SERVICES VI ( AR-310B)

LECTURE 8

AIR-CONDITIONING – SYSTEMS &

EQUIPMENT Continued
 QUICK RECAP OF ALL AIR SYSTEMS
Based on the fluid media used in the thermal
distribution system, air conditioning systems can be
classified as:

 All Air System

 All Water System
 A combination of the above two.

All air system air is used as the media that transports

energy from the conditioned space .

All air systems can be further classified into:

1. Single duct systems, or
2. Dual duct systems
 ALL AIR SYSTEMS – SINGLE DUCT SYSTEM
The single duct systems can provide either cooling or
heating using the same duct, but not both heating and
cooling simultaneously.

These systems can be further classified into:

 Constant volume, single zone system
 Constant volume, multiple zone system
 Variable volume systems

The dual duct systems can provide both cooling and

heating simultaneously. These systems can be further
classified into:
 Dual duct, constant volume systems
 Dual duct variable volume systems
 CONSTANT VOLUME SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM
 There is only one supply duct, through which either
hot air or cold air flows, but not both simultaneously. It
is called as a constant volume system as the volumetric
flow rate of supply air is always maintained constant.

Applications of single duct, single zone, constant volume

systems:

1.Spaces with uniform loads, such as large open areas

with small external loads e.g. theatres, auditoria,
departmental stores.

2. Spaces requiring precision control such as

laboratories
The Multiple, single zone systems can be used in
 CONSTANT VOLUME MULTIPLE ZONE SYSTEM
Advantages of single duct, multiple zone, constant
volume systems with reheat coils:
 Relatively small space requirement
 Excellent temperature and humidity control over a
wide range of zone loads
 Proper ventilation and air quality in each zone is
maintained as the supply air amount is kept
constant under all conditions

Disadvantages of single duct, multiple zone, constant

volume systems with reheat coils:

 High energy consumption for cooling

 Simultaneous cooling and heating is not possible.
CONSTANT VOLUME MULTIPLE ZONE SYSTEM
 SINGLE DUCT VARIABLE VOLUME MULTIPLE ZONE
SYSTEM
Compared to constant volume systems, the variable
air volume systems offer advantages such as:

a)Lower energy consumption in the cooling system as

air is not cooled to very low temperatures and then
reheated as in constant volume systems.

b) Lower energy consumption also results due to

lower fan power input due to lower flow rate, when
the load is low.
However, since the flow rate is controlled, there could be problems with ventilation, IAQ and
room air distribution when the zone loads are very low. In addition it is difficult to control
humidity precisely using VAV systems. Balancing of dampers could be difficult if the airflow
rate varies widely. However, by combining VAV systems with terminal reheat it is possible to
maintain the air flow rate at a minimum required level to ensure proper ventilation and room
air distribution.
SINGLE DUCT VARIABLE VOLUME MULTIPLE ZONE
SYSTEM
 Dual Duct Constant Volume Multiple Zone System
Advantages of dual duct systems:
 Since total airflow rate to each zone is constant,
it is possible to maintain proper IAQ and room air
distribution.
 Cooling in some zones and heating in other
zones can be achieved simultaneously.
 System is very responsive to variations in the
zone load, thus it is possible to maintain required
conditions precisely.
Disadvantages of dual duct systems:
 Occupies more space as both cold air and hot
air ducts have to be sized to handle all the air flow
rate, if required.
 Not very energy efficient due to the need for
simultaneous cooling and heating of the air streams.
 ADVANTAGES OF ALL AIR SYSTEM
 All air systems offer the greatest potential for
energy conservation by utilizing the outdoor air
effectively.

 Using dual duct systems, it is possible to provide

simultaneous cooling and heating. Changeover
from summer to winter and vice versa is relatively
simple in all air systems.

 It is possible to provide good room air

distribution and ventilation under all
conditions of load.
 ADVANTAGES OF ALL AIR SYSTEM
 All air systems offer the greatest potential for
energy conservation by utilizing the outdoor air
effectively.

 Using dual duct systems, it is possible to provide

simultaneous cooling and heating. Changeover
from summer to winter and vice versa is relatively
simple in all air systems.

 It is possible to provide good room air

distribution and ventilation under all
conditions of load.
 DISADVANTAGES OF ALL AIR SYSTEM
 They occupy more space and thus reduce the
available floor space in the buildings.

 Retrofitting may not always be possible due to the

space requirement.

 Balancing of air in large and particularly with

variable air volume systems could be difficult.
 ALL WATER SYSTEM
 In this system, water is used as working fluid that
transports thermal energy between conditioned
space and A/C plant.
 Chilled water is circulated for cooling while Hot
water is circulated through coils for space heating.
As only water is
 supplied by HVAC plant to the space, Fresh air
has to be supplied by another unit to maintain
Indoor air quality and
 ventilation. These systems are also known as
Chilled water systems for cooling applications.
Based on number of pipes
 used in system, they are classified as 2-pipe system
and 4-pipe system
 ALL WATER SYSTEM
 A 2-pipe system can provide either cooling or
heating only, but not both at a time. As shown in
next slide, chiller supplies cold water or heater
supplies hot water to different spaces.
 Out of 2 pipes, one is for supply and the other is
for
return of water to central plant. Chilled water/ hot
water circulates through Fan coil units (FCU), or
convectors or Radiators located in the each space.
Thermal energy is exchanged between water and
air in the conditioned space. Flow control valve
controls the water flow rate as per load variation.
Flow control valve is driven by zone thermostat
which gives signal to adjust flow rate as per load.
 ALL WATER SYSTEM
 A 2-pipe system can provide either cooling or
heating only, but not both at a time. As shown in
the next slide, chiller supplies cold water or heater
supplies hot water to different spaces.

 Out of 2 pipes, one is for supply and the other is

for
return of water to central plant. Chilled water/ hot
water circulates through Fan coil units (FCU), or
convectors or Radiators located in the each space.
ALL WATER SYSTEM
 ALL WATER SYSTEM
 A Fan Coil Unit (FCU) is a simple device
consisting of a heating and/or cooling heat
exchanger or 'coil' and fan.

 It is part of an HVAC system found in residential,

commercial, and industrial buildings. A fan coil
unit is a diverse device sometimes using ductwork,
and is used to control the temperature in the space
where it is installed, or serve multiple spaces.
ALL WATER SYSTEM
 ALL WATER SYSTEM
 Warm air passes over cooling coils, where it is
cooled and dehumidified to supply conditions.
Condensate is collected in drain pan after
dehumidification and then discharged through
condensate drain pipe. Sometimes ductable FCU is
used for relatively large spaces.

 A short duct runs to 3-4 spaces from FCU which

supplies air to supply diffusers.

 Return diffusers are also provided. This duct

system ensures proper air distribution. FCUs are
available upto 5-10 TR capacity (Ton of
Refrigeration).
*A ton of refrigeration (TR), also called a refrigeration ton (RT), is a unit of power used in some countries (especially in North America) to describe the heat
extraction capacity of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It is defined as the rate of heat transfer that results in the melting of 1 short
 ALL WATER SYSTEM
 Mostly FCUs are ceiling mounted in the false
ceiling. Capacity is controlled by varying chilled
water flow rate.
 Room thermostat senses and signals the variation in
space temperature to control valves to regulate
chilled water flow.
 Convectors are mainly used for heating
applications. Hot water is circulated through
heating coil. Space air heating takes
place by natural convection.
 Radiators are also used for space heating
applications. Heat transfer occurs majorly by
radiation. Recently radiators are also being used
for cooling applications by Radiant cooling or
ALL WATER SYSTEM
 ALL WATER SYSTEM
 A 4-pipe system consists of two supply pipelines –
one for cold water and one for hot water; and two
return water pipelines.

 The cold and hot water are mixed in a certain

proportion as per the zone load, and the mixed
water is supplied to the terminal units in the
conditioned space. The return water is split into
two streams, one stream flows to the heating coil
while the other flows to the cooling coil..

 Terminal units used in all water system are of

basically three types namely Fan coil units (FCU),
Convector and Radiator.
 APPLICATION - ALL WATER SYSTEM
 All water systems are suitable for use as low cost
central HVAC systems in multi zone High Rise
commercial applications.
 All water system is best solution to replace All air
system in High Rise Tall buildings, as it is much
easier to carry
 water through small sized pipes than air through
very big sized ducts across farther heights[5].
 It is very effective system in certain applications
where space is extremely limited, such as narrow
ceiling and shafts.
 In case of Individual room control as required in
hotels, multi storey apartments, offices etc. all
water systems are more famous.
 ALL AIR vs ALL WATER SYSTEM
 The thermal distribution system requires very less
space compared to all air systems..
 Individual room control is possible, and at the
same time the system offers all the benefits of a
large central system.
 Since the temperature of hot water required for
space heating is small, it is possible to use solar or
waste heat for winter heating.
 It can be used for new as well existing buildings
(retrofitting).
 Simultaneous cooling and heating is possible with
4-pipe systems.
 COMBINATION AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 Air water system employs best features of all air
and all water systems. Combination air-water
system distributes both chilled water and /or hot
water and conditioned air from a central system to
the individual spaces.

 Terminal units in each zone provide cooling or

heating to that zone.

 One type of air water system uses FCU as terminal

units to provide major part of air conditioning and
central AHUs are used to supply only ventilation
air directly into the space.
 COMBINATION AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 Another type uses ‘Induction units’ as terminal
units.
 It receives supply air from central AHU, called as
primary air and chilled / hot water from central
chiller.
 Primary air is delivered at high pressure in Plenum
chamber and discharged into space through high
velocity nozzles. This induces room air into
induction unit, where it mixes with primary air.

 Room air is called as secondary air. Supply air is

mixture of primary and secondary air. Therefore
no fan is required in induction unit. Next slide
shows schematic of basic induction unit.
COMBINATION AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 COMBINATION AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 Normally terminal unit like FCU keeps on cooling
the room air again and again with the help of
cooling coil circulating chilled water. Therefore
sensible cooling load is handled by water system.
Ventilation air is supplied by central AHU of air
system.

 AHU supplies cooled and dehumidified fresh air

which can take care of room latent loads. Because
of this, there is no condensation problem with
cooling coils. Similarly, in winter system heated
and humidified fresh air is supplied by AHU and
hot water circulates through heating coil of
terminal unit.
 ADVANTAGES OF AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 Simultaneous heating and cooling is possible in air-
water system.

 Lot of space is saved, as only ventilation air is

supplied through ducts and chilled/ hot water is
passed through pipes.

 Economic control of individual zones is possible

using room thermostats which can either regulate
secondary air or secondary water in FCUs.
 ADVANTAGES OF AIR - WATER SYSTEMS

 Since there is no latent load on cooling coil,

troubles due to condensation do not occur. It
prevents marshy or damp regions in the
conditioned space.

 Servicing, Repair, Replacement, Maintenance

works etc. are relatively easier than all water
systems.

 Positive pressures can be maintained in

conditioned spaces under all varying loads.
 DISADVANTAGES OF AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 There are a lot of complications in system
operation and controls as both air and water have
to be handled carefully.

 Mostly air- water systems find limited applications

in perimeter zones.

 Constant supply of fresh air has to be supplied to

all zones, no matter whether spaces are occupied
are not. Because control is only for cooling/ heating
coil through room thermostat.
 DISADVANTAGES OF AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 In case of unusual high latent loads, excessive
condensation may cause damp environment and
discomfort in the zone.

 As systems are complicated with greater extent of

controls, normally air-water systems are costlier
than all water systems.
 APPLICATIONS OF AIR - WATER SYSTEMS
 It is much suitable for retrofitting of existing
buildings, where there is space restriction.

 It is very good solution for perimeter zone

buildings with large sensible loads.

 It can be used where close control of humidity in

the space is not necessary.

 It serves well for large office buildings, hotels,

lodges etc.
 UNITARY SYSTEMS
 This particular classification is not according to
how the system functions, but how the equipment
is arranged.

 A Unitary system is one where the refrigeration

and air-conditioning components are factory
selected and assembled in a package. This includes
refrigeration equipment, fan, coils, filters, dampers
and controls.

 Unitary equipment is usually located in or close to

the space to be conditioned. Central equipment is
usually remote from the space.
 UNITARY SYSTEMS
 In theory, both the systems – Unitary and Central –
could be air, water or air-water combination
systems. But, in practice, unitary systems are
generally all-air systems.

 Unitary systems are limited largely to single zone

systems with or without reheat or multi-zone units.

 These have three categories:

1. Room units
2. Unitary Conditioners
3. Rooftop Units.
 UNITARY SYSTEMS
 In theory, both the systems – Unitary and Central –
could be air, water or air-water combination
systems. But, in practice, unitary systems are
generally all-air systems.

 Unitary systems are limited largely to single zone

systems with or without reheat or multi-zone units.

 These have three categories:

1. Room units
2. Unitary Conditioners
3. Rooftop Units.

*Unitary conditioners are also called self-contained units or packaged units

 UNITARY SYSTEMS - ROOM UNITS
 Generally of two types: Window units or Through-
the-wall units.

 Compressor, evaporator cooling coil, condenser,

filter, motors, fans and controls are assembled in
the unit casing.

 Dampers can be adjusted so that only room air is

used, or so that some outside ventilation air can be
brought through the conditioner.

 Room units are available for upto 3 Tons of

refrigeration capacity.
UNITARY SYSTEMS - ROOM UNITS
UNITARY SYSTEMS - ROOM UNITS
 UNITARY SYSTEMS - ROOM UNITS
 Room units have no flexibility in handling high
latent heat gains or changed sensible heat ratios,
and therefore do not give good humidity control.

 Air cleaning quality is minimal because the filters

remove only large particles, in order that the
resistance to air flow be low.

 When used in multi-room buildings, maintenance

of the large number of units can be very
burdensome and expensive. These units are
inherently energy wasteful in multiple use because
they cannot modulate capacity.
 UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS
 Designed to be installed in or near a conditioned
space. Components are contained in the unit.
Heating components are sometimes included.
 Can be a vertical or a horizontal arrangement
according to space available.
 Can discharge directly into the space or can have a
limited amount of ductwork.
 Popular in small commercial applications.
 Units are available all components are packaged
except the condenser.
 Another common arrangement is called a split
system where the condenser and compressor are in
one package located outdoors and the fan and
cooling coil are another package located outdoors.
WORKING OF SPLIT UNITS
 UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS – SPLIT UNITS
 Has distinct advantages:
 Compressor – condenser package is located out
side – noise less objectionable and
 Easier access for maintenance.
 No problem for finding a suitable and adequate
space in the building.

 In larger units, multiple compressors are used.

Units are available in sizes up to about 50 Tons.
 UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS – ROOFTOP
UNITS
 Designed to be located outdoors and generally
installed on roofs.

 Usually, all of the refrigeration, cooling and air-

handling equipment comes in sections that are
assembled together although the condenser and
compressor are remote. Heating equipment may
may also be incorporated in the unit.

 Weather proofing features, moisture-proof

electrical parts, casing and exposed parts are
corrosion protected.
UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS – ROOFTOP
UNITS
 DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR-CONDITIONING
SYSTEMS
FFERENCE BETWEEN CENTRALIZED & DECENTRALIZED SYSTE
CENTRALIZED DECENTRALIZED

Source components - comprising of Source, distribution, delivery and

the compressor (reciprocating, control functions in a single
screw, centrifugal or scroll type), package.
condenser (water cooled shell & The most common Decentralized
tube or air cooled finned type), air-conditioning system includes
expansion valve, and the evaporator window, split, package and heat
(chilled water shell & tube type or pump air-conditioning units.
direct expansion finned coil type).
All these components are assembled
in a skid, known as the chiller
package. Refrigerant piping
required to connect these parts is
also enclosed in this skid. The chiller
package is located in a dedicated
plant room.
 DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR-CONDITIONING
SYSTEMS
FFERENCE BETWEEN CENTRALIZED & DECENTRALIZED SYSTE
CENTRALIZED
Distribution system comprising of
chilled water & cooling water
pumps, air handling units, and
ductwork. The pumps are generally
located in the chiller plant room and
the air handling units are installed
in separate air handling rooms
distributed at various locations of
the building.
Terminal elements comprising of
grilles, diffusers, ventilation
systems, and a number or elements
adjusting comfort. Heat rejection
system (cooling tower/s or air cooled
condensers) are located outdoors.
DECENTRALIZED
For large buildings decentralized
systems may be viewed as collection
of multiple independent units placed
at different locations in a
distributed network with each unit
working in isolation. Each system is
local self-contained unit consisting
of its own compressor/s, evaporator
coil, fan, condensing unit and
filtration unit.
Decentralized systems maintenance
tends to be simple but such
maintenance may have to occur
directly in occupied spaces.