active load
management. Compare with [[load management]].

two-pipe system in which the heat transfer medium supplied to the first load is the first
returned to the heat transfer equipment. Compare to [[reverse return piping system]].

compressor valve consisting of a metal disc that is lifted from an orifice in order to control
fluid flow. See [[diaphragm valve]].

the amount of thermal energy that can be removed from the storage device during a period
of time and for a specific set of values for the initial temperature of the storage device, the
temperature of the entering fluid, and the mass flow rate of fluid through the storage
system. Compare to [[storage capacity]].

in the flow of fluids through nozzles and orifices, the product of the velocity coefficient and
the contraction coefficient. See also [[air discharge coefficient]].

(also known as hot gas line), line through which refrigerant vapor flows from a compressor
to a condenser.
(also known as discharge stop valve), shutoff valve fitted to a compressor (or in the
discharge line adjacent to it) which can be used to isolate the compressor from the
discharge line.

discharge or intake velocity (Vk) of an outlet or inlet, in fpm (m/s), is the velocity of the
airstream measured at specified locations relative to the face of an outlet or inlet.

(1) the pressure generated on the leaving side of a fan or pump. (2) the pressure generated
on the output side of a gas compressor in a refrigeration or air-conditioning system. The
discharge pressure is affected by several factors: size and speed of the condenser fan,
condition and cleanliness of the condenser coil, and the size of the discharge line. An
extremely high discharge pressure coupled with an extremely low suction pressure is an
indicator of a refrigerant restriction. It is also called high-side pressure or head pressure. (3)
operating pressure in a system measured in the discharge line at the compressor or fan
outlet.

sound power that is transmitted from a device emanating sound and proceeding out of a
device such as a terminal outlet.
(also known as delivery temperature), temperature of fluid as discharged, such as from a fan
or compressor.

the duration of a single transient test in which energy is removed from the storage device.

(also known as delivery valve or outlet valve), in a compressor, the valve that allows
compressed fluid to flow from the cylinder and prevents return flow.

actual discharge airflow rate divided by the theoretical discharge airflow rate at a given
pressure difference.
withdrawing cooling or heating potential from thermal storage.
a device, group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be
disconnected from their source of supply.

movement of air within a space in a piston- or plug-type motion. Minimal mixing of the
room air occurs in ideal displacement flow, which is desirable for removing pollutants
generated within a space. The laminar flow air-distribution system that sweeps air across a
space may produce displacement flow.

a type of air-distribution system, used only for cooling purposes, in which air at a
temperature below room temperature is supplied to the floor level at a low discharge
velocity [<100 fpm (0.5m/s)] and is returned near ceiling level. Thermal plumes, which
develop over heat sources in the room, drive the overall floor to ceiling air motion,
producing a stratified environment with cooler and fresher air near the floor and warmer
and less fresh air near the ceiling.

filters that are designed to operate through a specified performance range and then be
discarded and replaced. An example is the cartridge filter.

those fees, charges, or assessments for energy use that are apportioned to individual units
on any prorata basis, rather than on the basis of measurements.

pads cut from sheets of material (usually cross ribbed, oil-resistant neoprene) placed
between the deck and mounting surfaces of a heavy machine to isolate vibration.

if a substance is dissolved in two immiscible liquids, the ratio of its concentration in each is
constant.
(1) conveying means, such as ducts, pipes, and wires, to bring substances or energy from a
source to the point of use. The distribution system includes auxiliary equipment such as
fans, pumps, and transformers. (2) parts of a cooling tower, beginning with the inlet
connection, that distribute the hot, circulating water within the tower to the points where it
contacts the air.

ratio between the energy consumption by the equipment if the distribution system had no
losses (gains for cooling) to the outdoors or effect on the equipment or building loads and
the energy consumed by the same equipment connected to the distribution system under
test.
device for dividing flow of fluids into parallel paths.

concept of providing and distributing, from a central plant, cooling energy to a surrounding
area (district) of tenants or clients (residences, commercial businesses, or institutional
sites). Compare to [[district heating]].

centralized facility for generation and distribution of the heating and cooling and/or power
needs of a community, rather than individual heat or cold generators (i.e., furnace or air
conditioner) at each residential, commercial, or institutional site.

concept of providing and distributing, from a central plant, heating energy to a surrounding
area (district) of tenants or clients (residences, commercial businesses, or institutional
sites). Compare to [[district cooling]].

measure of cooling demand per unit area. Customary units are kW/hectare or tons/acre.

measure of heating demand per unit area. Customary units are kW/hectare or therms/acre.

Venturi jet or orifice in a tee that induces flow through branch lines by reducing the
pressure in the main line following the branch.

ratio, or percentage, obtained when the total output capacity of a system is divided by the
total output capacity of all the terminal devices connected to the systems. Example: to
express the ratio of VAV supply air fan capacity to the total capacity of the VAV terminal
devices as a percentage.
element to divert the flow of air from one duct to another.
three-way valve piped to supply a single source of fluid to either of two outlets. Compare to
[[mixing valve]].
[[degrees of freedom]]
(1) heating water for domestic or commercial purposes other than space heating and
process requirements. (2) potable hot water as distinguished from hot water used for
heating.
coil of tubing within a boiler to heat water for potable use; usually a hot-water tank is used
for hot-water storage.
the point in the response spectrum (normally plotted as velocity versus frequency) that has
the highest value.
change in the observed frequency of an acoustic or electromagnetic wave due to the
relative motion of the source and observer.
breaker arrangement whereby dual circuit breakers are used to reduce likelihood of
extended power outages of any circuit due to circuit breaker trouble; permits breaker
maintenance without a feeder outage.

a double island canopy hood is placed over back-to-back appliances or lines of appliances. It
is open on all sides and overhangs the front and the sides of the appliance(s). It may have a
wall panel between the backs of the appliances. Mounting height varies.

compressor which has two compression strokes per revolution of crankshaft per cylinder
(i.e., both faces of the piston are working faces).
condenser that contains two separate tube bundles, allowing the option of either rejecting
the heat to the cooling tower or to another building system requiring heat input.

a backflow prevention device designed to protect water supplies from contamination. It


consists of two check valves assembled in series, usually with a ball valve or gate valve
installed at each end for isolation and testing. Often, test cocks (very small ball valves) are in
place to attach test equipment for evaluating whether the double-check assembly is still
functional. The double-check valve assembly is suitable for prevention of back pressure and
back siphonage but is not suitable for high-hazard applications. It is commonly used on lawn
irrigation, fire sprinkler, and combi-boiler systems. May also be referred to as double-check
assembly (DCA).

contact freezer in which the product to be frozen is placed between two refrigerated
surfaces and makes contact with both.

device designed to serve also as a detector check on fire-protection systems where


pollutants are involved. Note: DDC includes a line size, approved double-check valve
backflow preventer with a metered bypass, into which has been incorporated a three-
quarter inch, approved, double-check valve backflow preventer.

condenser constructed of concentric tubes in which the refrigerant circulates through the
annular space and the cooling medium through the inner tube.

two pipes arranged concentrically, one within the other, and in which one fluid flows
through the inner pipe and the other through the annulus between them.

(1) contact arrangement of two separate contacts (i.e., two single-pole contact assemblies).
(2) two isolated contacts operated in unison.

arrangement of two vertical suction lines in order to ensure oil entrainment or carryover at
minimum load. Often the minimum load line is smaller than the full-load suction riser.

valve having two seats and two discs arranged so that the upstream pressure is acting on
one side of one disc and the opposite side on the other disc. This acts to cancel system
forces and allows the use of a smaller actuator.

split suction valving arrangement on compressor for carrying two suction pressures.

see [[double-riser suction line]].


three-contact switch that can change the circuit connections from one to the other of its
two operating positions.

two fluids separated by two walls with the space between open to the atmosphere so that a
fracture on one wall will not transfer one fluid into the other. Used in water systems with a
potable fluid and a potentially hazardous fluid.

makeup air delivered directly to the interior plenum of an exhaust hood such that it is
introduced vertically downward, typically from the front edge of the hood. Sometimes this
kind of makeup air is referred to as an air curtain.

piping arrangement for heating, air-conditioning, or refrigerating systems in which heating


and cooling fluid is circulated through supply mains which are above the levels of the
heating or cooling units they serve.
one designed with airflow essentially in a vertical path, discharging air at or near the bottom
of the furnace.
[[draft rate]]
(1) current of air, when referring to pressure difference that causes a current of air or gases
to flow through a flue, chimney, heater, or space. (2) current of air, when referring to
localized effect (generally, the unwanted local cooling of the body caused by air movement)
caused by one or more factors of high air velocity, low ambient temperature, or direction of
airflow whereby more heat is withdrawn from a person’s skin than is normally dissipated.

a device that is not an integral part of the furnace or boiler and is connected to the furnace
or boiler by a short length of flue pipe. It is designed to (a) provide for the exhaust of the
products of combustion in the event of no draft, back draft, or stoppage beyond the draft
hood; (b) prevent a back draft from entering the furnace; and (c) neutralize the effect of
stack action of the chimney or gas vent upon the operation of the furnace.

percentage of people predicted to be dissatisfied due to draft.

device installed in the breeching between a fuel-fired appliance and the chimney to control
chimney draft. Draft regulators can be barometric or power operated. Barometric draft
regulators operate by gravity and are commonly provided with an adjustable counter
weight to set the minimum draft requirements. Power-operated draft regulators include
controls that are capable of maintaining a constant pressure in a furnace under all normal
operating conditions. In addition, it includes a low draft cutoff that shuts off the burner
when the draft falls below the preselected minimum value. See [[regulator]].

provision for drafts to escape the venting system of a boiler or furnace.

opening provided in draft hood to permit the ready escape to the atmosphere of the fuel
gases in the event of no draft or stoppage beyond the draft hood and to permit inspiration
of air into the draft hood to neutralize strong chimney or vent updraft.

an index that establishes a quantitative prediction of the percentage of occupants


dissatisfied due to draft.

coefficient expressing the resistance encountered by a body when it is moving in a fluid.

refers to systems in which the fluid in the solar collectors is allowed to drain back to storage
whenever solar energy is not being collected (i.e., the fluid-circulating pump is not
operating).
see [[drain plug (drain cock)]].
refers to systems in which the fluid in the solar collectors is drained from the system under
prescribed circumstances.

vessel or tray placed under an evaporator coil or cooling coil to receive condensed
moisture, melted frost, or ice. Also called a drip tray or a defrost pan.

removable plug or key-operated draw-off valve intended to permit the removal of fluids or
condensates.
valve fitted to the lowest point of an apparatus or refrigeration system for the purpose of
tapping or draining the system.
see [[draft]].

difference between the static water level and the active-pumping water level.

graphic and pictorial document showing the design, location, and dimensions of the
elements of a project.

(1) desiccant or refrigeration device placed in the main air line of a pneumatic control
system to reduce moisture. Compare to [[desiccant]]. See also [[dryer]]. (2) a device
containing desiccant(s). It is used in the liquid line of a refrigerant system for the primary
purpose of collecting and holding water that may have entered the system.
additional length of pipe or coil added to a direct-expansion evaporator in order to provide
superheat at the thermostatic expansion valve sensing bulb without using evaporator
tubing.

(1) change in mechanical or electrical characteristics with the passage of time, change in
temperature, or both. (2) change in output/input relationship over a period of time with the
change unrelated to input, environment, or load. (3) in a cooling tower, water lost as liquid
droplets entrained in the exhaust air. It is independent of water lost by evaporation. (4)
movement of current carriers in a semiconductor under the influence of an applied voltage.

(also known as carryover eliminator), component that removes entrained moisture from the
ducted air.
unit in which drinking water is cooled by refrigeration and usually dispensed by a manual
valve.

(1) leak in a liquid system. (2) liquid which appears on thawing frozen food, water melting
from evaporator, or water droppings from a cooling surface. (3) pipe or a steam trap and a
pipe considered as a unit that conducts condensation from the steam side of a piping
system to the water or return side of the system.

vessel or tray placed under the cooling coil to receive the melt from frost or ice. Also called
drain pan.

(1) deviation from the no-load control point that results from a change in the heating or
cooling load. (2) linear term referring to the percentage decrease in output voltage for a
square wave or rectangular wave as a function of time. Also can apply to voltage error
caused by leakage in a sample and hold circuit. (3) (of an air jet in mixing air diffusion),
vertical distance (hv) between the lowest horizontal plane tangent to a specified isovel and
the center of the core of an air jet.

replacement refrigerant that has thermodynamic properties similar to one being replaced
and does not require air conditioning or refrigerating equipment to be replaced but may
require modifications.
phenomenon encountered when the condensate does not wet the cold surface but settles
in the form of separate droplets.

rotating refrigerated cylinder whose surface is in contact with the liquid to be cooled.

(1) air unmixed with or containing no water. (2) air without entrained water vapor.

compression of initially dry saturated or superheated vapor.

process of heat removal by a refrigerant in an evaporator fed by a flow control device,


responsive to temperature, pressure, or both at some point in the evaporator or to the
difference between high- and low-side pressures and not to the liquid level in the
evaporator. All entering refrigerant is evaporated before being recirculated. See [[direct-
expansion (DX) refrigeration systems]].

DX refrigerant evaporator with organized distribution from which the refrigerant exits at a
vapor quality of one, usually with superheat. Compare to [[flooded evaporator]].

solid carbon dioxide, CO2. A proprietary term.

in a refrigerated vehicle, a compartment containing dry ice to keep the load cooled.

filter having a dry filtering medium (as opposed to a viscous filter).


type of oil-free compressor in which no lubricating oil is used in the cylinder; the piston is
usually equipped with low-friction labyrinth rings.

steam at the saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure and containing no liquid
water in suspension. Compare to [[wet saturated steam]].
vapor at the saturation temperature corresponding to the existing pressure and without any
liquid phase.
sensible heat load expressed in tons of refrigeration.
cooler that removes sensible heat from dehydrated air.
temperature of air indicated by an ordinary thermometer shielded from solar and long
wave radiation

(1) temperature of air indicated by an ordinary thermometer shielded from solar and long
wave radiation. (2) in general, any thermometer that indicates the temperature of air (or
other fluids); distinguished from a wet-bulb thermometer.

appliance that removes moisture. Compare to [[drier]].


steam heating in which a return pipe carries both condensate and air. The return pipe is
always above the waterline in the boiler in a gravity system.
forced-circulation air cooler wherein heat transfer is not implemented by a liquid spray
while in operation.
mechanical, refrigerated equipment using metal or plastic as a direct heat transfer medium
and for reserve cooling capacity.
continuous tube evaporator in which refrigerant from a pressure-reducing device is fed into
one end and the suction line connects to the outlet end.

a transformer in which the core and coils are in a gaseous or dry compound.

compression of refrigerant entering a single cylinder from two sources at different suction
pressures.
(1) pneumatic thermostat designed to maintain one temperature during the day and a
lower temperature during the night. (2) changes thermostat output from direct acting (DA)
to reverse acting (RA) for seasonal changeover. (3) two temperature controls in one
enclosure.

system of a central plant that produces conditioned air at two temperatures and humidity
levels to supply air through two independent duct systems to the points of usage where
mixing may be carried out.
terminal that mixes, for individual zonal needs, varying portions of two independent
sources of primary air.
compressor in which the cylinders have an additional suction inlet partway along the
compression stroke which enables refrigerant to be drawn in at two different suction
pressures.

device responsive to temperatures of two zones or to two variable conditions.

burner designed to burn either gas or oil (but not both simultaneously).

heating system utilizing two fuel or energy sources, such as gas, oil, coal, or electric power,
either as alternate sources or with one as a booster to the other.

(1) combined pressure-regulating device, one part connected to the low pressure side of the
system and one part to the high-pressure side of the system, with a common switch
mechanism. (2) two pressure controls in one enclosure. (3) use of a single device to
accomplish some form of pressure control at two distinct setpoints, such as a dual-pressure
switch.

upstream pressure regulator equipped with two controls, used in refrigerant suction lines to
provide freeze-up protection or for safety pressure relief.

two pressure relief devices mounted on a three-way valve that allows one device to remain
active while the other is isolated.
two compartment refrigerated cabinet with one used for chilling foods and the other for
either freezing foods or storing frozen products.
a tube or conduit used to convey or encase; an air duct is a tube or conduit used to convey
air (air passages in self-contained systems are not air ducts); a pipe duct is a tube or conduit
used to encase pipe or tubing.

rigid board composed of insulation material with one or both sides faced with a finishing
material. The outer facing is normally a vapor barrier and can also be used as an air barrier.

transmission or radiation of noise from some part of a duct system to an occupied space in
the building. Also called flanking path noise or duct radiation.

means intended to facilitate the joining of two components of ductwork.


distribution of air into a room or a building by means of ductwork.
transition between sizes or shapes of duct.
inside dimensions of the duct or duct liner if used in duct.
insulation, usually fiberglass, applied to the inside of a steel ducts. It is used for both
thermal retention and sound attenuation reasons.
means taken either to ensure the airtight sealing of the air-distribution system or to
minimize leakage therefrom.
calculation of dimensions of ducting for a given air-distribution system with consideration
for fan power, noise, etc.
means used to suspend or support ductwork within a building structure.
series of ducts, elbows, and connectors to convey air or other gases from one location to
another.
see [[duct fitting]].
section of duct, breeching, or stack used to connect those elements with structures of
different cross-sectional dimensions.
a listed, packaged system incorporating a hood, a fan, and air-treatment devices designed
to remove most grease and particulate matter from the airstream before reintroducing the
treated air into the occupied space.

distance between or frequency of supports along the length of a duct route.

system of ducts for distribution and extraction of air. See [[system]].


the product of the specific heat per gram and the atomic weight of many solid elements at
room temperature have almost the same value, about 6.3 calories per degree Celsius (264
J/K).

the water drainage from an ice maker to control the clarity of ice or to prevent scaling.

method of separation and automatic return of liquid refrigerant from an accumulator in the
low side to the high side of the plant.
(1) circuit that has two separate sources of supply. (2) pair of circuits where either one
usable when failure occurs in the other.
(1) simultaneous two-way independent transmissions in both directions. (2) (also known as
double transmission) transmission of each data word twice and comparison bit by bit for
accuracy.

(1) capability of a building, assembly, component, product, or construction to maintain


serviceability for which it was designed over at least a specified time; based on assumed
levels of use and maintenance. Compare to [[serviceability]]. (2) the average expected
service life of a system or facility. Individual manufacturers quantify durability as design life,
which is the average number of hours of operation before failure, extrapolated from
accelerated life tests and from stressing critical components to economic destruction.
air suspension (aerosol) of solid particles, usually with particle size less than 100
micrometers. See [[air contaminant]].
device, usually applied at a dust-generating source, that traps dust particles suspended in
the air or gases passing through it. Compare to [[filter]].

system that traps dust particles in the gas or airstream passing through it.
the amount of dust fed during a definite part of the loading procedure.
the percent decrease in the relative light transmission of a dust-spot sampling target
resulting from dust buildup on the target.

number that expresses the relative dust accumulation on a dust-spot sampling target,
corrected for the nonlinearity of opacity increase, at a constant dust-accumulation rate.

for disposable and manually renewable devices air filters, it is the average arrestance
multiplied by the amount of ASHRAE dust fed to the device measured to the nearest gram.
See also [[MERV rating]].

for devices whose renewal mechanism is designed to restore the performance


characteristics of the device to starting conditions, dust -holding capacity per cycle is
determined by feeding dust until a steady-state condition is achieved. The dust-holding
capacity per cycle is averaged over at least four cycles. The result is expressed in g/cycle to
the nearest gram.

for disposable and manually renewable devices, this is dust-holding capacity divided by net
effective filtering area. For self-renewable devices, dust feed is continued until the steady-
state condition is achieved in several cycles. Dust-holding capacity per unit area is then the
average arrestance multiplied by the dust fed during the steady-state period divided by the
area of media consumed during the same period. Dust-holding capacity per unit area is
expressed in g/m2 (g/ft2).

process of turning off electric consuming equipment for predetermined periods of time
during operating hours to reduce consumption and demand.

[[direct-expansion (DX) refrigeration systems]]


the resonance frequencies and mode shapes of a fan.

the reduction in the velocity head during flow, consisting of friction or energy losses per
length of pipe and losses associated with bends, fittings, valves, etc. The most common
equation used to calculate major head losses is the Darcy–Weisbach equation. Older, more
empirical approaches are the Hazen-Williams equation and the Prony equation.

ice formed on a cooling surface, then removed to be stored in an insulated container (tank).
Compare to [[ice harvester]].
see [[velocity pressure]].
positive static suction head minus friction head and minus velocity head.
sum of suction lift and velocity head at the pump suction when the source is below the
pump centerline.

force per unit area required to produce unit-relative velocity between two parallel areas of
fluid unit distance apart. Also called coefficient of viscosity.

device for measuring power output of a running engine or motor.

(also known as turbulator or turbulence promoter), device inserted in flooded evaporator


tubes to prevent the evaporator from becoming oil bound or the refrigerant liquid from
becoming quiescent at a pressure lower than its boiling point.

(1) a process employing heat recovery equipment or heat exchangers. (2) device that, on
proper variable sensing, initiates control signals or actions to conserve energy. A control
system that reduces the mechanical heating and cooling requirement.
see [[entering dry-bulb (EDB) temperature]]

(1) electric current induced in the body of a conductor when that conductor either moves
through a nonuniform magnetic field or is in a region where there is a change in magnetic
flux. (2) localized areas of fluid turbulence known as eddies give rise to persistent vortices.

nondestructive test in which the change of impedance of a test coil brought close to a
conducting specimen indicates the eddy currents induced by the coil, thereby indicating
certain properties or defects of the specimen (e.g., thickness).

see [[turbulent flow]].


[[equivalent direct radiation]]. See [[thermal radiation]].
[[energy efficiency ratio]]

the constant outdoor air change rate that would result in the same average pollutant
concentration over the same period of time as actually occurs under varying conditions.

network input absorbed at the shaft of a compressor, irrespective of time.


a calculated temperature difference that combines air temperature difference and
measured air speed at each test point.

(1) overall efficiency. (2) ratio of the work absorbed in conveying and compressing a unit
mass of refrigerant in a perfect compressor and the work absorbed, per unit mass of
refrigerant, by the shaft of an actual compressor.

the combined effect of emittances from the boundary surfaces of an air space, where the
boundaries are parallel and of a dimension much larger than the distance between them.

time required from a given initial temperature to freeze a product and to lower its
temperature at the thermal center to a given value.
dimension by which a straight duct contributes to the length of an air-distribution
installation.

dimension by which a duct fitting contributes to the length of an air-distribution installation.

average electrical power input to the equipment within a defined interval of time, in watts
(i.e., the sum of: the power input for operation of the compressor, excluding additional
electrical heating devices; the power input of all control and safety devices of the
equipment; and the proportional power input of the conveying devices for the transport of
the heat transfer media through the heat pump only. Also, indoor-side and outdoor-side
pumps, whether internal or external, whether provided with the equipment or not).

see [[operative temperature]].


difference between the room air temperature and the supply air temperature at the outlet
in the room.
actual energy transfer divided by the maximum possible transfer.

ratio of the actual heat transfer to the thermodynamically limited maximum heat transfer
possible in a counterflow exchanger of infinite transfer area.

(1) for filters: (1 – penetration). Penetration and efficiency are usually expressed as
percentages or decimal fractions. (2) general: the ratio of the energy output to the energy
input of a process or a machine.
ratio of the energy output to the energy input of a process or a machine.

in a fluid-carrying pipe, a device with a reduced diameter to increase the fluid velocity
sufficiently to induce a lower static pressure at that point to draw another fluid into the line.
material that can be stretched markedly and repeatedly and, immediately on release of the
stress, returns to its approximate original length.
pipe or duct fitting to make an angle between connected pipes or ducts. If angle is not
specified, a 90° angle is implied.
thermometer designed to indicate temperature by closing in succession a series of electrical
contacts.
movement or flow of charge in an electrical circuit, measured in amperes.

maximum load that a generating unit, generating station, or other electrical apparatus can
carry under specified conditions for a given period without exceeding approved limits of
temperature and stress ratings.

average load divided by peak load for a specified time period.

random electrical signals, introduced by circuit components, natural disturbances, or other


and unrelated circuits, which tend to degrade the performance of a control system.

time rate of generating, transferring, or using electric energy. Expressed in watts (W) or
kilowatts (kW).

(1) factor equal to the cosine of the phase angle between voltage and current, by which the
product of voltage and current is multiplied to convert volt amperes to power in watts. (2)
ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA) at any given point and time in an
electrical circuit. Generally expressed as a percentage.

(1) comparison of electricity use to electric demand for a given time period, calculated by
dividing electricity usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) by the product of electric demand in
kilowatts (kW) times the hours in the period. (2) ratio of average load in kilowatts supplied
during a designated period to the peak or maximum load in kilowatts occurring in that
period.

control method of stopping selected power uses to avoid overloading power supply or to
avoid demand charges.
generation of any electrical energy on customer’s property, with or without use of
recoverable heat.
temperature measuring and display instrument in which an electric resistance varies as a
function of the temperature.
permanently installed electric heating as the principal source of space heating throughout
an entire dwelling or business establishment.
common portion of one or more conductors used for transmitting signals or power from
one or more sources to one or more destinations.
reciprocal (opposite) of resistance. The current carrying capacity of any wire or electrical
component.
see [[demand]].

case enclosing electrical equipment and wiring that is designed expressly to prevent (1) a
person from accidentally contacting uninsulated energized parts; (2) burning or molten
materials from contacting adjacent combustible materials or falling onto combustible
materials; (3) conductive or combustible materials from dropping on uninsulated energized
parts; and (4) mechanical abuse of electrical equipment not designed or approved to
withstand the intended normal use without such additional enclosure.

energy derived from either moving or stationary electric charge, measured in joules.
Measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) in the electric utility industry.
short circuit, either line-to-line or line-to-ground.
main distribution line (usually three phase) supplying electric energy within an electric
service area or subarea.
process of producing electron flow by the relative motion of a magnetic field across a
conductor.
material having high electrical resistivity and, therefore, suitable for separating adjacent
conductors in an electric circuit or preventing possible future contact between conductors.

opposition that limits the amount of current that can be produced by an applied voltage in
an electrical circuit, measured in ohms.

(1) electrical component that adds resistance to an electrical network. (2) material used to
produce heat or reduce voltage by passing a current through the material.

electrical resistance of a substance contained between flat, parallel electrodes, multiplied


by the area of the electrodes and divided by the thickness of the substance.

a type of nonvolatile memory used to store small amounts of data that must be saved when
power is removed. Data is erasable in socket (requires no batteries).

large, steady electric load of an electric system produced by the largest, most efficient
generating facilities within the system. Note: these facilities are operated to the greatest
extent possible to maximize system mechanical and thermal efficiency and to minimize
system operating costs.

any of several processes that either use waste heat from generation of electricity to satisfy
thermal needs or process waste heat in the steam generation of electricity.

solution through which an electric current can flow.


any brine capable of causing chemical decomposition of one of two dissimilar metals by
electrolysis or galvanic corrosion.

device that indicates relative humidity from the electrical resistance of a hygroscopic salt.
electromagnetic waves and, especially, the associated electromagnetic energy.

electric potential difference, measured in volts, between the terminals of any device used
as a source of electrical energy (i.e., to supply an electric current).

a ballast constructed using electronic circuitry.

a specific standardized (BACnet) code or data set unique to each component or equipment
panel and communicated between the component and the building management system.
semiconductor device designed to operate without mechanical contacts (e.g., SCR).

one that converts an electric signal to a pneumatic signal.


filter in which the airstream is passed through a high-voltage ionizing field to impart an
electrical positive charge to particles, then collecting them on electrically negative plates.
See also [[precipitator]].

device for removing dust from the air by inducing an electric charge on the dust particles.

two-dimensional graphic representation of the design, location, and dimensions of a


project, or parts thereof, seen in a vertical plane viewed from a given direction.

see [[plate evaporator]].

energy management and control system. See [[energy management system (EMS)]].

manually operated safety valve for discharge of refrigerant in case of fire or other
emergency.
[[electromotive force]]

(electromagnetic interference), generated at radio frequencies inside systems


see [[emittance]].
radiation property of a material, evaluated with its surface optically smooth and clean and
of sufficient thickness to be opaque.
ratio of the radiant flux emitted by a physical surface to that emitted by a blackbody at the
same temperature and under the same conditions.
see [[energy management system]].
relatively stable suspension of small but not colloidal particles of a substance in a liquid with
the suspended particles undissolved.
(1) apparatus for cooling fluid out of contact with the atmosphere. (2) within a pressure-
tight vessel, a heat exchanger consisting of an assembly of tubes containing the liquid to be
cooled.
a volume substantially surrounded by solid surfaces such as walls, floors, roofs, and
openable devices such as doors and operable windows.
one in which heat must be supplied to further the reaction. Compare to [[exothermic
reaction]].

(1) capability for doing work. (2) capacity for producing an effect. Having several forms,
which may be either stored or transient, and can be transformed from one into another.
Forms include thermal (heat), mechanical (work), electrical, radiant, and chemical. (3) time
rate of work being done.

identification and documentation of gross energy usage during a calendar period using any
of several means such as source, department, product, equipment, and cost.

maximum fraction of energy in a system that, in the presence of a medium at a given


temperature T0, can be converted into useful work during a process at the end of which the
system temperature is T0.
multiple use of an energy stream for successive needs.
(also known as total energy system), a single fuel source provides all energy services such as
electricity, heating, and cooling.

more effective use of energy resources. Energy conservation seeks to reduce energy
invested per unit of product output, service performed, or benefit received through waste
reduction. Energy conservation and energy use reduction are not synonymous.

installation of equipment, subsystems, or systems or modification of equipment,


subsystems, systems, or operations for the purpose of reducing energy and/or demand
(and, hence, energy and/or demand costs).

the total cost for energy, including such charges as base charges, demand charges, customer
charges, power factor charges, and miscellaneous charges.

systems providing a means to apportion approximate energy consumption to individual


dwelling units in a multiple-occupancy residential building, based on one or more
parameters controlled by the resident.
the annual energy cost for the budget building design.

(1) ratio of net cooling capacity in Btu/h to total rate of electric input in watts under
designated operating conditions. (2) ratio of the net total cooling capacity to the effective
power input at any given set of rating conditions, in watts per watt.

measure of overall efficiency in terms of energy output compared to energy consumption


over a 24-hour usage cycle.
state of a physical system with a certain defined energy.
a computer/processor-based hardware and software system with sensors, control devices,
and all the necessary components that perform some or all of the following functions:
measures conditions related to the use of various forms of energy by HVAC systems,
controls these conditions at selected setpoints, monitors and/or controls the energy use,
provides status reports on the HVAC system's performances, and provides information for
the management of a building's environment, and/or its energy efficiency and/or HVAC
system maintenance. Also see [[energy management systems]].

apply to the efficient and effective use of energy in buildings.

a system of computer applications used by building engineering staff to monitor, control,


and optimize the building's operating performance (e.g., energy consumption, occupant
comfort levels). EMS optimizes building operating performance through supervisory control
programs that utilize core BMS functionality.

heat exchanger assembly for transferring heat between two isolated fluid sources. The
recovery system may be of air-to-air design or a closed loop hydronic system design. The
system will include all necessary equipment such as fans and pumps, associated ducts or
piping and all controls (operating and safety), and other custom-designed features.

the reduction in use of energy from the pre-retrofit baseline to the post-retrofit energy use,
once independent variables (such as weather or occupancy) have been adjusted for.

an organization that designs, procures, installs, and possibly maintains one or more energy
conservation measures (ECMs) at an owner’s facility or facilities.

conventionally, fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and wind.


(1) system that has to be operated during on-peak as well as off-peak periods. (2) system
wherein the load demand is met by a combination of stored thermal energy and an energy
conversion device.

ratio of the energy flow rate traversing a body to the energy flow rate it receives by
radiation. (Also known as transmission factor or transmissivity).

an expression of the annual energy used or calculated to be used by a building or building


space per unit of gross floor area. Expressed in MBtu/ft2·yr (watts-hours/m2·yr).
energy use value to which a building is designed.
the allotment of energy costs to residents at an aggregate cost sum, which does not exceed
the actual costs paid to purchase and rebill that energy.

prime mover; device for transforming fuel or heat energy into mechanical energy.

air extracted from the compressor stages of gas-turbine propulsion engines and auxiliary
power units.

the discipline, art, and profession of acquiring and applying technical, scientific, and
mathematical knowledge to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices,
systems, and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.

water vapor pressure enhancement factor, f, is the ratio of the actual partial pressure, pwvs,
of saturated water vapor in moist air to the vapor pressure of pure H2O, e, at the same
temperature. [f = pwvs(p, t)/e(t)]. This factor accounts for the nonideal behavior of
saturated water vapor in air due to (a) the effect of intermolecular forces (gas
imperfections), (b) the effect of pressure on the properties of the condensed phase, and (c)
the effect of dissolved gases.
the temperature that a thermometer would measure for air entering the evaporator coil.
(E.g., for a draw-through fan configuration with no heat gains or losses in the ductwork, EDB
equals the indoor dry-bulb temperature).

the temperature that the wet-bulb portion of a psychrometer would measure if exposed to
air entering the evaporator coil. For a draw-through fan with no heat gains or losses in the
ductwork and no outdoor air mixed with return air, this would also be the zone air wet-bulb
temperature. For a similar configuration, but when outdoor air is mixed with return air,
EWB equals the mixed-air wet-bulb temperature. For mixtures of water vapor and dry air at
atmospheric temperatures and pressures, the wet-bulb temperature is approximately equal
to the adiabatic saturation temperature (temperature of the air after undergoing a
theoretical adiabatic saturation process). The wet-bulb temperature given in psychrometric
charts is really the adiabatic saturation temperature.

(also known as heat content), thermodynamic quantity equal to the sum of the internal
energy of a system plus the product of the pressure volume work done on the system. H = E
+ pv, where H = enthalpy or total heat content, E = internal energy of the system, p =
pressure, and v = volume. (Compare to [[specific enthalpy]].)

(also known as conventional mixing). Systems with ceiling-based supply air diffusers and
return air grilles are common examples of air-distribution systems that produce
entrainment flow.
ratio of the heat absorbed by a substance to the absolute temperature at which it was
added.

loss in pressure caused by a fluid stream flowing into a pipe, duct, hood, or vessel.

the boundary surface of points of equal terminal velocity that describe the air-diffusion
profile. Envelope is also referred to as isovel.
major section of the entire envelope, such as the opaque walls above grade, ceilings, slabs,
floors, glazings, doors, or walls below grade.

that lower portion of the building envelope, including opaque area and fenestration, that
has conditioned or semiheated space above and is horizontal or tilted at an angle of less
than 60°F (15°C) from horizontal but excluding slab-on-grade floors. For the purposes of
determining building envelope requirements, the classifications are defined as follows: (a)
mass floor: a floor with a heat capacity that exceeds (1) 7 Btu/ft²·°F (39.7 watt h/m² °C) or
(2) 5 Btu/ft²·°F (28.4 watt h/m²·°C) provided that the floor has a material unit mass not
greater than 120 lb/ft³ (1924.6 kg/ m³); (b)  steel joist floor: a floor that (1) is not a mass
floor and (2) that has steel joist members supported by structural members; (c) wood
framed and other floors: all other floor types, including wood joist floors.

all of the elements over which a designer has no control and that affect a system and its
input or output.
(also known as climatic chamber), enclosed space designed to create a particular
environment.
natural or controlled conditions of air and radiation prevailing around a person, an object, a
substance, etc.
systems that primarily use a combination of mechanical equipment, airflow, water flow, and
electrical energy to provide heating, ventilating, air conditioning, filtration, humidification,
and dehumidification for the purpose of human comfort or process control of temperature
and humidity.
complex organic substance (such as diastase, pepsin, etc.), capable of transforming other
compounds by catalytic action; a soluble ferment.
method in which ducts are sized so that their frictional resistance per unit length is
constant.
(1) general: piping arrangement to maintain a common liquid level or pressure between
two or more chambers. (2) refrigeration: piping arrangement on an enclosed compressor to
equalize refrigerant gas pressures in crankcase and suction; also a device for dividing the
liquid refrigerant between parallel low side coils; also a piping arrangement to divide the
lubricating oil between the crankcases of compressor operating in parallel or in tandem. (3)
steam: piping arrangement to equalize steam header pressure and condensate return
pressure in a steam boiler.

receiver fitted between the compressor suction line and the return lines of several
evaporators in parallel.
device to maintain constant downstream static pressure or volume flow.
thermodynamic expression relating the volume, pressure, and temperature of a given
substance.

difference between true solar time and local mean time as the result of earth’s orbit about
the sun. The difference varies throughout the year, reaching a maximum of 16 minutes
during the first week of November. See [[true solar time]].

the steady-state condition during which the fluctuations of variables being measured
remain within stated limits.

the water content of a liquid refrigerant after being in contact with a specific drier at a
particular temperature long enough to reach an equilibrium state. EPD is expressed in
milligrams of water per kilogram of refrigerant (ppm).

devices that serve all or part of the building and may include electric power, lighting,
transportation, or service water heating, including, but not limited to, furnaces, boilers, air
conditioners, heat pumps, chillers, water heaters, lamps, luminaires, ballasts, elevators,
escalators, or other devices or installations.

the manufacturer's rated capacity at the defined rating point for HVAC equipment.
Equipment capacity should be adjusted for altitude and other effects.

diameter of a circle having the same area as another geometric shape.

thermal radiation expressed in terms of square foot of steam radiator surface emitting 240
Btu/hr. The metric equivalent is 757 watts/m². Note: this term is generally not used in SI.

amount of water a boiler would evaporate, in pounds per hour (kilograms per second), if it
received and vaporized feedwater at 212°F (100°C) and standard atmospheric pressure.
(Used for comparison of different boilers.)

the length of a straight section of pipe or duct causing the same pressure drop as actually
occurs within the system at the same flow rate.

field erasable via exposure to ultraviolet light and reprogrammable (requires no batteries).

(1) incorrect step, process, or result. (2) part of an erratum due to a particular identifiable
cause (e.g., a truncation error as contrasted with a mistake). In a restricted sense, an error is
that deviation due to unavoidable random disturbances or to the use of finite
approximations to what is defined by an infinite series. (3) an error that persists and is
usually due to the particular instrument or technique of measurement.

clear, colorless liquid used to depress the freezing point of water for use as a secondary
coolant in HVAC&R systems. Inhibitors are required to control corrosion caused by ethylene
glycol solutions.
instrument for volumetric measurement and analysis of gases.

instrument for assessing comfort environment in terms of operative temperature.


mixture of substances whose solid and liquid phases in equilibrium have identical
composition. Such a mixture has a minimum freezing point.
frozen eutectic mixture used as cold accumulation.

thin, rectangular container containing eutectic mixture, generally with a coil to be


connected to a refrigerating system in order to freeze the mixture.

freezing temperature of a liquid mixture that produces a solid phase of the same
composition.
mixture that melts or freezes, normally at a specific temperature, with constant
composition. The mixture's melting point is usually the lowest possible for mixtures of given
substances. See also [[cryohydrate]].
(also known as vacuum insulation), insulation consisting of double walls, with the space
between them (with or without packing) evacuated.
temperature at which a fluid vaporizes at a given pressure.
change of state from liquid to vapor.
water evaporated into the atmosphere as the condenser water is cooled, typically in a
cooling tower.
mass of substance evaporated per unit time.
condenser in which the removal of heat from the refrigerant is achieved by the evaporation
of water from the exterior of the condensing surface, induced by the forced circulation of
air and sensible cooling by the air.
a cooler that cools indoor air by moisture evaporation, thereby lowering its dry-bulb
temperature and raising its wet-bulb temperature, all at a constant energy (adiabatic) level.
See also [[evaporative cooling]].
two methods using evaporating water to cool air: (1) direct, which is adiabatic and
humidifies the air, and (2) indirect, which is not adiabatic and cools the air being treated
without adding moisture.

cools air by moisture evaporation, thereby lowering its dry-bulb temperature and raising its
wet-bulb temperature, all at a constant energy level.
the condition attained on a wet-bulb instrument when the wetted wick has reached a stable
and constant temperature.
heat exchanger, usually of the shell-and-tube type, over which liquid refrigerant is dripped
or sprayed and evaporated.
ability of an evaporator to stay cold after evaporation stops.

automatic valve or control device used to maintain the pressure, and thereby the
temperature, in an evaporator above a predetermined minimum.

assembly of refrigerating compressor, evaporator, and necessary accessories attached to


one base.
see [[entering wet-bulb (EWB) temperature]]
in combustion, percent of air greater than that required theoretically to completely oxidize
the fuel.
(1) armature current that induces the magnetic field in a rotating electric machine. (2)
external force applied to a system that causes the system to vibrate. See also [[torsional
excitation]].

property of a system that is the maximum useful work possible during a process that brings
the system into equilibrium with a heat reservoir. Exergy is a combination property of a
system and its environment because unlike energy, it depends on the state of both the
system and environment. The exergy of a system in equilibrium with the environment is
zero. Exergy is neither a thermodynamic property of matter nor a thermodynamic potential
of a system.
(1) leakage of indoor air out of a building through similar types of openings. Like natural
ventilation, it is driven by natural and/or artificial pressure differences. (2) uncontrolled
outward air leakage from conditioned spaces through unintentional openings in ceilings,
floors, and walls to unconditioned spaces or the outdoors caused by pressure differences
across these openings due to wind, inside-outside temperature differences (stack effect),
and imbalances between supply and exhaust airflow rates.

air that must be removed from a space due to contaminants, regardless of pressurization

opening through which air is removed from a conditioned space.

a system consisting of one or more fans that remove air from the building, causing outdoor
air to enter by ventilation inlets or normal leakage paths through the building envelope.

a building or portion thereof that has been in operation and normal use for at least 12
consecutive months following the date of initial occupancy, the date of the certificate of
occupancy, or occupancy class change, whichever is later.

a quality-focused process for attaining the current facility requirements (CFR) of an existing
facility and its systems and assemblies being commissioned. The process focuses on
planning, investigating, implementing, verifying, and documenting that the facility and/or its
systems and assemblies are operated and maintained to meet the CFR, with a program to
maintain the enhancements for the remaining life of the facility.
air with acceptable quality that may be removed from the space for pressurization control.

total radiant flux that leaves unit area of a surface. The sum of the radiant flux emitted and
reflected by the surface plus any radiant flux transmitted through that surface. Compare to
[[radiosity]].
chemical reaction that releases more energy (heat) than is required to start it. The
combustion reaction (burning) is an example, as are fission and fusion reactions. Compare
to [[endothermic reaction]].
(also known as work extraction cycle or work cycle), thermodynamic cycle in which the
working fluid transfers mechanical energy to some outside system (e.g., in a mechanical
expander).
increase in volume of a substance.
bend, usually a loop, put into a pipe run to relieve stresses induced by expansion and
contraction from temperature changes.
change in length per unit length or the change in volume per unit volume per degree
change in temperature.

device in a structure, a pipe run, etc. that can by linear compensation accept variation of
length from expansion or contraction due to temperature changes.

part of the piston stroke between the top dead center and the opening of the suction valve.

partially filled tank for the accommodation of volume expansion of a fluid, typically water.
Compare to [[compression tank]].
controlling device for automatically regulating the flow of refrigerant into a cooling unit,
actuated by changes in evaporator pressure. The basic response is to regulate evaporator
pressure.
refrigerating effect in watts, Btu/h, or tons (12,000 Btu/h) produced by the evaporation of
refrigerant passed by the valve under specified conditions.

difference between the temperature of the external bulb and the corresponding system
refrigerant saturation temperature at the bulb location.
change in superheat of a thermostatic expansion valve required to open the valve a
predetermined amount.
(1) liquefied gas (generally liquid nitrogen) whose vapor is lost after change of phase. (2)
solid carbon dioxide (dry ice).
a systematic approach for collecting information on a physical apparatus or system to
determine the nature of its operation.

computer programs that attempt to provide an answer to control problems where normally
one or more human experts would need to be consulted by using previous and current data
to assemble a knowledge base and use internal procedures.  Expert systems are a form of
artificial intelligence.

(also known as augmented surface), increase in area of a heat transfer surface by addition
of fins, discs, micro channels or other means.
see [[building envelope]].

the maximum lighting power in watts allowed for the exterior of a building.

generation of thermograms of outside surfaces of a building. Compare to [[interior imaging


survey]].
defrosting using heat from external sources.
in a thermostatic expansion valve, a connection from a selected point in the low-pressure
part of the circuit to the system pressure-sensing side of the actuating element such that
the selected point pressure is transmitted to the actuating element (e.g., diaphragm or
bellows).

heat generated from sources outside the conditioned area. This heat from gas, oil, steam,
electricity, or solar sources supplements internal heat and internal process heat sources.
Recovered internal heat can reduce the demand for external heat.

device or switch designed to disconnect load from a power source or distribution center
under an overload or short-circuit condition.

interrupt generated by an alarm point going into alarm. See also [[interrupt device]].

see [[static pressure loss]].


see [[static pressure loss]].

the proportionality constant K in Bouguer’s Law ((dI) = (I·K·dx)) where I is the local intensity
of solar radiation within a medium and x is the distance the radiation travels through the
medium.
airflow leaving a treated space. Compare with [[return air]].

an eyebrow hood is mounted directly to the face or top of an appliance above the
opening(s) or door(s) from which effluent is emitted, overhanging the front of the
opening(s) to capture the effluent. Mounting height is fixed.

the perimeter heat loss factor for slab-on-grade floors, expressed in Btu/h·ft2·°F (W/m2·°K).
filter having a textile-based filter medium.

area of the facade, including overhanging soffits, cornices, and protruding columns,
measured in elevation in a vertical plane parallel to the plane of the face of the building.
Nonhorizontal roof surfaces shall be included in the calculation of vertical façade area by
measuring the area in a plane parallel to the surface.

total plane area of the portion of a grille, coil, or other item bounded by a line tangent to
the outer edges of the openings through which air can pass.

the rate of air movement at the face of the device (airflow rate divided by face area),
expressed in m/s (fpm) to three significant figures.
see [[EMS]], [[EMCS]], [[BAS]], and [[BMS]].
ratio of a normal working condition to the ultimate condition, such as, in strength of
materials, the ratio of working stress to ultimate strength.
temperature scale used with the I-P system in which, at standard atmospheric pressure, the
boiling point of water is 212°F and its freezing point is 32°F; absolute zero is minus –
459.69°F.
(1) position or mode of operation a controlled device takes on removal of the control signal
and/or power. (2) to return to a position that, on loss of control system power, allows the
controlled system to go to a safe mode.

actions performed by the maintenance department resources that are expended or


reserved for dealing with interruptions in the operation or function of a system or
equipment under the maintenance program. These responses have two types of
classification: repair and service.

(1) a machine used to create flow within a fluid, typically a gas, such as air. (2) any device
with two or more blades or vanes attached to a rotating shaft used to produce an airflow for
the purpose of comfort, ventilation, exhaust, heating, cooling, or any other gaseous
transport. The opening(s) may or may not have an element or elements for connection to
ductwork. (3) fan consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades that act on the air
(impeller). Usually it is contained within some form of housing or case. This housing or case
may direct the airflow or increase safety by preventing objects from contacting the fan
blades. Most fans are powered by electric motors, but other sources of power may be used,
including hydraulic motors and internal combustion engines. Fans produce airflows with
high volume and low pressure, as opposed to compressors, which produce high pressures at
a comparatively low volume. A fan blade will often rotate when exposed to an air stream,
and devices that take advantage of this, such as anemometers and wind turbines, often
have designs similar to that of a fan. (4) see also [[impeller]].

density of air corresponding to the total pressure and total temperature at the fan inlet
when the fan is operating.
the volumetric airflow rate at fan air density.
fan scroll outlet area less the area of the cutoff.

interface between the fan and the remainder of the system at a plane perpendicular to the
airstream where it enters or leaves the fan. Appurtenances such as inlet boxes, inlet vanes,
inlet cones, silencers, screens, rain hoods, dampers, and discharge cones may be included
as part of the fan between the inlet and outlet boundaries.

controlled expansion part of the casing of a centrifugal fan that receives fluid forced
outward from the impeller or diffuser and leads it to the discharge. Compare to [[fan
shroud]].
factory-made assembly that provides the functions of air circulation, cooling, heating, or
cooling and heating.
see [[fan performance curve]].

area where the fan discharge scroll stops. Used in fan system effect calculations.

area of the fan or fan-equipment fitting provided for connection to attached ductwork.

the interface between the fan and its driver. Drive or coupling losses may be included as a
part of the input power.
(1) flow rate varies in direct proportion to fan speed (rpm). (2) flow rate varies in direct
proportion to pitch diameter of the motor sheave.
the electric power required to drive the fan and any elements in the drive train that are
considered a part of the fan.
line of zero vibration response on the fan such that the blades on opposite sides of the line
vibrate in opposite phases.
graphical representation of static or total pressure and power input over a range of air
volume flow rate at a stated inlet density and fan speed(s). It may include static and
mechanical efficiency curves.
the power required to drive the fan and any elements in the drive train that are considered
a part of the fan.

the useful power delivered to air by the fan; it is proportional to the product of the fan
airflow rate, the fan total pressure, and the compressibility coefficient.

a means for determining the air leakage of a building using a fan-induced pressure
difference.
protective housing that surrounds the fan and which may also direct the flow of air.
Compare to [[fan casing]].
total sound power radiated by the fan and transmitted to the duct and the areas
surrounding the fan itself.
the rotational speed of the impeller. If a fan has more than one impeller, fan speeds are the
rotational speeds of each impeller.

the fan total efficiency multiplied by the ratio of fan static pressure to fan total pressure.

the difference between the fan total pressure and the fan velocity pressure. Therefore, it is
the difference between static pressure at the fan outlet and total pressure at the fan inlet.

the sum of the nominal power demand (nameplate horsepower) of motors of all fans that
are required to operate at design conditions to supply air from the heating or cooling source
to the conditioned space(s) and return it to the source or exhaust it to the outdoors.

the ratio of fan power output to fan power input.


difference between the total pressure at the fan outlet and the total pressure at the fan
inlet.

there are two main categories of fans used in HVAC&R applications: centrifugal and axial
fans. Centrifugal fans types include the following: forward curved (FC), backward curved or
backward inclined (BI), airfoil (AF), and radial. Axial fan types include the following:
propeller, vaneaxial, and tubeaxial.

the pressure corresponding to the average air velocity at the fan outlet. Measured with
pilot tube tranverse of duct. Assumes no change in density or area between the plane of
measurement and the fan outlet.
revolving part of a fan or blower. See also [[impeller]].

inlet ring, impeller shroud, impeller rim annular plate, or conical ring on the air inlet side of
a centrifugal fan to which the impeller blades are fixed.

dimensionless number f used in studying fluid friction in pipes, equal to the pipe diameter
times the drop in pressure in the fluid due to friction as it passes through the pipe divided
by the product of the pipe length and the kinetic energy of the fluid per unit volume.

the portion of the sound field beyond the near field of a sound source in which the sound
pressure level decreases by 6 dB for each doubling of distance from the source. Typically
free of any reflecting surfaces.

(1) amount of any substance dissolved or deposited in electrolysis is proportional to the


total electric charge passed. (2) amounts of different substances dissolved or deposited by
the passage of the same electric charge are proportional to their equivalent weights.
an element or pathway within a control system that passes a controlling signal from a
source in the control system's external environment, often a command signal from an
external operator, to a load elsewhere in its external environment. A control system that
has only feed-forward behavior responds to its control signal in a predefined way without
responding to how the load reacts; it is in contrast with a system that also has feedback.
Compare to [[feedback]].

the situation when output from (or information about the result of) an event or
phenomenon in the past will influence an occurrence or occurrences of the same (i.e., same
defined) event/phenomenon (or the continuation/development of the original
phenomenon) in the present or future. When an event is part of a chain of cause and effect
that forms a circuit or loop, then the event is said to "feed back" into itself. Compare to
[[feed forward]].

main distribution line (usually three phase) supplying electric energy within an electric
service area or subarea.

heat exchanger installed in the hot-gas duct between the boiler and the stack to transfer a
portion of the heat (that would be lost up the stack) to the feedwater.

(1) commonly used to refer to any opening, usually glazed, in a building envelope; windows.
Examples include windows, plastic panels, clerestories, skylights, glass doors that are more
than one-half glass, and glass block walls. (2) in an external wall of a building, any area that
allows light to pass.

(1) framing, mullions, muntins, and dividers. (2)  glazing material, either glass or plastic. (3)
external shading devices. (4) internal shading (5) integral (between glass) shading systems
or devices.
an electromagnetic wave takes a path that involves the least travel time when propagating
between two points.
rate of diffusion of matter across a plane is proportional to the negative of the rate of
change of the concentration of the diffusing substance in the direction perpendicular to the
plane.
(1) physical area of engineering activity. Compare to [[shop]]. (2) sphere of engineering
operation, observation, or intellectual activities.

total angular dimensions within which objects can be imaged, recorded, and displayed by an
imaging device when the device is pointed in a fixed direction.

microprocessor (DDC) control panel, field mounted and connected. Compare to [[product-
integrated control]].
a quantity used to characterize the performance of a device, system, or method relative to
its alternatives. In engineering, figures of merit are often defined for particular materials or
devices in order to determine their relative utility for an application. See also [[part-load
value]].

an alphanumeric designation assigned to each symbol for ease in referencing.

weld of approximately triangular cross section, joining two surfaces approximately at right
angles in a lap joint, tee joint, corner joint, or socket joint.

boiling phenomenon corresponding to the development of a continuous vapor layer on the


heating surface that separates this surface from the boiling liquid.

heat transferred between a surface and a fluid in unit time through unit area induced by
unit temperature difference.

cooling tower with a type of packing over which the water spreads in a thin film.

phenomenon encountered when the condensate wets a cold surface to form a continuous
film that separates this surface from the vapor.
(1) capacitor and/or inductor placed in a series/parallel combination across a DC line to
remove the effects of the AC signal or to decrease the ripple voltage in a DC power supply.
(2) device to remove gases from a mixture of gases. (3) device to remove solid material
from a fluid.
(also known as filter cartridge, filter unit, or filter element), interchangeable frame or
cylinder containing a filter medium.
encased desiccant, generally inserted in the liquid line of a refrigerating system, and
sometimes in the suction line, to remove entrained moisture, acids, and other
contaminants.

contaminant capacity divided by contaminant loading, expressed as a percent.

see [[MERV rating]].


portion of a filtrating system (such as close-woven textiles, metal screens, papers,
nonwoven fabrics, granular beds, or porous media) that provides the filtration process or
liquid solid separation,
in air-handling units, the section containing the filters and the outside air/return air
dampers and mixing plenum.
ratio of the mass of particles extracted to the mass of particles contained in the air before
filtering.
the mean rate of air movement through the filter media (airflow divided by net effective
filtering area). The term is not applicable to plate-type electronic air cleaners. Media
velocity is measured in m/s (fpm).
process of passing a liquid through a porous material in such a manner as to remove
suspended matter from the liquid.
thin piece of metal attached to a pipe, tubing, or other surface in order to increase the heat
transfer area. See also [[heat transfer surface]].
ratio of heat actually transferred by a fin to heat transferred if the whole fin were at the
temperature of the primary surface to which it is attached.
number of transverse fins per unit length of tube.
distance between two successive transverse fins on a tube.

(1) a filter positioned in the last filtering position in an air-handling system. (2) filter used to
collect the loading dust that has passed through a device during the test procedure.

(1) the resistance at which a filter, or filter media, should be replaced. (2) the resistance to
airflow of the air-cleaning device at which the test is terminated and results calculated,
expressed in Pa (in. of water).
on a finned tube, the distance between the two end fins (excluding lengths for return bends
and other overall lengths).

total area of fins and prime surface of tube or plate to which fins are attached.

heat transfer tube or pipe with extended surface of fins, discs, or ribs.
a heating terminal unit that primarily consists of one or more finned tubes and a casing
cabinet.
a boiler whose heat exchanger consists of only finned tubes.
wall-mounted heater with a plurality of fins bonded to a tube, usually carrying steam or hot
water. Also see [[baseboard radiator]].
a period used for calculating annual (yearly) financial statements in businesses and other
organizations.
the end date of a fiscal year.

device that interrupts airflow automatically through part of an air system to restrict passage
of flame. Installed in a fire-rated wall or floor and closes automatically in the event of fire to
maintain the integrity of the fire-rated separation.
lowest temperature at which a product ignites and continues to burn for a specified time
after a small flame has been applied to its surface under standardized conditions. Compare
to [[flash point]].
boiler with straight tubes surrounded by water through which tubes pass the products of
combustion.
combustion chamber in a furnace or boiler.

firefighter's smoke control station (FSCS) includes monitoring and overriding capability over
smoke-control systems and equipment provided at designated location(s) within the
building for use by the fire department.

lubricated, plug-type variable-position valve usually operated with an attached handle or, in
the large sizes, by a loose-fitting key or extended-handle wrench.

in a cleanroom, air that issues directly from the HEPA filter before it passes over any work
location.

an estimate of the maximum volume of hot water that a storage-type water heater or an
integrated heater can supply within an hour from the time that the water heater is fully
heated (i.e., with all thermostats satisfied). This rating is a function of both the storage
volume and the recovery rate.

a project through which furnishings, including partitions, furniture, and tenant equipment
(e.g., copy machines, fax machines, personal computers) are delivered.

measured total inside area determined at the plane(s) of the inlet connection(s). The area
shall be based on physical measurements for rigid fittings and physical measurements
minus twice the lining thickness for lined fittings.

total inside area determined at the plane(s) of the outlet connection(s). The area shall be
based on physical measurements for rigid fittings and physical measurements minus twice
the lining thickness for lined fittings.
a term that has the same meaning as systematic error.
control in which the setpoint cannot be altered.
condition existing when the flame resulting from the combustion of the fuel comes into
contact with any interior surface of the furnace. It has the potential of causing damage to
the heat exchanger.
system for sensing the presence or absence of flame and for indicating, alarming, or
initiating control action.

refrigerant that is ignitable when mixed with air (e.g., ethyl chloride, methyl chloride, and
the hydrocarbons). Note: see ASHRAE Standard 34 for flammability categories.

(1) disc rim on the end of a pipe for coupling pipes together, usually by bolts. Flange types
include weld neck, slip-on, and grooved end. Flange face can be raised face or flat faced. (2)
parts of a channel at a right angle to the central section or web. See also [[pipe fittings]]. (3)
projection of metal on formed objects.

a joint made by bolting together a pair of flanged ends. The seal is created from a gasket
placed between the two flange faces and having the bolts pinching the surface of the
gasket.
reduction in sound transmission loss of a wall caused by sound traveling around the wall by
other paths (structure borne, leaks, etc.).
nut used to hold flared tubing on a flare fitting.

(also known as flare fitting), metal-to-metal compression joint in which a conical spread is
made on the end of a tube that is compressed by a flare nut against a mating flare.
(also known as flaring block), device for shaping the end of a ductile pipe or tube to increase
its diameter to a shape suited for a flare fitting.

in a refrigerating system, a separating tank placed between the expansion device and
evaporator to separate and bypass any flash gas formed due to pressure reduction.

portion of the liquid refrigerant that is vaporized by sudden reduction of pressure.

vessel located between compression stages where injected liquid refrigerant vaporizes
immediately.

(1) at the pump suction, the pressure below which the liquid will flash into vapor. See [[net
positive suction head]]. (2) in a piping system, the pressure below which the liquid will flash
into vapor. (3) in a vacuum-cooling chamber, that pressure corresponding to the vapor
pressure at the product temperature and below which water vaporizing commences. (4)
lowest temperature to which a product must be heated for its vapors to ignite in the
presence of a flame when operating under standardized conditions. Compare to [[fire
point]].

(also known as steam systems), a steel tank that allows any superheated condensate to be
vaporized into saturated steam. The tank is usually vented to atmosphere.

(also known as instantaneous vaporization), partial or total vaporization obtained by sudden


reduction of pressure.
the physical transformation of a fluid from its liquid state into its vapor or gaseous state. It
is caused by the actual pressure of the fluid being lower than the vapor pressure of the fluid
at that operating temperature.
nonconcentrating solar collector in which the absorbing surface is essentially planar and
approximately equal in area to the aperture.
sound pressure level versus frequency, which is not adjusted by any weighting network but
is taken just as it is.

ducts constructed of flexible materials, such as polymeric films, metal foils, and
impregnated fabrics, and used to connect rigid duct to air devices and terminals.

impeller and shaft are a one-piece assembly, the latter of a small diameter so that it can flex
and spontaneously balance the inertial forces resulting from rotation.

device in which a float ball, through variations of the level of liquid, operates one or more
sets of electrical contacts to activate or deactivate other controls or alarms.

a valve that operates due to changes in liquid level.


see [[steam trap]].

steam trap that relies on the density of water to raise a float-and-lever mechanism to
operate a valve head. It discharges condensate as it forms and enters the trap body. It
includes a thermostatic balance pressure or bimetallic air vent to allow free passage of air
on start up and discharges incondensable gases reaching the trap during operation.

continuous action in which the input variable determines the rate of change of the output
variable.

a combination of a modulating controlled device with a pair of two position outputs. The
control signal will activate either one or the other outputs to drive the controlled device
towards its open or closed position. When both outputs are off, the controlled device
maintains its last position. Also referred to as tristate control.
composite flooring system that exhibits a high sound transmission loss value and consisting
of a “floating” flooring surface supported from a structural floor through the use of a series
of vibration isolation pads.
temperature observed at the start of the formation of wax or other solid; determined by a
standardized test to assess the low-temperature compatibility of certain petroleum
products with refrigerants.

refrigerant evaporator characterized by no organized flow, in which most of the evaporator


surface is in contact with the liquid refrigerant, and from which the refrigerant exits at a
vapor quality of one, without significant superheat. Compare to [[dry expansion
evaporator]].

the horizontal area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building space.
Also, the sum of the areas of several floors of the building including basements, mezzanine,
intermediate floored tiers, and penthouses of headroom height, measured from the
exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating buildings but
excluding covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and similar spaces, pipe
trenches, exterior terraces or steps, chimneys, roof overhangs, and similar features.

method of treating material by floating it in a liquid; an ice making method in which ice
floats away from the surface on which it has been frozen.

continuous motion of a fluid in pipes, ducts, channels, or through openings. See also
[[airflow]]; [[backflow]]; [[slip]].
in a heat exchanger with a bundle of tubes, the section that is effectively traversed by the
external fluid.
experimentally determined proportionality constant relating the actual velocity of fluid flow
in a pipe, duct, or open channel to the theoretical velocity expected under certain
assumptions.

modulation of a fluid flow rate through a system of piping, ductwork, or variable devices.

(1) a perforated plate installed downstream of a fan in an air-handling unit designed to


diffuse airflow equally across a downstream coil. Also called a diffuser plate. (2) in a
multiple cooling tower installation, a pipe installed below and interconnecting the cold
basin of multiple cooling towers to equalize the basin water levels and prevent the sump
suction in one tower from drawing air or creating a vortex. (3) in refrigeration, a line or lines
installed between compressors to equalize oil levels. (4) the bypass pipe in a
primary/secondary flow system that hydronically decouples the primary from the secondary
pumping system. See [[cross connection]].

tube specially shaped to increase the discharge velocity of the fluid.


configuration of the direction and velocity of a flowing fluid.

the mass or volumetric flow of a fluid per unit of time that moves past a given plane.

(1) a device employing a detecting element that determines the flow rate of a volatile
refrigerant in the gaseous or liquid phase within a closed conduit by measuring a suitable
response of the detecting element. (2) a device for measuring or determining the mass or
volumetric flow rate of a fluid in a duct, pipe, or terminal device.

conduit between the furnace or boiler outlet and the integral draft diverter, draft hood,
barometric draft regulator, vent terminal, or any other point of draft relief.

that portion of an appliance designed for attachment to a chimney, vent connector, or a


draft hood.

an electrical or mechanical device in the flue outlet or in the inlet of or upstream of the
draft control device of an individual, automatically operated, fossil-fuel-fired appliance that
is designed to automatically open the flue outlet during appliance operation and to
automatically close the flue outlet when the appliance is in a standby condition.
(also known as vent gas), all gases in a flue during combustion in the combustion chamber,
including reaction products such as excess air, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen,
water vapor, nitrogen, and other inerts.

chamber designed to capture the products of combustion and accompanying excess air.

see [[flue]].
the sum of sensible and latent heat losses above room temperature of the flue gases
leaving the furnace or boiler.
opening provided in an appliance for the release of flue gases.
substance, as a liquid or gas, that is capable of flowing and that changes shape when acted
on by a force.
mechanics of flowing (deforming) fluids involving changes in momentum, direction of flow,
turbulence, pressure, and volume.
the transfer of air, water, or other fluids between components.
science and technology of using the properties of flow of fluids to perform functions of
sensing, amplifying, and control in nonelectric circuits and without the use of any
mechanical moving parts.

trough having a perforated bottom through which an upward flow of cold air suspends the
produce, usually of small unit size, and causes it to flow like a fluid.

any of a broad group of organic compounds analogous to hydrocarbons in which all or most
of the hydrogen atoms of the hydrocarbon have been replaced by fluorine; some types also
contain chlorine, and these are called chlorofluorocarbons. The saturated, aliphatic-type
fluorocarbons comprise the series of refrigerants developed by Midgeley in the 1930s.
Compare to [[halocarbon]].

(1) (electrical use), amount of some quantity flowing across a given area (often a unit area
perpendicular to the flow) per unit time. Note: the quantity may be, for example, mass or
volume of a fluid, electromagnetic energy, or number of particles. See also [[magnetic flux]].
(2) (mechanical use), substance or mixture that promotes fusion and prevents formation of
or eliminates oxides, nitrides, or other undesirable inclusions in the joint area during brazing
and soldering operations. (3) (thermal use), See [[heat flux]].

heavy wheel attached to a shaft to reduce rotation fluctuations.

the continuation of heat transfer after the heat transfer system/equipment has been
removed or de-energized. The effect is due to the thermal mass of the space and capacity of
that mass to store/release heat. See [[thermal inertia]].

insulation formed by introducing into prepared cavities a chemical component and a


foaming agent that react to fill the space with a foamed plastic.

formation of a foam or froth of oil refrigerant due to rapid boiling out of the refrigerant
dissolved in the oil when the pressure is suddenly reduced. See also [[boiler foaming]].

fine, airborne droplets usually formed by condensation of vapor.


[[figure of merit]]
thrust bearing used to support the lower end of a vertical shaft.
combustion air supplied under pressure to the fuel-burning equipment. Compare to
[[induced draft]]; [[natural draft]].
(also known as pump lubrication, mechanical lubrication, or forced-feed oiling), lubricating
system with the oil fed under pressure by a pump.
movement of air by mechanical means.
a heating and/or cooling system that uses motor-driven blowers to distribute heated,
cooled, and otherwise treated air for the comfort of individuals or equipment.

an electric, gas, or oil-burning appliance designed to supply heat through a system of ducts
with air as the heating medium. Forced-air furnaces circulate the heated air by means of a
fan or blower, whereas gravity furnaces depend primarily on natural convection.

burner that has a fan capable of supplying all necessary air for proper combustion with
positive pressure in the firebox.
type of mechanical draft tower in which one or more fans are located at the air inlet to
force air into the tower.

in an ice plant, a device for cooling water before pouring into ice-making cans; precooler.

centrifugal rotor in which the concave sides of blades face in the direction of rotation.

fuel derived from a hydrocarbon deposit such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas derived
from living matter of a previous geologic time.
multiple piping arrangement in which each unit is fitted with supply and return pipes
separately for hot and chilled water.
(1) in three-phase power transmission, the use of four wires WYE connected. (2)
transmission of data in two directions simultaneously over two pairs of wires. Also known as
full duplex transmission.

(1) dimensionless number used in calculation of unsteady-state heat transfer, equal to the
product of the thermal conductivity and a characteristic time divided by the product of the
density, the specific heat at constant pressure, and the distance from the midpoint of the
body through which heat is passing to the surface. Symbol is Fo, Fo, or NFo. (2)
dimensionless number used in unsteady-state flow calculations, equal to the product of the
dynamic viscosity and a characteristic time divided by the product of the fluid density and
the square of a characteristic length.

[[field of view]]

a change in composition of a blend by preferential evaporation of the more volatile


component(s) or condensation of the less volatile component(s).

(1) actual open area between the fins of a grille or register. (2) total area through which air
can pass in a grille, face, or register.
the point of operation where the external static pressure is zero.
refers to a situation where mechanical heating and cooling equipment is off so that the
space or zone temperature varies without constraint.
a sound field free of reflections where the sound declines by 6 dB per doubling of distance
out of doors.

concentrating a solution by partial freezing of water and removing ice crystals.

freezing saline or brackish water, so that salt-free ice crystals are formed and then removed
and melted.

apparatus or system for drying substances by dehydration in a frozen state. A drum freeze-
dryer apparatus having a rotating cylinder in which a product is freeze dried.

dehydration of a substance by freezing and subsequent sublimation of ice.

to separate the constituents of a mixture by freezing one of them.


see [[low-limit controller]].

(1) failure of a refrigerating unit to operate normally due to formation of ice at the
expansion device. (2) frost formation that impedes airflow through a coil.
property of a material which permits it to be alternately frozen and thawed through many
cycles without damage.
substance added to a product to be freeze dried in order to facilitate recovery of the frozen
mass.
damage to frozen produce caused, essentially, by excessive desiccation. Compare to [[cold
injury (low-temperature injury)]].

(1) an insulated room kept below 32°F (0°C). Typical freezer setpoints are generally 10°F (–
12°C). (2) device for freezing perishables. See [[freezing room]].

process of changing a liquid substance or the liquid content of a food or other commodity to
a solid state by removing heat.
mixture of salts with crushed ice to lower the ice's melting point.
during the freezing of produce, that part of the graph of temperature against time in which
the temperature remains virtually constant. The freezing plateau is induced by the time
required to remove latent heat.

for a particular pressure, the temperature at which a given substance will solidify or freeze
upon removal of heat. Compare to [[solidification point]].

ratio between the distance from the mean surface of a food mass to its thermal center and
the time elapsed between the surface reaching 32°F (0°C) and the thermal center reaching
14°F (–10°C).
cold chamber usually kept at a temperature of 22°F to 31°F (–5°C to –1°C), with high-
volume air circulation.

difference between the freezing temperature of a pure solvent and that of a solution.

(1) number of cycles per second through which an alternating electric current passes; in
North America, frequency is generally standardized at 60 cycles per second (60 Hz). Most
other countries standardize using 50 Hz. (2) the number of times a quantity (such as a sound
wave) repeats itself in one second.

for general purposes, the frequency range of interest includes one-third octave bands with
center frequencies between 31 Hz and 16000 Hz.

the normalized motion (vibration) response of a device, such as a fan, to a known excitation,
expressed as a function of the frequency of the excitation. The frequency response is
usually given graphically by curves showing the relationship of the response to the
excitation (and, where applicable, phase shift or phase angle) as a function of frequency.

the amplitude of sound or vibration at various frequencies or bands of frequencies.

volume of outdoor air introduced into a space.

(1) any of several dimensionless numbers used in studying fluid friction in pipes, equal to
the Fanning friction factor times some dimensionless constant. (2) coefficient used to
calculate friction forces due to fluid flow. (3) quotient of the tangential force exerted by a
fluid on a surface (per unit area) by half the product of the density and the square of the
velocity.

height of liquid that represents system resistance caused by the flow.

pressure loss due to friction between a flowing fluid and its contact surface.

component, rotary or fixed, of a shaft seal with a precision-machined contact face of the
ring that provides the gastight or liquidtight seal.
resistance of fluid flow due to friction between the fluid and the contact surface over which
it flows.
frost formed on the cold surface (tubes, plates) of a cooling coil.
frost formed on any cold part of a refrigerating circuit.
lifting of part of a structure due to the expansion of freezing water in the supporting soil.

temperature at which visible frost forms on a surface being chilled.


pipe loop projecting from a refrigerant vessel indicating approximately the liquid level by
the frost formation.

coating of frost on suction line and crankcase due to liquid refrigerant leaving an evaporator
and carried along the suction line into the compressor crankcase.

(1) dimensionless number equal to the ratio of the speed of flow of a fluid in an open
channel to the speed of very small gravity waves, the latter being equal to the square root
of the product of the acceleration of gravity and a characteristic length. (Symbol is Fr2 or
NFr 2). See also [[gravity current]]. (2) dimensionless number used in studying the motion of
a body floating on a fluid with production of surface waves and eddies; equal to the ratio of
the square of the relative speed to the product of the acceleration of gravity and a
characteristic length of the body. (Symbol is Fr, Fr1, or NFr 1).

(also called frozen ground storage or frozen soil storage), underground storage of liquefied
gas within a space with walls, floor, and roof consisting of frozen soil or rock.

refrigerated cabinet for the short-term storage of frozen foods.


individual lockable compartment in a collective, multicompartment establishment for the
freezing and storage of food.

conversion factor of 35 lb/ft3 (560 kg/m3) for a net freezer space weight rating. Many
commercially available packaged frozen foods weigh less than 35 lb/ft3 (560 kg/m3).

(1) a material that may be used to produce heat or generate power by combustion. (2) a
substance that produces useful energy when it undergoes a chemical or nuclear reaction.
rate at which fuel is supplied to an appliance. The rate may be expressed in Btus per hour,
watts, or thousands of Btus per hour (MBH); in cubic feet per hour, liters per second, or
thousands of cubic feet per hour; in therms (th) or dekatherms (dth) per hour; or in gallons
per hour (GPH).

(1) current in amperes through a device when at maximum demand. Not to be confused
with inrush amperes (at start-up) or locked rotor amperes (work exceeds rating). (2) current
that a rotating machine will draw from the power line when the machine is operating at
rated voltage, speed, and torque.

solid particles formed by condensation of vapors of solid materials or a discharge gas or


byproduct of combustion or chemical process. Very small airborne particles, usually less
than one micrometer in size, from burning or melting materials or a chemical process. Note:
popularly, the term fumes refers to any kind of air contaminant; many laws and regulations
add a qualification that the contaminant have some unwanted action.

(generic term) a fume-collection device mounted over a work space, table, or shelf and
serving to conduct unwanted gases away from the area enclosed. The least effective fume
hood is a canopy hood, open on four sides. The most effective fume hood effective is an
enclosed hood with operable front sash and fixed sides and back. Compare to [[laboratory
fume hood]].

plane of minimum area at the front portion of a laboratory fume hood through which air
enters when the sash is fully opened or opened to a stop position [usually in the same plane
as the sash(es) when present].

an arrangement consisting of a fume hood, its adjacent room environment, and the air
exhaust equipment (such as blowers and ductwork) required to make the hood operable.
in the food industry, exposure of a product to gaseous substances, generally to kill insects,
their eggs, and larvae.

(1) the process of determining the ability of the HVAC system to deliver heating, ventilating,
and air-conditioning services in accordance with the final design intent. (2) that full range of
checks and tests carried out to determine if all components, subsystems, systems, and
interfaces between systems function in accordance with the contract documents. In this
context, function includes all modes and sequences of control operation, all interlocks and
conditional control responses, and all specified responses to emergency conditions.

(1) enclosed chamber or structure in which heat is produced, as by burning fuel or by


converting electrical energy. (2) part of a warm-air heating system in which energy is
converted to heat.
safety device for release of pressure by melting a contained substance with a
predetermined melting temperature.
chemical term for a change of phase from solid to liquid.

(1) instrument for measuring pressure, flow, level, or other factors. (2) arbitrary scale of
measurement for sheet-metal thickness and wire and drill diameters.

device for showing liquid level in a tank, boiler, or other storage container.

the difference between absolute pressure and ambient or surrounding pressure. It may be
negative or positive.

corrosion resulting from the contact of two dissimilar metals in an electrolyte or from the
contact of two similar metals in an electrolyte of nonuniform concentration.

the increased resistance to sensible heat transfer obtained from adding an individual
garment over the nude body. Expressed in clo units.
state of matter in which substances exist in the form of nonaggregated molecules and
which, within acceptable limits of accuracy, satisfy the ideal gas laws; usually a highly
superheated vapor. See [[state]].
constant of proportionality appearing in the equation of state of an ideal gas, equal to the
absolute pressure of the gas times its molar volume divided by its absolute temperature.
Also known as the gas law constant.
R in the perfect gas relation pV = mRT.

increasing the heat content of a gas by mixing it with a gas of higher heat content.

arc-welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating with an arc between a


continuous filler metal (consumable) electrode and the work. Note: shielding is obtained
entirely from an externally supplied gas or gas mixture.

arc-welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating with an arc between a


single tungsten (nonconsumable) electrode and the work. Note: shielding is obtained from a
gas or gas mixture. Pressure may or may not be added.

(1) electric generating station in which the prime mover is a gas turbine. (2) prime mover in
which gas, under pressure or formed by combustion, is directed against a series of turbine
blades; the energy in the expanding gas is converted into mechanical energy supplying
power at the shaft. Also called a combustion turbine or a simple cycle turbine.

group of welding processes wherein coalescence is produced by heating with a gas flame or
flames, with or without the application of pressure, and with or without the use of filler
metal.
lean mixture: gas/air mixture of which the air content is more than adequate for complete
combustion, and the resultant combustion gases will contain an excess of oxygen. Rich
mixture: gas/air mixture of which the air content is not sufficient for complete combustion
and the resultant combustion gases will contain burnable but unburned hydrocarbons.

one of the three basic states of matter, characterized by the greatest freedom of molecules
and the lack of any inherent fixed shape or volume.

lighting that provides a substantially uniform level of illumination throughout an area.


General lighting shall not include decorative lighting or lighting that provides a dissimilar
level of illumination to serve a specialized application or feature within such area.

a specification, rule, guide, or procedure in the field of engineering, or related thereto,


recognized and accepted as authoritative.
direct or indirect utilization of available heat in the ground.
see [[packing]].

the absolute value of the difference between the starting and ending temperatures of a
phase-change process by a refrigerant within a component of a refrigerating system,
exclusive of any subcooling or superheating. This term usually describes condensation or
evaporation of a zeotrope.

(1) (also known as hemispherical irradiance), quantity of solar energy incident on a unit
surface area in unit time through a unit hemisphere above the surface, expressed in
Btu/h·ft2 (W/m2). (2) the global (or hemispheric) solar radiant energy is the quantity of solar
energy incident upon a unit surface area in unit time through a unit hemisphere above the
surface, expressed in W/m2 (Btu/[h⋅ft2]).

an index developed to provide a simplified means of describing the relative ability of a


chemical compound to affect radiative forcing, if emitted to the atmosphere, over its
lifetime in the atmosphere, and thereby to affect the global climate. Radiative forcing
reflects the factors that affect the balance between the energy absorbed by the earth and
the energy emitted by it in the form of longwave infrared radiation. The GWP is defined on
a mass basis relative to carbon dioxide. The GWP for a compound must be calculated up to
a particular integrated time horizon, for example, 20, 100, or 500 years. The time horizon
most widely accepted is 100 years.

dimensionless number used in calculation of streamline flow, equal to the mass flow rate of
a fluid times its specific heat at constant pressure, divided by the product of its thermal
conductivity and a characteristic length. Also spelled Gratz number. Symbol Gz, Gz, or NGz.

the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its density.

convenient unit of measurement of water vapor. 1 grain = 1/7000 pound avoirdupois


(historically, the average weight of a grain of wheat).

(1) a subsidy furnished by a central government to a local one to help finance a public
project. (2) a financial subsidy given to an individual or institution for research, educational,
or cultural purposes.
according to US FDA/HHS

dimensionless number used in the calculation of free convection of a fluid caused by a hot
body, equal to the product of the fluid’s coefficient of thermal expansion, the temperature
difference between the hot body and the fluid, the cube of a typical dimension of the body,
and the square of the fluid’s density divided by the square of the fluid’s dynamic viscosity.
Also known as free convection number. Symbol Gr, Gr or NGr.
organized evaporator with circulation induced by a static head of liquid refrigerant driving
an opposing column of boiling refrigerant in the evaporator; sometimes referred to as a
thermosiphon.
heating or refrigerating system in which heating or cooling fluid is circulated by the forces
induced by the differences in densities of cooler and warmer fluids in the system or
surrounding atmosphere.

stream of incoming fluid that moves horizontally immediately adjacent to the upper or
lower boundaries of a stagnant body of fluid. The stream moves due to density differences
between the fluid in the stream and that in the stagnant body of fluid. See also [[Froude
number]].

a containment system for the transportation of air and grease vapor. The system is
designed and installed to reduce the possibility of the accumulation of combustible
condensation, thus reducing the possibility of damage if a fire occurs within the ventilation
system.
effluent from a cooking process that contains grease particles or grease vapor. This type of
exhaust requires a rated hood (e.g., Type I, Type II).
a listed device (such as, but not limited to, baffle filters, removable extractors, and
stationary extractors) designed and installed to remove grease vapor and/or particles from
the airstream, .
constructed and performing in such a manner as to prevent the passage of grease under
normal operating conditions.

energy that is produced in a manner that has less of a negative impact on the environment
than energy sources like fossil fuels, which are often produced with harmful side effects.
Some “greener” types of energy are solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro energy. There are
several more, even including nuclear energy, that are sometimes considered a green energy
source because of its lower emissions relative to energy sources such as coal or oil.

louvered or perforated covering for an opening in an air passage which can be located in a
wall, ceiling, or floor.
coupling system that joins pipes end to end by engaging circumferential grooves in the pipe
using split couplings and a gasket.

the gross floor area of the building envelope, excluding slab-on-grade floors.

load (uncorrected) that a machine, apparatus, device, or system is designed to deliver.

the gross floor area of a conditioned space.

the sum of the floor areas of all the spaces within the building with no deductions for floor
penetrations other than atria. Gross floor area is measured from the exterior faces of
exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating buildings, but it excludes covered
walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and similar spaces, pipe trenches, exterior
terraces or steps, roof overhangs, parking garages, surface parking, and similar features.

the gross floor area of lighted spaces.

total rate of heat removal from all sources by the evaporator of a refrigerating system at
stated conditions. It is numerically equal to the system refrigerating effect.

the area of the roof measured from the exterior faces of walls or from the centerline of
party walls.
the gross floor area of semiheated spaces.

the rate of sensible heat removal by the cooling coil for a given set of operating conditions.
This value varies as a function of performance parameters such as EWB, ODB, EDB, and
airflow rate. (Also see [[sensible heat]].)
the maximum projected area of the complete collector module, including integral mounting
means.

the total rate of both sensible heat and latent heat removal by the cooling coil for a given
set of operating conditions. This value varies as a function of performance parameters such
as EWB, ODB, EDB, and airflow rate. Also see [[sensible heat]] and [[latent heat]].

the area of the wall measured on the exterior face from the top of the floor to the bottom
of the roof.
in a thermal storage system or a heat pump, a closed loop of piping, plastic tubing, or
ducting used as a heat exchanger between the ground (acting as a low-grade heat source or
heat sink) and a circulating fluid.
unintentional electrical connection to ground. Electrical ground plane voltage or any point
electrically connected to the earth or ground.
heat pump using a brine solution circulating through a subsurface piping loop functioning as
a heat source/heat sink.
water that exists within the zone of saturation. Water that occurs below the surface of the
earth, also called subsurface water, to distinguish it from surface water such as lakes oceans
and streams.

water-to-water heat pump using water pumped from a well, lake, or stream functioning as a
heat source/heat sink. Note: the temperature of the water is related to the climatic
conditions and may vary from 40°F to 75°F (5°C to 25°C) for deep wells.

assembly of adjustable guide vanes fitted to the inlet of a fan or turbocompressor. The
guide vane's function is to modify the flow and the pressure/flow rate.

isolation damper with a blade which is withdrawn from the duct area when the damper is
fully open.

building space intended for continual human occupancy; such space generally includes
areas used for living, sleeping, dining, and cooking but does not generally include
bathrooms, toilets, hallways, storage areas, closets, or utility rooms.

device to detect gas leaks using the color changes of a flame in the presence of a
halogenated hydrocarbon.
a hydrocarbon derivative containing one or more of the halogens bromine, chlorine, or
fluorine; hydrogen also may be present.

one of the electronegative elements of Group VIIA or Group 17 of the periodic table of the
elements (the group also includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.)

fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbon is one in which all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced
by chlorine and fluorine atoms. Atmospheric lifetimes of fully halogenated
chlorofluorocarbons are long (75 years for CFC 11 and 111 years for CFC 12).

valve that is operated manually by a handwheel attached to the spindle.

a sinusoid whose frequency is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency.

integer that defines the numerical value of the multiple of the fundamental frequency.

condensate return arrangement for low-pressure steam heating systems, featuring a


constant waterline in the boiler.
[[heating degree day]].

(1) energy per unit mass of fluid divided by gravitational acceleration. (2) in fluid statics and
dynamics, a vertical linear measure. Note: the terms head and pressure are often
mistakenly used interchangeably. See also [[suction head]]. (3) operating pressure
measured in the discharge line at a pump, fan, or compressor outlet (i.e., at the head).
automatic valve, located between the air-cooled condenser and the receiver, that will back
up liquid in the condenser to reduce the effective area of the condenser, thus keeping the
discharge pressure to a predetermined minimum value during low ambient temperatures.
Used in conjunction with a pressure differential valve between the discharge line and the
receiver.

a pipe or tube (extruded, cast, or fabricated) to which other pipes or tubes are connected.

(1) energy that is transferred in the direction of lower temperature. (2) form of energy that
is exchanged between a system and its environment or between parts of the system
induced by temperature difference existing between them.

ability of a thermostat or control system to terminate the heat or cooling input at a


temperature other than its setting and in advance of the time that the temperature at the
thermostat or control system sensor normally would cause a control change.

statement that shows the changes in a system from heat and work input to output losses.

(also known as heat channel or heat leak), part of the boundary construction of an insulated
enclosure through which heat can flow readily by conduction.

(1) the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of a given mass one degree;
numerically, the mass multiplied by the specific heat. (2) the capacity of a body to store
heat.
heat energy corresponding to a unit of mechanical energy.

(1) heat exchange surface area of any heat exchanger available for transmitting heat. (2)
process of heat transfer in which heat flows from one substance to another. (3) (also known
as heat interchanger), device to transfer heat between two physically separated fluids. See
also [[superheater]].

passage of heat from one point to another or one space to another by one or more of the
three modes: conduction, convection, and radiation. See also [[thermal transmittance]].

the flow of energy per unit of area per unit of time. It is sometimes called thermal flux and
also referred to as heat flux density or heat flow rate intensity. It has both a direction and a
magnitude, so it is a vectorial quantity.

quantity of heat absorbed by an enclosed space or system.

an index that combines air temperature and relative humidity in an attempt to determine
the human-perceived equivalent temperature (how hot it feels, also termed the felt air
temperature). When the relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is reduced, so heat
is removed from the body at a lower rate, causing it to retain more heat than it would in dry
air. Compare [[wind chill]].

time elapsing between the initiation of a thermal phenomenon and the appearance of its
effect.

(1) (also known as infiltration losses) energy required to warm outdoor air leaking in
through cracks and crevices around doors and windows, through open doors and windows,
and through porous building materials. (2) (also known as transmission losses) heat
transferred through confining walls, glass, ceilings, floors, or other surfaces. (3) See also
[[heat gain (heat uptake)]].

rate at which heat is lost from the storage device per degree temperature difference
between the average temperature of the storage medium and the average temperature of
the surrounding air or fluid.
the rate at which heat is lost from the storage device per degree temperature difference
between the average storage medium temperature and the ambient temperature (or
ground temperature, if the storage device is buried).

see [[thermal energy meter]].

the heat released when a substance is combusted, determined as the difference in the
enthalpy between the reactants (refrigerant[s] and air) and their products after combustion
as defined in Section 6.1.3.5. The heat or enthalpy of combustion is often expressed as
energy per mass (e.g., kJ/kg or Btu/lb).

(1) heat energy required to cause a change of state from solid to liquid at constant
temperature. For ice to water, 143.5 Btu/lb (333.8 kJ/kg). (2) latent heat involved in
changing between the solid and the liquid states.
heat per unit mass (or per mole) of reagents and substances in a chemical reaction;
exothermal if heat is given off, endothermal if absorbed.

quantity of heat removed from a liquid to reduce it from its saturation temperature at
saturation pressure to some lower temperature at the same pressure.

describes any equipment whose energy source is thermal energy. Heat may be provided by
combustion, steam, or other means. The heat may manifest itself as thermal energy
(elevated temperatures) or other available energy (such as elevated pressure) and may
activate a heat cycle (e.g., absorption process) or a work cycle (e.g., vapor compression
cycle) by means of heat transfer surfaces and/or heat engines (prime movers).

thermodynamic heating/refrigerating system to transfer heat. The condenser and


evaporator may change roles to transfer heat in either direction. By receiving the flow of air
or other fluid, a heat pump is used to cool or heat. Heat pumps may be the air source with
heat transfer between the indoor air stream to outdoor air or water source with heat
transfer between the indoor air stream and a hydronic source (ground loop, evaporative
cooler, cooling tower, or domestic water).

temperature at which the heat pump capacity and the building heat requirement are equal.
Heat pump heating effect. See [[compressor heating effect]].

temperature at which the installed heat pump capacity is equal to the heat requirement of
the building. For a geoexchange system, the temperature at which supplemental heating or
cooling is required. For an air-to-air system, the temperature at which supplemental heating
is required. For a water loop system, the temperature at which heating and cooling
requirements are equal.

(1) rate of heat delivery by the refrigerant assigned to the compressor in a heat pump. (2)
rate of heat delivery by the refrigerant assigned to the compressor in a heat pump system
equal to the product of the mass rate of refrigerant flow produced by the compressor and
the difference in specific enthalpies of the refrigerant vapor at thermodynamic state leaving
the compressor and saturated liquid refrigerant at the pressure of the vapor leaving the
compressor.

see [[heat flux]].

use of heat that would otherwise be wasted from a system or process (e.g., heat-recovery
chiller; a machine using hot waste gases as a heat source).

mass flow rate times the difference between the entering and leaving enthalpies.

system that can absorb or reject heat from storage.


substance or environment into which unwanted heat is directed.
substance or environment from which heat is taken.
technology or systems used to store heating capacity.
a heating system where the externally applied heat source follows (traces) the object to be
heated (e.g., water piping).

(also called heat transmission, heat transport, and thermal transmission), transfer of energy,
in Btu/h (W), induced by a temperature difference. May occur by conduction, convection,
radiation, mass transfer, or any combination of these.

fluid used in a heat transfer process.


an imaginary coefficient expressing the proportionality of radiant heat exchange between
two bodies to their temperature difference.
outside area of a heat exchanger through which heat flows. See [[fin]].
a device or arrangement of the piping entering and leaving a water heater constructed to
counteract the convective forces of the heated water (thermosiphoning) during standby
periods.

heating and cooling a metal or alloy to obtain desired properties or conditions.

(also known as heat of combustion), amount of heat released in the oxidation of one mole
of a substance at constant pressure or constant volume.

concrete slab-on-grade floor containing wires, cables, pipes, or ducts that transfers heat to
the conditioned space.

apparatus or appliance to supply heat to a space or a fluid. See also [[water heater]].

in a heat exchanger with a bundle of tubes, the section that is effectively traversed by the
external fluid just before it passes through the tube bundle. The area measured is the lesser
area of the two heat-exchanger surfaces.

(also known as tube sheet), plate located at the end(s) of a multitubular shell-and-tube heat
exchanger, into which the tubes are fixed.

process of adding heat energy causing a rise in temperature or a transfer of sensible heat
into latent heat. See also [[district heating]]; [[heating system]].

the rate of heat that the equipment adds to the conditioned space or heat transfer fluid in a
defined interval of time, expressed in Btu/h (W).

coil that uses a heat transfer fluid, condensing refrigerant, or direct electrical resistance
elements to provide heating to heat fluids (air, gas, or liquids).

the period of operation including prepurge, primary heat-producing energy flow, and
postpurge.
see [[degree day]].
[i.e., HDD65 (HDD18)]. For any one day, when the mean temperature is less than the local
or country-specific common temperature base. Annual HDDs are the sum of the HDDs over
a calendar year.

the outdoor dry-bulb temperature equal to the temperature that is exceeded at least 99.6%
of the number of hours during a typical weather year.

heating rate required to replace heat loss from the space being controlled.

(1) ratio of the heating building load to the steady-state heating load. (2) ratio of the total
heating of a complete cycle for a specified period, consisting of an on time and off time, to
the steady-state heating done over the same period at constant ambient conditions.
for the space-heating season, the ratio of the total space heating delivered to the total
electrical energy input if the combined appliance operated exclusively in a space heating
only mode. The quantity is expressed in units of Btu/Wh. For SI use, compare coefficient of
performance.

sensible heat carried away by the flue gas and the sensible and latent heat carried away by
the water vapor in the flue gas.
one in which heat is transferred from a source of energy through a distribution network to
spaces to be heated.

amount of heat produced by the complete combustion of a unit quantity of fuel. The gross
or higher heating value is that obtained when all the products of combustion are cooled to
the temperature existing before combustion, the water vapor formed during combustion is
condensed, and all the necessary corrections have been made. The net or lower heating
value is obtained by subtracting the latent heat of vaporization of the water vapor formed
by the combustion of the hydrogen in the fuel from the gross or higher heating value.

average directional thermal emittance over a hemispherical envelope over the surface.

mass of a slightly soluble gas that dissolves in a definite mass of liquid at a given
temperature is nearly directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas. This holds for
gases that do not unite chemically with the solvent.

(1) high-efficiency particulate air filter. (2) a filter with removal efficiencies of 99.97% or
higher for a mass median particulate size of 0.30 µm (microns).

a motor compressor assembly contained within a gastight housing that is permanently


sealed by welding or brazing, with no access for servicing internal parts in the field.

evaporator in which the tubes, arranged in the vertical plane, are bent in the form of a V.

[[hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)]] a halocarbon that contains only fluorine, carbon, and hydrogen.

safety device that acts when an abnormal rise in the discharge temperature starts an alarm
or stops the compressor or heat-producing device.

control action that occurs at the higher value of the activating variable being sensed.

two level action in which both levels are controlled within defined limits.

dielectric thawing using suitable frequencies of a few megahertz or higher.

isolated and occupant-controllable events that release pollutants in excess quantities.


Typical cooking, bathing, and laundry activities are not considered high-polluting events.

(1) boiler for generating steam at pressure in excess of 15 psig [103.4 kPa (gage)]. (2) hot-
water boiler intended for operation at pressures exceeding 160 psig [1100 kPa (gage)]
and/or temperatures exceeding 250°F (120°C).
pressure-responsive device that cycles and/or stages condensers, cooling-tower fans, and
pumps to control head pressure.
(also known as high-side float valve), float-type expansion valve operated by changes in
liquid level on the high-pressure side.

system whose gage pressure at room temperature (74°F [23.3°C]) is typically more than 100
psig (689 kPa). Common high-pressure refrigerants include R-22, R-502, and R-125.

switch designed to stop the compressor or machinery when the discharge pressure reaches
a predetermined high value.
(also known as high side), that portion of a refrigerating system operating at approximately
the condenser pressure.
found only in double-effect machines. This type of condenser is typically inside of the tubes
of the second-stage generator.
gastight joint obtained by joining metal parts with alloys that melt at temperatures higher
than 1500°F (800°C) but at less than the melting temperatures of the joined parts. Compare
to [[soldered joint]].
hydronic system intended for operation at pressures exceeding 160 psig [1100 kPa (gage)]
and/or temperatures exceeding 250°F (120°C). Compare to [[low-temperature hot-water
system]].
thermal resistance system that depends on a high vacuum for its performance. An example
is a thermos or Dewar flask.

the amount of heat produced per unit of fuel when complete combustion takes place at
constant pressure, the products of combustion are cooled to the initial temperature of the
fuel and air, and the vapor formed during combustion is condensed. HHV is expressed in
Btu/lb (J/kg) or Btu/ft3 (W/m3) for gaseous fuel and in Btu/lb (J/kg) or Btu/gal (J/l) for liquid
fuel.
electrical insulation test that consists of the application of a high voltage between a circuit
and its frame.

describes a building or space that has been specifically designated as historically significant
by the adopting authority or is listed in The National Register of Historic Places or has been
determined to be eligible for such listing by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

two or more slotted slides in parallel arrangement and adjustable against each other.

[[heating load factor]]


deposit of ice crystals produced in a manner similar to dew but at a temperature below 32°F
(0°C).

(also known as service charge), reduced quantity of refrigerant or inert gas used to avoid
the ingress of air and moisture into a component before start-up.

apparatus to store cold by fusion of ice or eutectic on a refrigerated coil.


wiring from the device all the way to the distribution panel. This wiring is usually run in the
most direct paths but with standard wiring practices and the wiring does not contain any
splices, branches, or devices.
a device designed to capture cooking and/or ware washing effluent. See [[Type I hood]] and
[[Type II hood]].
the plane of minimum area at the front portion of a laboratory fume hood through which air
enters when the sash is fully opened, usually in the same plane as the sash when sash is
present.

within the elastic limit of any body, the ratio of stress to strain produced is constant.

(also known as circumferential stress), stress imposed in the wall of a cylindrical tube in the
circumferential direction by internal pressure.
an axis of measurement that is parallel to the mounting base of a piece of equipment or the
building foundation.

a water cooler that, in addition to the primary function of cooling and dispensing potable
water, includes means for heating and dispensing potable water.

hot air chamber forming part of an air handler.


refrigerant gas in the high-pressure side of the system.
climate in which the wet-bulb temperature is 67°F (19°C) or higher for 3500 h or more or
73°F (23°C) or higher for 1750 h or more during the warmest six consecutive months of a
year that is typical for that geographic area.
automatic valve, operated by the suction pressure, which it maintains above a given value
by diverting a certain quantity of high-side vapor to the low side of the system.

solenoid valve located in a bypass line running from the outlet of the compressor to the
evaporator.

(also known as internal defrosting), method that utilizes heat from inside the pipes of the
evaporator, usually the highly superheated vaporized refrigerant from the compressor.

(1) line used to convey discharge gas from the compressor to the condenser. (2) line used to
convey discharge gas from the compressor to the evaporator for the purpose of defrosting.

(also known as hydronic heating system or wet heating system) heating system for a
building in which the heat-conveying medium is hot water and the heat emitters are
radiators, convectors, or panel coils.

tank used to store water that is heated integral to or separate from the tank.

boiler completely filled with water and that furnishes hot water to be used externally to
itself at pressures not exceeding 160 psig or at temperatures not exceeding 250°F (120°C) at
or near the boiler outlet.

zone or space air temperature for a given hour when heating and cooling equipment is off
or for an unconditioned space.
heating load for a given hour.
sum of direct solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation that strikes a given surface for a
given hour.

ratio of increase of enthalpy of moist air to the rise of temperature expressed per unit mass
of the dry air component under conditions of constant pressure and humidity ratio.

device to add moisture to air or gases.


to add water vapor or moisture to any moisture-absorbing material, including the
atmosphere.
product of the mass of water evaporated times the latent heat at the evaporating
temperature.

an automatic control device used to maintain humidity at a fixed or adjustable setpoint.

ratio in percent of the mass of moisture at a given temperature to the maximum possible at
the same temperature. See [[humidity]].

ratio of the mass of water vapor to the mass of dry air in a sample of moist air. Also known
as mixing ratio (or humidity value from Mollier’s diagram).
ratio of the specific humidity to that at saturation at the same temperature and pressure,
usually expressed as a percentage.

condition that occurs when a controller, controlled device and system, individually or
collectively, continuously overrides and undershoots or overshoots the control point with
resulting fluctuation and loss of control of the condition to be maintained.

duct and fittings used for conveying air in residential, commercial, institutional, and
industrial heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.

the equipment, distribution systems, and terminals that provide, either collectively or
individually, the processes of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning to a building or portion
of a building.

combined end-to-end accuracy of the EMCS (energy monitoring and control system) and
the accuracy with which the EMCS sensors represent the HVAC process.
a space or group of spaces, within a building with heating, cooling, and ventilating
requirements, that are sufficiently similar so that desired conditions (e.g., temperature) can
be maintained throughout using a single sensor (e.g., thermostat or temperature sensor).

(1) for a fully filled duct or pipe whose cross section is a regular polygon, the hydraulic
diameter is equivalent to the diameter of a circle inscribed within the wetted perimeter.
For a fully filled duct or pipe whose cross section is round, the hydraulic diameter is
equivalent to the diameter of the duct of pipe. (2) a commonly used approximation is to
take four times the flow area divided by the perimeter of the solid boundary in contact with
the fluid.
in a pumping system, the static height (head) to be overcome by the pump.
internal pressure stress imposed in piping systems by a sudden change in liquid velocity, as
by the sudden stopping of flow.
a compound containing only the elements hydrogen and carbon.
a halocarbon that contains only fluorine, carbon, and hydrogen.

a chemical reaction during which molecules of water (H2O) are split into hydrogen cations
(H+) (conventionally referred to as protons) and hydroxide anions (OH−) in the process of a
chemical mechanism. The most common hydrolysis occurs when a salt of a weak acid or
weak base (or both) is dissolved in water. Water autoionizes into negative hydroxyl ions and
positive hydrogen ions. The salt breaks down into positive and negative ions.

an instrument used to measure the specific gravity (or relative density) of liquids; that is,
the ratio of the density of the liquid to the density of water.

a thermal distribution system that uses water or a mixture of water and additives as the
distribution medium in a building.
adjusting water flow rates through hydronic distribution system devices, such as pumps and
coils, by manually adjusting the position valves or by using automatic control devices, such
as automatic flow control valves.
science of heating and cooling water.
device for controlling the level of a liquid in a reservoir.
internal pressure stress in piping or vessels due to a temperature rise in liquids (such as
refrigerants, water, or secondary coolants) when the containment volume is completely
filled with liquid.
(1) normal force per unit area that would be exerted by a moving fluid on an infinitesimally
small body immersed in it if the body were carried along with the fluid. (2) pressure exerted
by a fluid at rest.
instrument responsive to relative humidity, usually relative humidity in the atmosphere.
Compare to [[psychrometer]].
branch of science that deals with the measurement of humidity
capable of absorbing and retaining/losing moisture.

cooling tower of hyperbolic shape that depends on natural draft for air movement through
the tower. The air movement can be either crossflow or counterflow.

in control systems, the difference between the response of a system to increasing and
decreasing signals.
spot-cooling effect produced in a tube into which gas is introduced tangentially, producing
vortex flow.

(also known as pulse tube), device in which the Ranque-Hilsch effect is produced.

[[indoor air quality (IAQ)]]


refrigerated coils immersed in a tank of water used for forming ice and to provide ice water.

machine that collects ice on a cooling surface, then delivers it to storage or use in a process.

automatic ice-making machine in which ice is formed, harvested, and stored.

temperature at which water freezes under normal atmospheric pressure, 14.696 psig, 32°F
(101.325 kPa, 0°C).

(1) refreezing of the water film that forms on or within ice when the pressure from applied
material is sufficient to reduce the freezing point to below the ice temperature at that
location. (2) refreezing phenomenon: for ice, after removal of pressure induced by
contacting materials (such as ice skates, wheels, wires, and bars) water refreezes to ice.
suspension of ice crystals in a secondary coolant.

thermal storage system used for chilling processes or for comfort cooling that uses primarily
the latent heat of phase change from ice to water. Ice is formed during periods of low
refrigerating demand for delivery of cooling during periods of high refrigerating demand.
Compare to [[cool storage]] and [[cold storage]].

treatment to smooth the ice surface.


container for freezing water into ice.
(1) melted ice. (2) water chilled, as with ice.
control of the thickness of a bank of ice for off-peak cool storage; also for use with milk
coolers and other refrigerating cabinets in which refrigerating capacity is stored by means of
ice.
water cooler in which ice is allowed to collect on the evaporator tubes.
evaporator immersed in water. Ice will form on evaporator.
water-cooling tank in which ice is allowed to build up on the evaporator tubes to provide a
reserve for cooling.
equipment that uses metals or plastic as a direct heat transfer medium and that uses ice as
a primary source of refrigeration.

combination of a pump, distributing piping, hose, and device, by which impure water may
be withdrawn from the unfrozen core of an ice block, and, by connecting the source of
water supply, the core may be refilled with pure water.

actual productive mass output of an ice-making plant in a given time.


temperature range in which most freezing takes place [i.e., about 25°F to 30°F (4°C to 1°C)
for water]. Also called zone of maximum crystal formation.
device for cooling water before it is frozen in an ice maker.

latent heat absorbed by ice at 32°F (0°C) in liquefying into water phase at 32°F (0°C). For
precise data, 143.5 Btu/lb. (334.4 kJ/kg); for definition of ton, 144 Btu/lb (2.326 kJ/kg).

container (tank) in which ice is formed on tubes or pipes.


chilling.
(1) [[induced draft]]. (2) Also, i.d., inside diameter.

gas whose internal energy and enthalpy depend solely on temperature and, which is
defined by pressure times specific volume divided by temperature, is a constant for a unit
mass (pv/T = R). Also called perfect gas.

the maximum concentration from which unprotected persons are able to escape within 30
minutes without escape-impairing symptoms or irreversible health effects.

temperature at which a combustible material will unite with oxygen in the atmosphere and
combustion will commence.
luminous (or photometric) irradiance.

apparatus that scans in a single dimension and is moved perpendicular to the scan direction
to produce a two-dimensional thermal map of the scene.

filter in which air is submitted to sudden changes of direction and speed to induce deposit
of heavier particles on an adhering surface.
total restriction (resistance and reactance) that an electrical circuit presents to the flow of
an alternating current; specifically, the ratio of voltage to current and the phase angle
between them.
(also known as rotor or wheel), rotating part of a device (fan, blower, compressor, or pump)
that moves fluid.
(also known as impeller hub disc or impeller hub plate), disc rotating with the axle to which
the impeller blades of a centrifugal fan are fixed.
ratio of the variation of the fluid pressure in the impeller to the total variation of pressure in
the device.

tonal noise related to the blade pass frequency of the impeller. Impacted by the number of
blades and the rotational speed of the impeller. There will be a primary tone frequency and
harmonics that are multiples of the primary frequency (2×, 3×, etc.)

angle defined by the intersection of a line normal to a surface and a ray that strikes that
surface.
the angle between the outward drawn normal to the solar collector aperture plane and the
solar beam.
burning with an insufficient supply of air so the burning substance is only partially
consumed and could have been burned further with additional air supply. See
[[stoichiometric reaction]].
work equivalent of indicator card area for a reciprocating compressor or engine. See also
[[indicator diagram]].
power capacity as measured by means of an indicator diagram.
work as measured by an indicator diagram, independent of time.
thermometer designed for the visual display of temperature.

(also known as indicator card), pressure volume diagram tracing a gas in a compressor or
engine cycle in terms of pressure and volume displaced. See also [[volumetric efficiency]].

curve on an indicator card representing the pressure; the total volume relationship of
clearance fluid during the initial portion of the return stroke of the piston prior to the
opening of the suction valve.

system in which a liquid such as brine or water, cooled by the refrigerant, is circulated to
the material or space to be refrigerated or is used to cool air so circulated.

(1) a heat and mass transfer device used to sensibly cool a primary airstream without
addition of moisture, by means of an evaporatively cooled secondary airstream. Since the
secondary air provides wet-bulb depression, it represents a heat sink to the primary air. (2)
an indirect evaporative cooling device consisting of an indirect evaporative-cooling heat
exchanger, a means of delivering and distributing water to the wet passages of the heat
exchanger, a basin for collecting water, a recirculating water pump, and the piping that
connects the basin and the water distribution system.

an indirect evaporative cooling device with integrated primary (dry) and secondary (wet) air
passages in a single sensible and evaporative heat exchanger.

a packaged, semi-packaged, or component indirect evaporative cooling unit. The term


cooling unit is also used interchangeably for evaporative cooling unit or evaporative cooler.
machines using steam or hot liquids as a heat source.
(also known as water heater), heat exchanger taking heat from steam or water rather than
heat directly.
(also known as internal melt), ice storage system using a method of heat exchange in which
ice in containers is formed and melted by a circulating secondary coolant enclosed in a pipe
or tube.

subfunction of power system distribution automation that implements economic incentives


to induce user action, including automation provided by the user. Characterized by user
local control of loads in response to economic incentives applied. Also called passive load
management.
system in which a secondary coolant, cooled or heated by the refrigerating system, is
circulated to the air or substance to be cooled or heated.

refrigerating system in which secondary coolant, cooled by a refrigerant, is circulated to the


material or space to be cooled or is used to heat or cool circulated air.

usually of the shell-and-tube type with the absorbent solution either flooded or sprayed
outside the tubes and the heat source (steam or hot fluid) inside the tubes.

one in which combustion products do not come into contact with the material to be heated;
heating of the material is accomplished by radiation or conduction from the heated surface.

one in which a fluid, such as air, is circulated to the material or space to be heated or is used
to heat air so circulated.
air inside the building envelope.

attributes of the respirable air inside a building (indoor climate), including gaseous
composition, humidity, temperature, and contaminants. See also [[indoor environment
quality (IEQ)]]. See also [[sick building syndrome]].

the entire air volume of a space or building in which the ventilation air is distributed,
including ductwork and plenums. The volume of indoor furnishings, equipment, and
occupants must be subtracted from the gross indoor volume that is based on interior
dimensions of the space or building.

the heat exchanger that removes heat from or adds heat to the conditioned space.

a perceived indoor experience of the building indoor environment that includes aspects of
design, analysis, and operation of energy efficient, healthy, and comfortable buildings.
Fields of specialization include architecture, HVAC design, thermal comfort, indoor air
quality (IAQ), lighting, acoustics, and control systems. See [[indoor air quality (IAQ)]].

that part of the system that removes heat from or adds heat to the indoor airstream.

air temperature of the internally induced airflow. The mixed airstream resultant
temperature of the mix of room air temperature stream with supply airstream.

fan-induced movement of hot gases from the heat-absorbing equipment.


type of mechanical draft tower in which one or more fans are located in the air outlet to
induce airflow through the air inlets.
entrainment of room air by the jet action of a primary airstream.
ratio of total (primary plus secondary) air to primary air.
terminal that supplies varying proportions of primary and induced air to satisfy the indoor
load (excludes fan-powered terminals).
one that uses nozzles or the velocity of the primary air source to induce a flow of secondary
air to be mixed with the primary air.
alternating current load in which current lags voltage.
a vendor-neutral, open-data-exchange specification. It is an object-oriented file format
developed for the building industry and is commonly used in building information modeling
to facilitate interoperability between software platforms.

uncontrolled inward air leakage to conditioned spaces through unintentional openings in


ceilings, floors, and walls from unconditioned spaces or the outdoors, caused by the same
pressure differences that induce exfiltration.

a measure of the severity of the climate as it relates to infiltration (°F day [°C day]).

the ratio of the building infiltration load with the distribution effects included to the load
with the distribution system effects excluded.
that portion of unconditioned outside air drawn into the heated space as a consequence of
loss of conditioned air through the exhaust system of a furnace or boiler (expressed as a
decimal).

an appendix that is not part of the standard but is included for information only.

device that transduces the infrared irradiance incident on it into some other form of energy.

ratio of the infrared spectrum radiant flux emitted by a physical body to that emitted by a
blackbody at the same temperature and under the same conditions.

apparatus that converts the two-dimensional spatial variations in infrared radiance from
any object surface into a two dimensional thermal map of the same scene in which
variations in radiance are displayed in gradations of gray tone or color.

equivalent temperature difference measure of the (electric) noise of an infrared imaging


system or line scanner; the target-to-background temperature difference between a low-
spatial-frequency blackbody target and its blackbody background at which a ratio of one is
obtained between the peak-to-peak signal and RMS noise at the output of the detector
processing electronics of the sensor in question.

range of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths greater than those of visible light and
shorter than those of microwaves; generally between 0.8 micrometer and 1 millimeter. IR
originates from either incandescent or nonincandescent hot bodies or from flames. The
energy is used as a means of direct heat transfer from the source to the object(s) to be
heated without materially heating the intervening air.

measure of the capability of an infrared thermal sensing device to distinguish the apparent
radiance temperature difference between two blackbodies near the same temperature.

wide class of instruments used to display and/or record information that is proportional to
or equivalent to the thermal radiation from any object surfaces viewed by the instrument.
The instrumentation varies from simple spot radiometers, (which measure only one spot or
area) to two dimensional thermal imagers (which provide photographic quality pictures and
which map the scene radiosity).

device buried in the motor winding to detect the winding temperature and interrupt the
supply line when the allowable winding temperature is exceeded.

property of a system to reach a steady state after a disturbance, without the intervention of
a control equipment.
chemical substance that reduces the rate of corrosion, scale formation, fouling, or slime
production.
the pressure loss of the device operating at a specified airflow rate with no dust load,
expressed in Pa (in. of water).
the gross inside area measured in the plane(s) of the inlet connection(s). For converging
inlets without connection elements, the inlet area shall be considered to be that where a
plane, perpendicular to the airstream, first meets the bell mouth or cone.

in thermal storage, volume flow rate leaving a diffuser per unit length divided by the
kinematic viscosity of the incoming fluid.

fuel burning capacity of an appliance in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h) [kilowatts
(kW)] as specified by the manufacturer. Appliance input ratings are based on sea-level
operation and need not be changed for operation up to 2000 ft (600 m) altitude.

equipment that introduces data into or receives data from a data communications system.

a combined appliance where refrigerant tubing is inserted directly into the water heater,
usually through one of the ports on the water heater; the inserted tubing is the
desuperheater.

reduction in sound pressure level caused by installation of an element in the sound path.

(1) thermostat that has an element that is inserted directly into the airstream of a duct or
pipe. (2) thermostat with the sensing member in the sensed variable but with the
controlling element outside.
inside diameter, width, height, or cross-sectional diagonal.

solar radiation incident on the solar collector. See [[instantaneous irradiance]].

person(s) designated by governing codes to inspect installed systems for compliance with
regulations.
the ratio of the energy removed by the transfer fluid per unit of collector area to the total
solar radiation incident on the collector per unit area (aperture or gross) during a test
period for which the condition of the test corresponds to the steady state or quasi-steady
state.

a self-contained packaged water-heating device that is capable of providing a continuous


supply of hot water at a predetermined temperature without any storage capacity. Energy
sources can be fuel fired (natural gas/propane), electric, or steam fired. The term is typically
utilized for domestic water-heating applications, but pool, spa, and radiant heating systems
are also an application. Another term that is used on smaller heaters is point-of-use
heaters. Some manufacturers allow for multiple unit installations when the need for larger
capacity is required.

the rate at which solar radiation is incident on a unit surface area in unit time, measured in
Btu/(h·ft2) [W/m2].

the amount of energy removed by the transfer fluid per unit of gross collector area during
the specified time period divided by the global total solar radiation incident on the collector
per unit area during the same test period, under steady state or quasi-steady state.

see [[instantaneous heater]].


a material separating a body from others to reduce or retard the transfer of energy (heat),
electricity, or sound.
circuit that contributes to the output of the controller an amount equal to the integral of
the error signal over time, multiplied by the integral gain.

a device that is an integral part of a furnace or boiler and is designed to (a) provide for the
exhaust of the products of combustion in the event of no draft, back draft, or stoppage
beyond the draft diverter; (b) prevent a back draft from entering the furnace; and (c)
neutralize the effect of stack action of the chimney or gas vent upon the operation of the
furnace.

surface extension formed from the parent material at time of manufacture.


a boiler operated in conjunction with an indirectly fired storage water heater or an external
storage tank in which domestic water, heated by the boiler, is stored. Part-load value based
on operation at standard ARI conditions; typically used for ARI rating purposes.

a single number part-load efficiency figure of merit calculated per the method described in
the current version of ANSI/AHRI Standard 550/590.

(1) more than one building system, such as lights and air distribution, combined into a
common design. (2) system in which many subsystems of a building are combined into a
single package (e.g., fire, security, clock, and HVAC).

a device using signals from temperature and flow sensors through time for computing
thermal energy transferred.

apparatus for cooling compressed gas or vapor between two compression stages.

generation of thermograms of portions of a building as viewed from the building interior.


Compare to [[exterior-imaging survey]].

the maximum lighting power, in watts, allowed for the interior of a building.

any space not affected by exterior loads.

small back-pressure- and back-siphonage-type backflow prevention device designed to


operate under continuous pressure, for use where certain quasi contaminants are involved.

pressure prevailing between stages of multistage compression.

ignition source that is automatically ignited or energized when an appliance is called on to


operate and that remains continuously ignited or energized during each period of main
burner operation (ANSI Standard Z 21.13).

burner for which ignition is supplied initially to start, not continually, and at timed intervals
so long as combustion is required.
makeup air delivered directly to the interior of an exhaust hood such that it is exhausted
without entering the occupied space. Sometimes this kind of makeup air is called short-
circuit makeup air.

sum of all kinetic and potential energies contained in a substance due to the states of
motion and separation of its several molecules, atoms, and electrons. It includes sensible
heat (vibration energy) and that part of latent heat represented by the increase in energy
during evaporation.

in a thermostatic expansion valve, an integral internal part or passage whereby the


actuating element (e.g., diaphragm or bellows) is exposed to pressure leaving the valve.

the volume as determined from internal dimensions of the container with no allowance for
the volume of internal parts.

total passive heat generated within the conditioned space. It includes heat generated by
lighting, computers, business machines, occupants, and mechanical and electrical
equipment such as fans, pumps, compressors, and transformers.

heat from industrial activities and sources such as wastewater, boiler flue gas, coolants,
exhaust air, and some waste materials. This heat is normally wasted unless equipment is
included to extract it for further use.
see [[static pressure loss]].
in rotating equipment, isolation of all moving parts is within the unit that supports the
rotating device.
written explanation of the meaning of specific provisions, as determined by the issuing body
in response to an inquiry.
device to disconnect a load from a power source or distribution center under an overload or
short circuit condition (e.g., a fuse, disconnect switch, etc.) This interrupt is not an integral
part of the operating equipment.

see [[intermittent burner ignition]].


electrical or gas loads that by contract can be interrupted by the supply system in the event
of a capacity limit in the supplying system.
price rate, normally covering reduced pricing for a supply of electricity, that can be
interrupted at the utility’s option, either instantaneously as required or with advance
notice.
space between two zones, rooms, or floors of a building.
component or circuit that limits the energy available in a hazardous location to a level that
is incapable of igniting the hazardous atmosphere.
see [[steam trap]].

steam trap in which the inlet is channeled to the bottom of the trap body so that the
condensate enters underneath the inverted bucket. A small hole in the top of the bucket
helps discharge incondensable gases and entrapped air. The outlet from the trap is at the
top and, as long as the trap is filled with steam, it floats in the condensate and keeps the
outlet closed. The valve opens when the trap fills with condensate, sinks, and discharges the
condensate into the return line.

[[inch-pound]]
units using inches, pounds, and other designations. Examples are: foot, Btu, horsepower,
gallon. As compared to SI unit system.
sectorized blades.

(1) at a point of a surface, quotient of the flux incident on an element of a surface


containing the point, divided by the area of that element, measured in watts per square
meter. (2) radiant flux density. See also [[solar irradiance]].

expansion of a fluid during which no heat or mechanical energy is exchanged with the
surroundings; the enthalpy remains constant.

(also known as reversible adiabatic), thermodynamic change at constant entropy.

(1) line at one barometric pressure. (2) line graph of state representing an isobaric process.

(also known as isopiestic), thermodynamic change at constant pressure.


thermodynamic change at constant volume.

graph that shows the variation of one quantity with another; for example, the variation of
pressure with temperature when the volume of the substance is held constant.

sampling in which the flow in the sampler inlet is moving at the same velocity and direction
as the flow being sampled.

an installation in which a furnace or boiler is installed indoors and all combustion and
ventilation air is admitted through grilles or ducts from outdoors and (all such air) does not
communicate with air in the conditioned space.

in thermodynamics, a system that can interchange neither matter nor energy with its
surroundings.

devices that isolate HVAC zones so that they can be operated independently of one
another. Also, a device, such as a service valve, that allows maintenance of a portion of a
system. Isolation devices include, but are not limited to, separate systems, isolation
dampers/valves, and controls providing shutoff at terminal boxes.

one of a group of substances with the same ultimate chemical composition but different
molecular structure.
form of three-dimensional projection in which all of the principal planes are drawn parallel
to corresponding established axes and at true dimensions.

state of constant relative humidity.


graph of a state line that represents one temperature.
process at constant temperature.
a formal and ongoing record of problems or concerns—and their resolution—that have
been raised by members of the commissioning team during the course of the
commissioning process.
process that repeatedly executes a series of operations until some prescribed condition is
satisfied.

(1) integral covering, sometimes fabric reinforced, that is applied over insulation. Also, the
core, shield, or armor of a cable to provide mechanical or environmental protection. (2)
sealed space around a piece of equipment or a storage unit, through which a thermal
medium can be circulated.

concentrated airstream formed as primary air leaves the diffuser.


quick chilling process using air at very high speed forced around the products, usually while
those products are continuously moving on a conveyor belt. Compare to [[air-blast
cooling]].
quick freezing process using cold air at very high speed forced onto the produce. Also called
blast freezing.
ejector or injector pump.

a filter used to collect the ASHRAE dust passing a device during an arrestance test.

set of quantum mechanical phenomena occurring when a current flows through an


(electrically) weak link or junction connecting two superconductors (e.g., by tunneling
through a dielectric barrier or by flowing through a sufficiently narrow constriction in a
superconducting material).

ratio of temperature change to pressure change (dT/dp) of an actual gas in a process of


throttling or expansion without doing work or interchanging heat.

alcohol thermometer used to measure low velocities in air circulation by heating the large
bulb of the thermometer above 100°F (38°C) and noting the time it takes to cool from 100°F
to 95°F (38°C to 35°C) or some other interval above ambient temperature with the time
interval being a measure of the air current at that location.

instrument for measuring the CO2 concentration in a cold storage atmosphere working on
the principle that CO2 has a thermal conductivity different from other gases. Concentrations
of other gases can also be measured using this principle.

SI absolute temperature scale on which the triple point of water is 273.16 K and the boiling
point is approximately 373.15 K (1 K = 1°C). The Kelvin is the fraction 1/273.16 of the
temperature of the thermodynamic triple point of water. See [[triple point]].

three laws describing the motions of planets in their orbits: (1) the orbits of planets are
ellipses with the sun at the common focus; (2) the line joining a planet and the sun sweeps
over equal areas during equal intervals of time; (3) the squares of the periods of revolution
of any two planets are proportional to the cubes of their mean distances from the sun.
time rate of steady-state heat flow through a unit area of a homogeneous material, induced
by a unit temperature gradient in a direction perpendicular to that unit area. Units are Btu
in./h·ft2·°F or Btu/h·ft·°F [W/(m·K)].

the product of the line current (amperes) times the nominal system voltage (kilovolts) times
1.732 for three-phase currents. For single-phase applications, kVa is the product of the line
current (amperes) times the nominal system voltage (kilovolts).

ratio of absolute viscosity to density of a fluid. A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow in


units of centistokes.
energy caused by the velocity of molecules.
(1) stop valve between receiver and liquid main in a refrigeration system. (2) stop valve on
boiler head.
ratio of the emissivity of a heat radiator to the absorptivity of the same radiator is the same
for all bodies, depending on frequency and temperature alone, and is equal to the
emissivity of a blackbody.

when ionization is complete, the conductivity of an electrolyte is equal to the sum of the
conductivities of the ions into which the substance dissociates.

optical absorption bands of a solution are displaced toward the red when its refractive index
increases because of changes in composition or other causes.

equipment or materials to which a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an


organization, acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, has been attached. This
organization is concerned with product evaluation and maintains periodic inspection of the
production of labeled equipment or materials. By labeling the equipment or materials, the
manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a
specified manner.

facility acceptable to the local, national, or international recognized authority having


jurisdiction and which provides uniform testing and examination procedures and standards
for meeting design, manufacturing, and factory testing requirements.

box-like structure enclosing a source of potential air contamination, with one or more open
or partially open sides into which air is moved for the purpose of containing and exhausting
air contaminants. A laboratory hood is generally used for bench scale laboratory operations
but does not necessarily involve the use of a bench or table.

device consisting of a series of grooves, fins, etc., machined into or fitted onto a shaft,
piston, packing piece, etc. to prevent leakage of a fluid.

(1) delay attributable to the transport of material or the finite rate of propagation of a signal
or condition. Note: also termed transport lag and transportation lag. (2) delay in action of
the sensing element of a control device due to the time required for the sensing element to
reach equilibrium with the variable being controlled (i.e., temperature lag, flow lag). (3) in
thermal insulation, preformed, narrow blocks attached around large pipes or vessels by
wires or bands. (4) retardation of an output with respect to the causal input.

(1) illumination of a surface by a light ray varies as the cosine of the angle of incidence
between the normal to the surface and the incident ray. (2) luminous intensity in a given
direction radiated or reflected by a perfectly diffusing plane surface varies as the cosine of
the angle between that direction and the normal to the surface.

having airflow nominally in one direction.


weld formed by lapping two pieces of metal and then pressing or hammering; applied
particularly to the longitudinal joint produced by a welding process for tubes or pipe, in
which the edges of the skelp are beveled or scarfed so that when they are overlapped, they
can be welded together.

the rate, expressed in Btu/h (W), at which the equipment removes latent heat (reduces the
moisture content) of the air passing through it under specified conditions of operation.

that portion of the cooling effect that results in water vapor condensation in the air
circulating through the equipment.
the change in enthalpy associated with a change in humidity ratio, caused by the addition or
removal of moisture.

(also known as moisture tons or wet tons), cooling load required to remove latent heat.

quantity of heat released on change of unit mass of saturated vapor to saturated liquid with
no change in temperature, measured in Btu/lbm (J/kg).

quantity of heat required to change a unit mass of ice to water at 32°F (0°C) temperature,
measured in Btu/lbm (J/kg).

quantity of heat required to cause a change of state of a substance from a saturated liquid
to a saturated vapor with no change in temperature, measured in Btu/lbm (J/kg).

use of a phase change of a medium for storing heating or cooling capacity. See also [[ice
storage]].
airflow within the fume hood is described as lazy when smoke remains on the work surface
without smoothly flowing to the back baffle.

(1) in gravity warm air heating, the duct running horizontally from the furnace to the riser or
stack. (2) in plumbing, a water conductor from the roof to the storm drain.

any operation designed to reveal a leak in a system.

(1) volumetric flow rate required to maintain a constant static pressure in the test section.
(2) the amount of air interchanged between the room side and outdoor side through a unit
as a result of construction features, faulty sealing techniques, temperature differential, or
height differential. See [[infiltration]].

divisions of airtightness based on normalized leakage.


estimate in statistics and econometrics. The method of estimation that involves the choice
of an estimate such that the sum of the squares of the deviations of the data from the
estimate is a minimum.
when an external force is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system adjusts so as to
minimize the effect of the applied force.

an electromotive force (emf) induced in a conductor is always in such a direction that the
current it would produce would oppose the change that causes the induced emf.

dimensionless number equal to thermal diffusivity divided by mass diffusivity. Symbol Le,
Le, or NLe.
person or entity certified by governmental authority (where required by law) to engage in
construction contracting.

the process of evaluating a component, product, assembly, building, etc. and its
development from the moment of extraction of raw materials, transportation, processing,
manufacturing, use, recyclability, and disposal and assigning a value or assessment of its
cumulative and ultimate social, environmental and economic costs, benefits, and impacts.
This is often referred to as a cradle-to-grave or cradle-to-cradle assessment.

cost of equipment over its entire life including operating, maintenance, and
repair/replacement cost. May also include decommissioning cost.
vertical distance that fluid must be pumped to reach a specified height.
valve with the mechanism lifting vertically from its seat. Lift-check valves are primarily used
in vertical piping. See [[check valve]].

(1) the amount of incident light passed through a glazing system. (2) the percentage of
incident light passed by the translucent sampling filters (targets) used in the dust spot test.

the component of a luminaire that houses the lamp or lamps, positions the lamp, shields it
from view, and distributes the light. The fixture also provides for connection to the power
supply, which may require the use of a ballast.

the maximum lighting power per unit area based on space function.
a group of luminaires circuited or controlled to perform a specific function.
control device used to limit the desired maximum or minimum state of the controlled
variable or to provide an alarm if those limits are exceeded.
controller designed to provide limit control.

physical stop or device that prevents an operator from adjusting the setpoint of a controller
beyond a maximum or minimum setting, often for safety.

control to limit some function. Once tripped, can be automatically reset or can require
manual reset.
device that acts to automatically control the temperature of a room or space in which it is
installed by switching directly to the control device.
finding a straight line that best fits the data points, commonly by use of the least squares
technique.
percentage increase in the length of a test specimen, usually an elastomer, as a result of
exposure to refrigerants or oils.
(1) control device that automatically opens the line connections to a motor when a
predetermined unsafe temperature exists in the windings of the motor. (2) electrical motor
protective action that causes the power line to the motor to be interrupted on protective
requirement.
a continuous vapor barrier liner installed below the purlins and uninterrupted by framing
members.
change of state to liquid; generally used instead of the term condensation in cases of
substances that are ordinarily gaseous.
mixed hydrocarbon gases stored under pressure in liquid form.

state of matter intermediate between crystalline substances and gases in which the volume
of a substance, but not the shape, remains relatively constant.

(1) a factory-made assembly of elements in which the heat is transferred from the liquid to
the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and the liquid to be cooled. (2) heat
exchanger designed to cool liquids.
connection between the pumping unit outlet and the evaporator inlet.
tube or pipe carrying the refrigerant liquid from the condenser or receiver of a refrigerating
system to a pressure-reducing device.
superheater or desuperheater.
system feeding an evaporator with refrigerant at a rate to make the exit vapor quality less
than one.

(also known as liquid circulation), evaporator feed system whereby refrigerant liquid is
flashed to saturated suction pressure and temperature in an accumulator and is then fed by
a mechanical pump or by refrigerant vapor pressure to the evaporators. This liquid is
normally fed at a rate greater than the evaporation rate for the refrigerant to ensure
wetting of the entire evaporator surface for better heat transfer.

(also known as liquid slug), accidental trapping of liquid refrigerant at any point in the
system.
a vessel, permanently connected to a refrigerating system by inlet and outlet pipes, for
storage of liquid refrigerant.
one of the three states of matter characterized by limited freedom of molecules and by
substantial incompressibility. See also [[liquid]].

in applications where the sensing point is always at a higher temperature than the rest of
the system, vapor pressure is transmitted by a column of liquid.

device for collecting liquid refrigerant at a given point in a refrigerating circuit.

vacuum pump in which the flow of the gas is induced by a vaned rotor and a mass of liquid
projected by centrifugal force against the stator.

liquid and gaseous phases of a single substance or azeotrope, usually at saturation.

vapor thermostat charged with such an amount of liquid that a certain quantity of liquid
remains in the bulb whatever the operating conditions may be.

a condensing unit in which the condensing media is a liquid (for example, water).

trap with an adjustable bellows and steel valve head located downstream of the steam
system. It operates on temperature rise, with the setpoint adjustable from the outside. It
discharges at a fixed temperature for protection from freezing and for high-capacity venting
requirements.

a transformer in which the core and coils are immersed in an insulating liquid.

valve which controls the introduction of liquid refrigerant (e.g., into the intercooler in a
multistage compression system).
a device for removing and retaining solid contaminants from the liquid line of a refrigeration
system.
a filter containing a desiccant capable of removing moisture and other dissolved
contaminants in the refrigerant stream.

a method of internally cooling the compressor mechanism or lubricant or the reduction of


discharge temperature by introducing saturated or subcooled discharge-side liquid
refrigerant into the compressor or condensing unit. Liquid-refrigerant injection mass flow
rate is not taken into account when calculating compressor or condensing unit efficiency,
capacity, or volumetric efficiency.

solution used in absorption refrigeration.

equipment or materials included in a list published by an approved, nationally recognized


testing laboratory, inspection agency, or other organization concerned with product
evaluation which maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or
materials and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets nationally
recognized standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.

an absorption system where water (R-718) is the refrigerant and lithium bromide (LiBr) is
the absorbent.

(1) amount of heat per unit time imposed on a system by the required rate of heat addition
or removal. (2) energy absorbing device. (3) material, force, torque, energy, or power
applied to or removed from a system or element. See also [[capacity]].

in a thermal storage system, the ratio of average daily load to maximum capacity. A 100 kW
chiller meeting an average load of 75 kW would have a diversity of 0.75.

ratio of actual mean load to a maximum load or maximum production capacity in a given
period. See [[electric power load factor]]; [[cooling load factor]]; [[heating load factor]].
charging a thermal storage system at a constant rate during a complete cycle.

deliberate local control or influencing of user loads to affect the time of use of power or
energy such as gas, steam, or electric. Compare with [[direct-load management]].

summary of thermal or other energy loads in a system over a period of time. Note: for
example, a common load profile on a peak design day for thermal storage designs would
show hourly system load requirements for 24 hours.

a compounded, synthetic dust used for air cleaner capacity and efficiency testing.

magnitude of the time-averaged vector of velocity at a point of an airstream.

(also known as locked rotor amperage [LRA]), steady-state current taken from the line with
the rotor locked and with rated voltage (and rated frequency in the case of alternating
current motors) applied to the motor.
see [[control logic]].
choice or ability to choose between alternatives. This amounts to a yes or no answer to a
question of equality or relative magnitude.

detailed statement of the work order in terms of logic or built-in operations and
characteristics of a specified machine. Concise symbolic notation is used to represent the
information and describe the input, output, arithmetic, and logical operations by use of a
standard set of block symbols. A coding process normally follows a logical flowchart.

instruction that carries out a logical operation, such as AND, OR, NOR.

(1) electric circuit containing a complete, continuous path, as in a feedback loop. (2)
sequence of instructions that is repeated until an exit condition prevails.

(1) device that is capable of discerning the loss of refrigerant charge in a refrigerating
machine and of reacting to protect the apparatus from motor burnout. (2) splitting of a
condensate line to permit vapors to pass above and condensate to pass below an
obstruction.

device consisting of an assembly of parallel sloping vanes, intended to permit the passage of
air while providing a measure of protection against environmental influences. Also spelled
louvre.
the temperature range for maintaining product in a frozen state in refrigeration
applications.

the minimum concentration of a substance that is capable of propagating a flame through a


homogeneous mixture of the substance and air under specified test conditions.
limited fill thermal element, located in the mixed air portion of an HVAC unit, which opens
an electrical circuit if any one foot portion of the element reaches its setpoint (usually 35°F
[2°C]). It usually shuts down the HVAC unit and/or initiates an alarm. Formerly referred to
as freeze stat.

electric, gas, or oil-burning appliance designed to supply low-pressure steam or hot water
for space-heating application. A low-pressure steam boiler operates at or below 15 psig
[103 kPa (gage)] steam pressure; a hot-water boiler operates at or below 160 psig [1100 kPa
(gage)] water pressure and 250°F (120°C) water temperature.

(1) electric switch and pressure-responsive element connected into the suction side of a
refrigerating system to control the operation of the system. (2) pressure-responsive device
actuated directly by refrigerant vapor pressure in the low side.

float-type expansion valve operated by changes in liquid level on the low-pressure side.
(1) sometimes referred to as an accumulator or surge drum, this vessel acts as the separator
for the mixture of vapor and liquid returning from the evaporators; the constant refrigerant
level is usually maintained by control devices. (2) vessel on the low side of a refrigerating
system into which liquid refrigerant can be collected and used to supply evaporators.

system whose gage pressure at room temperature (74°F [23.3°C]) is near or less than
atmospheric pressure. Common low-pressure refrigerants include R-11 and R-123.

(also known as suction pressure safety cut-out), switch designed to stop the compressor
motor when the suction pressure reaches a predetermined low value.

(1) low side or suction side. (2) portion of a refrigerating system operating at approximately
the evaporator pressure.
compression stage from a low to an intermediate pressure level.
gastight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures or alloys that
melt at temperatures below 1500°F (800°C) but above 800°F (427°C). Compare to
[[soldered joint]].
use of fluids less than 200°F (50°C) (in round numbers) for district-heating supply;
permitting use of energy sources formerly discarded.
hydronic system intended for operation at temperatures below 200°F (93°C). Compare to
[[high-temperature hot-water system]].
air terminal device that is designed for thermally controlled ventilation (e.g., displacement
flow applications). Also see [[air terminal device]].
[[liquefied petroleum gas]]
the ratio of the mass of lubricant circulating through a refrigerant system to the total mass
of refrigerant and lubricant flowing through the system at a specified set of operating
conditions.
see [[plug valve]].

(also known as photometric), referring to a radiometric quantity, luminous indicates the


weighted average of the spectral radiometric quantity, with the product of the photopic
spectral luminous efficiency functions and the standard solar spectral irradiance distribution
being the weighting function.

monitoring and verification. See [[monitoring]] and [[verification]].

one thousand Btu per hour. An I-P unit of power. In SI, use watts or kilowatts.
ratio of the speed of a body or of a point on a body with respect to the surrounding air or
other fluid or the ratio of the speed of a fluid to the speed of sound in the medium. Symbol
M or NMa.

a space that is designed to safely house compressors and pressure vessels.

a ballast constructed with magnetic core and a winding of insulated wire.

cryocooling by adiabatic demagnetization of certain paramagnetic substances.

lines of force that exist about a magnetized body and collectively constitute a magnetic
field.
degree of concentration of magnetic lines of force.

one that indicates temperature from the measurement of magnetic properties (e.g.,
susceptibility) of any suitable substance; used for very low temperatures.

(1) pipe or duct for distributing flowing fluid to or collecting flowing fluid from various
branches. (2) regulated compressed air piped to pneumatic controls.
the meter that measures the energy used for the whole facility. There is at least one meter
for each energy source and possibly more than one per source for large facilities. Typically,
utility meters are used, but dataloggers may also be used as long as they isolate the load for
the facility being studied. When more than one meter per energy source exists for a facility,
the main meter may be considered the accumulation of all the meters involved.

maintenance concept in terms of time and resource allocation. The maintenance program
documents the objectives, establishes the criteria for evaluation, and commits the
maintenance activities to basic areas of performance (e.g., prompt response to mechanical
failure, repair, adjustment, and planned service functions that protect the capital
investment and minimize downtime or failure response).

(1) dedicated replacement air. (2) air brought into a building from the outdoors to replace
air that is exhausted. Makeup air may or may not be conditioned. (3) any combination of
outdoor and transfer air intended to replace exhaust air and exfiltration. (4) in a cleanroom,
air introduced to the secondary air system for ventilation, pressurization, and replacement
of exhaust air. (5) in a laboratory or kitchen, outdoor air deliberately brought into the
building from the outside and supplied to the vicinity of an exhaust hood to replace air,
vapor, and contaminants being exhausted. Makeup air is generally filtered and fan forced,
and it may be heated or cooled depending on the requirements of the application. Makeup
air may be delivered through outlets integral to the exhaust hood or through outlets in the
same room.

air-handling unit that provides 100% outdoor air to offset air that is exhausted and
exfiltrated, often providing conditioning or treatment of the outdoor air.

water supplied to replenish the water of a system.

provision of information useful for management of a building environment and/or its


energy efficiency and/or HVAC system maintenance.

portion of a main in which several branches are close together. Also, a single piece in which
there are several fluid paths.
device for measuring pressure or head in a fluid.

requiring personal intervention for control. Nonautomatic does not necessarily imply a
manual controller, only that personal intervention is necessary. See [[automatic]].

changeover from one operation to another by means of operator intervention.

device that can be used to manually adjust the airflow rate by manual operation. Also see
[[damper]]; [[valve]].
hand-operated, needle-type valve for controlling the flow of liquid refrigerant to an
evaporator.

automatic shutoff valve installed in a supply piping and set to shut off when unsafe
conditions occur. The device remains closed until manually reopened.

(1) device for interrupting or changing the path of electric current or mass flow by a physical
means. (2) device used to manually turn on or interrupt an electric circuit.

device that can be used to shut off the flow by manual operation. Also see [[damper]] and
[[valve]].
see [[manual damper]].
opening with removable cover in a vessel to permit periodic entry to the interior of the
vessel or inspection of an area.
see [[Stanton number]].
quantity of matter in a body measured in terms of resistance to acceleration by a force (i.e.,
its inertia). In SI, the standard unit of mass is the kilogram (kg); in I-P, the standard unit of
mass is the slug.
(also known as diffusion coefficient), ratio of the mass flow of a substance diffusing through
a surface of unit area to the rate of variation in the concentration of this substance normal
to this surface.
mass of a substance flowing per unit time.

transfer of one component of a mixture relative to the motion of the mixture. It is the result
of a concentration gradient. Compare to [[heat transfer]].

ratio of the mass flow rate of a fluid to the cross-sectional area of the flow.

rate of a chemical reaction for a uniform system at constant temperature is proportional to


the concentrations of the substances reacting. Also known as Guldberg and Waage law.

(1) central device that develops corrective action, in response to the area control error, for
execution at one or more generating units. (2) controller that contains the necessary circuits
to operate slave controllers. (3) instrument whose variable output is used to change the
setpoint of a submaster controller.

central utility meter for an aggregation of multiple units.

all materials not hazardous by nature, existing at near ambient pressure and temperature,
and not placing at risk people working on systems carrying such materials.

the period of time within which charging of the thermal storage device must be completed.
This period is typically determined by the utility rate structure, the building operating
schedule, and the design operating strategy.

(1) maximum gage pressure permitted on a completed system. (2) the setting of the
pressure-relieving devices protecting the system.

for a set of multiple measurements of a physical property, from which statistical methods
have been used to remove spurious data points, the greatest of the deviations of the set of
indicated values from the mean of the set.

the position of the sash at which the fume hood has the largest opening.
a modulating damper or set of dampers used to control the outdoor airflow to the system in
excess of minimum ventilation outdoor air for free cooling (airside economizer). Also called
economizer outdoor air damper. May also serve to provide the minimum outside airflow
control.

the difference between the saturated liquid temperature (bubble point) and the saturated
vapor temperature (dew point) for the "as-formulated" blend composition at constant
pressure. For a given pressure, the evaporator temperature glide in a direct-expansion
system will typically be 70% to 80% of the maximum temperature glide (as the refrigerant
blend entering the evaporator is a mixture of liquid and vapor) and not at the saturated
liquid temperature of the “as-formulated” blend composition.

the maximum fluid supply temperature at which the cooling load can be met without
adversely affecting latent space conditions.
the maximum fluid temperature at which usable cooling can be obtained from the thermal
storage device.
see [[design pressure]].
used where a provision is permissible but not mandatory.
the sum of measurement values divided by the number of measurements. It is considered
the best approximation of the true value.
temperature is based on the arithmetic average of the mean daily minimum and mean daily
maximum outdoor (dry-bulb) temperatures for the month in question.

theoretical uniform surface temperature of an enclosure in which an occupant would


exchange the same amount of radiant heat as in the actual nonuniform enclosure. Compare
to [[operative temperature]].
arithmetic mean of tank-water temperatures. Determination of number and type of
measurements can be as specified by standards or guidelines.
can be calculated as the average of temperature readings over a period of time or the
average of the high and low temperatures over a given time.
an average of the instantaneous air velocity over an interval of time.
a continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building or structure to a
public way.
element inserted in the ductwork that facilitates the determination of air temperature, air
humidity, airflow rate, and/or pressure.

that full range of checks and tests carried out to determine if all installed measurement
system components, subsystems, systems, and interfaces between systems function in
accordance with the measurement plan. Also used to ascertain the as-installed uncertainty
of the measurement system.

mechanical instrument that directly measures air velocity; a device, that is sensitive to air
movement, with a calibrated airspeed measuring indicator.

burner supplied with fuel oil under pressure, causing self-atomization.

refrigerating machine using mechanical energy input to generate chilled water.

reducing the temperature of a fluid by using vapor compression, absorption, desiccant


dehumidification combined with evaporative cooling, or other energy-driven
thermodynamic means. Indirect or direct evaporative cooling alone is not considered
mechanical.

ratio of the compression energy or work of a compressor to the energy or work input.

capacity for doing work, usually expressed in work units (foot-pounds or newton-meters);
sometimes in heat units (Btu or joule). Energy may be inherent in the speed of a body
(kinetic energy) or in its position relative to another body (potential energy).

raising the temperature or change of phase of a solid or fluid by use of fossil-fuel burners,
electric resistance heaters, heat pumps, or other systems that require energy to operate.

joints obtained by joining parts through a mechanical construction (such as flanged joint,
screwed joint, flared joint). Also see [[compression joint]].

properties of a material that reveal the elastic and inelastic reaction when force is applied
or that involve the relationship between stress and strain; for example, the modulus of
elasticity, tensile strength, and fatigue limit.

refrigerating system using mechanical compression to move the refrigerant from the low-
pressure side and to deliver it to the high-pressure side of the system.

seal with small enough clearance between moving parts to provide pressure tightness and
minimize leakage between mechanical parts.
energy delivered or absorbed by a mechanism, such as a turbine, air compressor, or internal
combustion engine.
(1) the active process of supplying or removing air to or from an indoor space by powered
equipment such as motor-driven fans and blowers but not by devices such as wind-driven
turbine ventilators and mechanically operated windows. (2) ventilation provided by
mechanically powered equipment, such as motor-driven fans and blowers, but not by
devices such as wind-driven turbine ventilators and mechanically operated windows.

tower through which air movement is effected by one or more fans. There are two main
types: forced draft with fans located at the air inlet and induced draft with fans located at
the air exhaust. See also [[cooling tower]].

system whose gage pressure at room temperature (74°F [23.3°C]) is greater than
atmospheric pressure but typically less than 100 psig (689 kPa). Common medium pressure
refrigerants include R-12, R-500, and R 134a.
the temperature range for maintaining food product above freezing in refrigeration
applications. Typically 35°F to 40°F (3°C to 5°C).

thermodynamic state shown by all superconductors in a sufficiently weak magnetic field,


characterized by the exclusion or expulsion of magnetic flux from everywhere within the
superconductor except a thin surface layer.

change of state from solid to liquid, caused by absorption of heat.


for a given pressure, the temperature at which the solid and liquid phases of the substance
are in equilibrium.

pressure gage with a flexible membrane whose deformations are used to indicate pressure.

an adjustable mechanical device that allows a valve to be closed (for service) and limits the
valve to a predetermined position when reopened.

(1) free surface of a liquid which, near the walls of a vessel, is curved because of surface
tension. (2) in a manometer, the datum point measured at the center of the free surface.

glass tube partially filled with mercury. Electrical contact is established when the tube is
tilted so that the mercury bridges the gap between contacts located at the same end. Tilting
in the opposite direction opens the circuit.

bulb and attached glass capillary tube containing mercury which expands or contracts with
changes in temperature; so marked that the end of the mercury column indicates the
ambient temperature.
see [[minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV)]].
see [[minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV)]].
heat produced by oxidation of food elements (i.e., metabolism) in humans or animals. The
met represents the average heat produced by a sedentary man, approximately 90 kcal/h or
100 W (340 Btu/h).

(1) rate of energy production of the body. The rate varies with the type of activity. (2) the
rate of transformation of chemical energy into heat and mechanical work by metabolic
activities within an organism, usually expressed in terms of unit area of the total body
surface. Metabolic rate is expressed in met units.

chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes.

energy end use data collected over time using a measuring device or group of measuring
devices.
the average time rate of energy flow over a period of time.

collection of energy data using a measuring device or group of measuring devices.


CH3OH, colorless, toxic, flammable liquid with a boiling at 148.9°F (65.0°C) and having a
flash point (open cup) of 54°F (12.2°C).
conditions such as temperature, humidity, and motion of air within an enclosure or limited
outdoor area.
a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, fungus, or protozoan.
insulation composed principally of fibers manufactured from rock, slag, or glass, with or
without binders.

scaled rating of the effectiveness of air filters. The scale is designed to represent the worst-
case performance of a filter when dealing with particles in the range of 0.3 to 10
micrometers. The MERV rating is from 1 to 16. Higher MERV ratings correspond to a greater
percentage of particles captured on each pass, with a MERV rating of 16 filter capturing
more than 95% of particles over the full range.

the minimum efficiency occurring in a population of motors of the same manufacturer and
rating.
the minimum pressure where effective operation is achieved
a damper in parallel with the maximum outdoor air damper to provide the minimum
outdoor air required for ventilation.
ability of a liquid or gas to dissolve uniformly in another liquid or gas.

specific activities, technologies, or equipment designed or deployed to capture or control


substances upon loss of containment to minimize exposure of the public or the
environment. Passive mitigation means equipment, devices, or technologies that function
without human, mechanical, or other energy input. Active mitigation means equipment,
devices, or technologies that need human, mechanical, or other energy input to function.

(1) air that contains two or more streams of air. (2) combined outdoor air and recirculated
air.
fan whose characteristics combine both centrifugal and axial airflow.
air diffusion where the mixing of supply air and room air is intended. Also see [[air
diffusion]].

compartment into which two air supplies are mixed together before being discharged.

a section for the mixing of two air streams at differing temperatures or humidities or both.

a type of air-distribution system in which conditioned air is delivered to the space at a


velocity sufficient to promote complete mixing of supply air with room air, thereby
maintaining the entire volume of air in the space at a relatively uniform temperature,
humidity, and air quality condition. A conventional overhead air distribution, which supplies
and returns air at ceiling level, is an example of a mixing system.

three-way valve to mix two fluids. Compare to [[diverting valve]].

in a system undergoing vibration, a mode of vibration designates the characteristic pattern


of displacement assumed by the system vibrating at one of its resonance frequencies.

the shape of the structure when vibrating at a natural frequency. Note: mode shapes should
be normalized (usually by referring all values to a fraction of the motion at some reference
point).

a mathematical representation or calculation procedure that is used to predict the energy


use and demand in a building or facility. Models may be based on equations that specifically
represent the physical processes (refer to [[simulation model]]) or may be the result of
statistical analysis of energy use data.
on-site assembly of prefabricated components, each with a functional role in an air-
conditioning (air-circulation, air-filtration, cooling, heating, humidification, etc.) system.

boiler designed and constructed to include increments of capacity.


(1) to adjust by small increments and decrements. (2) to vary a voltage or other variable
with a signal.

(1) a step-modulating control that is capable of controlling flow rate between the maximum
and the minimum adjustable input rate in response to varying heating or cooling load. (2)
method of control in which the output of the controller may vary infinitely over its range.

valve capable of increasing or decreasing by increments the fluid flow according to


deviation from the set control value.
adjustment of controller action by increments and decrements.

ratio of stress (nominal) to corresponding strain below the proportional (elastic) limit of a
material, expressed in force per unit area based on the average initial cross-sectional area.
Also known as Young’s modulus.

retention and transport of water droplets in a gas stream (usually air) (e.g., water droplets
formed by bridging fins of a coil and transported by the airstream).

the amount of moisture per unit volume of porous material, w, in lbm/ft3 (kgm/m3).

moisture flux through a unit thickness of a homogeneous material in a direction


perpendicular to the isosuction planes, induced by a unit difference in suction. Units are
lbm/ft·s·in. Hg [kgm/(m·s·Pa)].
process for making things impervious to liquid. Note: if not completely impervious, use
moisture retarder.
the amount of moisture per unit weight of dry porous material or the volume of moisture
per unit volume of dry material, in percent.
the mass of water vapor removed from the process air per unit of time and expressed in
kg/h (lb/h).
the mass of water vapor removed from the desiccant per unit of time via the regeneration
process (desorption) and expressed in kg/h (lb/h).
in humid air, the ratio of the number of water vapor mols to the total number of mols in the
mixture. Compare to [[humidity]].
biological growth or fungi growing on moist organic matter.
gaseous flow where the average free path of the gas molecules is greater than the largest
dimension of the cross section of the duct. Parallel flow.

adsorbent composed of porous aluminosilicates with pores of uniform molecular


dimensions that selectively adsorb molecules of the substance to be adsorbed.

graph of enthalpy versus entropy of a vapor on which isobars, isothermals, and lines of
equal dryness are plotted.
observing, supervising, controlling, or verifying the operations of a system.
(1) a plan for gathering of relevant measurement data over time to evaluate equipment or
system performance. The plan defines specific M&V methods to be used, including baseline
determination, performance period measurements, savings verification calculations, and
acceptance criteria. The M&V methods chosen are consistent with the current facility
requirements (CFR). During the implementation phase, a list is developed of specific
instrumentation and data-gathering equipment that must be maintained at the site. During
the hand-off phase, the type, frequency, and distribution of M&V reports to be submitted
for approval is confirmed. (2) equipment to measure and record the parameters of the
HVAC&R systems (i.e., temperature, humidity, pressure, electric current, kW, and volts). (3)
gathering of relevant measurement data over time to evaluate equipment or system
performance (e.g., chiller electric demand, inlet evaporator temperature and flow, outlet
evaporator temperature, condenser inlet temperature, and ambient dry-bulb temperature
and relative humidity or wet-bulb temperature, for use in developing a chiller performance
map (e.g., kW/ton versus cooling load and versus condenser inlet temperature).

the square root of the frequency of an x-ray spectral line belonging to a particular series is
proportional to the difference between the atomic number and a constant that depends
only on the series.

devices that automatically disconnect a motor from its energy supply when predetermined
unsafe temperatures or overcurrent conditions exist. See [[line-break motor protection]].

machine in which power is applied to do work by the conversion of various forms of energy
into mechanical force and motion.
valve operated by an electric motor or actuator.
[[mean radiant temperature]]

(1) device intended to reduce noise; more particularly, an expansion chamber in the
exhaust line of an internal combustion engine. (2) device to reduce sound level.

damper having two or more blades or leaves.


thermal insulation consisting of waffled or corrugated sheets of metal foil to form a cellular
structure.

apparatus in which fluids exchange heat by flowing in an assembly of separated channels.

many thin layers of materials combined to obtain a very high thermal resistance
(superinsulation).
a number of shutters in opposed blade or parallel arrangement.
condenser consisting of a number of closed shell-and-tube units.
compression in two or more stages; usually the low-stage compressor discharges to the
suction of a higher-stage compressor.
compressor in which compression is accomplished in more than two stages in separate
cylinders or impellers.

allowing refrigerant to pass through two or more expansion valves in series with each other.

system in which compression of refrigerant is carried out in two or more steps.

sliding vane compressor with several vanes, sliding-in slots in the rotor, and that maintains
continuous contact with the inner periphery of the fixed casing.

(1) air-conditioning unit capable of handling variable loads from different sections of a
building simultaneously. (2) spatial divisions of a building having different air-conditioning
loads.
poppet valve whose head is mushroom shaped.
(1) object point that is directly beneath an aircraft flying an airborne imaging survey. (2)
point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the zenith and vertically downward
from the observer.
North American Industry Classification System, as published by the Office of Management
and Budget, 1997.
full-load, continuous rating of a generator, prime mover, or other equipment under
specified conditions, as designated by the manufacturer and usually indicated on an
attached plate. Compare to [[capacity]].
a petroleum-lubricating oil fraction in which naphthenic ring-type hydrocarbon structures
predominate.
see [[laboratory]].

(1) air circulation caused by air movement or pressure differences. (2) air circulation caused
by differences of density induced by differences of temperature and/or humidity.

heat transmission by movement of a fluid, caused by density differences. Usually created by


a thermal heat source or heat sink.
(1) cooling a fluid by natural convection over the cooling surface. (2) cooling a space by
means of air cooled by natural convection.
airflow resulting from the difference between atmospheric density and some lower density;
chimney effect.
naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and nonhydrocarbon gases found in porous
geologic formations beneath the earth’s surface, often in association with petroleum. The
principal constituent is methane.

movement of air into and out of a space primarily through intentionally provided openings
(such as windows and doors), through nonpowered ventilators, or by infiltration.

burner that depends primarily on the natural draft created in the chimney or venting
system to induce the air required for combustion into the burner.

one in which air movement is dependent upon the difference in density between the
entering air and internal air. As the heat of the water is transferred to the air passing
through the tower, the warmed air tends to rise and draw in fresh air at the base of the
tower. See [[hyperbolic tower]].

thermal storage in which temperature stratification is achieved and maintained by density


differences alone and not by mechanical separators.

a zeotropic blend with a temperature glide sufficiently small that it may be disregarded
without consequential error in analysis for a specific application.

the sound field close to a sound source (between the source and the far field) where the
instantaneous sound pressure and particle velocity are not in phase. Measurements in this
region typically do not correlate to sound power measured at a further distance, and the
boundary of this field is typically one to two dimensions of the source away.

operation at a frequency near, but not exactly equal to, the resonance frequency.

to supply very fine water spray or steam into an airstream or enclosure.

type of roller bearing in which rod-like rollers have small diameters relative to their lengths.

(1) valve having a very small hole in the seat, fitted with a needle-shaped plunger. (2) valve
in which the obturator is a stem ending in a conical point which mates with a corresponding
valve seat.
(1) in a building, pressure lower than pressure outdoors. Note: as the negative pressure
increases, outdoor air is drawn in through any openings in the building envelope. (2) in
building spaces, pressure lower than pressure in adjacent spaces or rooms.

tested maximum negative pressure at which a duct is rated.

(1) (equipment effective capacity), maximum load that a machine, apparatus, device, or
system is capable of carrying under service conditions. (2) capacity (volume) of a room after
deducting the loss of space due to coils, columns, air ducts, dunnage, and other dedicated
space required to provide air circulation.

rate of heat removal from a fluid flowing through a cooler (air, water, brine, etc.) at stated
conditions; the difference in specific enthalpies of the cooling fluid entering and leaving the
cooler. In case frosting occurs within the cooler, the latent heat of fusion and the subcooling
heat of the ice (frost) must be added in determining the net cooler refrigerating capacity.

the total area in the device on which dust collects. For devices using fibrous media, it is the
net upstream area of the media exposed to airflow measured in the plane or general
surface of the media. Net effective area excludes the area blocked by sealants, flanges, or
supports. In electronic air cleaners, it is the total exposed surface of those electrodes
available for dust precipitation, including the ionizing section but excluding supports, holes,
and insulators. Net effective filtering area is measured in m2 (ft2) to three significant figures.

the sum of the purchased energy minus sold or exported energy.


the exhaust flow rate for a hood minus any internal discharge makeup airflow rate.

the total useful capacity of the air conditioner for removing water vapor from the space to
be conditioned.

the floor area of an occupiable space defined by the inside surfaces of its walls but
excluding shafts, column enclosures, and other permanently enclosed, inaccessible, and
unoccupiable areas. Obstructions in the space such as furnishings, display or storage racks,
and other obstructions, whether temporary or permanent, are considered to be part of the
net occupiable area.

minimum head at the pump inlet to prevent the liquid being pumped from flashing into a
vapor at that temperature and pressure and potentially causing the pump to cavitate. There
are 2 types of NPSH values: net positive suction head available (NPSHA) and net positive
suction head required (NPSHR). NPSHA is actual or available head at the pump impeller and
should be greater than the vapor pressure of operating fluid at the operating temperature.
NPSHR is the value stated by the pump manufacturer that is the minimum required head at
the pump impeller. NPSHA should be greater than NPSHR. Values of NPSH are expressed as
head in units of feet (kPa).

the gross sensible capacity less the default rate of fan heat assumed by the manufacturer;
this rate of fan heat is not necessarily the same as for the actual installed fan.
(1) (brine cooler) product of the mass rate of water or brine flow and the difference in
enthalpy of the entering and leaving water or brine, expressed in heat units per unit of time.
It is expressed also by the total refrigeration effect less the heat leakage losses. (2)
(condensing unit capacity) rate at which heat is removed from outer media by a refrigerant
in the low-pressure side or by the difference in total enthalpy between refrigerant liquid
leaving the unit and the total enthalpy of the refrigerant vapor entering it. (3) (packaged air
conditioners) rate at which heat is removed from the airstream, as measured entering the
cooling coil and leaving the unit. (4) rate at which heat is removed by the primary
refrigerant from the cooling medium (secondary coolant) that is used to transmit the
refrigerating effect.

that portion of the total refrigeration capacity of a liquid cooler that produces useful
cooling. This is the product of the mass flow rate of liquid, specific heat of the liquid, and
the difference between entering and leaving liquid temperatures expressed in energy units
per unit of time. It is represented also by the total refrigeration capacity less the heat
leakage rate

the gross total capacity less the default rate of fan heat assumed by the manufacturer; this
rate of fan heat is not necessarily the same as for the actual installed fan (see [[adjusted net
total capacity]]). (Also see [[gross total capacity]].)

total cooling capacity with fan power adjustment

the refrigeration capacity available for space and product cooling. It is equal to the gross
total cooling effect less the heat equivalent of energy required to operate the cooler.

the volume of interior usable space intended for refrigerated storage or display, specifically
consisting of the usable interior volume within the claimed load limit boundaries. Any of
this volume occupied by evaporator coils, fan grilles, ducts (including any space
intentionally made unusable by fences and grilles), or any other significant interior
protrusions are excluded from the net usable volume. For cases normally equipped with
shelves, the front edge of the shelf is assumed to be the front-load limit boundary. To be
consistent, shelves and other display devices are not treated as significant interior
protrusions. The volume occupied by shelves and other display devices is not subtracted
from the net usable volume.

a process used to maintain order and provide access to the communication medium.
any building or portion thereof that is not an existing building.
computer circuits patterned after the complex interconnections among nerve cells in the
brain.
(also known as neutral zone) building height at which there is no difference between inside
and outside building static air pressure.
the rate of heat flow out of an object by both natural convection and radiation is
proportional to the temperature difference between the object and its environment and to
the surface area of the object.

(1) change of motion is proportional to force applied and takes place in the direction of the
line of action of the force. (2) every body continues in its state of rest or of uniform motion
in a straight line, except insofar as it may be compelled to change that state by action of
some outside force. (3) to every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.

removable cover placed over an open-top refrigerated display case during overnight periods
in order to reduce energy transfer with the environment.
manual or automatic reset of temperature control point of a thermostat, usually coupled
with a start-up time for restoration of desired daytime temperature level.

the volumetric flow rate, L/s (cfm), equivalent to the mass flow rate of dry nitrogen that
would be passed for a specified inlet pressure if discharge had been to standard
atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kPa (14.696 psi) absolute.

procedure in which nitrogen gas is bled into piping as it is welded, brazed, or soldered to
displace gases within the piping. The nitrogen displaces the air from inside the pipe,
minimizing oxidation and resultant scale formation.

a line of zero response on the fan such that blades on opposite sides of the line vibrate in
opposite phase.

(1) system in which all the refrigerated surfaces in the cabinet are defrosted by an
automatic defrost system. (2) use of a secondary coolant sprayed on evaporator surfaces to
prevent formation of frost; water absorbed in the coolant is removed by distillation.

(1) ambient background sound when equipment is not in operation. (2) any disagreeable or
undesired sound.

a series of curves of octave band sound spectra in a system for rating the noisiness of an
occupied indoor space; an actual octave band spectrum is compared with this set of curves
to determine the NC level of the space. See also [[room criterion curve (RC curve)]].

difference between the average sound pressure levels, or sound intensity levels, of two
spaces. Usually those two spaces are two adjacent rooms called, respectively, the source
room and the receiving room.
(1) the capacity recorded and reported by a given test. (2) the capacity reported by the
manufacturer for a specified device.

for a given product of specified dimensions and at an initial uniform temperature of 32°F
(0°C), the time it takes for the thermal center to reach 14°F (–10°C).

the median efficiency occurring in a population of motors of the same manufacturer and
rating.
nominal value of dimensions of the prepared opening (duct) into which the air terminal
device is to be fitted.

reference dimension used for designation, calculation, and application of duct and fitting.

a theoretical capacity of the thermal storage device, which in many cases is greater than the
usable storage capacity. This measure should not be used to compare usable capacities of
alternative storage systems.

the indoor air volume of a space or building divided by the rate of outdoor air supply; the
nominal time constant also equals the average age of air exiting from the space or building.
The reciprocal of the nominal time constant is called the nominal air change rate.

see [[manual]].
a synonym for the preferred term zeotropic. See [[zeotropic]].
a solar collector in which the absorber heat flux is not greater than the solar irradiance
across the aperture area.

gas that cannot be liquefied at normal operating pressures and temperatures.

located in the absorber tube bundle or external to the absorber/evaporator vessel.

continuous ice maker with simultaneous water supply, freezing, and harvesting phases in
the ice-making operation.
forms of energy (excluding minerals) derived from incoming solar radiation, including
energy from photosynthetic processes; energy from resulting phenomena including wind,
waves, and tides and lake or pond thermal differences; and energy from the internal heat of
the earth and nocturnal thermal exchanges. See [[renewable energy]].

sources of energy (excluding minerals) derived from incoming solar radiation (including
photosynthetic processes); from phenomena including wind, waves and tides, lake or pond
thermal differences; and energy derived from the internal heat of the earth (including
nocturnal thermal exchanges).

procedure that evaluates equipment fitness and integrity without permanently altering
physical state or arrangement.

lighting that would not impair the safety nor materially interfere with the occupancy of an
area if it were turned off. Examples include decorative, advertising (except simple
identification of structures or addresses), and multiple lamp groupings resulting in
illumination levels greater than accepted standards for the purpose (as for aisles, corridors,
streets, and highways).

generation of a set of apparent temperature measurements of building surfaces (usually the


interior) obtained with a nonimaging thermal sensing device.

jet in which the primary air temperature differs from the mean space temperature.

one without uniform airflow patterns and velocities.


(1) impedance that cannot be represented by a first order mathematical equation. (2)
impedance that varies with applied voltage.
a compressor in which the increase in vapor pressure is attained without changing the
internal volume of the compression chamber.
energy derived from a fossil-fuel source.

device that allows air to flow only in a predetermined direction. See [[backdraft damper]].

check valve.

devices that are designed to operate through a specified performance range and then be
manually cleaned or reconditioned by equipment not included in the air cleaner itself. An
example is the washable expanded metal filter.

a single-number part-load efficiency figure of merit calculated and referenced to conditions


other than IPLV conditions for units that are not designed to operate at ARI standard rating
conditions.
fluid flow varying in velocity across the plane perpendicular to the flow.
one that remains a liquid during the process of absorbing heat within the air cooler. See
[[secondary coolant (secondary fluid)]].
a point of operation representing normal usage of the equipment.

adjustment of the results of a model due to changes in baseline assumptions


(nonindependent variables) during the test or post-retrofit period.

dimensionless value calculated from the leakage area, building height, and floor area that
describes the relative airtightness of the building envelope.

(1) controlled device that closes when the control signal is off. (2) device that returns to the
closed position when power is off.
device that returns to the open position when power is off.
integral parts of the mandatory requirements of the standard, which, for reasons of
convenience, are placed after all other normative elements.
facing within 45 degrees of true north (northern hemisphere).
short tube with a taper or constriction used to speed up or direct a flow of fluid.

discharge opening suitably shaped to produce a jet of air or other fluid of regular form and
given throw.
[[nonstandard part-load value]]
[[net positive suction head (NPSH)]]
(1) no requirement. (2) [[noise reduction]].
boiling in which bubble formation is at the liquid/solid interface rather than from external
or mechanical devices.
see [[direct digital control (DDC)]].

dimensionless number, used in calculation of forced convection, that gives a measure of the
ratio of total heat transfer to conductive heat transfer, equal to the heat transfer coefficient
times a characteristic length divided by the thermal conductivity.

designer specializing in the operations and maintenance aspects of the project.

size in the object plane which corresponds to the products of the system’s instantaneous
field of view in radians and the distance from the system to the object.

a device that detects the presence or absence of people within an area and that causes
lighting, equipment, or appliances to be regulated accordingly.

those spaces where the thermal conditions of the space are regulated primarily by the
opening and closing of windows by the occupants.

(1) any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary (including, but not limited to, all
habitable spaces, toilets, closets, halls, storage and utility areas, and laundry areas) and
intended for human activities. (2) that portion of the premises accessible to or occupied by
people, excluding machinery rooms.

the portion of the space that is normally occupied. The occupied zone is typically defined as
encompassing all space from the floor level, excluding the space from the floor to 0.25 ft
(0.076 m) above the floor, to 6 ft (1.83 m) above the floor and excluding the space from the
wall to 2 ft (0.61 m) away from any wall.

a frequency band with an upper limit that is twice the frequency of the lower limit. The
center frequency of an octave band is the geometric mean of its upper and lower limits.
(1) outside diameter. (2) outside dimension.
see [[outdoor dry-bulb temperature]].
a quality of gases, liquids, or particles that stimulates the olfactory organ.
time taken to reduce odor to a defined level from a given concentration and resulting from
a standard test.
efficiency of the reduction of odors by a device.

(1) method of defrosting in which the temperature of the evaporator coils is allowed to rise
naturally during an off-cycle, during which no refrigerant is supplied. (2) rapid heating of the
evaporator coil during the off part of each cycle.

building or structure for office, professional, or service-type transactions (such as a medical


office, bank, library, or business), including governmental offices.

time of day other than the on-peak period of electrical demand.

refrigerating or cooling system with control that normally avoids use of power during peak-
load periods and usually requires means for storage of energy.
direct current flowing in an electric circuit is directly proportional to the voltage applied to
the circuit; Ohm's law is valid for metallic circuits and many circuits containing an
electrolytic resistance.
normal quantity of oil in a reciprocating compressor or engine.
a heat exchanger that can be cooled by air, brine, water, or refrigerant vaporization to cool
oil in a lubrication system.
transfer of heat from oil in a pipe or tubing to a refrigerant or brine.
valve for draining out the oil from all collection points in a system.
support of combustion in a furnace, stove, etc. by the injection of fuel oil.
(also known as differential oil pressure switch or oil failure switch), safety device used to
stop the compressor or burner when the oil pressure reaches a preset, abnormally low
value.
pressure of an oil pump in pressure-lubricated machines or oil burners.
gage fitted to the delivery side of an oil pump.
vessel for receiving and separating collected oil prior to returning to or discharging from the
refrigerating system.

(also known as oil still), apparatus for purifying oil by vaporizing the refrigerant contained.

removal of oil or oil vapor from a refrigerant vapor.


migration of oil from the evaporator to the crankcase of the compressor. See [[compressor
oil return]].
a device for separating oil and oil vapor from the refrigerant; usually installed in the
compressor discharge line.
a device to separate oil from refrigerant by a distillation process.
safety device used to stop the compressor when the oil temperature reaches a preset,
abnormally high value.

device for separating and collecting oil at a given point in a refrigerating circuit.

nozzle for mechanically atomizing fuel oil in a burner.


valve enabling one to charge or top a refrigerating system with oil.

a hand or electrically operated pump for forcing oil into the compressor crankcase.

the ratio of the mass of lubricant circulating through a refrigerant system to the total mass
of refrigerant and lubricant flowing through the system at a specified set of operating
conditions.
compressor in which no oil is used in the compression chamber. See [[dry piston
compressor]].
unit for quantifying the source strength of air pollution. One olf is the emission rate of air
pollutants (bioeffluents) from a standard person.
see [[instantaneous heater]].
piping system in which a single pipe loop provides the cooling or heating distribution to
multiple devices or through secondary or tertiary loops.

piping system in which the condensable vapor withdrawn from the supply main passes into
a heating unit and returns as condensate to the same supply main.

a continuation of the commissioning process well into occupancy/operations to continually


improve the operation and performance of a facility.

(1) time of day during which creating electrical demand incurs more cost. (2) time of day
when use of power within a building is at a maximum, which may be the peak period of
either the consumer or of the utility.
see [[dust spot opacity]].
a number that expresses the relative dust accumulation on a dust spot sampling target,
corrected for the nonlinearity of opacity increase at the constant dust accumulation rate.
See [[dust spot opacity index]].
condenser in which the water passes in a film over the inner surfaces of the tubes, which
are open to the atmosphere.

heating or refrigerating piping system in which the circulating water or brine return main is
connected to an open-vented elevated tank that serves as a reservoir to accommodate
expansion and contraction of the fluid and as an inspection point for the condition of the
fluid. See also [[down-feed system]]; [[water system]].

system in which the circulating brine returns to an open tank which serves as a reservoir for
the pump suction and as an inspection tank for the condition and flow of brine.

cellular plastic in which interconnected cells predominate.

control system in which the effect of the control action is not felt by the sensed variable
(e.g., outside air when it is used for reset). Compare to [[closed-loop control]].

control system that controls outputs by inputs only and where the actual system output is
not considered.
extended surface cooling towers with interconnecting piping placed in supply and exhaust
airstreams. A circulated heat and mass transfer fluid is alternately brought in direct contact
with each airstream.
refrigerant compressor with a shaft or other moving part extending through its casing to be
driven by an outside source of power, thus requiring a shaft seal or equivalent rubbing
contact between fixed and moving parts.
difference between the cut-out and cut-in at the sensing element.
ratio of output to input.
expected useful life of a device, usually expressed in number of operations or
years/months/hours of typical operation.
the position of the sash at which the fume hood user places the sash while working at the
face of the fume hood. The operating opening should take into consideration all of the
procedures to be conducted in the fume hood. There may be more than one operating
opening.

the pressure occurring at a reference point in a system when the system is in operation.

a cleanroom in normal operation with all services functioning and with production
equipment and personnel present and performing normal work functions.

the uniform temperature of an enclosure in which an occupant would exchange the same
amount of heat by radiation plus convection as in the actual nonuniform environment.
Compare to [[mean radiant temperature]].

(1) in the description of a process, that which indicates the action to be performed on
operands. Compare to [[actuator]]. (2) person responsible for operating building
automation equipment or who operates a machine.
point of operator interface to a building automation system using a graphic user interface
and optional printers.

change in the observed frequency of light or other electromagnetic radiation caused by


relative motion of the source and the observer. Note: the frequency change does not
depend on whether it is the source or the observer that is moving.
(1) collection of data in a control system in order to produce the best possible output,
usually in accordance with what is most economical. (2) procedure used in the design of a
system to maximize or minimize some performance index. May entail the selection of a
component, a principle of operation, or a technique. (3) refinement of a system to reduce
its energy requirements.

operative temperature that satisfies the greatest possible number of people at a given
clothing and activity level. See [[operative temperature]].

charge achieving maximum possible refrigerant effect within design limitations.

a control system that is designed to automatically adjust the start time of an HVAC system
each day with the intention of bringing the space to desired occupied temperature levels
immediately before scheduled occupancy.

instrument that measures fluid flow by recording differential pressure across a restriction
placed in the flow stream and the static or actual pressure acting on the system.

relatively sharp-edged orifice in a plate used for the calculation of fluid flow rates from
measurements of the pressure difference between the two sides of the orifice.

ring gasket of circular cross section; a torus.


gas analyzer based on absorption of CO2, O2, etc. by separate chemicals that have a
selective affinity for each of those gases.
plan and elevation detail drawing.
differential pressure that must be applied to the fluid on one side of a semipermeable
membrane to create diffusion through the membrane.

in a two- or four-stroke reciprocating engine, the compressed fuel air mixture is ignited by a
spark at or near the start of the power stroke, as in conventional automobile engines.

(1) air outside a building or taken from the external atmosphere and, therefore, not
previously circulated through the system. (2) ambient air that enters a building through a
mechanical ventilation system, through intentional openings for natural ventilation, or by
infiltration. (3) compare to [[outside air]].

the ratio of the volumetric rate at which outdoor air enters a building space to the building
volume with identical volume units (normally expressed in units of air changes per hour).

the outdoor air fraction is the ratio of the volumetric flow rate of outdoor air brought in by
the air handler to the total supply airflow rate.
the heat exchanger that rejects heat to, or absorbs heat from, a source external to the
conditioned space.
see [[dry-bulb temperature (DBT)]].
that part of the system that rejects heat to or absorbs heat from a source external to the
indoor airstream.

gross overall discharge area of a given component in an air-distribution system.

the distance, measured from centerline to centerline, between adjacent air outlets.

see [[discharge valve]].

average velocity of fluid emerging from an outlet measured in the plane of the outlet.
(1) (general) current, voltage, power, or driving force delivered by a circuit or device;
terminals or other places where current, voltage, power, or driving force may be delivered
by a circuit of device. (2) capacity, duty, performance, net refrigeration produced by a
system. (3) process of transferring data from an internal storage.

air external to a defined zone (e.g., corridors).


heat flow per area for a given construction and for an overall temperature difference of one
degree.
ratio of the useful energy at the point of use to the thermal energy input over a designated
time period.

quantity of heat transferred per unit of temperature difference into a building through its
walls or roof, due to solar heat gain and outdoor/indoor temperature difference.

any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. It
may result from overload, short circuit, or ground fault.

(1) device used to interrupt the supply voltage to a motor when the allowable full-load
current is exceeded. (2) overload devices, either eutectic alloy or bimetal, that protect a
motor against an overcurrent. Fuses and circuit breakers do not protect a motor, they only
protect branch wiring.

heating, air-conditioning, or radiant system in which the heating or cooling emission is


overhead.
pressure in excess of the designed normal operating range.

(1) amount of the overtravel of an indicator beyond its final steady deflection when a new,
constant value of the measured quantity is suddenly applied to the instrument. (2)
condition in a control system where the controlled variable exceeds the desired setpoint as
a result of approaching that setpoint too quickly. (3) excursion of the controlled variable
beyond the differential or proportional band.

a person or legal entity that will own the delivered facility or an agent representing the
owner, who defines the project requirements.

a written document that details the functional requirements of a project and the
expectations of how it will be used and operated. These include project goals, measurable
performance criteria, cost considerations, benchmarks, success criteria, and supporting
information. (The term project intent is used by some owners for their commissioning
process Owner’s Project Requirements.)

the document that outlines the owner’s overall vision for the facility and expectations of
how it will be used and operated.
person(s) authorized to function on behalf of the owner.
triatomic form of oxygen, O3. Sometimes used as an oxidant in air conditioning and as an
odor eliminator in cold storages or exhaust stacks. It is toxic in concentrations of 1 ppm and
higher.

a numerical quantity describing the extent of ozone depletion calculated to arise from the
release to the atmosphere of one kilogram (2.2046 lb) of a compound relative to the ozone
depletion calculated to arise from a similar release of the refrigerant R-11. The calculation is
an integration of all known potential effects on ozone over the whole time that any portion
of the compound could remain in the atmosphere.

provided by a manufacturer or vendor in a substantially complete and operable condition.

(also known as self-contained unit), complete air-conditioning unit, including refrigeration


compressor, cooling coils, fans, filters, automatic controls, etc., assembled into one casing.
a boiler that is shipped complete with heating equipment, mechanical draft equipment, and
automatic controls; usually shipped in one or more sections. A packaged boiler includes
factory-built boilers manufactured as a unit or system, disassembled for shipment, and
reassembled at the site.

a self-contained unit including a fan and fan motor whose primary functions are (1) the
conversion of the sensible heat of unsaturated air passing through the cabinet to latent
heat by the process of evaporating recirculating or nonrecirculating water directly exposed
to this air and (2) the movement of this air through the unit.

an indirect evaporative cooler with integrated or nonintegrated primary and secondary air
passages and provided with both primary and secondary air moving devices. This device
also includes the entire water distribution, collection, and recirculation system with pump
and piping. This type may have provisions for installation of other heat and mass transfer
devices, such as a direct evaporative cooler and auxiliary heating and cooling coils.

heat recovery devices that combine the exchanger with filters, fans, and controls.

a factory selected wall sleeve and separate unencased combination of heating and cooling
components, assemblies, or sections. It may include heating capability by hot water, steam,
or electricity and is intended for mounting through the wall to serve a single room or zone.

a PTAC capable of using the refrigerating system in a reverse cycle or heat pump mode to
provide heat.
(1) cooling tower packing. See [[stuffing box]]. (2) stuffing around a shaft or valve stem to
prevent fluid leakage.
production operation for slaughtering, dressing, and processing animals; also used in
connection with processing vegetables and fish.

valve that does not use packing to seal against leaks around the stem (e.g., bellows valve).

found in large, direct-fired and small, indirect-fired machines that continuously remove the
small amount of hydrogen gas that is produced by corrosion.

refrigerated flat surface.


a petroleum lubricating oil fraction in which straight and/or branched-chain hydrocarbon
structures predominate.
an inaccurate reading of a meter due to line of vision between the scale and the indicator
being misaligned or angled.
terminal device that combines a true VAV box in parallel with a fan and optional heating
coils. Fan operation is intermittent.
heat exchanger in which fluids flow approximately parallel to each other and in the same
direction.
directional pattern of heat transfer fluids used in energy exchange equipment where the
warmest fluid “A” indirectly contacts the coldest fluid “B” at the entering side of the
exchanger.

(1) partial pressure of component i for any (ideal or nonideal) gas mixture is the product of
the mole fraction of the component, xi, and the mixture pressure, p. [ pi ≡ xi • p for any gas
mixture]. (2) portion of total gas pressure of a mixture attributable to one component
(Dalton’s law of gases).
a chlorofluorocarbon in which hydrogen atoms exists in the compound with chlorine and
fluorine atoms. Partially halogenated chlorofluorocarbons are not expected to have high
ozone depleting potential (ODP). Average atmospheric lifetime is about 2 years for HCFC 21
and 13 to 25 years for HCFC 22. Compare to [[halogenated chlorofluorocarbon]].

apparent maximum linear dimension of a particle in the plane of observation. Particulate


state of matter in which solid or liquid substances exist in the form of aggregated molecules
or particles. Airborne particulate matter is typically in the size range of 0.01 to 100
micrometers. See also [[atmospheric dust]], [[respirable particles]], and [[total suspended
particulates]].
see [[fan types]].

the ratio of the net refrigeration effect to the adjusted net total capacity for the cooling coil.
(Also see [[net refrigerating effect]] and [[adjusted net total capacity]].)

single number figure of merit expressing part-load efficiency for equipment on the basis of
weighted operation at various partial-load capacities for the equipment; expressed in
kilowatts per ton of refrigeration.

parts per million by mass.

a fire wall on an interior lot line used or adapted for joint service between two buildings.

confined fluid transmits externally applied pressure uniformly in all directions without
change in magnitude.

uses a pipe surrounded by a coil in order to form a radiator system. Passive chilled beams
have no method for maintaining the humidity of a room and must be paired with a
ventilation system in order to maintain latent heat gains.

(1) a combined appliance that does not use a water pump but relies on thermosiphon flow
through the desuperheater and water heater; generally the desuperheater is mounted on
the side of the water heater or at an elevation lower than the water heater. (2) a system
where natural forces are utilized for HVAC purposes in lieu of
mechanical/electrical/chemical sources.

tendency of a metal to become inactive in a given environment.


[[phase-change material]]

(1) [[pressure dependent]]; (2) [[pressure difference]]; (3) [[pressure drop]].

the maximum level of metered demand during a specified time period.

the maximum rate at which heat is added to storage (cooling discharged from storage).

the maximum number of standard drinks drawn under standard test conditions without the
beverage exceeding 40°F (4.4°C) at a draw rate defined by the manufacturer within a given
time limit.

the total distance traveled by the vibrating part, from one extreme limit of travel to the
other extreme limit of travel, usually expressed in terms of linear displacement.

dimensionless number used in calculation of heat and mass transfer, consisting of the mass
velocity times a characteristic length and the specific heat at constant pressure, divided by
the thermal conductivity. Symbol Pe, Pe, or NPe.

evolution or absorption of heat produced by an electric current passing across junctions of


two suitable dissimilar metals, alloys, or semiconductors.
the ratio, fraction, or percentage of particles that pass through the air cleaner or filter, as
measured downstream of the device.
criteria used to determine the adequacy of the penetration data.

volumetric outside airflow rate expressed as a percentage of total supply airflow rate.

fuel-burning condition in which all combustibles are consumed with no excess air so that
only the theoretical amount of oxygen is used.

a theoretical airflow distribution pattern within a ventilated space where the supply air is
instantaneously and uniformly mixed with the air in the space such that the concentration
of all constituents in the air, and the age of air, are spatially uniform.

a halocarbon composed only of fluorine and carbon.

perforated ceiling panels used to distribute the air uniformly throughout the ceiling or a
portion of the ceiling. Filter pads may be used to achieve a similar result.

see [[flow equalizer]].


manner in which an individual, a building, a system, or a component fulfills specified
behavior.
used in most lithium bromide equipment to achieve design performance. The typical
additive is one of the octyl alcohols.

a binding agreement between two parties prescribing the range and magnitude of
achievement required of equipment, subsystems, or systems, which is provided by one
party for the benefit and use of the other.

the ratio of capacity to power input at specified operating conditions. Using consistent
units, the performance factor may be expressed in dimensionless form as a coefficient of
performance (COP) or as the energy efficiency ratio (EER).

a calculation procedure that generates an index of merit for the performance of building
designs that substantially exceed the energy efficiency levels required.

a series of numbers and letters consisting of the letters AM, AI, or AU and a two or three
digit number. AM identifies an "as manufactured" test, that is, the laboratory hood is built
and assembled by the manufacturer and testing is performed at the factory. The typical
equipment remains in the hood and other activities in the laboratory continue. AI identifies
an "as installed" test, that is, the laboratory hood is installed at the location of the
customer. The hood is tested empty, but with the ventilation system in the installation
balanced and the hood in its final location. AU identifies an "as used" test, that is, the tests
are conducted after the hood has been installed and used by the chemist. An example of
the series of numbers and letters is AM yyy where AM identifies an "as manufactured" test
and yyy is the control level of tracer gas established by the test in ppm. A test rating of AU
0.5, for example, would indicate that the hood controls leakage into the laboratory to 0.5
ppm at the mannequin's sensing point with a tracer gas release rate of 4.0 Lpm (70 mL/s).

any space with at least one surface exposed to exterior loads.


properties of the chemical elements and their compounds are a periodic function of their
atomic weights.
insulation composed of natural perlite ore, a glassy volcanic rock expanded by heat to form
a cellular structure.
the capacity of the permanent bleed provision, expressed either as a percentage of the
nominal capacity or in kW (Btu/h or tons) of refrigerating effect produced by the
evaporation of that amount of refrigerant flow.
a valve that has a fixed flow passage incapable of being closed by action of the valve. Such a
fixed orifice permits a flow through or in parallel with the main valve port.

time rate of water vapor transmission through unit area of flat material of unit thickness
induced by unit vapor pressure difference between two specific surfaces, under specified
temperature and humidity conditions. When permeability varies with psychrometric
conditions, the spot or specific permeability defines the property at a specific condition.
Note: permeability is a property of a material, but the permeability of a body that performs
like a material may be used. Permeability is the arithmetic product of permeance and
thickness.

a performance evaluation of water vapor transmission given a certain differential in partial


pressures on either side of a material or membrane. An accepted unit of water vapor
permeance is the perm, gr/(h·ft2·in. Hg) (kg/[m2·s·Pa]).

the time weighted average concentration (set by OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration) for a normal 8 hour work day and a 40 hour work week to which
nearly all workers can be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect. Chemical
manufacturers publish similar recommendations [e.g., acceptable exposure level (AEL),
industrial exposure limit (IEL) or occupational exposure limit (OEL), depending on the
company], generally for substances for which PEL has not been established.

range of a physical quantity which satisfies the different parameters for each of the
categories of the specified environment.

spread of infectious disease from an infected individual to a susceptible person


(1) [[power factor]]. (2) [[projection factor]]
[[perfluorocarbon]]; a hydrocarbon composed only of fluorine and carbon.

logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution. pH values below
7 are increasingly acidic; those above 7 are increasingly alkaline.

substance that undergoes changes of state while absorbing or rejecting thermal energy at
constant temperature.

the perceived loudness of a complex sound that is equal to the sound pressure level of a
1000 hertz reference tone as judged by the average listener.
radiometer designed for measuring luminous intensity, luminous flux, or illumination.

a system capable of generating a voltage as a result of exposure to visible or other


radiation.
device that detects or measures electromagnetic radiation by generating a potential at a
junction (barrier layer) between two types of material, on absorption of radiant energy. Also
known as barrier layer cell, barrier layer photocell, boundary layer photocell, or photronic
photocell.
(1) [[pressure independent]]. (2) [[proportional control mode]] and [[integral control
mode]]
[[product-integrated control (PIC)]]
actual load for heating the system following setback.

[[proportional control mode]] and [[integral control mode]] and [[derivative control]].

instrument for measuring pressure or compressibility.

two chilling plants, centrifugal and absorption, usually steam driven, using the same steam
supply in sequence, with chilled water running counterflow to stream.
class of operation in which the ultimate load is controlled by auxiliary means.

volt ampere rating that is applied to electric devices intended to control an electromagnetic
load other than an electric motor, such as a control coil or other solenoid.

a pressure relief valve in which the major relieving device is combined with and is
controlled by a self-actuated auxiliary pressure relief valve.
small valve where the opening or closing directly influences a larger valve, as in a servo
system.

a valve in which the solenoid functions to directly open and close a relatively small pilot
flow port. Flow through the pilot port parallels the flow path of the main port. Starting or
stopping flow through the pilot port creates a pressure imbalance on the main valve
member, causing the main valve port to open or close.

expansion valve of a type used on large capacity systems (e.g., direct-expansion chillers)
where the required capacity per valve is beyond the range of direct-acting valves; this type
of valve is under the control of a direct acting valve.

parts used to join, adapt, or adjust other parts of the piping (e.g., flange, joint, manifold).

system to carry fluids. Piping includes pipes, flanges, boltings, gaskets, valves, fittings, pipe-
supporting fixtures, structural attachments, and the pressure-containing parts of other
components, such as expansion joints, strainers, filters, and devices that serve such
purposes as mixing, separating, muffling, snubbing, distributing, metering, or controlling
flow.

small bore tube inserted perpendicular to a flowing stream with its orifice facing the stream
to measure total pressure. At present, the term is often used for a double-tube instrument
from which the flow velocity can be calculated with one orifice facing the flowing stream to
register total pressure and the other perpendicular to the stream to register static pressure.

formation of small depressions in a surface due to sand blasting, mechanical gouging, acid
etching, or corrosion.

longitudinal folded joint used in rectangular sheet-metal duct construction. Pocket lock joint
transverse joint used in rectangular sheet metal duct construction.

two dimensional graphic representation of the design, location, and dimensions of a


project, or parts thereof, seen in a horizontal plane viewed from above.

uniform temperature of an enclosure where the radiance on one side of a small plane
element is the same as in the nonuniform actual environment.

classification of maintenance department resources that are invested in prudently selected


functions at specified intervals. All functions and resources attributed to this classification
must be planned, budgeted, and scheduled. Planned maintenance embodies two concepts:
preventive and corrective maintenance.

evaporator consisting of two plates containing channels for the circulation of refrigerant or
a set of tubes connected to and between the two plates.
plate drilled or punched to receive a number of parallel tubes, with the purpose of
increasing the heat transfer area.
contact freezer in which the refrigerated surface is a flat metal plate. Compare to [[double-
contact freezer]].
fixed plates that separate and keep the hot and cold fluids separate. See also [[plate liquid
cooler]].
heat exchanger made of thin plates so formed that liquid to be cooled flows through the
passage between the plates and the cooling fluid flows through the alternate passages.

(1) air-cooled condenser consisting of plates between which are arranged channels for the
circulation of refrigerant. (2) water-cooled condenser consisting of a coil through which the
refrigerant circulates, arranged between two plates, with water circulating between coil and
plates.

(also called plenum box and plenum chamber) (1) a compartment or chamber, to which one
or more ducts are connected, that forms a part of the air-distribution system and that is not
used for occupancy or storage. A plenum often is formed in part or in total by portions of
the building. (2) an air compartment that is attached to, or is an integral part of, a forced-air
furnace which is designed to either distribute the heated air after it leaves the heat
exchanger in the case of a supply plenum or to collect air that enters the return inlet in the
case of a return plenum. (3) component forming an interface between a ductwork and one
or more air terminal devices; by virtue of its design or by the inclusion of accessories, it can
also be used to equalize the pressure/velocity across the air terminal device.

fan assembly consisting of a single inlet impeller mounted perpendicular to airflow that
pressurizes a plenum chamber in an air-distribution system. The impeller is typically an
airfoil or backward-inclined design.

(1) (also known as piston flow), flow of solids suspended in liquid, characterized by slippage
of the cylindrical mass and equal velocity in cross section. (2) flow regime where the flow is
predominantly in one direction and any contaminants are swept along with the flow. (3)
form of two-phase flow in which plugs of gas and liquid flow alternately in the pipe.

valve in which the fluid passage is a hole in a rotatable, tapered plug in the valve body.

(1) a device that is part of a system to deliver and drain away water and waste but is also
configured to enable a particular use. (2) end-use equipment such as sinks, lavatories,
toilets, showers, drinking fountains, etc.

[[part-load value]]
[[predicted mean vote (PMV)]]

equipment such as air compressors, air line dryers, compressed air filters, and indicating
devices (pressure and temperature) to facilitate monitoring of control system activity.
device that converts a pneumatic value to an equivalent electric (volt, milliamp) value.

(1) control device that interfaces pneumatic to electric systems. (2) control device with a
pneumatic input and an electric output.

control device that makes and/or breaks an electrical circuit based on the level of a
pneumatic signal. The device has an adjustable setpoint and optional adjustable differential.

the relative position on the cooling unit characteristic curve corresponding to a particular
airflow rate. It is controlled during a test by adjusting the position of the throttling device,
by changing flow nozzles or auxiliary fan characteristics, or by any combination of these.

presence of undesired elements that are deleterious to the comfort, health, and welfare of
persons or the environment (pollution includes elements such as noise, vibration, odors,
and gases).
a characteristic of an aerosol for which the width of its number distribution shows a
geometric standard deviation of δg > 1.5.
graphical line representing a polytropic process.
compression of a fluid involving heat exchange with temperature change and temperature
variation (not isothermal).
expansion of a fluid, involving heat exchange.
a process in which heat is being exchanged with the surroundings, represented by the
equation pvn = constant (n is the polytropic exponent).
any structure, basin, or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, or
recreational bathing. The term includes, but is not limited to, swimming pools, whirlpools,
spas, and hot tubs.
valve composed of a mushroom-shaped circular head and integral stem.
the average tracer gas concentration at a position during a test.

the maximum 45 second rolling average of the tracer gas concentration observed during a
series of sash movement tests at one ejector and mannequin position.

the design that permits the continued operation of the combustion blower in a power
vented unit, power burner unit, or forced draft unit for a period of time after the main
burner is shut off for the purpose of venting of residual flue gas in the heat exchanger and
the venting system.
the time following a retrofit, during which savings are to be determined.
suitable for human consumption.
energy possessed by a system caused by the attractive forces existing between molecules or
the elevation of the system.

the lowest temperature at which a lubricant will flow under prescribed conditions.

a modifying factor that adjusts the effective connected lighting power (CLP) of a space to
account for the use of energy-conserving lighting-control devices.

a burner that supplies air for combustion at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure; a
burner that depends on the draft induced by a fan incorporated in the furnace; a fan-
powered burner that depends on the natural draft developed by a chimney for proper
operation; a pulse-combustion burner.

a factor, equal to the cosine of the phase angle between current and voltage, by which the
product of voltage and current is multiplied to convert volt amperes to power in watts.

a term used to refer to the power input to the shaft of open compressors; a term used to
refer to the power input at the motor terminals for hermetic compressors, semihermetic
compressors, or motor compressors; a term used to refer to refer to the power absorbed by
all ancillaries that are necessary to sustain the operation of the compressor or condensing
unit (e.g., oil pump, fan motors, controls components, and circulating pumps).

(also referred to as an up blast fan). A fan designed for curb mounting on a roof or, within
size and design constraints, for wall mounting. Air enters the fan in a typical axial
arrangement but discharges radially from the centrifugal impeller and turns 90 degrees to
exit through the top of the fan. It may be listed under UL Standard 705, Standard for Power
Ventilators, in accordance with UL Subject 762, “Outline of Investigation for Power Roof
Ventilators for Restaurant Exhaust Applications.”

fan consisting of a centrifugal- or axial-type impeller with integral driver in a weather-


resistant housing with base designed to fit (usually by means of a curb) over a wall or roof
opening.
[[predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD)]]
[[parts per million]]
(1) dimensionless number used in calculation of forced and free convection, equal to the
dynamic viscosity times the specific heat at constant pressure, divided by the thermal
conductivity. (2) dimensionless number used in calculation of diffusion in flowing systems,
equal to the kinematic viscosity divided by the molecular diffusivity. Symbol is Pr or Pr. Also
known as Schmidt number 1 (Sc, Sc, or NSc1).

device to remove fine ash, tars, dusts, or smoke particles from flue gases or other gaseous
streams; the device may employ mechanical, electrostatic, or chemical means, or a
combination of these. See [[air cleaner]].

(1) closeness of agreement among repeated measurements of the same physical quantity
by the same method under the same conditions and with the same instrument. (An
instrument may be precise but not accurate.) (2) the statistical error of an instrument
subjected to repeated measurements over a range of input values.

(1) a device for transferring heat from the incoming potable water to the spill. (2) cooler for
removing sensible heat before shipping, storing, or processing. (3) device for cooling a fluid
before it enters a system.
index that predicts the mean value of thermal sensation votes of a large group of persons,
expressed on a seven-point scale.

index that predicts the percentage of a large group of people who are likely to feel
thermally dissatisfied for the body as a whole (i.e., feel either too warm or too cold).

function of corrective maintenance. Statistically supported objective judgment is implied.


Nondestructive testing, chemical analysis, vibration and noise monitoring, as well as visual
inspection and logging are all classified under this function, providing that the item tested
or inspected is part of the planned maintenance program.

heating coil installed upstream of cooling coil or at the front of an air-handling system to
preheat air.
(1) heating a food product prior to a subsequent treatment. (2) in air conditioning, to heat
the air ahead of other processes. (3) to heat the water prior to heating by the auxiliary
thermal source.
an elaboration of the design intent that includes operating information developed during
the construction documents design stage.
successive sets of readings compiled during continuous cooler operation with the objective
of establishing a steady-state condition.
operating a burner blower prior to flame ignition to blow out possible leaked gas. See
[[purge]].
in a turbocompressor, an assembly of adjustable guide vanes fitted to the inlet; the
prerotary vane assembly's function is to orient the fluid so that the pressure/flow rate
characteristics can be modified.

for energy compliance alternatives , a prescriptive design includes specified assumptions


concerning shape, orientation, HVAC, and other system design features. The prescriptive
design is compared with the proposed design using the annual energy cost method.

(1) force exerted per unit area. Note: the terms head and pressure often are used
interchangeably; however, head is the height of a fluid column supported by fluid flow,
while pressure is the normal force per unit area. For liquids, it is convenient to measure the
head in terms of the flowing fluid. With a gas or air, however, it is customary to measure
pressure on a column of liquid. (2) thermodynamically, the normal force exerted by a
homogeneous liquid or gas, per unit of area, on the wall of the container.

device that responds directly or indirectly to deviation from a desired pressure by actuating
a control or initiating a control sequence.
the flow rate through a flow control device varies in response to changes in system
pressure.
difference between pressures measured at two points or levels in fluids or gases.

cut-out control reactive to the difference between two pressures.

(also known as spring-loaded check valve), automatic valve that opens in response to a
pressure difference across the valve port. Commonly used in conjunction with a head-
pressure control valve (backup valve) between discharge line and receiver inlet.

(1) difference in pressure between two points in a flow system, usually caused by frictional
resistance to fluid flow in a conduit, filter, or other flow system. Compare to [[pressure
loss]]. (2) loss in pressure, as from one end of a refrigerant line to the other, from friction,
static, heat, etc.

allowing high- and low-side pressures to equalize or nearly equalize during idle periods by
an unloading valve, by a vapor-lock liquid control, or by nearly equalizing inlet and
discharge pressures on compressors to reduce starting torque load.

ratio between the suction pressure effect and the pressure due to an air velocity passing
over an inlet or outlet.
hydrostatic height of fluid, equal to the fluid pressure divided by the density times the
gravitational acceleration.

any device or portion of the equipment used to increase refrigerant pressure.

the flow rate through a flow control device is not affected by changes in system pressure.

maximum pressure difference at which the rated watertightness is assured under test
conditions.
decrease in total pressure due to friction and turbulence. It is a measure of the mechanical
energy lost by the flow per unit volume of the fluid.
factor for mechanical energy loss as a result of flow.

receiver device having inlet and outlet nonreturn valves and a float-operated mechanism,
enabling a secondary medium (steam, compressed air, or inert gas) to pressurize the
receiver body through a fill and discharge cycle actuated from the float mechanism.

(1) valve used to reduce a high supply pressure to a usable level. (2) valve that maintains a
uniform pressure on its outlet side irrespective of pressure variation on its inlet side.

device to maintain controlled downstream fluid pressure with varying upstream pressure.

(1) a pressure-actuated (not temperature-actuated) valve or rupture member designed to


automatically relieve excessive pressure. (2) means for relieving internal pressure and
preventing explosive shattering of the housing. (3) valve or rupture member designed to
relieve excessive pressure automatically.

see [[pressure relief device]].


regulating or safety device actuated by change in pressure.
automatic pressure and temperature sensitive device actuated by a predetermined internal
pressure, temperature, or both and used to prevent or relieve excessive pressure or
temperature within a tank.

(1) any refrigerant-containing receptacle in a refrigerating system. This does not include
evaporators where each separate evaporator section does not exceed 0.5 ft3 (0.014 m3) of
refrigerant-containing volume regardless of the maximum inside dimension. This also does
not include evaporator coils, compressors, condenser coils, controls, headers, pumps, and
piping. (2) container for fluids at a pressure different from atmospheric pressure (vacuum to
high), capable of withstanding associated stresses.
relationship of pressure, volume, and temperature as fundamental, thermodynamic
properties of a fluid in a single-phase region.

control system in which the airflow through the air terminal varies with system pressure.

a pressure-responsive electronic or mechanical control designed to automatically stop the


operation of the pressure-imposing element at a predetermined pressure.

valve providing maintenance of designated pressure level within a system.

an air cooler designed for use with external elements that impose air resistance.

a type of smoke control system in which stair shafts are mechanically pressurized with
outdoor air to keep smoke from contaminating them during a fire incident.

a refrigerant pressure-control system that prevents refrigerant loss and infiltration into idle
low-pressure chillers and is also used to pressurize for leak testing without the use of
noncondensables.

classification of resources allotted to ensure proper operation of a system or equipment


under the maintenance program by providing for systematic inspection, detection, and
correction of incipient failures either before they occur or before they develop into major
defects. Durability, reliability, efficiency, and safety are the principal objectives.

(1) any air that is mixed with fuel at or in a burner prior to burning. (2) in a cleanroom, air
that recirculates through the work space. (3) treated supply air that enters the space
through any supply air device, such as air outlet or through any air supply terminal, such as
a VAV unit or fan terminal unit. The air is not mixed with space air before entering the
space.

air temperature of the primary airflow (e.g., supply airflow from an air-handling unit).

test procedure using an alternate method of installing a test unit, or an alternate test
apparatus, that produces reproducibility and accuracy equivalent to the primary test
method.
working fluid of a refrigerating cycle (as opposed to secondary refrigerant).
(1) (direct surface), portion that is exposed to radiation from fire and transfers heat directly
to the air being heated. (2) surface that is in direct contact with both the heat-absorbing
and heat-emitting media.
the test from which ratings are calculated.

test procedure incorporating the preferred method of installing a test unit and the
preferred test apparatus that produces the desired reproducibility and accuracy.

the fluid that flows through the solar collector.


contractor on a project having a contract directly with the owner.

engine, turbine, water wheel, or similar machine that drives an electric generator.

person or entity having a contract directly with the owner for professional services.

surface having the heating medium on one side and fluid (or extended surface) on the
other.
the approach to and execution of a sequence of work operations to yield a repeatable and
defined result.

(1) a sequence of events. (2) change in thermodynamic state that can be defined as any
change in the properties of a system. Note: a process is described by specifying the initial
and final equilibrium states, the path (if identifiable), and the interactions that take place
across system boundaries during the process.
(1) closed-loop control as applied to processes or operations or both. Note: HVAC systems
may be considered as processes. (2) control for automatic regulation of operations or
processes or both.
energy consumed in support of a manufacturing, industrial, or commercial processes other
than conditioning spaces and maintaining comfort and amenities for the occupants of a
building.

the load on a building resulting from the consumption or release of process energy.

direct digital control (DDC) panel, factory mounted and connected, able to monitor, control,
and diagnose the significant functions of the equipment of which it is a part. Compare to
[[field-installed device (FID)]].
not field modifiable, nonvolatile (requires no batteries).
control system that provides for performing various operations in predetermined sequences
related to time or other variables.

the baseline energy use or demand applied to the post-retrofit period and conditions.

the ratio of the horizontal depth of the external shading projection divided by the sum of
the height of the fenestration and the distance from the top of the fenestration to the
bottom of the farthest point of the external shading projection in consistent units.

(1) fan in which the air enters and leaves the impeller in a direction substantially parallel to
its axis. (2) propeller- or disc-type wheel within a mounting ring or plate and including
driving mechanism supports for either belt drive or direct connection.

mode that requires offset from the desired setpoint to move the controlled device through
its proportional band.
the annual energy cost calculated for a proposed design.
clear, colorless liquid used to depress the freezing point of water for use as a secondary
coolant in HVAC&R systems. Note: inhibitors are required to control corrosion caused by
glycol solutions.
[[pressure reducing valve]]. See also [[pressure relief valve]].
a permanent split-capacitor motor.
instrument for measuring relative humidities with wet- and dry-bulb thermometers. See
[[hygrometer]].

temperature indicated by a wet-bulb sensing element when the sensor is covered with a
water-saturated wick over which air is caused to flow, at approximately 4.5 m/s (900
ft/min), to reach an equilibrium temperature of water evaporating into air when the heat of
vaporization is supplied by the sensible heat of the air. Psychrometer wet-bulb temperature
is not a thermodynamic property.

relating to the measurement or determination of atmospheric conditions, particularly


regarding moisture mixed with air.

graphical representation of the properties of moist air, usually including wet- and dry-bulb
temperatures, specific and relative humidities, enthalpy, and density.

branch of physics concerned with the measurement or determination of atmospheric


conditions, particularly the moisture in air.
[[packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)]]

statement of the assigned values of those performance characteristics, under standard


rating conditions, by which a unit may be chosen to fit its application.

the unmet cooling load that accumulates during a period when cooling is not provided to
the load and that must be met upon system start-up. Maximum pull-down load generally
occurs on a Monday morning.
first operational check on a refrigerating installation to measure the time taken to pull the
temperature down to the desired conditions while also measuring the temperatures,
pressures, and associated data.

fluid flow phenomenon characterized by periodic (or pseudoperiodic) variation in velocity.

machine for imparting energy to a fluid, causing it to do work, drawing a fluid into itself
through an entrance port, and forcing the fluid out through an exhaust port. Main types are
air lift, centrifugal, diaphragm, positive displacement, reciprocating, and rotary. Pumps can
be configured as individual (one motor, one impeller, one fluid stream) or combined (one
motor, multiple impellers, multiple fluid streams).

impeller housings and impellers are always placed sufficiently below the expected pumping
level to prevent cavitation at the peak production rate. For example, this pump should be
placed at least 115 ft (30 m) below the casing top [pump setting depth = 115 ft (30 m)] to
allow for adequate submergence at peak flow. The specific net positive suction head (NPSH)
pressure required for a pump varies with each application and should be carefully
considered in selecting the setting depth.

of refrigerant, withdrawal of all refrigerant from the low side of a system by pumping it to
either the condenser or the liquid receiver.

(1) (also known as affinity laws for pumps), power varies directly with specific gravity or
density changes of the fluid. (2) with constant impeller diameter and variable speed, flow of
a constant gravity pump varies directly with the speed change, head varies as the square of
the speed change, and power changes as the cube of the speed change. (3) with variable-
impeller diameter and constant speed, flow varies directly with the diameter change, head
varies as the square of the diameter change, and power varies as the cube of the diameter
change.

the sum of the nominal power demand (nameplate horsepower) of motors of all pumps
that are required to operate at design conditions to supply fluid from the heating or cooling
source to all heat transfer devices (e.g., coils, heat exchanger) and return it to the source.

the quantity of refrigerant stored at some point in the refrigeration system for operational,
service, or standby purposes.

level that exists under specific pumping conditions. Generally, this level is different for
different pumping rates (higher pumping rates mean lower pumping levels).

costs for units of energy or power purchased at the building site. These costs may include
energy costs as well as costs for power demand as determined by the adopting authority.

ice made by using water with less than 5 ppm of solids concentration.
a sound wave that is at a single frequency.
(1) removal of air from a hydronic system. (2) removal of noncondensable gases from a
refrigeration system. (3) removal of unburned gases from a combustion chamber. (4) to rid
of whatever is impure or undesirable.
(also known as purger), system used to recover refrigerant from purged mixture of gases
and water.

required on lithium bromide absorption equipment to remove noncondensables (air), which


leak into the machine, or hydrogen (a product of corrosion), which is produced during
equipment operation. Even in small amounts, noncondensable gases can reduce chilling
capacity and even lead to solution crystallization. Purge systems for larger sizes above 100
tons (359 kW) of refrigeration typically consist of these components: vapor pickup tube(s),
noncondensable separation and storage tank(s), and vacuum pump or valving system.

a device to allow noncondensable gases to flow out of a system.


an automatic, semiautomatic, or hand-operated device that collects gases from the
condenser or receiver, condenses the condensable refrigerant therefrom, and releases the
remainder to the atmosphere.
[[pressure volume temperature (PVT)]]
[[pumping water level (PWL)]]
radiometer used to measure solar radiation received from the whole hemisphere (two
steradians). Note: the instrument is suitable for measurement of global or diffuse solar
radiation.

a radiometer used for measuring the incoming atmospheric infrared radiation spectrums
from approximately 4 µm to 100 µm on a black surface at ambient air temperature. The
solar shortwave radiation is excluded from the energy measured.

radiometer used to measure the direct or beam solar irradiance incident on a surface
normal to the sun’s rays.

instrument for measuring temperature, usually above the range of mercury thermometers.

a radiometer used to measure the total solar radiation incident upon a surface per unit time
per unit area. This energy includes the direct radiation, the diffuse sky radiation, and the
solar radiation reflected from the foreground.

a procedure employed for verifying the accuracy of the measuring techniques


(temperature, airflow rates, duct heat calibration) employed in determination of the room
heating effect. This qualification procedure is periodically employed in determining the
room heating effect.

a monitored condition used to establish active or inactive status for a measured parameter.

a process for evaluating a subset (sample) of the total population. The sample is based upon
a known or estimated probability distribution of expected values; an assumed statistical
distribution based upon data from a similar product, assembly, or system; or a random
sampling that has scientific statistical basis.

shift of a radar echo due to relative motion of target and radar source. Note: Doppler radar
can differentiate between fixed and moving targets and can measure target velocity.

one in which the blades are flat and disposed radially from the fan hub to the outer edge.

system of radial feeders extending outward from a centrally located district energy plant
(heating or cooling). Each feeder normally is composed of one supply pipe and one return
pipe.

total radiant flux emitted from a surface through unit projected area by unit solid angle. It
includes the self-emitted radiation plus reflections from sources other than the object
evaluated as interpreted from the direction of measurement. The term intensity of
radiation is sometimes used as a synonym for radiance. See also [[radiosity]].

the quotient of the flux incident on an element of a surface containing the point, by the
area of that element, measured in watts per square meter, W/m2 (Btu/ft2).
radiating rays of light; emitting or reflecting beams of light; vividly shining; glowing; brilliant.

difference between the plane radiant temperature of the two opposite sides of a plane
element. See [[plane radiant temperature]].

a surface of low emissivity (less than 0.1) placed inside an attic or roof space above (but not
touching) the distribution system to reduce radiant heat transfer.
energy passing through space in the form of electromagnetic radiation (such as light or
ultraviolet or infrared radiation) or as a stream of particles (e.g., electrons or protons).

the time rate of flow of radiant energy (watts).


measure of radiant power per unit area flowing across or onto a surface. (Also called
irradiance).
heat transferred by radiation.

a heating or cooling surface that delivers 50% or more of its heat transfer by radiation,
which may be either an integral part of the building (e.g., floor or ceiling heating) or
detached from the building elements (e.g., suspended ceiling panel).

ratio of the reflected radiant (or luminous) flux to the incident radiant (or luminous) flux.

ratio of the transmitted radiant (or luminous) flux to the incident radiant flux.

a sensible cooling system that provides more than 50% of the total heat flux by thermal
radiation.
a sensible heating system that provides more than 50% of the total heat flux by thermal
radiation.

act or process of radiating, specifically the process by which energy is emitted from
molecules and atoms, owing primarily to internal temperature change.

(also known as shape factor), when the space above an element of surface is partially
occupied by a body exchanging radiant energy with the surface, the angle factor represents
the fraction of the angular field of view where energy exchange is taking place.

irradiation, using moderate doses, to enhance keeping quality by killing most of the spoilage
microorganisms present; viruses are not affected.

(1) device designed to intercept radiated heat. (2) in a furnace, a sheet of metal or other
material supported between the heat exchanger and the casing to protect the casing from
heat; not to be considered as a heat transfer surface.

irradiation using high doses to kill the microorganisms present.

represents the net amount of infrared radiation absorbed by gases in the atmosphere. The
radiative forcing of a gas depends on the efficiency with which it traps infrared radiation
and its concentration in the atmosphere. Atmospheric concentration depends on emission
rates and the atmospheric lifetime of the gas.

manual or automatic valve that controls the flow of the fluid to a radiator.
materials that emit ionizing radiation.
instrument for measuring irradiance in energy or power units.
total radiant flux that leaves unit area of a surface. The sum of radiant flux emitted and
reflected by the surface, plus any radiant flux transmitted through that surface. Compare to
[[exitance]].
see [[louver]].

an error that causes readings to take random values on either side of some mean value.
Measurements may be precise or imprecise depending on how well an instrument can
reproduce subsequent readings of an unchanged input.

memory providing access time that is independent of the address and is addressable for
both reading from and writing into memory.
(1) difference between the highest and the lowest operational values, such as pressure,
temperature, rate of flow, or computer values. (2) region between limits within which a
quantity is measured, transmitted, or received, expressed by stating the lower and upper
range values.
theoretical thermodynamic cycle used in steam engines, comprising four principal stages:
(1) vaporization of water under high pressure, (2) expansion of steam, (3) condensation of
steam, and (4) pumping of the water back to initial pressure.

absolute temperature scale conventionally defined by the temperature of the triple point of
water equal to 491.68°R, with 180 divisions between the melting point of ice and the boiling
point of water under standard atmospheric pressure (1°R = 1°F). See [[triple point]].

molar weights of nonvolatile nonelectrolytes, when dissolved in a definite mass of a given


solvent under the same conditions, lower the solvent’s freezing point, elevate its boiling
point, and reduce its vapor pressure equally for all such solutes.

the airflow rate in m3/s (cfm) at which the device is tested.


the operating pressure loss at the airflow rate at which a disposable device (e.g., filter)
should be replaced or renewed, as recommended by the manufacturer, expressed in Pa (in.
of water).

tested maximum positive pressure at which a device or component is rated.

the assigned values of those performance characteristics, under stated rating conditions, by
which a unit may be chosen to fit its application. These values apply to all units of like
nominal size and type (identification) produced by the same manufacturer.

(1) untreated water. (2) water used for ice making, except distilled water.
[[refuse-derived fuel (RDF)]]

portion of apparent power that does no work. It is measured commercially in kilovars.


Reactive power must be supplied to most types of magnetic equipment, such as motors. It
is supplied by generators or by electrostatic equipment such as capacitors.

(1) capable of being quickly and easily reached for operation, maintenance, and inspection.
(2) see [[accessible]].
memory with stored data that can be read but not changed or written into.

energy or work producing part of apparent power. The rate of supply of energy, measured
commercially in kilowatts. The product of real power and length of time is energy,
measured by watthour meters, and expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh).

a vessel in the refrigerating system designed to ensure the availability of adequate liquid
refrigerant for proper functioning of the system and to store the liquid refrigerant when the
system is pumped down.

a positive displacement compressor that changes internal volume of the compression


chamber(s) by the reciprocating motion of one or more pistons.

air taken from a space and returned to that space, usually after being passed through a
conditioning system. The part of the return air that is reused. Air removed from a space and
reused as supply air.

a domestic or service hot-water distribution system that includes a closed-circulation circuit


designed to maintain usage temperatures in hot-water pipes near terminal devices (e.g.,
lavatory faucets, shower heads) in order to reduce the time required to obtain hot water
when the terminal device valve is opened. The motive force for circulation is either natural
(due to water density variations with temperature) or mechanical (recirculation pump).

a remote unit with cooling that is provided at the dispensing valve and accomplished by
circulating cold water or cold carbonated water through one of the lines and returning the
same to a refrigeration unit.
(1) a condition pertaining to air-cooled condensers in which a portion of the discharge air
enters along with the fresh air; the amount of recirculation is determined by equipment
design, placement in regard to adjoining objects, and atmospheric conditions. The effect is
generally evaluated on the basis of the decrease in unit capacity. (2) condition pertaining to
cooling towers and evaporative condensers in which a portion of the discharge air enters
along with the fresh air; the amount of recirculation is determined by equipment design,
placement in regard to adjoining objects, and atmospheric conditions. The effect is
generally evaluated on the basis of the increase in entering wet-bulb temperature
compared to the ambient.

to process used refrigerant to new product specifications.


refrigerants reprocessed to the same specifications as new refrigerants by any means,
including distillation. Such refrigerants have been chemically analyzed to verify that those
specifications have been met.

an application of the commissioning process requirements to a project that has been


delivered using the commissioning process. This may be a scheduled recommissioning
developed as part of an ongoing commissioning process or it may be triggered by use
change, operations problems, or other needs.

(1) cooling of air that has been previously heated. (2) lowering the temperature of air that
has been previously heated by a mechanical heating system.

drawings that record the conditions of the project as constructed. These include any
refinements of the construction or bid documents.
a thermometer that indicates temperature by traces on a moving chart; recording may be
done on a cylinder, a circular chart, or a strip chart.

to remove refrigerant in any condition from a system and store it in an external container.

portion of thermal input to a prime mover and that is not converted to mechanical power
and can be reclaimed.

energy reclaimed for useful purposes and that would otherwise be wasted.

comes from internal heat sources. It is used for space heating, domestic or service water
heating, air reheat in air conditioning, process heating in industrial applications, or other
similar purposes. Recovered heat may be stored for later use.

refrigerants removed from a system in any condition without necessarily testing or


processing them.

(1) externally cooled heat exchanger in the high side of a refrigerating absorption system for
condensing absorbent and separating it from the refrigerant before passing it to the
condenser. (2) in electricity, a device for converting AC to DC current.

to reduce contaminants in used refrigerants by separating oil, removing noncondensables,


and using devices such as filter driers to reduce moisture, acidity, and particulate matter.

refrigerants for which contaminants have been reduced by oil separation, removal of
noncondensable gases, and single or multiple passes through filter driers or other devices
that reduce moisture, acidity, and particulate matter.

the input rate resulting from burner operation at the manufacturer's recommended
adjustment setting or the midpoint setting.
back-pressure and back-siphonage-type device designed to serve as a detector check on fire
protection systems where contaminants are involved. Note: RPDC includes a line-size
approved, reduced pressure zone backflow preventer with a metered bypass into which has
been incorporated a three-quarter inch, approved, reduced pressure zone backflow
preventer.

back-pressure and back-siphonage-type device designed to operate under continuous


pressure where contaminants are involved.
an exterior finish applied to roof systems in order to reduce the absorption of solar
radiation. The solar absorptivity must be 0.4 or less.
for furnaces or boilers equipped with automatic modulating control, the input rate resulting
from the lowest factory-adjusted setting of the control.

(1) a type of check valve that restricts flow of fluids to a single direction and consists of thin
strips of flexible metal, fiberglass, or other materials fixed on one end. They open and close
with changing pressures across opposite sides of the valve. (2) compressor valve consisting
of a plate having a number of slots and flexible steel strips fitted over the slots.

dry-media-type filters that are carefully measured for resistance and initial efficiency
immediately after a test system is qualified. These filters serve as references to ensure that
the test system continues to operate as it did when it was qualified.

the temperature at an appropriate, fixed location within the test zone, for example, at 42
in. (1.1 m) above the floor for an office space served by a mixing air system.

(1) portion of the incident radiation on a surface that is reflected from the surface. Note: for
an opaque surface, the sum of the reflectance and the absorptance is unity at equilibrium.
Absorptances and reflectances are of various types, as are emittances. (2) the ratio of the
light reflected by a surface to the light incident upon it.

insulation that reduces radiant heat transfer across spaces by use of one or more surfaces of
high reflectance and low emittance, for example, aluminum foil.

portion of the radiation-striking unit area of a surface that is not absorbed or transmitted by
the surface. See [[reflectance]].

(1) refrigerating fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system and that absorbs heat
at a low temperature and low pressure of the fluid and transfers heat at a higher
temperature and a higher pressure of the fluid, usually involving changes of state of the
fluid. Compare to [[coolant]]. (2) in a refrigerating system, the medium of heat transfer that
picks up heat by evaporating at a low temperature and pressure and gives up heat on
condensing at a higher temperature and pressure. (3) substance that changes phase or
condition (e.g., from liquid to vapor [evaporation] or from bonded to solid to vapor
[desorption]) in the process of absorbing heat within the air-conditioning equipment.

a refrigerant composed of two or more different chemical compounds often used


individually as refrigerants for other applications.
(1) actual amount of refrigerant in a closed system. (2) weight of refrigerant required for
proper functioning of a closed system.

device used in conjunction with a thermostatic expansion valve to ensure equable


refrigerant distribution from the valve to individual parallel sections of an evaporator.

total useful capacity of a refrigerant condenser for removing heat from the refrigerant
circulated through it.

splitting of refrigerant compounds by reaction with water (e.g., reaction of


dichlorodifluoromethane or methyl chloride with water, forming acid products).
the mass flow rate of the volatile refrigerant, which is potentially mixed with lubricant.

device that controls the flow of liquid refrigerant to an evaporator.

device or portion of equipment used for the purpose of increasing refrigerant pressure.

recirculates liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant sump at the bottom of the evaporator to
the evaporator tube bundle in order to effectively wet the outside surface and enhance
heat transfer (when used).
dedicated apparatus for transfer of refrigerant from a chiller or other refrigerating system
to a separate and distinct storage vessel.
vessel in a refrigerating system designed to ensure the availability of adequate liquid
refrigerant for proper functioning of the system and to store the liquid refrigerant when the
system is pumped down.
a machine that removes refrigerant from a refrigerating system, preventing refrigerant
discharge to the environment.

heat exchanger, after the condenser, for subcooling the condensed refrigerant.

process of cooling refrigerant below condensing temperature for a given pressure; also,
cooling a liquid below its freezing point where it can exist only in a state of unstable
equilibrium. See [[supercooling]].

heat removal by direct contact of the packaged product with refrigerated plates.

a refrigerated vehicle where the space given to the ice or cooling element is in the end of
the truck or rail car.
thermodynamic cycle of a system that transfers heat from a low-temperature reservoir to a
high-temperature reservoir.
in a refrigeration system, the rate of heat removal.
technique of design, manufacture, application, and operation of refrigerating machinery
and its primary equipment.

interconnected parts forming a closed circuit in which refrigerant is circulated and having
the condenser located to transfer heat to the zone to be heated.

amount of heat per unit time imposed on a refrigerating system for the required rate of
heat removal.
quantity of heat to be removed from a refrigerated space to compensate for opening doors,
presence of personnel, heat from electric lights, etc.

a system that, in operation between a heat source (evaporator) and a heat sink (condenser)
at two different temperatures, absorbs heat from the heat source at the lower temperature
and rejects heat to the heat sink at the higher temperature. See also [[refrigerating unit]].

refrigerating systems are classified according to the degree of probability, low or high, that
leaked refrigerant from a failed connection, seal, or component could enter an occupied
area. The distinction is based on the basic design or location of the components.

contaminants include water (the most important and universal contaminant); dirt; particles;
organic materials such as waxes, acids, and sludges; or other products of chemical reactions
taking place while the system is operating.

unit assembly composed of a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion device,


used for refrigerating and for extracting heat.
parts subjected to approximately the condenser pressure.
parts subjected to approximately the evaporator pressure.
refrigerating equipment forming a part of the refrigerating system, including any or all of
the following: compressor, condenser, generator, absorber (adsorber), liquid receiver,
connecting piping, and evaporator.
ratio of the useful refrigerating effect of the system to the power input.
device capable of providing the necessary difference in pressure between the high- and
low-pressure sides of the refrigerating system.

(1) any use of mechanical- or absorption-refrigerating machinery for applications other than
the comfort of human beings. Compare to [[cooling]]. (2) process of extracting heat from a
substance or space by any means, usually at a low temperature.

assembly of refrigerant-containing parts used in a refrigerating cycle.

a stable fluid that is compatible with system components, will form a friction-reducing film
between rubbing surfaces, will seal critical clearances, and has low-temperature properties
suitable for the application.

plate, wall, or partition that is designed to perform one or more of the following functions:
(1) prevent contact of food with refrigerated surfaces, (2) prevent dripping of condensate
on food, (3) regulate and/or direct circulation of refrigerated air.

separate insulating element or integral insulating extension of the cabinet interior surfaces
around the periphery of the cabinet door or drawer opening(s), which functions as a
thermal barrier to minimize heat flow to the cabinet interior (i.e., it breaks a thermal
leakage path).

refuse used as a combustion fuel source to provide heat in a district-heating plant.

mass of moisture reabsorbed by a dried material when exposed to humid air.

the airstream used as a carrier for the desorbed moisture and/or a mechanism to transfer
heat for the regeneration of the desiccant in a dry desiccant system.

device used to heat the solid desiccant regeneration air or the liquid desiccant.

energy per unit moisture removed expressed in kJ/kg (Btu/lb).


air-cycle refrigerating system fitted with heat regenerators.
process of using heat that must be rejected or absorbed in one part of the cycle to perform
a useful function in another part of the cycle.

simple cycle gas turbine to which has been added a heat exchanger to warm incoming
combustion air with heat from exhaust gases in order to increase thermal efficiency.

heat rejected in one part of a system and used to perform a useful function in another part.

scrubber in which the active reagent can be regenerated.


the structure or section containing the desiccant to be regenerated.

combination grille and damper assembly over an air opening. See [[air outlet]].

appropriately qualified and licensed professional engineer. See also [[design professional]].

valve capable of regulating the flow of water through a condenser according to changes in
condensing pressure or water temperature.

device to establish or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of a unit or process.

agencies whose rules are mandated by law or by owner’s specification. Examples include
the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and U.S. Public Health Service.

application of sensible heat to supply air that has been previously cooled below the
temperature desired for maintaining the temperature of the conditioned space.

heating coil installed downstream of cooling coil.


terminal that heats a single source of supply air.
true VAV box with a reheat coil mounted on the discharge of the unit.
raising the temperature of air that has been previously cooled either by mechanical
refrigeration or an economizer system.

(1) ratio of the mole fraction of water vapor to the mole fraction of water vapor saturated at
the same temperature and barometric pressure. (2) ratio of the partial pressure or density
of water vapor to the saturation pressure or density, respectively, at the same dry-bulb
temperature and barometric pressure of the ambient air.

the light transmission of a dust spot sampling target relative to that of a translucent
standard.
(1) electrical mechanism that uses the current in a control circuit to open or close electric
contacts. (2) fluid (liquid or pneumatic) device that uses variations in fluid pressure to
actuate final control devices.
in freeze drying, that part of the water contained in the product and that may be extracted
without spoiling the quality of the product.
any movement of refrigerant out of its containment, including, but not limited to, by a leak,
by an action of filling or testing, or by failure.

the rate of release, in actual liters per minute (Lpm), of tracer gas during a hood test.

(1) mathematical probability that a device will perform its objective adequately for the
period of time intended under the operating conditions specified. (2) probability that a
device will function without failure over a specified time period or amount of usage. See
[[accuracy]]; [[precision]]; [[repeatability]]. (3) probability that an instrument’s repeatability
and accuracy will continue to fall within specified limits.

(1) all return air that is discharged directly to the outside or exhausted by separate exhaust
fans. (2) building return air discharged by the air-handling unit (AHU) equipment to control
building pressure when an HVAC system is operating in the economizer cycle.

thermostat in which the sensing bulb can be located at a distance from the instrument
proper while remaining flexibly connected to it.
energy obtained from sunlight, wind, earth, geothermal sources, or bodies of water to
provide heating, cooling, lighting, or water-heating services to buildings. See
[[nondepletable energy]].

empirical unit of resistance to water vapor flow through a material or construction. One rep
= 1 hour – square foot – in. Hg pressure difference between the two surfaces per grain
(avoirdupois) water vapor (h·ft2·in. Hg/gr). (The resistance may be stated in other units
consistent with this value.) The rep is the reciprocal of the perm (1 rep = 1/perm). It is not
an SI unit.

(1) the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its
maintenance. (2) to restore to good or sound condition within the following constraints:
operation must be fully restored without embellishment and failure must have occurred.

(1) closeness of agreement among consecutive measurements of the output for the same
value of input approaching from the same direction. Compare to [[accuracy]]; [[precision]];
[[reliability]]. (2) closeness of agreement among repeated measurements of the same
variable under the same conditions. (3) the ability to obtain the same observed value in
repeated experiments. Lack of repeatability is commonly associated with precision error,
the random component of the total error.
outdoor air that is used to replace air removed from a building through an exhaust system.
Replacement air may be derived from one or more of the following: makeup air, supply air,
transfer air, and infiltration. However, the ultimate source of all replacement air is outdoor
air. When replacement air exceeds exhaust, the result is exfiltration.

estimate of the current or future cost to replace existing facilities either as currently
structured or as redesigned to embrace new technology with facilities that will perform the
same functions.
repetitions of measurements at the same conditions that are taken to estimate the
uncertainty in the results.

studious inquiry; usually critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation with the
aim of revision of accepted conclusions in light of newly discovered facts.

automatic adjustment of the controller setpoint to a higher or lower value.

control method using a remote or external signal to modify the setpoint of a controller.

period that the contaminant molecule is within the boundaries of the media bed.

the occupant or occupants of an individual unit in a multiple-occupancy residential building


who have entered into an agreement with the owner.
engineer employed by the owner to represent the owner’s interests at the project site
during the construction phase.
spaces in buildings used primarily for living and sleeping. Residential spaces include, but are
not limited to, dwelling units, hotel/motel guest rooms, dormitories, nursing homes, patient
rooms in hospitals, lodging houses, fraternity/sorority houses, hostels, prisons, and fire
stations.
air conditioning as applied to private houses or apartments.
providing comfort heating for single-family living quarters.
in a freeze-dried product, the ratio of the mass of residual water to the original mass of
product.
in freeze drying, the pressure of the gas (usually air) at the trap.

(1) property of an electric circuit, or of any object used as part of an electric circuit, that
determines for a given current the rate at which electric energy is converted into heat or
radiant energy and that has a value such that the product of the resistance and the square
of the current gives the rate of conversion of energy. (2) property opposing movement of
material or flow of energy and involving loss of potential (voltage, temperature, pressure
level). (3) thermal resistance. See [[electrical resistance (Ω)]]; [[thermal resistance]].
(1) dimensionless group equal to four times the Fanning friction factor. Also known as
Darcy-Weisbach coefficient and Darcy number 1. (2) dimensionless number used in the
study of flow resistance; equal to the resistance force in flow divided by one-half the
product of fluid density, the square of fluid velocity, and the square of a characteristic
length.

the electrical conducting medium that is heated by an electric current and that also
dissipates this heat into the air or a fluid.
temperature sensors that utilize the predictable change in electrical resistance of some
materials with changing temperature. They are commonly made of platinum. There are two
broad categories, film and wire-wound types. Film temperature sensors have a layer of
some resistive material, such as platinum, on a substrate: the layer may be extremely thin,
perhaps 1 micrometer. Wire-wound temperature sensors can have greater accuracy,
especially for wide temperature ranges. The coil diameter provides a compromise between
mechanical stability and allowing expansion of the wire to minimize strain and
consequential drift.

welding with resistance heating and pressure, the work being part of the electrical circuit.

(1) electric load with all energy input converted to heat and light. (2) electric load without
capacitance or inductance or one in which inductive portions cancel capacitive portions at
the operating frequency.

(1) for digital techniques, the number of discrete values that can be indicated by the digital
word from zero to full scale (e.g., a ten bit binary word has a resolution of one point in
1024). (2) in analog to digital conversion, resolution refers to the smallest input increment
that can be measured and indicated by an output change. This can also be called sensitivity.

condition of high-vibration response. The exact resonance of a system in forced vibration


exists when any change, however small, in the frequency of excitation causes a decrease in
the response amplitude (i.e., when the driving frequency equals the natural frequency).

the frequency at which operation of the equipment leads to a peak in the response
spectrum. Note: for lightly damped structures, the resonance frequency can be taken to be
the natural frequency.
system in which the refrigerant vapor is not condensed to a pure liquid but is absorbed in a
weak solution from which it is subsequently evaporated at a lower temperature to produce
refrigeration.

product of an energy resource [includes application of resource utilization factor (RUF)]


anticipated to be used in providing fuel or energy to a building site, multiplied by an RIF for
that particular form of energy resource. Total resource energy impact is the sum of all
resource energy impacts for a building project.

multipliers applied to fuel and energy resources required by a building project to permit a
quantitative evaluation on the economy of those resources resulting from the selection of
on-site fuel and energy forms. Availability and social, economic, environmental, and
national interest issues are considered.

multiplier, applied to the quantity of fuel or energy delivered to a building site, that
provides a quantitative estimate of the energy resources consumed in providing that fuel or
energy. Variant multipliers account for the burden of processing, transporting, converting,
and delivering fuel or energy from the point of extraction to the building site.

particles small enough to be inhaled into a nonciliated portion of the lung. Peak deposition
of respirable particles occurs within the size range of 0.2 to 5.0 micrometers. Particles
greater than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter are not respirable.

(1) breathing process of animals. (2) production of carbon dioxide and heat by ripening of
perishables in storage.

in plants, heat created during the respiratory process (absorption of oxygen and evolution
of CO2).
(1) output, expressed as a function of time, resulting from the application of specified input.
(2) time (preferably in seconds, may also be in cycles of supply frequency) required for the
output quantity to change by some agreed-on percentage of the differential output quantity
in response to a step change input. Note: in measurement, the initial and final output
quantities shall correspond to the test-output quantities. The response time shall be the
maximum obtained including differences arising from increasing or decreasing output
quantity or time phase of signal application. (3) time for a measuring sensor to reach 90% of
the final value after a step change. For a measuring system that includes only one
exponential time constant function, the 90% response time equals 2.3 times the time
constant.
of the adsorbent, the amount remaining after a saturated bed reaches equilibrium in clean
air.

the commissioning process applied to an existing facility that was not previously
commissioned. The same process for retrocommissioning needs to be followed from
predesign through occupancy and operations to optimize the benefits of implementing the
commissioning process philosophy and practice.

modification of existing equipment, systems, or buildings to incorporate improved


performance, updated operation, improved energy performance, or all three. Derived from
retroactive refit.

the savings measurement approach that determines energy or demand savings through the
use of meters to isolate the energy flows for the system(s).

pipe or duct to carry fluid back to the source.


air removed from a space to be recirculated or exhausted. Air extracted from a space and
totally or partially returned to an air conditioner, furnace, or other heating, cooling, or
ventilating system.

nozzle for a mechanical atomizing oil burner in which part of the oil supplied to the
atomizer is withdrawn and returned to storage or to the oil line to the atomizer.

temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the exit of a test panel.

compressor in which the suction valve is located in the cylinder head of the compressor.

persistence of sound to bounce around in an enclosed space after the sound source has
stopped.

time in seconds for sound energy to decay 60 decibels. A common reference is often the
time for the sound in the 500 Hz octave band to decay 60 dB.

device or control where the action of the device or control decreases (or increases) as the
variable increases (or decreases). Compare to [[direct acting]].

cycle obtained when a fluid is made to follow the different thermodynamic stages of a cycle
in the reverse order.

defrosting an evaporator by reversing its function with that of the condenser.

airflow within the hood when smoke released in the hood moves forward, toward the front
of the hood. This term does not apply to the forward motion of the roll inside the hood that
occurs in the upper cavity of the hood above the hood opening or to the cyclonic motion
that occurs behind a closed horizontal sash.

(1) output pressure of a reversing relay that changes in opposition to the input signal (i.e.,
as the input pressure increases, the output pressure decreases). (2) pressure differential
existing in a heat pump reversing valve to affect a reversal of flow through the valve.
two-pipe system in which the heat transfer medium supplied to the first load is the last
returned to the heat transfer equipment. A system in which the water return piping from
terminal units is sized to provide equal lengths for balanced flow rates. Compare to [[direct-
return piping system]].

theoretical thermodynamic cycle composed of a series of reversible processes.

maximum useful work obtained for a given change of state. It includes heat supplied from
other systems but excludes work done on the surroundings.

relay designed to reverse the direction of current flow or of function, on actuation.

a dimensionless number, designated Re, that indicates whether the fluid flow is laminar or
turbulent. For flow in a pipe, transition generally occurs between Reynolds’ numbers of
2300 and 4000.
[[relative humidity (rh, RH)]]

dimensionless number used in studying the stratified flow of multilayer systems; equal to
the acceleration of gravity g times the density gradient of a fluid divided by the product of
the fluid’s density and the square of its velocity gradient at a wall (symbol NR).

ducts constructed of rigid materials such as metal and fiberglass duct board.

calculated by using the average inside duct dimensions determined by measurement of a


minimum of three representative sections of the duct envelope.

granular deposit of opaque ice on a surface, formed by quick freezing of supercooled water
droplets.
alternating-current component from a direct-current power supply arising within a power
supply.
vertical distance (hv) between the highest horizontal plane tangent to a specified isovel and
the center of the core of an air jet.

(1) measure of the time required for a circuit to change its output from a low voltage level
to a high voltage level, normally from 10 to 90 percentage points. (2) time required for the
output of a system (other than first order) to make the change from a small specified
percentage (often 5% to 10%) of the steady-state increment to a large, specified percentage
(often 90% to 95%) either before overshoot or in the absence of overshoot.

system of air conditioning in which packed beds of crushed stone or gravel are used for both
evaporative cooling and heat energy storage.
the rotation of air in the upper cavity of the hood. The roll is induced by the momentum of
the air entering the hood through the hood opening.
evaporator consisting of two metal plates that are weld bonded together (with the
exception of the printed circuit forming the refrigerant passage, which is obtained by
inflation under pressure).

filter in which the filter medium is a continuous belt on movable rolls to bring clean filter
media into the airstream, either automatically or manually.

bearing consisting of a number of rollers in a cage between the inner and outer races.

special type of small rotary compressor having a rotor aligned eccentrically within the
stator, used in domestic refrigerators.

the upper portion of the building envelope, including opaque areas and fenestration, that is
horizontal or tilted at an angle of less than 60° from horizontal.
all components of the roof/ceiling envelope through which heat flows, thus creating a
building transmission heat loss or gain, where such assembly is exposed to outdoor air and
encloses a heated and/or mechanically cooled space.

system that reduces heat gain through a roof by cooling the outside surface with a water
spray; suited for only temporary treatment because high humidity may be introduced by air
intakes on the roof.
packaged air conditioner mounted on a roof, the conditioned air being discharged directly
into the rooms below or through a duct system.

an encased assembly designed as a unit primarily for mounting in a window, through a wall,
or as a console. It is designed primarily to provide free delivery of conditioned air to an
enclosed space, room, or zone. The room air conditioner includes a primary source of
refrigeration and dehumidification, means for air circulation, air cleaning, and heating and
may include means for ventilation and humidification.

a test facility consisting of a room-side compartment and an outdoor-side compartment,


each of which is equipped with instrumented reconditioning equipment. The output of this
equipment is measured and controlled to counterbalance the room-side net total cooling
effect of the air conditioner under test.

a factor that characterizes room configuration as a ratio between the walls and ceiling and
is based upon room dimensions.

a series of curves of octave band sound spectra in a system for rating the noisiness of an
occupied indoor space; an actual octave band spectrum is compared with this set of curves
to determine the RC level of the space. Rates sound from 16 to 16,000 Hz octave bands.

(1) for a sinusoidal motion, the RMS value is 0.707 times peak. (2) for a velocity
measurement, root mean square is often used when vibrations are random or consist of a
number of sinusoidal vibrations of different frequencies. The RMS value is a measure of the
effective energy used to produce the vibration of the machine. (3) root mean square is the
square root of the time average of the sound (vibration) wave(s).

burner in which atomization is accomplished by feeding oil to the inside of a rapidly rotating
cup.

a positive displacement compressor in which the change in internal volume of the


compression chamber is accomplished by the rotary motion of a positive displacement.

process of deliberately interrupting preselected loads from an electric power system, as a


nonroutine remedy of energy management implemented through transmission supervision
and substation automation, on a substation bus or distribution feeder basis in a sequentially
timed pattern for the purpose of matching demand to temporarily limited supply.

device consisting of rotating-propeller-type vanes; the air velocity is indicated from the
rotational speed of the vanes.
ratio of size of projections from the surface of a pipe or duct to the diameter of the pipe or
duct.
[[resistance temperature device (RTD)]]
finned-tube coils (closed system) or spray chambers (open systems) in which a liquid is
circulated by gravity or pump action through a heat source exchanger and then through a
heat sink exchanger. Antifreeze may be used in the coil loop and a desiccant in the spray
system.

regenerative-type closed secondary system in which a continuously circulated fluid absorbs


heat from the primary system fluid at one place and sends it to the primary system fluid at
another place.
(1) the period of time between the start and the stop of a cycle. (2) the period of time
between the start of refrigeration after a defrost termination and the beginning of the next
successive defrost.

(1) accumulated hours of equipment operation. (2) period of operation of a system on test.

(also known as pressure relief device or pressure limiting device), valve or rupture member
designed to relieve pressure at a predetermined setting by mechanical failure of the disc. A
rupture disc is a single-use device and must be replaced after the incident (as opposed to a
relief valve, which may be manually or automatically reset).

(1) measure of the acoustical absorption properties of a room; the average absorption of all
the surfaces in a room times the total surface divided by the average reflection. (2) (also
known as thermal resistance), quantity determined by the temperature difference, at
steady state, between two defined surfaces of a material or construction that induces a unit
heat flow rate through unit area (R = ΔT/q). R-value is the reciprocal of thermal
conductance.

(1) dimensionless unit of acoustical absorption, equal to the equivalent sound absorption of
one square foot of a surface of unit absorptivity (i.e., of one square foot of surface that
absorbs all incident sound energy). (2) dimensionless unit of acoustical absorption, equal to
the equivalent sound absorption of unit of area of a surface of unit absorptivity.

maximum pressure a system can be subjected to without component failure.

(1) ancillary device fitted to an apparatus or machine in order to prevent accident or


damage in the event of abnormal functioning of the system. (2) control that causes
equipment to cease operation when adverse or excessive conditions occur.

in a compressor, a cylinder head held in place by a spring of such strength that it will not be
compressed during normal operation but will be compressed by solid matter or liquid
coming between it and the piston, thereby protecting the compressor.

see [[safety device]].


hydrometer calibrated in salt concentration.
a tubular windscreen to be attached to a standard microphone and designed to minimize its
sensitivity to airflow noise.
device intended to allow the passage of outdoor air or exhaust air while minimizing the
ingress of airborne sand. Also see [[louver]].

sum of all perimeters of all ventilators, sashes, or doors based on overall dimensions of such
parts expressed in feet (centimeters) (counting two adjacent lengths of perimeter as one).
the maximum of the positional sash movement effects for all the positions tested on a
particular hood.

a series of letters and numbers consisting of the letters SME-AM, SME-AI, or SME-AU and a
two- or three-digit number, (i.e., SME-AU yyy, SME-AI yyy, SME-AM yyy), where SME means
“sash movement effect,” AM means “as manufactured,” AI means “as installed,” AU means
“as used,” and yyy equals the sash movement effect, ppm. A test rating of SME-AM 10, for
example, would indicate that the peak concentration of tracer gas measured during a sash
movement test under the “as manufactured” test [with a tracer gas release rate of 4.0 Lpm]
was 10 ppm.

an organic (carbon-containing) compound in which each carbon atom is joined to four other
atoms; all of the chemical bonds in a saturated compound are single.
(1) air that holds the maximum water vapor possible at a specified temperature and
pressure. (2) moist air in which the partial pressure of the water vapor is equal to the vapor
pressure of water at the existing temperature.

liquid existing at the saturation temperature and pressure.


the water-vapor pressure at the saturation temperature corresponding to the reference
pressure and without any liquid phase.

(1) condition for coexistence in stable equilibrium of a vapor and liquid or a vapor and solid
phase of the same substance. As an example, steam over the water from which it is being
generated. See [[vapor pressure]]. (2) physical adsorbent that contains all the contaminant
it can hold at the challenge concentration, temperature, and humidity. This point is its
activity, expressed as a percentage of the carbon mass or fraction (i.e., g contaminant/g
adsorbent). (3) condition for coexistence in stable equilibrium of a vapor and liquid, or a
vapor and solid phase of the same substance. As an example, steam over the water from
which it is being generated. See [[vapor pressure]].

dimensionless difference between the humidity ratio of an air sample and the saturation
humidity ratio of air at the same temperature and pressure.

the dry-bulb temperature reduction achieved by the ECU divided by the entering wet-bulb
depression.

the pressure at which vapor and liquid exist in equilibrium at a given temperature.

the temperature where a substance changes between its liquid and its vapor phase. If the
pressure in a system remains constant, a vapor at saturation temperature will begin to
condense into its liquid phase as thermal energy is removed, and, conversely, a liquid at
saturation temperature will begin to evaporate as thermal energy is applied.

the process of separating a retrofit’s (energy conservation measure’s) effectiveness from a


facility’s energy use pattern. It involves measurements of physical conditions and analysis of
resultant data.

the estimation of energy and demand savings associated with an energy conservation
measure for a piece of equipment, a subsystem, or a system. The estimated savings are
based on some kind of measured data from before and after the retrofit and may be
calculated using a variety of engineering techniques. There are several different savings
measurement approaches.

(1) the formation of thick corrosion product layers on a metal surface at high temperature.
(2) the precipitation of water-insoluble constituents on a surface.

substance added to water used in condensers, boilers, piping, and cooling towers to prevent
or minimize the formation of insoluble deposits.

(1) control setpoint at which temperature is to be maintained. (2) indicated temperature to


which a thermostat is set.
in a refrigeration system, an arrangement for gravitational separation of the larger
impurities from a refrigerant.

an indication of how often scans are initiated. Throughput rate is the maximum rate the
entire data acquisition system can accept, process, and transfer data.

an indication of how fast a recording instrument proceeds from measurement to


measurement within a given scan.
standard cubic feet per minute.
drawing illustrating the relationship of project components and/or the fundamental outline
of a functional system.
dimensionless number consisting of the mass transfer coefficient times a characteristic
length divided by the mass diffusivity. Symbol Sc, Sc, or NSc. See [[Prandtl number]].

fire tube boiler consisting of a cylindrical shell with one or more cylindrical internal furnaces
in the lower portion and a bank of tubes attached to both end closures.

exchanger having a surface on which a fluid can be solidified and the solid layer scraped off.

apparatus in which a liquid freezes on the surface of a cooled drum to form a thin layer
which is removed by a scraper.
piston ring of special section, designed to prevent oil from the crankcase entering the
cylinder head.
a positive displacement rotary compressor that produces compression with two
intermeshing helical rotors.
positive displacement compressor in which the reduction in internal volume of the
compression chamber is accomplished by an orbiting scroll (involute spiral) within a mating
stationary scroll.

(1) device for reducing the CO2 content of a controlled-atmosphere storage room. (2)
system to reduce noxious substances from a flowing stream, as in chimneys or process
discharges.
device to prevent the passage of a gas or liquid into or out of a pipe, container, or along a
shaft.

hermetic unit with compressor and motor enclosed in the same housing without external
shaft or shaft seals with the motor operating in the refrigerant.

see [[hermetic compressor]].

tube produced by drawing and forming operations from a pierced bar or hollow billet.

(1) air for combustion supplied to the furnace to supplement the primary air (after ignition).
(2) air prevailing in a treated space. (3) air used to reject heat to an ambient environment or
elsewhere. (4) primary air recirculated through a terminal unit.

condenser cooled by the evaporator of a secondary system.


any liquid used for the transmission of heat without vaporization.

a fluid of known properties (e.g., water, steam, or brine) that is used as a heating medium.

(1) a volatile refrigerant (usually a single refrigerant or an azeotropic mixture) of known


properties that is used as a heating medium. (2) volatile or nonvolatile substance in an
indirect refrigerating system that absorbs heat from a substance in space to be refrigerated
and transfers this heat to the evaporator of the refrigerating system.

(also known as indirect surface), in extended surface exchangers, the additional surface that
is not in direct contact with both the heat-absorbing and heat-emitting media.

(1) the fluid that flows through the condenser as a coolant. (2) fluid that flows through a
heat exchanger that transfers thermal energy from the primary transfer fluid to the
application that uses solar energy.

generation of an emf induced by a difference in temperature at the junctions of two


dissimilar materials selected for their emf characteristics and temperature limits.

a complete, factory-assembled and factory-tested system that is shipped in one or more


sections and has no refrigerant-containing parts that are joined in the field by other than
companion or block valves.
a factory-made assembly in one structure that includes a complete mechanical refrigerating
system and that has the primary function of cooling potable water and also provides for
dispensing such water, by either integral or remote means or both.

method of control which requires no external or auxiliary power supply.

devices that incorporate means to maintain performance at a nearly constant level or


within preestablished limits. Examples are roll filters, filters equipped with vacuum-cleaning
systems, and self-washing electronic air cleaners. The self-renewal action is accomplished
by means incorporated within the device itself; actuation may be manual or automatic.

selection of heating or cooling operation by means of a combination of manual and


automatic switches, which usually are located at the room thermostat.

defrost system in which the defrost cycle is started manually and ends automatically with
automatic resumption of normal refrigeration at the end of defrost operation.

a motor compressor assembly contained within a gas tight housing that is sealed by
gasketed joints to provide access for servicing internal parts.

a component an indirect evaporative cooler provided with a primary air-moving device, that
delivers primary air. This device also includes the entire water distribution, collection, and
recirculation system with pump and piping.

a component an indirect evaporative cooler with integrated or nonintegrated primary and


secondary air passages and provided with a secondary air moving device, which delivers
secondary air. This device also includes the entire water distribution, collection, and
recirculation system with pump and piping.

a mixture of synthetic and petroleum oils that can act as a lubricant.


the rate, expressed in Btu/h (W), at which the fan coil under test reduces or increases the
dry-bulb temperature of the air passing through it.
the rate, expressed in W (Btu/h), at which the equipment lowers the dry-bulb temperature
(removes sensible heat) of the air passing through it under specified conditions of
operation.
(1) amount of sensible heat removed from air during cooling. (2) difference between total
cooling effect and dehumidifying effect.
a panel designed for sensible cooling of an indoor space through heat transfer to the
thermally effective panel surfaces from the occupants and/or indoor space by thermal
radiation and natural convection.

the energy exchanged by a thermodynamic system that relates to a change of temperature.

ratio of the sensible heat to the sensible plus latent heat to be removed from a conditioned
space.

[also known as sensible heat factor (SHF)], the ratio of sensible heat transfer to total
(sensible + latent) heat transfer for a process. Also see [[sensible heat]] and [[latent heat]].

the rate, expressed in Btu/h (W), at which the equipment raises the dry-bulb temperature
(adds sensible heat) of the air passing through it under specified conditions of operation.

a complete panel that is designed and can be independently installed and operated for
sensible heating of an indoor space through heat transfer from the thermally effective panel
surfaces to the occupants and/or indoor space by thermal radiation and natural convection.

a measure of the smallest incremental change to which an instrument can respond.


in instrumentation, ratio of a change in output magnitude to the change of input that
causes it after the steady state has been reached.
device or instrument designed to detect and measure a variable.

vessel that removes solids and entrained liquid from a liquid or gas stream using a
combination of a baffle or a coalescer with a screening (filtering) element.

(1) an organized narration specifying how the integrated functions of a device, system, or
facility will perform. It should incorporate energy efficiency and environmental concerns
with detailed, comprehensive control strategies, i.e., how each individual piece of
equipment will be controlled and what information and adjustment will be available to the
user. These may be provided in a combination of narratives, diagrams, and point lists for
every unique type of equipment and for each system. (2) one in which successive
operations are carried out in a sequence, either predetermined or resulting from the correct
execution of each successive operation.

instrument that provides sequence control.

terminal where primary airflow is modulated and mixed with induced air by a continuously
operated integral fan to provide a relatively constant volume of discharge.

hot-water heating system in which each radiator is connected in series with the next and all
flow returns to the boiler in the loop. Also known as a single pipe or one pipe system.

an agency capable of providing calibration, testing, or manufacture of equipment,


instrumentation, metering, or control apparatus, such as a contractor, laboratory, or
manufacturer.
see [[domestic hot water]].
pertaining to the ease with which equipment in buildings can be serviced for maintenance
purposes.

mechanism that automatically actuates a system according to the variation of input. The
device is designed so that a small input power controls a much larger output power.

combination of devices for controlling a source of power in which the output (or some
function thereof) is fed back and compared to some reference at the input; the difference
of this comparison being used to effect the desired control.

the pressure at which a pressure relief device or pressure control is set to operate.

reduction of heating (by reducing the setpoint) or cooling (by increasing the setpoint) during
hours when a building is unoccupied or during periods when lesser demand is acceptable.

point at which the desired temperature (°F [°C]) of the heated or cooled space is set.

ratio of absorbed and transmitted solar heat relative to fenestration fitted with shading
devices to that occurring with unshaded single-strength glass.

the ratio of solar heat gain at normal incidence through glazing to that occurring through
standard thickness of clear, double-strength glass. Shading coefficient does not include
interior, exterior, or integral shading devices.

a type of smoke control system that is intended to positively pressurize stair and/or
elevator shafts with outdoor air by using fans to keep smoke from contaminating the shafts
during an alarm condition.

natural ventilation by means of a duct mounted vertically or near vertically.


where used in standards, codes, and regulations, the term is meant to indicate a required or
mandatory compliance with codes or regulations.
radiation angle factor.
cold storage freezer room, generally kept at –30°F to –10°F (–34°C to –23°C), to receive
unfrozen goods and freeze them.
condenser in which the cooling medium circulates in a coil located in a shell containing the
condensing refrigerant.
closed, cylindrical shell containing an evaporator coil which is in contact with the liquid to
be cooled.
condenser consisting of an outer shell containing multiple tubes.
evaporator in which the fluid to be cooled is passed through the tubes, which are immersed
in the refrigerant.
nest of tubes or pipes, or a coil of tube or pipe, contained in a shell or container. The pipe(s)
carries a fluid through it, while the shell is also provided with an inlet and outlet for flow of
another fluid.

dimensionless number consisting of the mass transfer coefficient times a characteristic


length divided by the mass diffusivity. Symbols are Sh, Sh, or NSh.

place, building, or room where manufacturing or repairing is done.


drawing, diagram, schedule, and other data specially prepared for the work by the
contractor or any sub contractor, manufacturer, supplier, or distributor to illustrate some
portion of the work.
excessive frequency of starting and stopping in an operating system.
typically a 15 min. time weighted average (TWA) exposure that should not be exceeded at
any time during a work day.
entrainment flow with very poor mixing within the room because much of the supply air
leaves the room without mixing with the room air.

where used in standards, codes, and regulations, the term is meant to indicate a provision
that is not mandatory but that is recommended as good practice.

the point of operation where the fluid flow rate is zero.

the international agreement on the metric system of units using meters, grams, and other
designations, as opposed to I-P units in the Inch-Pound system.

building in which the indoor air quality is unacceptable to a substantial majority of people
exposed. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) of various types and other contaminants are
present in concentrations sufficient to act synergistically on many occupants, resulting in a
sick building syndrome, usually when concentrations are too high. This syndrome does not
conform to a particular illness and is difficult to trace to a specific source. See [[indoor air
quality (IAQ)]]; [[volatile organic compounds (VOC)]].

the term may apply to a combination of ailments (a syndrome) associated with a place of
work, residence, or assembly. Sick building syndrome can be related to a lack of adequate
outdoor air ventilation, improper exhaust, ventilation of odors, chemicals or fumes, or poor
indoor-air quality. Other sources of sick buildings may be linked to contaminants produced
by outgassing of some types of building materials, VOC, bacteria molds, etc. This syndrome
does not conform to a particular illness and is difficult to trace to a specific source. See
[[indoor air quality]], [[volatile organic compounds (VOC)]].

(1) a device for direct visual indication of the presence, level, flow, or condition of a
confined fluid. (2) transparent tube or window (bull’s eye) used to indicate the liquid level in
a boiler, tank, bearing, and similar fluid-containing equipment.
device that changes one set of protocols, codes, modes, sequences, or frequencies to a
different set. See also [[transducer]].
device or unit installed in air duct systems to reduce air noise in the duct. See [[sound
attenuator]].

form of silicon dioxide which absorbs moisture and may be used as a drying agent.

a computer model that provides information on the energy-using systems in a building (e.g.,
HVAC, lighting, occupancy, plug loads, building envelope). The model serves as the input
data for a specific computer building energy simulation program, along with weather data.
When run, the computer simulation program will predict the energy use and demand in the
described building for a time interval specified in the simulation model. Depending on the
kind of simulation program and how it is set up to run, various kinds of output may be
produced.

a computer program that is capable of simulating the energy performance of building


systems.
interruption of any one conductor in a three-phase system.

compressor having one compression stroke per revolution of the crank for each cylinder.

system in which the air, having been conditioned, is distributed to various zones through a
single duct.
air-terminal unit assembly having one ducted air inlet and a device for regulating the airflow
rate so it is independent of inlet pressure changes.

building containing one or two living units or a townhouse, including a modular house.

a single-island canopy hood is placed over a single appliance or appliance line. It is open on
all sides and overhangs the front, rear, and sides of the appliance(s).

the flap centrally mounted or at one end (sometimes one or a combination of this damper is
used as diverting element).
a simplified schematic drawing that shows the connection between two or more items.
Common multiple connections are shown as one line.
compression from evaporator to condenser pressure by passing through one compressor
stage only.
a control that cycles between two states, typically between on and off (maximum and
minimum).

sliding-vane compressor with one vane, sliding in a slot in the fixed casing, maintaining
continuous contact with the rotor, and separating the suction and the delivery ports.

an HVAC system serving a single HVAC zone.


thermal, chemical, or electrical energy derived from direct conversion of incident solar
radiation at the building site and used to offset consumption of purchased fuel or electrical
energy supplies.
waste energy recovered at the building site that is used to offset consumption of purchased
fuel or electrical energy supplies.
the shaft from the skylight to the ceiling.
thermal insulation applied under slab on ground construction.
semirigid insulation preformed into rectangular units having a degree of suppleness
particularly related to their geometrical dimensions.

rotary compressor having a rotor aligned eccentrically within a cylindrical housing, with one
or several vanes located in slots in the rotor or in the housing.

hygrometer of two matched thermometers, one with its bulb wetted and the other dry,
capable of being whirled rapidly on a sling to indicate the temperature differences related
to relative humidity.
(1) difference between the speed of rotation of a motor and the rotational speed of the
alternating current. See also [[two-phase flow]]. (2) phenomenon of a fluid slipping past a
fixed surface with a finite velocity. A no-slip condition pertains to a boundary condition in a
fluid flow problem where the slip velocity is assumed to be zero.

method of constructing transverse seams in rectangular sheet metal ducts.


elongated type of air diffuser consisting of a single or a number of slots.
freezing of produce without attempting to reduce the temperature rapidly below that of the
zone of maximum crystallization.

product of decomposition of oil resulting from impurities, moisture, or chemical reactions


and favored by excessive temperature. Sludge may be mushy, gummy, or hard.

effect produced by droplets of liquid refrigerant or oil, or a mixture of both, that reach the
cylinder of a compressor.
suspension of a solid in a liquid. See [[ice slurry]].
small pieces of wet ice, usually wet snow ice or wet flake ice.

a factory-charged refrigerating system using less than 5 lb (2.3 kg) of refrigerant that is
welded, brazed, soldered, or otherwise joined together in such a manner as to create a
sealed system typically capable of operating for 10 years without maintenance or repair.

(1) small solid and/or liquid particles produced by incomplete combustion of organic
substances, varying in size often in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 µm. (2) the airborne solid and
liquid particulates and gases evolved when a material undergoes pyrolysis or combustion,
together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass.

an approved opening protection device designed to resist the passage of air or smoke that
meets the requirements of UL Standard 555S-1983, Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in
Smoke Control Systems. A combination fire and smoke damper should also meet the
requirements of UL Standard 555-1990, Fire Dampers.

a predefined operational configuration of a system or device for the purpose of smoke


control.
an engineered system that uses mechanical fans to produce airflows and pressure
differences across barriers to limit smoke movement.
a space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers, including the top and bottom, that is a
part of a zoned smoke control system.

a mechanical or gravity system intended to move smoke from the smoke zone to the
exterior of the building, including smoke removal, purging, and venting systems, as well as
the function of exhaust fans used to reduce the pressure in a smoke zone.

an engineered system that includes all methods that can be used singly or in combination to
modify smoke movement.
the smoke control zone in which the fire is located.
black marks on ceilings and air outlets, generally caused by dirt particles suspended in the
room air. This dirt is entrained in the mixed airstream and is deposited on the ceiling and
outlet.

response of a switch to very small movements of its actuating button or lever, changing
rapidly and positively from one contact position to the other.

a connecting means for a component, such as an air-terminal device, where the installation
is a hand press fit and retaining means are by counter turned rolls of metal or counterfacing
dimple punches.
longitudinal folded joint used for rectangular sheet metal duct construction in which the
seam is snapped together.
when light travels from one medium into another, the incident and refracted rays lie in one
plane with the normal to the surface, are on opposite sides of the normal, and make angles
with the normal whose sines have a constant ratio to one another. Also known as Descartes
laws of refraction.

a restrictor placed in a liquid or vapor line to suppress pulsating or fluctuating pressures.

deoxidized and dehydrated, seamless, soft copper tube, thoroughly annealed to ensure
good bending and flaring characteristics.

hot joining operation in which the melting temperature of the filler metal is lower than
800°F (450°C). See [[soldered joint]], [[brazed joint]], [[welded joint]].

water free of calcium and magnesium salts.

temperature at which a solid loses rigidity or consistency in a standardized test procedure.

ratio of the solar spectrum radiant flux absorbed by a body to that incident on it.

a device designed to absorb incident solar radiation and to transfer the energy to a fluid
passing through it.

part of the solar collector that receives the solar radiation energy and transforms it into
thermal energy. It may possess a surface through which energy is transmitted to the
transfer fluid; however, the transfer fluid itself can be the absorber.

maximum projected area of a solar collector through which the unconcentrated solar
radiant energy is admitted.

material covering the aperture to provide thermal and environmental protection.

system in which the collector fluid is allowed to drain back to storage whenever solar
energy is not being collected, i.e., when the fluid circulating pump is not operating.

system in which the collector fluid is drained from the system under prescribed
circumstances.
maximum projected area of the complete collector module including integral mounting
means.

ratio of the energy removed by the transfer fluid per unit of collector area to the total solar
radiation incident on the collector per unit area (aperture or gross) during a test period for
which the condition of the test corresponds to the steady state or quasi-steady state.

heater installed within the collector loop when testing the solar domestic-water-heating
system with a nonirradiated array.

angle between the horizontal plane and the plane of the collector aperture.

fluid that flows through a solar collector.


device that resets the control signal to account for the effect of the sun’s radiation on a
temperature-sensing element.

the fraction of total solar radiation transmitted through the window(s) that is absorbed by a
given surface or retransmitted (lost) back out the window(s).

energy derived directly from the sun’s rays, both as diffuse and beam radiation (excludes
indirect methods such as photosynthesis, wind, etc.).
source of thermal, chemical, or electrical energy derived from direct conversion of incident
solar radiation at the building site.
see [[solar distribution fraction]].

solar energy flowing into a space or structure. Units are expressed in kilowatts (Btu/h).
the ratio of the solar heat gain entering the space through the fenestration area to the
incident solar radiation. Solar heat gain includes directly transmitted solar heat and
absorbed solar radiation, which is then reradiated, conducted, or convected into the space.

rate at which solar energy is received, per unit area. See also [[irradiance]].

fraction of total solar radiation transmitted through the window(s) that is reflected by
opaque surfaces and retransmitted back out the window(s).

instant at which the sun reaches its maximum altitude on the horizon at any given location.

the transmission of radiant energy from the sun.


a source of radiant energy simulating the solar radiation.
the time of the day as indicated by the apparent position of the sun.

spectral, radiant, or luminous transmittance, reflectance, and absorptance within the range
of wavelengths characterizing solar radiation, i.e., 300 to 3,000 nm.

a gastight joint formed by joining metal parts with alloys that melt at temperatures not
exceeding 800°F (426.5°C) and above 400°F (204.5°C).

a gastight joint formed by a process where a filler metal or alloy is heated to melting
temperatures above 400°F (205°C) and below 842°F (450°C), or, by the traditional definition
that has been used in the United States, below 800°F (427°C) and distributed between two
or more close fitting parts by capillary action. Soldering is used as a general term for the
process of creating a soldered joint.

chemical substance that aids the flow of solder and serves to remove and prevent the
formation of oxides on the pieces to be joined.
a valve that is closed (or opened) by gravity, pressure, or spring action and opened (or
closed) by the movement of a plunger due to the magnetic action of an electrically
energized coil.
one based on the expansion of a solid substance (usually bimetallic).

one of the three states or phases of matter characterized by stability of dimensions, relative
incompressibility, and molecular motion held to limited oscillation.

temperature at which a liquid substance will solidify, but not necessarily crystallize, on
removal of heat (usually at standard atmospheric pressure). Compare to [[freezing point]].

protective device using electronic solid-state materials as opposed to conventional


electromechanical devices.
quantity of dissolved substance (solute) which is contained in a unit quantity of saturated
solution at a given temperature and pressure.
substance which is dissolved in another.
substance capable of dissolving another substance.

a device used to measure and display air temperature using phase difference between
transmitted and received signals across an acoustic path in the medium.

speed of a pressure wave in a fluid.

an absorbent or adsorbent medium that remains completely or substantially in a single


phase during the process of absorbing or releasing heat by means of a refrigerant. Such
media include liquids and solids.

substance absorbed by or adsorbed on a sorbent.

material which extracts one or more substances present in an atmosphere or mixture of


gases or liquids with which it is in contact, due to an affinity for such substances.
general term covering both absorption and adsorption.
a physical disturbance, vibration, or frequency transmitted by a solid, liquid, or gas that is
capable of being detected by the human ear.

process in which sound energy is absorbed or otherwise diminished in intensity.

element inserted into the air-distribution system and intended to reduce the airborne noise
in the system. See [[silencer]].

rate at which the sound pressure level in an enclosed space decreases after the sound
source has stopped. It is measured in decibels per second.

acoustical treatment of constructions and equipment such as fan housings, supply ducts,
and space enclosures to reduce the amplitude of the sound present by absorbing energy
from the wave, or reducing the vibration amplitude by using damping or mass or both to
reduce transmitted noise.

magnitude of a sound or a noise, usually determined by measuring the amplitude of


variations in the sound pressure expressed in decibels.
see [[sound pressure level]] or [[sound power level]]. Sound power can not be measured
directly.
airborne power measured in decibels. It is ten times the logarithm to the base 10 of the
ratio of a given sound power to the reference sound power. The reference sound power is 1
picowatt (pW).

an operating mode that occurs during space cooling when either the desuperheater water
pump has automatically cycled off or the rate of heat transfer to the domestic water has
become negligible. With respect to seasonal performance calculations, this mode occurs
when the water heating load is satisfied but a space-cooling load remains.

pipe or tube containing a series of holes designed to equalize the distribution of one fluid
stream into another.
planar angle defined by the instrument instantaneous field of view, i.e., the resolution
element.
a quantity that which a water well can produce per unit of drawdown.
enthalpy per unit mass of substance.
entropy per unit mass of a substance.
ratio of the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a given mass of any
substance one degree to the quantity required to raise the temperature of an equal mass of
a standard substance one degree (usually water at 59°F [15°C]). The units are expressed in
Btu/lb·°F [J/(kg·K)].

(1) ratio of the mass of water to the total mass of a moist air sample. (2) ratio of the mass of
water vapor to total mass of a moist air sample (including water vapor and dry air) in a
particular volume. Specific humidity is expressed as a ratio in units of lb of moisture/lb of
dry air or grains of moisture/lb of dry air (kilograms of water vapor per kilogram of mixture).
See also [[absolute humidity]].

ratio of infiltration to leakage area; a normalized quantity that indicates the intensity of the
weather relative to infiltration.
the refrigerant flow rate in lb/min (g/s) required to produce one ton (one kW) of
refrigeration.

(1) difference in specific enthalpies of a pure condensable fluid between vapor at a given
temperature above saturation and vapor at the dry saturated state at the same pressure.
(2) superheat in a unit quantity of fluid.

volume of a unit mass of a material. Usually expressed in ft3/lb (m3/kg). The reciprocal of
density.
statement of a set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, system, or service
that indicates the procedures for determining whether each of the requirements is
satisfied. Note: it is desirable to express the requirements numerically in terms of
appropriate units, together with their limits.

thermal emittance based on the radiant energy emitted per unit wavelength interval
(monochromatic radiant energy).
average of the sound pressure level measured in the three octave bands centered at 500,
1000, and 2000 hertz.

apparatus using centrifugal action to atomize and distribute moisture into an airstream.

continuous strip of metal helically wound and attached to a tube.


lubricating system for a compressor with the oil in the crankcase fed to all moving parts and
to cylinder walls by the splashing action of a dip or paddle integral or attached to the
crankshaft ends of the connecting rod.
air-conditioning system consisting of equipment provided in more than one assembly or
enclosure, usually with supply air-distribution equipment housed separately from
refrigerant-condensing equipment.
condenser comprising several heat-exchanging components operating on one or several
refrigeration systems.
see [[split air-conditioning system]].
temperature of spontaneous ignition of a product in the absence of a flame, determined
under standardized conditions.
piece of pipe with flanges on both ends that is inserted into a pipeline in place of a valve or
instrument.
cooling the air of a limited portion of an enclosed space without the use of walls or
partitions.
welding of lapped parts in which fusion is confined to a relatively small circular area. It is
generally resistance welding, but may also be gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, or
submerged-arc welding.
cooling by spraying a low-temperature liquid on the object to be cooled.
freeze-drying process during which a liquid product is sprayed frozen prior to sublimation of
the ice.
orifice through which liquid is sprayed as in air washers and humidifiers.

system for lowering the temperature of water by conductive and evaporative cooling of the
water in contact with outside air. Water to be cooled is sprayed by nozzles into the air
above a pond of water and allowed to fall into the pond.

liquid cooling tank whose walls are sprayed with chilled water.
an air cooler, with or without cooling surface, fitted to spray liquid continuously into the
airstream.

enclosure in which water is sprayed by nozzles into the airstream to wash it.

(1) shell-and-tube evaporator in which the tubes are sprayed by liquid refrigerant. (2)
starved evaporator condition when an evaporator does not receive sufficient refrigerant.

(of an air jet in mixing air diffusion), maximum distance (dv) between two vertical planes
tangent to a specified isovel and perpendicular to a plane through the center of the core of
an air jet. There may be two different spreads, not always equal: one for the left side, the
other for the right side (considered when looking at the treated space from the supply air
terminal device).

range through which the signal applied must change to produce total movement of the
controlled device from one position to another.
(general) property of a system or element by virtue of which its output will ultimately attain
a steady state.

a condition in which a temperature is considered to be stabilized when three successive


readings taken at intervals of 10% of the previously elapsed duration of the test, but not
less than five minute intervals, vary no more than 5°F (3°C).

the portion of the exhaust system downstream of the draft diverter, draft hood, or
barometric draft regulator.

(1) movement of air into and out of buildings, chimneys, flue gas stacks, or other containers
and is driven by buoyancy. Buoyancy occurs due to a difference in indoor to outdoor air
density resulting from temperature and moisture differences. The result is either a positive
or negative buoyancy force. The greater the thermal difference and the height of the
structure, the greater the buoyancy force, and thus the stack effect. The stack effect is also
referred to as the chimney effect, and it helps drive natural ventilation and infiltration. (2)
movement of air or other gas in a vertical enclosure (e.g., duct, chimney, building), induced
by the density difference between the air or other gas in the enclosure and the ambient
atmosphere. Note: stack effect is a significant concern in heating-system design for tall
buildings in cold climates. Sometimes referred to as chimney effect. (3) pressure difference
caused by the difference in density between indoor and outdoor air due to an
indoor/outdoor temperature difference. (4) the vertical airflow within buildings caused by
temperature differences between the building's interior and exterior.

the temperature that exists at a stagnation point in a fluid flow. At a stagnation point, the
speed of the fluid is zero, and all of the kinetic energy has been converted to internal
energy. In incompressible fluid flow and in isentropic compressible flow, the stagnation
temperature is equal to the total temperature at all points on the streamline leading to the
stagnation point.

management system that performs all control functions without direction from any other
unit.

(1) air weighing 0.075 lb/ft3 (1.2 kg/m3), which approximates dry air at a temperature of
70°F (21.1°C) and a barometric pressure of 29.92 in. Hg (101.3 kPa). (2) dry air at 20.0°C and
101.324 kPa having a mass density of 1.204 kg/m3.

reference condition for the rating of equipment, usually 68°F (20°C).


barometric pressure of 14.696 psi, 29.92 in Hg (101.325 kPa).

(1) set of conditions for experimental measurements. To allow comparisons to be made


between different sets of data. Standard conditions for temperature and pressure are often
necessary to define the standard reference conditions to express the volumes of fluids and
other related physical quantities. Standard conditions are most usually defined as a
temperature of 68°F (20°C) and an absolute pressure at sea level of 14.696 psi or 29.92 in.
Hg (101.325 kPa). (2) set of physical, chemical, or other variables of a substance or system
that define an accepted reference state or forms a basis for comparison.

ratio calculated from the capacity and power input values obtained at standard rating
conditions.
the volumetric rate of flow of air that is at standard conditions.
square root of the average of the squares of the deviations from the mean (root mean
square deviation); a measure of the dispersion of any statistical data set of numbers or
measurements.

capacity in energy units per unit time based on tests performed under standard conditions.
rating conditions used as the basis of comparison of performance characteristics.

refrigerating cycle as defined by standard conditions.


the temperature that exists by virtue of the internal energy of the air only. If a portion of
the internal energy is converted into kinetic energy, the static temperature will be
decreased accordingly.
the common units of measurement, such as therms, cubic feet, gallons, kilowatt hours,
tons, etc; may be I-P or SI units.
the condition of operation in which reduced or no energy is being utilized.
folded joint used for transverse joints in rectangular sheet metal duct construction and for
apparatus-casing seams.
dimensionless number used in calculation of forced convection, equal to the heat transfer
coefficient of a fluid divided by the product of the specific heat at constant pressure, the
fluid density, and the fluid velocity. Symbol St, St, or NSt. Also known as the Margoulis
number M.

(1) a device equipped with overload trip mechanisms for its protection. (2) starting a device
with a load connected that will require the device to operate outside its designed operating
range.
a set of procedures to be followed in the systematic initial sequencing or energizing of
components, devices, equipment, and systems.
condition or stage in the physical being of matter or material (e.g., solid, liquid, or vapor
phases of matter).
diagram representing, in a system of suitable coordinates, the thermodynamic equilibrium
states of a substance.
the static pressure of a fluid at the outlet of the pumping device, expressed in terms of the
height of a column of the fluid or of the height of some manometric fluid that it would
support.
static pressure relative to the atmosphere.

the pressure due to the weight of the fluid above the point of measurement. In a closed
system, static head is equal on both sides of the pump.

the actual pressure of the fluid, which is associated not with its motion but with its state.
The pressure is exerted uniformly throughout the entire fluid. The portion of the fluid
pressure which exists by virtue of the degree of compression only. If expressed as gage
pressure, it may be negative or positive. In a dynamic system, static pressure is the
difference between total and velocity pressures. in. H2O (kPa).

(1) external static pressure loss for forced-air systems using packaged air-handling
equipment; the static pressure loss resulting from airflow through the supply and return
ductwork and other elements external to the packaged air-handling unit. Compare to
[[internal static pressure loss]] and [[total static pressure loss]]. (2) internal static pressure
loss for forced-air systems; the static pressure loss resulting from airflow through the
internal elements of the packaged air-handling unit. These internal elements may include
such items as filters, coils, dampers, mixing sections, etc. Compare to [[internal static
pressure loss]] and [[total static pressure loss]]. (3) total static pressure loss for forced-air
systems; the sum of the external static pressure loss and the internal static pressure loss.
See [[internal static pressure loss]] and [[external static pressure loss]]. The term is not
applicable to an individual fan or a fan located within a builtup air-handling unit. Fans are
rated by the term fan total static pressure, which is not the same as fan total pressure.
Compare to [[fan total pressure]].

method in which ducts are sized so that the regain in static pressure due to decreased
velocity between two points totally or partially compensates for the frictional resistance
between the points.
the static pressure of a fluid at the inlet of the pumping device, expressed in terms of the
height of a column of the fluid or of the height of some manometric fluid that it would
support. It is a positive value. See [[static suction lift]].

the static pressure of a fluid at the inlet of the pumping device, expressed in terms of the
height of a column of the fluid or of the height of some manometric fluid that it would
support. It is a negative value. (See [[static suction head]]).

the temperature which exists by virtue of the internal energy of the air only. If a portion of
the internal energy is converted into kinetic energy, the static temperature is decreased
accordingly.
(1) indication of a device’s operating mode (ON or OFF). (2) state, position, or condition of
an item.
normally open, digital, contact device in which contact closure indicates a change of status,
e.g., on-off, heating-cooling, day-night, etc.

state of a system in which movement of matter or energy phenomena are taking place
when the various physical phenomena are independent of time.

the condition existing when a uniform renewal cycle of a self-renewable air cleaner
maintains essentially constant performance. Steady state is reached when the system is
operating in a uniformly repetitive manner, for example, cycling between two resistance
levels.
water in the vapor phase.
enclosed vessel in which water is converted into steam.
steam discharged from a machine or system.

(1) horizontal piping connected to a boiler steam outlet. (2) in a location out of a boiler
room, where a steam main extends into several branches located close together.

device for air removal from closed vessels in which the operating pressure is less than
atmospheric pressure.

system in which high-pressure steam, supplied through a nozzle and acting to eject water
vapor from the evaporator, maintains the requisite low pressure on one side and produces
a high pressure on the other by virtue of compression in a following diffusion passage.
Sometimes called an ejector cycle refrigerating system.

fraction of vapor in a mixture of liquid and vapor, expressed as a percentage by weight.

device for allowing the passage of condensate and preventing the passage of steam, or for
allowing the passage of air as well as condensate. Common steam trap types include float
and thermostatic (F&T) traps, inverted-bucket traps, and thermodynamic traps.

burner in which the firing oil is atomized by steam.


total energy radiated from a blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of the
temperature of the body. Also known as the fourth power law.

an incremental change in a variable, either by design or as the result of an interval between


measurement; typically, an incremental change in a control setpoint.

multiple switch assembly in which a moving element trips multiple output steps
successively.

a modulating control that cycles a burner between the reduced input rate and OFF if the
heating load is light. If a higher heating load is encountered that cannot be met with the
reduced input rate, the control goes into a modulating mode where it either gradually or
incrementally increases the input rate to meet the higher heating load. If, at that point, a
lower heating load is encountered, the control either gradually or incrementally decreases
to the reduced input rate.
(also known as differential piston compressor), single acting compressor for compound
operation, the lower stage of which is compressed in a chamber in which the larger
diameter of the stepped piston moves and the higher stage is compressed in a chamber into
the smaller diameter piston chamber.

heating foods or other materials to kill microorganisms, usually to a temperature of 212°F


(100°C) or higher.
freezing of produce in a room without mechanical movement of air.
theoretical thermodynamic cycle comprising two isothermal processes and two isochoric
processes.

having the precise mass relationship of the elements in a chemical compound, or (quantities
of reacting elements or compounds) in the same mass relationship as the theoretical
combining mass of the elements involved. See [[combustion]].

device that automatically feeds solid fuel to a boiler or furnace (used mainly with coal).

wavelength of luminescence excited by radiation is always greater than that of the exciting
radiation.
(also known as choking flow), state at which gas flow through a pipe or a centrifugal
compressor reaches conditions that significantly impede flow.
a device used to shut off the flow.

the amount of thermal energy required to complete one charging cycle of a thermal storage
device. The storage capacity will always be a greater value than the usable discharge
capacity of the thermal storage device. Compare to [[discharge capacity]].

injury to produce occurring during storage. Compare to [[cold injury]].


discharge capacity divided by charge capacity.
(1) ratio of the volume occupied by the quantity of a particular product stored to the
maximum that can be stored, taking into account the requirements of that particular
product. (2) reciprocal of capacity factor.

in controlled-atmosphere storage, a gas or atmosphere with carbon dioxide added.

the amount of usable cooling energy remaining in a thermal storage device at any given
time.
the material in the storage device, independent of the containing structure, in which the
major portion of the energy is stored.

a closed vessel in which water is heated by the combustion of fuels, electricity, or any other
source and is stored and withdrawn for use external to the system at pressures not
exceeding 160 psig (1102.4 kPa), including the apparatus by which heat is generated and all
controls and devices necessary to prevent water temperatures from exceeding 210°F
(98.9°C).

heat from external or recovered heat sources that is held in reserve for later use.

factory assembled refrigerating system mounted at high level in the insulated wall of a cold
store with the evaporator inside the store and the rest of the unit outside.

see [[flow equalizer]].


a device for withholding foreign matter from a flowing liquid or gas.

division into a series of layers, as with thermal gradients across a fluid in motion or at rest.

a parameter that indicates the degree of thermal stratification in a storage device.


layers of air at different temperatures or different velocities flowing through a duct or
plenum system and affect fan and/or pump performance in the distribution system.

a region of fluid in which the density decreases monotonically in the upward direction and is
stably stratified.
thermal storage vessel in which a thermocline exists.

an air-distribution system that, during the cooling operation, limits the amount of mixing in
the space and instead relies on thermal plumes to produce a stratified environment with
cooler and fresher air near the floor and warmer and less fresh air near the ceiling.
Examples are underfloor air-distribution system (UFAD) and DV systems.

force applied to a structural member, component, or assembly per unit of its area. See also
[[mechanical properties]], [[pressure vessel]].
solvent with a relatively high concentration of dissolved refrigerant.
vapor or gas seal integral to the structural materials of an enclosure. See [[water vapor
retarder]]; [[airflow retarder]].
insulation used as a part of the load carrying frame of a structure, such as the walls of a cold
room or the body of a refrigerated vehicle.

sound that arrives at a point of interest by propagation through a solid structure.

(1) device for use where a cable passes into a junction box or other piece of apparatus
designed to render the joint watertight. (2) packing gland surrounding a shaft, stem, or rod
to prevent leakage.
part containing terminals and switches, to which a thermostat is attached. It may also
contain other auxiliary components.

liquid whose temperature is lower than the condensation temperature at its given pressure.

a heat exchanger for cooling liquid refrigerant below its condensing temperature at a given
pressure.
at a defined pressure, the difference between a given liquid temperature and the bubble
point temperature.

total refrigerant heat rejection effect less the condensing heat rejection effect.

additional refrigeration effect made available by subcooling the refrigerant liquid in the
condenser.

change of state directly from solid to gas without passing through a liquid phase.

during the sublimation process, the dividing interface within the substance between a
region which is fully hydrated and frozen and a region which is nearly completely dry.

(1) controller whose setpoint is automatically readjusted from a remote location over a
predetermined range by variations in an applied signal from a master. (2) controller whose
setpoint may be automatically reset at the command of either a conventional or master
controller.

arc welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating an arc or arcs between a
bare metal electrode or electrodes and the work. Note: the arc is shielded by a blanket of
granular fusible material on the work. Pressure is not used, and filler metal is obtained from
the electrode and sometimes from a supplementary welding rod.

(submerged condenser), condenser in which the piping is submerged in a vessel containing


cooling water.
direct measurement of a commodity sold by a utility down line from the utility’s master
meter. Submetering includes only that which is measured on the billing, i.e., it includes no
distributed costs.
positive head on a pump inlet when the source of liquid supply is above the pump
centerline. See also [[head]].
(1) inlet of a pump. (2) port through which gas enters.
combination of static suction lift and friction head in suction piping when the source of
liquid is below the pump centerline.

(1) tube or pipe that carries the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator to the compressor
inlet. (2) tube or pipe that connects any line from a store to the suction side of a pump.

(1) fan/pump: the pressure generated on the inlet or intake side of a fan or pump. (2)
refrigeration: the intake pressure generated by the system compressor while operating. The
suction pressure, along with the suction temperature, the pressure, and the wet-bulb
temperature of the discharge air, are used to determine the correct refrigerant charge in
the system. It is also called low-side pressure.

accumulator installed in the suction line between evaporator and compressor to trap liquid
carryover from the evaporator and to prevent it from reaching the compressor.

the temperature of the refrigerant vapor returning to the compressor or condensing unit.

a device installed in the suction line of a refrigerating system for the purpose of removing
solid contaminants. The device generally consists of a shell with fittings and an internal
filtering element.

a suction-line-filter drier consists of a suction-line filter with the addition of desiccant for
the purpose of removing moisture and other contaminants.

solar energy flowing into a building, through both windows and structural materials.

chilling a product to a temperature very near or sometimes below its freezing point.

low-temperature thermodynamic state in which a superconductor exhibits the property of


superconduction.
property of certain substances characterized by their zero DC electrical resistivity for low
currents when their temperature is sufficiently low.
temperature below which, in the absence of all external influences, a substance becomes
superconducting.
(1) substance exhibiting or capable of exhibiting superconduction. (2) Type I:
superconductor for which the Meissner state and the normal state can coexist in
thermodynamic equilibrium. (3) Type II: superconductor capable of existing in the mixed
state.
one in which the existing temperature is lower than the saturation temperature for the
given pressure.

cooling a substance below the normal freezing point without solidification.

state of fluids at pressures and temperatures above their critical values. Also used loosely,
and especially for helium, for the state of the liquid at pressures exceeding the vapor
pressure.

(1) at a defined pressure, the difference between a given vapor temperature and the dew-
point temperature. (2) the difference in temperature between the saturation temperature
corresponding to the measured outlet pressure and the measured outlet temperature of
the refrigerant vapor leaving the heat exchanger.

steam at a temperature higher than the atmospheric pressure boiling temperature.

vapor at a temperature greater than the saturation temperature. The pressure and
temperature of superheated vapor are independent properties, since the temperature can
increase while the pressure remains constant. See [[superheat]].
(1) group of tubes in a boiler that absorb heat from the products of combustion to raise the
temperature of the vapor passing through the tubes above the temperature corresponding
to its pressure or saturation temperature. (2) heat exchanger used on flooded evaporators,
where hot liquid on its way to enter the evaporator is cooled by giving up heat to both dry
and superheat the wet vapor leaving the evaporator.

humid air that contains in a unit mass of dry air a mass of water vapor greater than would
be contained in saturated air at the same temperature; the excess water may remain in the
form of fog.

vapor in a metastable equilibrium at a pressure higher than the saturation pressure


corresponding to its temperature. See [[supersaturation]].

(1) condition of metastable equilibrium in a solution where the solute remains dissolved at
a temperature lower than the initial solidification temperature. (2) condition of metastable
equilibrium in which a vapor is at a pressure higher than the saturation pressure
corresponding to its temperature.

(1) air delivered by mechanical or natural ventilation to a space, composed of any


combination of outdoor air, recirculated air, or transfer air. (2) air entering a space from an
air-conditioning, heating, or ventilating apparatus for the purpose of comfort conditioning.
Supply air is generally filtered, fan forced, and either heated, cooled, humidified, or
dehumidified as necessary to maintain specified conditions. Only the quantity of outdoor air
within the supply airflow may be used as replacement air.

(1) (pneumatic) the air supply piping to all controllers or other devices requiring a main air
supply. (2) pipes through which the heating or cooling medium of a system flows from the
source of heat or refrigeration to the runouts and risers leading to the heating or cooling
units. (3) source of electric power to a system.

(1) energy source to a controller or auxiliary device. (2) pressure of supply mains of a
pneumatic control system.
see [[combined radiative and convective surface coefficient]].
method of cooling air or other gas by passing it over cold surfaces.

(1) air-conditioning unit designed primarily for cooling and dehumidifying air by passing the
air over cooling coils that are below the dew point of the air. (2) dehumidifier with a surface
at a temperature below the dew point.

effect caused by entrainment of secondary air when an outlet discharges air directly
against, or parallel to, a wall or ceiling.

the reciprocal of the heat transfer film coefficient, Ri or Ro, in h·ft2·°F/Btu ([m2·K]/W).
(Subscripts i and o often denote inside and outside surface film resistances and
conductances, respectively.) For convection to occur, the surrounding space must be filled
with air or another fluid. If the space is evacuated, heat flow occurs by radiation only.

time rate of heat flow from a unit area of a surface to its surroundings, induced by a unit
temperature difference between the surface and the environment. Note: the environment
is a fluid (liquids or gases).
the fraction of the radiant flux falling on a surface that is reflected.
forces in a liquid surface that cause it to remain continuous by the attraction between
molecules.

(1) temperature-controlling device located on a surface to respond to surface temperatures


and initiate control actions. (2) automatic control device having a sensing element
responsive to the temperature of the surface being controlled.
immediate outside of a thermodynamic system.
see [[specific volume (SV)]].
tool to expand or “bell out” the end of a tube to fit over another tube of the same diameter,
or over a special fitting to accept such a shape.
slang for evaporative cooler.

type of fitting formed by a melted filler metal alloy flowing by capillary action between the
parts to be joined. See [[soldered joint]] and [[brazed joint]].

the time rate of change of the frequency df/dt, where f is frequency and t is time.

piston displacement.

valve where the action is a disc hinged within the body of the valve, either from one side or
from a two-piece center point, to prevent reverse flow. Swing check valves are primarily
used in horizontal piping, but some manufacturers allow both vertical (upward flow only)
and horizontal piping installations. See [[check valve]].

arrangement of fittings and pipe provided for expansion, contraction, or movement in


pipelines that allows one or more degrees of movement.
(1) rotating movement produced in a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., when the fluid enters an
impeller without any tangential velocity component). (2) vortex caused by suction at the
bottom of a shallow fluid tank.
device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical or pneumatic
circuit.
a synthesized material, often derived from petroleum compounds but containing no
petroleum oil fractions, that can act as a lubricant.

a combination of equipment and auxiliary devices (e.g., controls, accessories,


interconnecting means, and termi­nal elements) by which energy is transformed so it
performs a specific function such as HVAC, service water heating, or lighting.

a phenomenon that occurs in fluid systems (fans, pumps, and distribution systems) that can
create undesired conditions that cause reduced capacities in all or part of a system. System
effect cannot be measured directly, but estimated calculations can be made.

conditions in a distribution system that affect fan and pump performance and related
testing, adjusting, and balancing work.
subfunction of equipment (hardware) and programming (software) that implements direct
and/or indirect load management, coordinated with other functions of energy management
system.

parameters under which the building or systems operator can adjust components of the
system to satisfy occupant comfort or process requirements and the strategy for optimum
energy use and minimum maintenance.

an error that persists and cannot be considered as due entirely to chance. Systematic error
can be corrected through calibration.
an uncertainty that persists and cannot be considered as due entirely to chance. Systematic
errors can be corrected by calibration.

rate of heat removal by the refrigerant in the evaporator of a refrigerating system.

a system-focused composite document that includes the operation manual, maintenance


manual, and additional information of use to the owner during the occupancy and
operations phase.
see [[testing, adjusting, and balancing]].
the person who measures and adjusts the system.
receptacle, open or closed, for holding, transporting, or storing fluids.
a heat exchanger for indirect heating of water, typically for domestic use, which is designed
to be used without a water storage tank. See [[instantaneous heater]].

manually operated device on the end of a pipe in a fluid supply system to enable drawing
off quantities of the fluid.

any space-conditioning system that allows occupants to individually control the thermal
environment in the localized zone of their workspace while still maintaining acceptable
environmental conditions in the surrounding ambient spaces.

see [[temperature difference]].

measurement of warmth or coldness with respect to an arbitrary zero or to the absolute


zero. Temperatures are indicated on defined scales, such as Kelvin and Rankine for absolute
temperatures, and Celsius and Fahrenheit for ordinary temperatures.

device that responds directly or indirectly to deviation from a desired temperature by


actuating a control or initiating a control sequence.
difference between the temperatures of two substances, surfaces, or environments
involving transfer of heat.

procedure used in design and system analysis to calculate flow (of air, water, or steam) from
load or to determine load when flow and temperature differential are known.

the difference between the average test zone temperature (tac) and the average supply air
temperature (tdc).

a sensor system composed of two temperature sensors that is capable of providing a signal
that is related to the temperature differential of the two sensors.

largest value of the difference between the measured air temperatures within the occupied
zone.
see [[glide]].
temperature variation per unit distance or time along the heat flow path.
percentage of people predicted to be dissatisfied due to a difference in air temperature
between ankle and head.
see [[temperature index coefficient of thermal performance]].

ratio of the difference in temperature between the inside surface and the exterior ambient
to the difference in temperature between the inside ambient and the exterior ambient
across a component of the building envelope. The coefficient can be used to estimate the
apparent thermal resistance of the component.

the mixed mean-stream temperature at a station perpendicular to the flow direction.

graph representing the distribution of temperatures in a plane section of a body or a space,


or over a period of time.
a sensor located in the fluid that is capable of producing a signal (output) that is related to
the temperature.
see [[dry-bulb temperature]].
see [[wet-bulb temperature]].
interior surfaces whose temperature is controlled or monitored for heating and cooling
purposes.
the part of the expansion valve that senses the temperature at the superheat control point,
normally located at the outlet of the evaporator. This element may be remote or integral to
the expansion valve body.

an environment in which the characteristics, quantity, and location of smoke are limited or
otherwise restricted to allow for ready evacuation through the space. Maintenance of a
tenable environment in the smoke zone is not within the capability of zoned smoke control.
a device by which energy from a system is finally delivered, e.g., registers, diffusers, lighting
fixtures, faucets, etc.

amount of air in ft²/min (L/s at standard conditions) escaping from the terminal at a given
inlet pressure with only the outlet(s) blocked and with the damper/valve fully opened.

amount of air in ft²/min (L/s at standard conditions) passing through a fully closed
damper/valve at a given inlet pressure.
see [[terminal damper leakage]] and [[terminal casing leakage]].
a device that regulates the volumetric flow rate and/or the temperature of the controlled
medium.

system of terms belonging to, or peculiar to, a science, art, or specialized subject.

(1) the recorded group of readings of required test data taken while equilibrium is
maintained and used in the computation of results; those observed or recorded during a
sufficient period to indicate that equilibrium was attained prior to the actual test. (2) the
recorded group of readings of required test data taken while equilibrium is maintained and
used in the computation of results; those recorded during the period of the test. (3) a series
of determinations for various points of operation.

the air that flows through the device being tested. During the test, test air should be at the
temperature, humidity, pressure, and atmospheric dust concentration prevailing at the time
of the test. Test air for arrestance and dust-holding capacity measurement may be indoor
ambient air.

the designated person, company, or agent who specifies the test requirements.

the maximum permissible variation between the average of a measured quantity and the
desired test condition specified in the standard.

definitive procedure that produces a test result. Note: appropriate functions of a test
method are identification, measurement, or evaluation of one or more qualities,
characteristics, or properties of a material, product, system, or service.

the maximum amount that a designated measured quantity shall vary (i.e., maximum–
minimum) during the entire or a specified interval of a test.
any sensible heating or cooling panel that is used in testing for performance and/or rating
purposes.

the time over which quasi-steady-state conditions are maintained for each measured point.

pressure, usually higher than the design working pressure, to which a piece of equipment is
subjected for testing according to specified procedures.

differential in total pressure between the inlet and the outlet sections of a test duct or
across a test fitting. For test fittings, the fitting is assumed to have zero length. For multiflow
fittings, the total pressure loss shall be determined for each stream separately.

the two environmental chambers where all components of the combined appliance are
installed and tested; one chamber is used to maintain specified indoor ambient conditions,
while the second chamber is used to maintain specified outdoor ambient conditions.

the use of specialized and calibrated instruments to measure conditions such as


temperatures, pressures, rotational speeds, electrical characteristics, velocities, fluid flows,
etc., used in HVAC&R.

standard that sets forth methods of measuring capacity, or other aspects of operation, of a
specific unit or system of a given class of equipment, together with a specification of
instrumentation, procedure, and calculations. See [[MOT]].
a systematic process or service applied to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
systems and other environmental systems to achieve and document air and hydronic flow
rates. The adjustment of fluid flow rates through distribution systems by manually adjusting
the position of dampers, valves, etc., or by using automatic control devices to control the
position of dampers, actuators, valves, etc.

changing the solid phase of water, or frozen moisture within a substance, to the liquid
phase by the application of heat.

the sum of the products of masses and heat capacities of all components (including the
transfer fluid) contained within the insulating envelope of the thermal storage device.

quantity of heat equivalent to 100,000 Btu.

ratio of the radiant flux absorbed by a physical surface to that incident on it.

device that relies on the cooling effect of the airflow to change the temperature of a heated
body in proportion to the air speed. Types include hot-wire anemometer, heated-bulb
thermometer, heated-thermocouple anemometer, and heated-thermistor anemometer.

heat loss characteristics of a physical condition or structure that are not in accordance with
intended design or calculated characteristics.

(also known as thermal contact resistance), ratio of temperature difference to heat flux
across the boundary between two distinct media (solid/solid or solid/fluid).

nonconducting physical structure, such as a frame around a door or window acting to retard
heat flow.
low thermal resistance path connecting two surfaces.

the condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the surrounding thermal
environment and is assessed by subjective evaluation. Thermal comfort is affected by heat
conduction, convection, radiation, evaporative heat loss, and relative air motion.

(C-factor), thermal conductivity is the heat flux through a flat body induced by a unit
temperature difference between the surfaces of that body. Units are Btu/h·ft2·°F
(W/[m2·K]).

(k-factor), time rate of steady-state heat flow through unit thickness of unit area of a
homogeneous material, induced by a unit temperature gradient in a direction perpendicular
to the isothermal planes of that unit. Units of k are in Btu·in/(h·ft2·°F), Btu·ft/(h·ft2·°F), or
W/(m·K). Thermal conductivity must be evaluated for a specific mean temperature,
thickness, age, and moisture content. See also [[thermal conductance]].

material that transmits heat by conduction.


transfer of heat by a fluid moving by natural variations in density (in the absence of
conduction and radiation).

time period between the energization of a heat-producing device and the measurable effect
of the heat produced until equilibrium conditions are reached.

phenomenon in which a temperature gradient in a mixture of fluids gives rise to a flow of


one constituent relative to the whole mixture.
physical quantity that determines the rate of heat propagation in transient state processes.
Thermal conductivity divided by the product of density and specific heat. Units are ft2/s or
m2/s.
energy output as a percentage of the energy input of a machine or process.
radiation property of a material, evaluated with its surface optically smooth and clean, and
of sufficient thickness to be opaque.
a surface property of a material governing the emission of thermal radiation relative to that
emitted by a perfect emitter, or black body, at the same surface temperature.

energy possessed by a system caused by the motion of the molecules and/or intermolecular
forces; i.e., heat.
see [[Btu meter]] or [[watt meter]].

(1) thermal energy storage may refer to a number of technologies that stores energy in a
thermal reservoir for later reuse. They can be employed to balance energy demand
between day time and night time. The thermal reservoir may be maintained at a
temperature above (hotter) or below (colder) than that of the ambient environment. The
principal application today is the production of ice, chilled water, or eutectic solution at
night, which is then used to cool environments during the day. (2) thermal energy storage
technologies store heat, usually from active solar collectors in an insulated repository for
later use in space heating, domestic or process hot water, or to generate electricity. Most
practical active solar heating systems have storage for a few hours to a day's worth of heat
collected. There are also a small but growing number of seasonal thermal stores used to
store summer heat for space heating during winter.

elements of a structure that enclose conditioned spaces and that control transmission of
heat, air, and water vapor between the conditioned spaces and the exterior. See also
[[building thermal envelope]].

the surrounding atmosphere characterized by parameters such as air temperature, wet-


bulb temperature, dew-point temperature, water vapor pressure, total atmospheric
pressure, relative humidity, and specific humidity.

equilibrium obtained in a system when the temperatures are nonvarying.


increase in one or more of the dimensions of a solid body or a liquid volume, caused by a
temperature rise.

response of a thermal system to a periodic thermal excitation expressed as a function of


frequency. Note: thermal frequency response usually is displayed by polar plot of amplitude
attenuation and time lag versus frequency.

ability of a material, depending on its density and specific heat, to store heat and to resist
temperature change.
heating or cooling effect delivered to a product or space.
material or assembly of materials used to provide resistance to heat flow. Also see [[blanket
thermal insulation]].

insulation in granular, nodular, fibrous, powdery, or similar form designed for installation by
pouring, blowing, or hand placement. Examples are mineral or glass fiber, cellulosic fiber,
diatomaceous silica, perlite, silica aerogel, and vermiculite.

delay in action of the sensing element of a control device due to the time required for the
sensing element to reach equilibrium with the property being controlled or measured.

thermal requirement of a system under specified conditions.


the indoor thermal index value corresponding with a mean vote of neutral on the thermal
sensation scale.

heating or cooling effect put out by a source or removed from a storage device.

airflow created by a convective heat source that rises due to natural thermal buoyancy.
Plume formation and growth are dependent on the intensity of the heat source and on the
degree of stratification of the ambient air.
rate of radiant emission through unit solid angle over unit projected area of a source in a
stated angular direction from the surface (usually the normal). Units are watts per square
metre.

rate of radiant energy emitted from unit area of a surface in all radial directions of the
overspreading hemisphere. See also [[radiant flux density]].

transmission of energy by means of electromagnetic waves emitted due to temperature.


Radiant energy of any wavelength when absorbed may become thermal energy that
increases the temperature of the absorbing body. See also [[heat transfer radiation
coefficient]].

fraction of the incident radiation on a surface that is reflected from that surface. Note: for
an opaque surface, the sum of reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance is unity at any
wavelength of radiation.
the fraction of distribution system losses (gains for cooling) that are returned to the
conditioned space.
(1) relay activated by change in temperature. (2) relay in which the displacement of the
moving contact member is produced by heating of a part of the relay under the action of
electric currents.

(R-value), the reciprocal of the time rate of heat flow through a unit area induced by a unit
temperature difference between two defined surfaces of material or construction under
steady-state conditions. Units of thermal resistance are h·ft2·°F/Btu (m2·°K/W). Thermal
resistance is the reciprocal of the thermal conductance.

a conscious feeling commonly graded into the categories cold, cool, slightly cool, neutral,
slightly warm, warm, and hot; it requires subjective evaluation.

(1) accumulation of energy in a body or system in the form of sensible heat (temperature
rise) or latent heat (change of phase). (2) full storage: thermal storage system having
capacity to meet all on-peak cooling or heating requirements by being charged off peak,
and without energy added on peak. (3) fully charged condition: the state of a thermal
storage device at which, according to the design, no more heat is to be removed from the
thermal storage device. This state is generally reached when the control system stops the
charge cycle as part of its normal control sequence. (4) fully discharged condition: the state
of a thermal storage device at which no more usable cooling energy can be recovered from
the storage device. (5) normally interchangeable term with cool storage or ice storage when
addressing air-conditioning thermal storage systems. (6) technology or systems of
accumulating cooling or heating capacity for subsequent use. (7) temporary storage of high
or low-temperature energy for later use.

to supply cooling or heating to storage.

(also known as cycle figure of merit), ratio of the integrated discharge capacity to the
hypothetical maximum available capacity for a single cycle of operation.

charging a thermal storage system at a constant rate during a complete cycle.

substance in which cooling or heating energy is stored.

insulation of very high thermal resistance. Usually refers to that used in cryoengineering.

(1) phase difference in hours between the exterior and interior surface temperatures when
the exterior surface is subjected to a sine wave temperature change having a 24 h period.
(2) time interval by which the peak thermal response falls behind (lags) the peak thermal
excitation in a thermal system.
(also known as U-factor), heat transmission in unit time through unit area of a material or
construction and the boundary air films, induced by unit temperature difference between
the environments on each side. Note: this heat transmission rate is also called the overall
coefficient of heat transfer. U, in Btu/h·ft2·°F (W/[m2·K]). Thermal transmittance is
sometimes called the overall coefficient of heat transfer or U-factor. Thermal transmittance
includes surface film conductance.

quantity or rate of heat energy or equivalent in work or electrical energy.

thermoelectrical element in which the electrical resistance falls appreciably with a rise in
temperature; often used as a temperature sensor.

junction of two wires of dissimilar materials, not necessarily metal, with the property of
generating an emf related to the temperature of their junction. Compare to [[thermopile]].

equilibrium in a system when the physical variables have uniform values that do not change
in time. Furthermore, if the system is not an isolated one, these variables should have the
same values for both the system and its surroundings.

those data needed to calculate the equilibrium relations among pressure, volume, and
temperature along with the enthalpy and entropy of the fluid in the liquid and vapor states.

implosive impact in liquid, caused by sudden condensation of vapor into its subcooled
liquid. This phenomenon can occur when the liquid is about 60°F to 85°F (33°C to 47°C)
cooler than the saturation temperature of the contact vapor. It creates a loud sound and
can cause severe local pressure stresses in the container or piping system.

in thermodynamics, a region in space or a quantity of matter bounded by a closed surface in


which thermal actions occur. The surroundings include everything external to the system,
and the system is separated from the surroundings by the system boundaries. These
boundaries can be either movable or fixed, either real or imaginary.

steam (disk) trap constructed with a cap containing a steel disc, which fits against a flat seat.
Condensate, discharging at close to saturation temperature, increases in velocity and draws
the disc down toward the seat, due to the lower pressure caused by the increased velocity
(Bernoulli effect). Condensate discharging from high to low pressure flashes off and creates
the closing pressure above the disc within the cap. As this flash steam condenses, pressure
is dissipated, and the cycle repeats. The trap has limited air venting capabilities.

mechanism that transfers energy from one system to another without accompanying
transfer of entropy. Units of thermodynamic work are Btu (W·h).

science of the relation of heat to other forms of energy.

law of conservation of energy, which can be expressed as follows: heat and work are
mutually convertible; or because energy can neither be created nor destroyed, the total
energy associated with an energy conversion remains constant.

method for cooling by the Peltier effect.

photograph or two dimensional record of an image that maps the apparent temperature of
a scene as sensed by an infrared imaging system.

process of generating a thermogram by using an infrared imaging system, usually with some
means of temperature calibration.
instrument for measuring temperature.
a temperature measuring and display instrument in which an electric resistance varies as a
function of temperature.
part of applied physics relating to the measurement of temperature.
those data needed to calculate heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of the fluid.
Thermophysical properties include both thermodynamic (equilibrium) and transport
properties.
study of physical phenomena related to heat.
a number of thermocouples wired consistently in series or parallel to measure small or
average temperature differences.

circulation by the forces induced by the differences in densities of cooler and warmer fluids.

a tube, or coils with interconnecting piping, placed in supply and exhaust airstreams and
filled with a refrigerant heat transfer fluid.

an automatic control device used to maintain temperature at a fixed or adjustable setpoint.

device that adds heat within a thermostat in anticipation of overshoot.


in a gas charged thermostat, a device that compensates for fluctuations caused by
temperatures, in certain parts of the power system; different from the temperature of the
bulb.
difference between the cut in point and the scale setting.

trap installed on the discharge side of a heating unit and designed to pass air freely on start-
up and condensate at a subcooled temperature, but to prevent steam vapor passing into
the return. It can have a bellows or encapsulated metallic diaphragm containing a small
quantity of volatile liquid. At the bottom of the diaphragm or bellows is attached a
hardened, self centering valve head operating on the pressure side of the valve seat. At
ordinary temperatures and atmospheric pressure, the valve is fully open to permit free
passage of air and cold condensate. The trap discharges at a fixed temperature below that
of steam saturation temperature and closely follows the steam pressure/temperature
curve.

trap installed where low-temperature discharge is required. It incorporates a bimetallic


element that, when heated, deflects and causes a downstream valve head to be drawn up,
closing the orifice. It discharges air and cold condensate freely on start-up.

an automatic control device or system used to maintain temperature at a fixed or


adjustable setpoint.
a device for controlling superheat by regulating the mass flow of refrigerant to a
refrigeration load, actuated by changes in equalizer pressure and temperature sensing
element temperature.
evaporator pressure regulator that is sensitive to temperature.
device within an electric controller for completing or interrupting an electrical circuit in
response to a temperature change.

the sound pressure level at all frequencies contained within a 1/3 octave band filter.

(1) electrical service of a three-phase power form. (2) electrical service supplied to the user
by the utility company.

multipiping arrangement in which each unit is fitted with two supply pipes (hot and chilled
water) and a single return pipe common to the central heater and refrigerating system.

valve having either a single inlet and two outlets (diverting) or two inlets and a single outlet
(mixing), in which either one or the other is open. Can also be a service valve for dual-
mounted safety relief valves. See also diverting valve; [[mixing valve]].
refers to airborne concentrations of substances and represents conditions under which it is
believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse
health effects. Because of the wide variation in individual susceptibility, however, a small
percentage of workers may experience discomfort from some substances at concentrations
at or below the threshold limit; a smaller percentage may be affected more seriously by
aggravation of a preexisting condition or by development of an occupational illness.
Smoking of tobacco is harmful for several reasons. Smoking may act to enhance the
biological effects of chemicals encountered in the workplace and may reduce the body’s
defense mechanisms against toxic substances. Individuals may also be hypersusceptible or
otherwise unusually responsive to some industrial chemicals because of genetic factors,
age, personal habits (smoking, use of alcohol or other drugs), medication, or previous
exposure. Such workers may not be adequately protected from adverse health effects from
certain chemicals at concentrations at or below the threshold limits. An occupational
physician should evaluate the extent to which such workers require additional protection.
Threshold limit values® (TLVs®) are based on the best available information from industrial
experience, from experimental human and animal studies, and, when possible, from a
combination of the three. The basis on which the values are established may differ from
substance to substance; protection against impairment of health may be a guiding factor for
some, whereas reasonable freedom from irritation, narcosis, nuisance, or other forms of
stress may form the basis for others. (This definition reprinted by permission of the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists [ACGIH].)

(1) the time-weighted average concentration for a normal 8 hworkday and a 40 h


workweek, to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without
adverse effect. (2) the refrigerant concentration in air for a normal 8 h workday and a 40 h
workweek to which repeated exposure, day after day, will not cause an adverse effect in
most persons.

expansion (via flow restriction) across any orifice during which no mechanical work is
transferred by the fluid to the surroundings.
change in controlled variable required to move the actuator or valve from one of its
extreme limits of travel to the other.
valve used to restrict (throttle) the flow of fluid.
see [[packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)]].
the distance, in ft (m), from the center of the air device outlet to a point in the mixed
airstream where the highest sustained velocity of the mixed airstream has been reduced to
a specified level.

angle between the horizontal plane and the plane of the collector aperture.

defrosting process automatically and intermittently operated for a predetermined period.

(1) time interval between the manifestation of a signal at one point and the manifestation
or detection of the same signal at another point. Note: generally, the term “time delay” is
used to describe a process whereby an output signal has the same form as the input signal
causing it, but is delayed in time; that is, the amplification of all frequency components of
the output are related by a single constant to those of corresponding input frequency
components, but each output component lags behind the corresponding input component
by a phase angle proportional to the frequency of the component. (2) time interval between
when a command is given and when it is executed.
(as applied to fenestration) bronze, green, blue, or gray coloring that is integral with the
glazing material. Tinting does not include surface applied films such as reflective coatings,
applied either in the field or during the manufacturing process.

the chemical TiCl4 that generates white visible fumes used in preliminary testing in
laboratory fume hoods. (Caution: Titanium tetrachloride is corrosive and irritating; skin
contact or inhalation should be avoided.)

action of a switch to change to an alternate contact position as in a flip flop.

difference between upper and lower limits of size for a given nominal dimension or value.

heat removed by a ton of refrigeration operating for a day, 288,000 Btu (approximately 84.3
kWh).
time rate of cooling equal to 12,000 Btu/h (approximately 3517 W). It is a quantity
approximately equal to the latent heat of fusion or melting of 1 ton (2000 lb) of ice, from
and at 32°F (0°C).
metric ton of 1000 kg. Equivalent to 1.10225 short ton (2000 lb).
as applied to a fan, a type of excitation in which the external force is applied through the
hub in the form of torque pulsations.
combination of primary air and secondary air at a specific point.
(1) amount of sensible and latent heat removed from the conditioned space. (2) difference
between the total enthalpy of the dry air and the water-vapor mixture entering and leaving
the cooler.
sum of static head and velocity head.
see [[enthalpy]].
see [[heat rejection]].

the quantity of radiant energy incident upon a surface over all wavelengths.

the pressure which exists by virtue of the degree of compression and the rate of motion. It
is the algebraic sum of the velocity pressure and the static pressure at a point. Thus, if the
fluid is at rest, the total pressure will equal the static pressure.

total pump head pressure is composed of four primary components: lift, column friction,
surface requirements, and injection head.
total useful capacity of a refrigerant condenser for removing heat from the refrigerant
circulated through it.
(water or brine cooler), product of the mass rate of refrigerant flow and the difference in
enthalpy of the entering and leaving refrigerant fluid, expressed in heat units per unit of
time.

the product of the mass flow rate of refrigerant and the difference in enthalpy between the
leaving and entering refrigerant, expressed in energy units per unit of time.

see [[static pressure loss]].

mass of particulates suspended in a unit volume of air as collected by an air sampler.

emittance that is an integrated average for all wavelengths of radiant energy emitted.

total heat load expressed in tons of cooling; the sum of the sensible tons (dry tons) and the
latent tons (wet tons).

in a turbocompressor, the ratio of the variation of enthalpy of an isentropically compressed


vapor to the work to be effectively supplied to the compressor (the enthalpy relating to the
total pressure of the fluid at inlet and the static pressure at outlet).
(also known as stagnation efficiency), in a turbocompressor, the ratio of the variation of
enthalpy of the vapor isentropically compressed from the total pressure at inlet to the total
pressure at outlet to the work effectively supplied to the compressor.

vertical vessel filled with plates or suitable packing, through which scrubbing fluid flows
upward through the liquid, separating entrained liquids or solids from the gas.

the ability of a substance to be harmful or lethal due to acute or chronic exposure by


contact, inhalation, or ingestion. The effects of concern include, but are not limited to,
those of carcinogens, poisons, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers,
hepatoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents that act on the hematopoietic system, and
agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

the ability of a refrigerant to be harmful or lethal due to acute or chronic exposure by


contact, inhalation, or ingestion. The effects of concern include, but are not limited to,
those of carcinogens, poisons, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers,
hepatoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents that act on the hematopoietic system, and
agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

a written document that details the expectations, schedule, budget, and deliverables of
commissioning process activities related to training of project operating and maintenance
personnel, users, and occupants.

(1) a device designed to receive energy from one system and supply energy, of either the
same or of a different kind, to another system in such a manner that the desired
characteristics of the input energy appear at the output. (2) a device that changes one form
of physical quantity into another. In the measurement field, transducers are generally used
to sense a variety of measurands, such as line voltage, current, power, pressure, and
temperature, and to convert these to a common output signal for use with a controlling or
recording instrument.

air transferred from one room to another through openings in the room envelope, whether
it is transferred intentionally or not. The driving force for transfer air is generally a small
pressure differential between the rooms, although one or more fans may be used.

the fluid that carries energy between two heat transfer devices.
see [[duct fitting]], [[pipe fittings]].
a piece of electrical equipment used to convert electric power from one voltage to another
voltage.
pulse or other temporary phenomenon occurring in a system that is not in a steady-state
condition.
the state in which the system undergoes a normal change in operation, such as thermostat
cycling or actuation of a defrost control.
at a stated pressure, the temperature (or at a stated temperature, the pressure) at which
two phases exist in equilibrium; that is, an allotropic transformation temperature (or
pressure).
transport of substances, energy, or indicated values from one place to another with or
without impedances.
reduction in magnitude of some characteristic of a power or a signal between two stated
points in a system.

portion of thermal radiation incident on a physical surface that is transmitted through that
surface. Compare to [[thermal transmittance]]. Note: thermal transmittance usually is used
for heat flow through walls, but transmittance (or transmissivity) is more often referred to
as a radiation property.

cooling produced by evaporation of fluid lost by a body or material.


properties that describe the capability of a fluid to transfer heat and momentum, typically
thermal conductivity and dynamic or kinematic viscosity.

transverse (girth) joint used to assemble duct and fittings.


device for preventing passage of one type of fluid, often while allowing other fluids to
proceed. Compare to [[steam trap]].

method of measuring air and fluid volumetric flow in ductwork and piping systems.

record of events taken on a regular schedule or equal time intervals or by change of state or
value.
particular temperature and pressure at which three different phases of one substance can
coexist in equilibrium. Water is an example of a substance that has a well known triple
point.
(also known as luminaire), electric lighting fixture that may be equipped with a means to
provide for air supply, air return, and/or heat extraction.

wall that is sun facing and built from material that can act as a thermal mass (such as stone,
metal, concrete, adobe, or water tanks). A highmass wall that stores heat from solar gain
during the day and slowly radiates the heat.

local standard time adjusted by the equation of time (determined from an astronomical
almanac) and the longitude correction (four times the difference between the standard
longitude of the observer’s time zone and the observer’s actual longitude). A time reference
used to compute the apparent position of the sun.

tubular conduit for transport of fluids or finely divided solids; also, a hollow structural
member; a hollow product of round or other cross section. A tube may be helical welded,
lap welded, spiral welded, butt welded, or seamless. A tube is designated by its exact
outside diameter and its exact wall thickness, which may be described in gage numbers or
other units. As an example, copper tube is commonly used in the piping and plumbing
industry and the normal wall thickness is 0.125 in. (3.2 cm). When describing the outside
diameter, it is referred to as copper tube. When describing the nominal pipe size, it is
referring to the inside diameter. Tube or tubing identifies the outside diameter. Pipe or
piping identifies the inside diameter.

(1) axial fan whose blades revolve in a cylindrical casing. The term “ducted fan” is used
when the casing is of substantial length. (2) propeller or disc-type wheel within a cylinder,
and including driving-mechanism supports for either belt drive or direct connection.

(plate evaporator), evaporator constructed from a pair of plates assembled to form a


shallow compartment containing a coil through which refrigerant flows, with the fluid to be
cooled circulating in the compartment.

condenser consisting of a tube inserted in a second tube in a helical coil, serpentine coil, or
parallel tubes.

(plate coil), type of extended surface evaporator consisting of one or several metal sheets
with a coil through which refrigerant flows, brazed to one face.

formation over a surface of scattered, knob-like mounds of localized corrosion products.

(also referred to as an in-line fan) a centrifugal impeller located within a cylindrical or


rectangular housing, discharging in an axial direction. Its performance is similar to that of a
centrifugal blower except its capacity and pressure are lower due to the less efficient fan
arrangement.
chilled, elongated space for cooling foodstuffs on a movable transport system by rapid
circulation of cold air.
elongated enclosure provided with rapid cold air circulation for the freezing of foodstuffs.
Also called a freezing tunnel or blast freeze tunnel.
fluid-energized acceleration machine for generating rotary mechanical power from the
energy in a fluid stream.
turbine-driven compressor, usually a centrifugal compressor.
phenomenon of instability that may occur in centrifugal or axial flow compressors,
characterized by aerodynamic blockage or the breakaway of the flow from certain sections
of the passage between the blades.
in cold air or gas refrigeration cycles, a turbine in which the compressed gas expands and
produces mechanical energy.
flow-enhancing device to increase coil heat transfer efficiency.
fluid flow in which the velocity varies in magnitude and direction in an irregular manner
throughout the mass. Turbulent flow exists when the Reynolds Number exceeds a value of
2000 to 4000.
a series of single thickness or airfoil radius sheet metal guides placed within a rectangular
duct elbow to reduce turbulence and associated pressure drop within the elbow and to
direct air around the bend.
simultaneous flow of two phases of a fluid, usually gas liquid flows.
piping system in which the fluid withdrawn from the supply passes through a heating or
cooling unit to a separate return main.
a modulating control that both cycles a controlling device between two preset conditions,
could be between OPEN and CLOSED, or between ON and OFF, or between two stages or
levels of capacity control.

(1) single temperature controller designed to control temperature at two distinct setpoints.
(2) thermostat that handles two separate circuits in sequence.

valve having a single inlet and single outlet. Uses of two way valves could be for throttling,
isolation, or shutoff.

a hood designed to capture smoke and/or grease-laden vapor produced by a cooking


process, incorporating listed grease removal devices and fire suppression equipment. Type I
hoods fall into two categories: listed and nonlisted. Listed hoods have been tested in
accordance with UL Standard 710.1. Conventional, or nonlisted hoods are hoods that meet
the design, construction, and performance criteria of the applicable national and local
codes.

a hood designed to capture heat, odors, products of combustion, and/or moisture where
smoke or grease laden vapor is not present. A Type II hood may or may not have filters or
baffles and does not have a fire suppression system.

unit thermal conductance or overall heat transfer coefficient, W/(m2·K) (Btu/(h·ft2·°F).


the stress at which rupture occurs.
range of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths from about 400 nm, just beyond the violet
in the visible spectrum, to about 4 nm, on the border of the x-ray region. UV photons have
enough energy to initiate some chemical reactions, to degrade most plastics, and to kill
microorganisms.
space within a building that is not conditioned space.
an air-distribution system that uses an underfloor plenum (open space between the
structural concrete slab and the underside of a raised-floor system) to deliver conditioned
air into the space, typically through floor diffusers. Air is returned at a level above the
occupied zone (typically at the ceiling level). Under cooling operation, UFAD systems
produce a stratified environment, similar in principle to that of displacement systems. The
primary difference between these systems is that UFAD outlets deliver air at higher
velocity, producing greater mixing in the area near the outlet discharge.

condition where voltage is lower than rated.

a solar collector in which the absorbing surface is directly exposed to the atmosphere.

compressor in which the suction gas passes through the piston.


a smooth, straight line motion of a gas or a liquid across the area of flow.

location where one or more accessory panels are grouped to serve a single remote system.
Contains both accessory devices and local loop controls.

(1) an assembly of cooling coils with drain pan, fan, and enclosure. (2) direct cooling, factory
made encased assembly including an air-cooling coil, refrigerating compressor and
condenser, fan and motor (usually), and directional outlet, including the necessary
automatic controls.
heater consisting of a fan for circulating air over a heat exchange surface, all enclosed in a
common casing.

fan coil unit package devised for applications in which the use of outdoor and return air
mixing is intended to satisfy tempering requirements and ventilation needs.

one or more factory-made assemblies that normally include an evaporator or cooling coil
and a compressor and condenser combination.
tubing that is unenclosed and therefore exposed to crushing, abrasion, puncture, or similar
damage after installation.
open impeller with the blades left uncovered. Caution should be used in placing access for
servicing requirements.

state of a system when the various physical quantities at any location vary randomly.

piping arrangement for a heating, air-conditioning, or refrigerating system in which heat


transfer fluid is circulated through supply mains that are below the levels of heating or
cooling units they serve.

total amount of cooling discharged from a thermal storage device, at or below the
maximum usable discharge temperature, for a particular storage cycle.

percent capacity realized over a period of time that a system is operated.

rate at which heat is removed by the primary refrigerant, or by the secondary refrigerant,
between two specified points, taking into account the conditions of use.

the meter used to calculate a monthly energy and/or demand charge at a specific
utility/customer connection; more than one may be installed per customer and per site due
to different supply voltages, capacity requirements, physical separation distances,
installation periods, or for specific customer requirements or utility programs.

see [[use factor]].


ultraviolet

state in which the fluid, usually gas, pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure.

a device that allows an increase in the pressure in an enclosure under vacuum by admitting
gas (air).
cooling by vaporization under vacuum of part of the water contained in the material to be
cooled.
pump in which the motion of a gas is induced by its diffusion into the vapor phase of a
working fluid in the pump.
freezing of a substance by lowering pressure to induce vaporization of a part of the solvent
(usually water).
gage for measuring pressures below atmospheric pressure.
pump for exhausting a system; pump designed to produce a vacuum in a closed system or
vessel.
vacuum pump operated via the ionization of gases, the produced ions being transported by
an electrical or magnetic field.
test to check the gas tightness of an uncharged system or component by drawing a vacuum
on it.
device to regulate or stop the flow of fluid in a pipe or a duct by throttling.
area encountered by a fluid flowing through a valve.

shell or housing of a valve into which the mechanism for regulating flow is fitted.

device for holding and locating a valve disc, poppet, etc., in relation to a valve seat.

removable part that allows access to the valve mechanism.

disc or button fixed to the end of a valve stem and which meets the valve seat on closure.

uncontrolled oscillation of a compressor valve on its seat during opening or closing.

part that limits or controls the opening of a valve.

vertical distance through which a valve is raised to allow the passage of a fluid.

that part of a valve that closes off or stops fluid flow.

plate on which the valves of a reciprocating or rotary compressor are located.

(1) a movable part that provides a variable restriction in a port. (2) generic name for that
part of a valve which mates with the seat to control or shut off flow.

opening for passage of a fluid in a valve.


stationary portion of the valve which, when in contact with the movable portion, stops flow
completely.
spindle movable towards or away from a valve seat for guiding the valve head during
closing or opening.
internal parts (stem, plug, disc, seat, etc.) of a valve.

if the temperature of interacting substances in equilibrium is raised, the equilibrium


concentrations of the reaction are changed, so that the products of that reaction that
absorb heat are increased in quantity, or if the temperature for such an equilibrium is
lowered, the products that evolve heat in their formation are increased in amounts.

(1) in air-distributing devices, the ratio of the depth of vane to shortest opening width
between two adjacent bars in a grille. (2) ratio of the chord length to the vane pitch.

fan that moves air in the general direction of the axis about which it rotates, parallel to the
shaft, and flow through the centrifugal fan wheel, impeller, or propeller is substantially
radial. The fan is typically mounted in a round duct or tube to improve pressure
characteristics and has vane-type straighteners to remove much of the swirl or spin of the
air created by the fan wheel to improve fan efficiency. Fans can be either direct drive or belt
driven.
(1) gas, particularly one near equilibrium with its liquid phase and one that does not follow
the gas laws. The term is usually used instead of gas to refer to a refrigerant, or in general,
to any gas below the critical temperature. (2) substance in the gaseous state that can also
exist as a liquid or solid at normal atmospheric conditions. Compare to [[gas]].

use vapor retarder. See [[water vapor retarder]].


(also known as absolute humidity or water vapor density number), in a mixture of water
vapor and dry air, the mass of water vapor in a specific volume of the mixture. Compare to
[[relative humidity]].
ratio of the amount of vapor present compared to the amount present at saturated
conditions.
(1) control device with a vapor charged power element. (2) method of control using the
expansion and contraction forces of a contained vapor.

refrigerating cycle using an ejector to compress the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator
to the condenser. The term steam jet is used when water is the refrigerant.

formation of vapor in a liquid line that reduces mass flow compared to the flow of the total
liquid at the same pressure differential.
orifice capillary tube, or other device having a restricted passage of fixed size for liquid
refrigerant. It restricts flow of vapor of that same liquid to a lower rate of flow with the
same pressure difference.
see [[vapor quality]].
usually located at the bottom of large absorber tube bundles.

the pressure exerted by a vapor. If a vapor is kept in confinement over its liquid so that the
vapor can accumulate above the liquid with the temperature constant, the vapor pressure
reaches a maximum called the saturated vapor pressure.

ratio of the mass of vapor to the total mass when a substance exists as part liquid and part
vapor at the saturation temperature. Note: quality has meaning only when the substance is
in a saturated state, i.e., at saturation pressure and temperature.

system using a condensable vapor as the refrigerant.


material or construction that adequately impedes the transmission of water vapor under
specified conditions. Compare to [[structural barrier]].
change of phase from liquid to vapor.
burner designed to utilize the temperature of the heated combustion chamber to vaporize
the liquid fuel fed into such chamber.

one based on pressure built up by the vapor evolved by liquid in a sealed container.

throttling control of water during a cooling or heating process.


for each element of a control system, a physical quantity whose changes are governed
ultimately by the functioning of the element.

an engineered direct-expansion (DX) multisplit system incorporating at least one variable


capacity compressor distributing refrigerant through a piping network to multiple indoor
fan-coil units, each capable of individual zone temperature control, through integral zone
temperature control devices and common communications network. Variable refrigerant
flow utilizes three or more steps of control on common, interconnecting piping.
combination of varying both airflow and temperature in response to space load, for the
purpose of resetting temperature to maintain greater low-load airflow to the space than in
a true variable volume system.

heating and cooling equipment that operates in stages of different capacity depending on
building load, e.g., electric furnaces with several separate heater elements.
electronic device that varies its output frequency to vary the rotating speed of a motor,
given a fixed input frequency. Used with fans or pumps to vary the flow in the system as a
function of a maintained pressure.
a method of controlling airflow produced by a fan by means of adjusting the speed or
revolutions per minute (rpm) of the fan.
see [[variable-frequency drive]].
variable-air volume terminal device
a measurement of the distance traveled per unit of time. This quantity is defined by its
magnitude and direction at any point of the flow.

ratio of the actual velocity of gas emerging from a nozzle to the velocity calculated under
ideal conditions; it is less than one because of friction losses.

ratio of the rate of change of the input command signal to the steady-state error, in a
control system where these two quantities are proportional.

see [[velocity pressure]].

(1) in a moving fluid, the pressure that would induce an equivalent velocity if applied to
move the same fluid through an orifice, so that all pressure energy is converted into kinetic
energy. Velocity pressure is always a positive value, in. H2O (kPa). (2) the difference
between the total pressure and static pressure (relative to the same datum).

graph that represents, in a plane section, the velocity distribution in a flowing fluid.

method in which ducts are sized so that selected velocities occur in specific duct lengths.

smallest area of a fluid stream leaving an orifice.


a connection in any system or enclosure that may be open to atmosphere or to a lower
pressure, space, or vessel and is intended for the transfer of any fluid. A vent can be used
for either intake or relief purposes.
the portion of the venting system that connects the gas appliance or its draft hood to the
chimney or vent terminal.

a device intended for installation in the venting system of an individual, automatically


operated, fossil-fuel-fired appliance in the outlet or downstream of the appliance draft
control device, which is designed to automatically open the venting system when the
appliance is in operation and to automatically close off the venting system when the
appliance is in a standby or shutdown condition.

see [[flue gas]].


a device that limits the flow of air from the atmospheric diaphragm chamber of a gas
pressure regulator to the atmosphere. A vent limiter may be a limiting orifice or other
limiting device.

a device that is located on the outside of a building and may be connected to a furnace or
boiler by a system of conduits. It is composed of an air intake terminal through which the air
for combustion is taken from the outside atmosphere and an exhaust terminal from which
flue gases are discharged.

(1) discharge piping connected to a safety or relief valve. (2) passages and conduits in a
direct vent or direct exhaust system through which gases pass from the combustion
chamber to the outdoor air.

(1) opening in a tank, duct, or other piece of equipment, sealed to prevent escape of
material within normal pressures, but arranged to open automatically to relieve excessive
pressure. (2) relief opening in a pressure regulator, normally open to the atmosphere.

a crawlspace with an open vent area 1/150th of its floor area with vents distributed over all
exterior surfaces.
(1) the process of supplying air to or removing air from a space for the purpose of
controlling air contaminant levels, humidity, or temperature within the space. (2) the
process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to or from any space.
Such air is not required to have been conditioned.

the minimum amount of outdoor air required for the purpose of controlling air contaminant
levels in buildings.

(1) (Ev), evaluation of air delivery, regardless of the effectiveness of contaminant removal.
(2) (Ev), fraction of the outdoor air that reaches the occupied zone of the destined space.

measure of the relationship between the pollutant concentration in the exhaust air and the
pollutant concentration in the specified zone.

contraction in a pipeline or duct that increases the fluid velocity to lower its static pressure,
followed by a gradual expansion to allow recovery of static pressure. Used for metering and
other purposes that involve change in pressure.

(1) specially shaped construction inserted in a pipe to measure the rate of flow from
induced changes in pressure in the constricted section. (2) specially shaped construction
that creates a vacuum in a steam/water refrigeration system.

the process by which specific documents, components, equipment, assemblies, systems,


and interfaces among systems are confirmed to comply with the criteria described in the
Owner’s Project Requirements.

an axis of measurement perpendicular to the horizontal and axial axes of measurement of a


piece of equipment but not necessarily in the horizontal plane.

climates that have more than 9000 annual heating degree-days base 65°F-day (5000 annual
heating degree-days base 18°C-day).
container or structural envelope in which materials are processed, treated, or stored.
Compare to [[tank]].

an oscillation wherein the quantity is a parameter that defines the motion of a mechanical
(physical) system. The term is usually used to mean an objectionable movement.

in any rotating equipment where the isolation of its vibration is by devices external to the
unit. Note: examples: flex duct connections, pipe flex connections, and spring isolators.

the magnitude of the vibration expressed in engineering units (usually velocity [mm/s]).
Note: vibration severity values may represent either the overall value or a value obtained
from a frequency analysis. It is extremely important to denote which choice was made. It is
also necessary to denote whether the value is zero-to-peak, peak-to-peak, or root mean
square (rms).

instrument for measuring viscosity.

(1) property of a fluid to resist flow or change of shape. (2) property of semifluids, fluids,
and gases by which they resist an instantaneous change of shape or arrangements of parts.
It causes fluid friction whenever adjacent layers of fluid move with relation to each other.

force per unit area required to produce unit relative viscosity between two parallel areas of
fluid unit distance apart.
(1) characteristic of lubricating oil that indicates the change in viscosity with temperature;
i.e., a high VI oil has less change in viscosity with temperature change than a lower VI oil. (2)
empirical number evaluated by comparing the viscosity of a substance with that of a
standard substance.
pressure gage which uses the variations of viscosity of a gas with pressure (in vacuum
techniques).
filter in which the medium is made from materials which have been impregnated with a
viscous oil.
(1) laminar flow or streamline flow. (2) type of gas flow in which the average free path of
gas molecules is much smaller than the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the pipe
conveying the substance.

liquid that evaporates readily at atmospheric pressure and room temperatures.

organic compounds in the vapor state present in an indoor atmosphere.


a refrigerant that changes from the liquid to the vapor state in the process of absorbing
heat.

a device for measuring voltage, or the resistance of an electrical circuit. Some models also
measure current flow through components in electrical circuits.

electric potential or potential difference expressed in volts.

a decrease in voltage caused by losses in the lines connecting the power source to the load.

(1) device that is voltage sensitive with the ability to sense between two or more voltage
levels to operate a set of contacts. (2) relay that responds to a predetermined voltage.

unit of voltampere reactive power. For a two wire circuit, the product of the voltage times
the current times the sine of the angular phase difference by which the voltage leads or lags
the current. VARs and watts combine in a quadrature to form voltamperes.

device mounted in a duct or opening used to vary the volume of air flowing through.

volumetric flow of air over specified time, usually expressed in l/s or m3/h.
ratio of the total to the apparent volumetric efficiency. Also called real or no-clearance
volumetric efficiency.

the change in heat stored in unit volume of material for unit change of temperature.

the change in stored moisture per unit volume of porous material and per unit moisture
potential change.
ratio of the actual volume of gas moved by the compressor or pump to actual displacement
of the compressor or pump.
cross section of wall, or a drawing of it, arranged to reveal thermal and moisture migration
characteristics.
opening in a wall having a shroud insert to accept a pipe, duct, or equipment installed in or
through the wall.
see [[canopy hood]].

those portions of the building envelope that are vertical or tilted at an angle of 30 degrees
or less from the vertical plane. Above grade—all the exterior walls of any given story if 50%
or more of the gross exterior wall area of the story is exposed to outside air. Below grade—
all the exterior walls of any given story if more than 50% of the gross exterior wall area of
the story is below grade. Mass wall—a wall constructed of concrete, concrete masonry,
insulating concrete form (ICF), masonry cavity, brick (other than brick veneer), earth (adobe,
compressed earth block, rammed earth), and solid timber or logs.

(1) increase in space temperature to occupied setpoint after a period of shutdown or


setback. Also referred to as morning warm up. (2) period of time required for a space to
return to normal temperature after a period of shutdown or setback.

addition to the capacity of a heating system (as calculated for heat loss) to provide quick
warm up in the morning.

any useful energy source which otherwise would be unused or left to the environment.
(1) heat rejected from the building (or process) because its temperature is too low for
economical recovery or direct use. (2) unused heat rejected from a system, usually a heat
engine or combustion furnace, to its surroundings.

transparent, odorless, tasteless liquid; a compound of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O),


containing 11.188% hydrogen and 88.812% oxygen by mass; freezing at 32°F (0°C); boiling
near 212°F (100°C).

(1) tubular column located at the steam and water space of a boiler to which protective
devices, such as gage cocks, water gage, and level alarms are attached. (2) unit of pressure.

substance introduced into potable water thus creating a health hazard. Compare to [[water
pollutant]].
see [[cooling tower]].
defrosting in which water is sprayed or poured over the frosted surface.
a system by which the supply air of a cooling system is cooled indirectly with water that is
itself cooled by heat or mass transfer to the environment without the use of mechanical
cooling.
(1) designation that water is the fluid in a manometer. (2) gage glass with attached fittings
which indicates water level within a vessel. (3) unit of pressure (I-P units). See [[water
column (wc)]].
see [[hydraulic shock]].

closed vessel in which water is heated by the combustion of fuels, electricity, or any other
source and is withdrawn for use external to the system at pressures not exceeding 160 psig
[1100 kPa (gage)], including the apparatus by which heat is generated, and all controls and
devices necessary to prevent water temperatures from exceeding 210°F (99°C). See also
[[boiler]].

hot-water boiler having a volume not exceeding 120 gal (450 L), or a heat input not
exceeding 200,000 Btu/h (60 kW), or an operating temperature not exceeding 250°F
(120°C), to provide hot water to a system.
water-to-air heat pump using liquid circulating in a common piping loop functioning as a
heat source/heat sink.
water connection wherein one pipe communicates with several other lateral outlets
through a common housing or fitting.

substance introduced into potable water, thus creating an objectionable condition, but not
creating a health hazard. Compare to [[water contaminant]].

efficiency of a weather louver at any air velocity under test conditions.


(public water system), system operated as a public utility that supplies potable water to the
service connection of the consumer’s water system. It is the primary component of a public
water system.
process that alters supply water so that it can be used for process or HVAC purposes
without creating undue corrosion or scaling to the piping systems and other deleterious
effects.

boiler in which tubes contain water and steam, with heat applied to their outside surfaces.

uses a vacuum to boil water at the temperature desired; one in which evaporating water
vapor is the refrigerant.
water in the vapor or gas phase.
in a gas, the mass of water vapor per unit mass of dry air.
water vapor is lighter or less dense than dry air. At equivalent temperatures it is buoyant
with respect to dry air.
time rate of water vapor transfer through a unit area, mv, in lbm/ft2·s [kgm/(m2·K)]. Vapor
flux is a vector.
(vapor transfer, vapor transmission), transmission of water vapor through insulating or
other material resulting from the difference in partial pressures on both sides.

steady vapor pressure difference that induces unit time rate of vapor flow through unit area
and unit thickness of a flat material (or construction that acts like a homogeneous body) for
specific conditions of temperature and relative humidity at each surface. Vapor resistivity is
the reciprocal of vapor permeability.

material or construction that adequately impedes the transmission of water vapor under
specified conditions. Water vapor retarders have a water vapor permeance of less than 1.0
perm when tested in accordance with ASTM E 96.

steady-state vapor flow in unit time through unit area of a body, normal to specified parallel
surfaces, under specific conditions of temperature and humidity at each surface.

any accumulation of insoluble material derived from water or formed by the reaction with
water on surfaces in contact with it.
during a drying process, the ability of a substance to retain water.

a heat exchanger that uses the condenser water side of the system for cooling without
requiring the operation of the chiller. Also a coil on the air entering side of a heat pump or
HVAC unit that uses condenser water flow to precondition the entering air when conditions
are favorable. See also [[cooling]].

economizer process that uses cooling tower-water directly or indirectly in the cooling coils,
permitting the chiller to be shut down when the outside wet-bulb temperature is
sufficiently low.

ability of an externally mounted air transfer device to resist water penetration.

metering system capable of measuring the energy added to or extracted from an electric or
fluid stream. Also called thermal energy meter, heat meter, or thermal meter. Compare to
[[Btu meter]].
in petroleum oils, a material, usually a solid hydrocarbon, that may separate on cooling of
an oil refrigerant mixture.
see [[water column (wc)]].
see [[workplace environmental exposure level]].

(1) drip from frozen foods. (2) in buildings, a small opening that allows water to drain from
within an assembly. They are located at the bottom of the object to allow for drainage. The
weep hole must be sized adequately to allow for surface tension.

a gastight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts in the plastic or molten state.

ventilation rated to sustain life and safety.


system of refrigeration in which some liquid refrigerant is mixed with vapor entering the
compressor to cause the discharge vapor from the compressor to be saturated, rather than
superheated.

(1) in a refrigeration system, where the connections between the evaporator outlets and
the low pressure receiver through which the mixture of vapor and overfeed liquid is drawn.
(2) in a steam system, where a return pipe carries condensate, the pipe is usually located
below the level of the waterline in the boiler.

steam at the saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure and containing water
particles in suspension. Compare to [[dry saturated steam]].

latent heating or cooling load. See [[ton of refrigeration]].


(1) opaque ice in which air or salts present in the raw water are trapped. (2) saturated vapor
containing liquid droplets in suspension.

the difference between the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures at the same location.

the temperature indicated when a thermometer bulb is covered with a water saturated
wick over which air is caused to flow at approximately 4.5 m/s (900 ft/min) to reach the
equilibrium temperature of water evaporating into the air when the heat of vaporization is
supplied by the sensible heat of the air.

U-factor converted into electrical terms for calculations in electric heating. The amount of
heat flow, in watts per square foot per degree Fahrenheit temperature difference (W/ft2·F)
between air on the inside and air on the outside of the building section (wall, floor, roof, or
ceiling). For conversion, W = 0.293U.

generated noise having uniform sound pressure at all frequences, generally between 125
and 4000 Hertz
see [[cleanroom]].
when the temperature of a radiating blackbody increases, the wavelength corresponding to
maximum energy decreases in such a way that the product of the absolute temperature and
the wavelength is constant.
intensity of radiation emitted by a blackbody per unit wavelength, at that wavelength at
which this intensity reaches a maximum, is proportional to the fifth power of the
temperature.

the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin due to wind. The degree of this
phenomenon depends on both air temperature and wind speed. The wind chill temperature
(often popularly called the wind chill factor) is always lower than the air temperature for
values where the wind chill formula is valid. In cases where the apparent temperature is
higher than the air temperature, the heat index is used instead. Wind chill is always
expressed as a temperature. Compare to [[chill factor]], which is always expressed as time.

total force exerted on a structure by wind. See [[velocity pressure]].


room air conditioner designed for mounting in window.
erosion of a valve plug or seat due to very high fluid velocity, usually caused by prolonged
operation in a nearly closed position.

number which indicates interchangeability of fuel gases, obtained by dividing the heating
value of a gas by the square root of its specific gravity.

(1) compare to [[energy]], which is work per unit time. (2) mechanical work: the amount of
energy transferred by a force. Units of mechanical work are ft·lb (J).

medium evolving within a thermodynamic cycle.

the range of pressures the system is expected to experience during normal operation.

an occupational exposure limit set by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

stress at which a material exceeds its elastic limit. Below this stress, the material will
recover its original size. Above this stress, it will not.
group of aluminosilicates containing very loosely held cations, used in molecular sieves and
ion exchangers.

blend comprising multiple components of different volatilities that, when used in


refrigeration cycles, change volumetric composition and saturation temperatures as they
evaporate (boil) or condense at constant pressure.
refers to blends comprising multiple components of different volatility that, when used in
refrigeration cycles, change volumetric composition and saturation temperatures as they
evaporate (boil) or condense at constant pressure. The word is derived from the Greek
words zein (to boil) and tropos (to change).

a zeotropic refrigerant contains two or more components whose equilibrium vapor phase
and liquid phase compositions differ. The temperature of a zeotropic refrigerant changes as
it evaporates or condenses at constant pressure (Compare to [[azeotropic refrigerant]]).

the dead band between control setpoints, such as between heating and cooling, where the
lowest amount of mechanical energy is being utilized. Contrast [[dead band]].

residual energy of a system at absolute zero.


if two systems are both in thermal equilibrium with a third one, they are in mutual thermal
equilibrium.

(1) a separately controlled heated or cooled space. (2) one occupied space or several
occupied spaces with similar occupancy category, occupant density, zone air distribution
effectiveness, and zone primary airflow per unit area. (3) space or group of spaces within a
building for which the heating, cooling, or lighting requirements are sufficiently similar that
desired conditions can be maintained throughout by a single controlling device.

valve that modulates water flow to a thermal zone in response to a downstream


temperature signal.
a smoke control system that includes smoke exhaust for the smoke zone and pressurization
for all contiguous smoke control zones. The remaining smoke control zones in the building
also may be pressurized.

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