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Variable air volume systems: not the latest but still the best.

Author(s) : SMEED J.

Type of article: Article

Summary

In reviewing the progression of commercial office building air conditioning design, there are many examples of new system design ideas that have been promoted by both vendor and buyer in order to gain momentary commercial advantage in the market. As examples of this progression, the author has seen the constant volume terminal reheat system, the high-velocity dual duct system and the perimeter induction system, each of which in its day was promoted and accepted by both clients and the HVAC industry, as technically excellent systems offering the client significant benefits. In spite of these systems having inherently excellent dehumidification characteristics for Australian climatic conditions, we today observe many systems of these types that have proved to be grossly energy inefficient, high maintenance cost 'problem' plants for their owners. The one basic type of air conditioning system concept design for substantial commercial office building application in Australia that has survived the test of time in its varying forms, however, is the variable air volume (VAV) system. While some VAV system configurations are not energy efficient, a well designed VAV air conditioning system that avoids reheat penalties can offer a more cost effective (capital cost and total annual cost), energy efficient and space zoning flexible HVAC design solution for large commercial office building applications in Australia than other air conditioning system types currently being promoted such as 'chilled beam' and 'underfloor displacement/task-ambient conditioning systems'. The objective application of values typically used for budget cost approximations can provide a basis for indicative cost comparisons between two different system types for the same application to test which offers greater benefit to the building owner. This approach has been taken in this case to support the claim that VAV offers the best financial HVAC concept design choice.

Details

  • Original title: Variable air volume systems: not the latest but still the best.
  • Record ID : 2007-2758
  • Languages: English
  • Source: EcoLibrium - vol. 6 - n. 8
  • Publication date: 2007/09

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