General Technical Information: Fans: Casing
General Technical Information: Fans: Casing
General Technical Information: Fans: Casing
Casing important if the fan is speed-controlled by designed with this in mind.) The increased
Most of the fans have an outer casing made means of voltage reduction, as it is then current in the motor requires a reduction of
of hot-rolled galvanised sheet steel comply- impossible to stipulate the precise over- the maximum permitted temperature for
ing with EN 10 142/10 147. The sheet steel current. transported air. In the technical tables, the
has a layer of 20 μm zinc which provides The thermal contacts are fitted in the motor highest permitted temperature for transport-
excellent protection against corrosion. The winding. It will open and disconnect the power ed air is shown for both the rated current
galvanised sheet-metal parts are either spot- supply to the fan when the critical tempera- and for speed control.
welded, screwed or riveted together. ture is reached. This is 130°C for motors with
Fans with powder-coated surfaces are insulation class B and 155°C for motors with Airflow
well protected against corrosion. The powder insulation class F. The air flow is shown for free-blowing condi-
coating is at least 40 μm thick and produces tions (at zero back pressure). Air flow is
a hard and impact-resistant surface. To avoid Integral thermal contact measured in accordance with DIN 24 163
environmental pollution, no solvents are Fans with integral thermal contacts are reset and BSA BS 848. Assumed air density is 1.2
used at the Systemair powder-coating plant. either automatically or manually by switching kg/m3 at 20°C.
off the current and then wait for up to an hour
before the fan can be started again. Pressure
Insulation The static pressure is shown in the fan dia-
External leads from thermal contact grams as ps (Pa).
The material used in our insulated fans is
Fans with external leads from the thermal
water-repellent, non-capillary mineral wool
contact are supplied with two leads connect- R.p.m.
whose stability is unaffected by steam and
ed to the integral thermal contact (marked TK The tables show the fan's nominal r.p.m. at
moisture. The insulation is classified as non-
in wiring diagrams). These leads must always the rated current.
combustible material which tolerates 200°C.
be connected to a motor-protection relay. The
S-ET 10 is suitable for single-phase fans (or Capacitor
the AWE-SK if the current is below 0.45 A) A capacitor is connected to the single-phase
Motors and impellers and the STDT-16 is suitable for three-phase motors. The relevant capacitance is shown in
The direction of rotation for three-phase fans fans. If the thermal contact has opened, the the table for each fan.
is indicated by an arrow on the motor housing. protection relay must be reset manually.
Fans with forward-curved impellers are man-
ufactured from galvanised sheet steel. Thermal contacts that can be reset elec- Sound pressure – and sound
Backward-curved impellers have polyamid trically
power level
or galvanised steel plate blades. These blades If a fan is fitted with a thermal contact that
The sound pressure level emitted by duct
are mounted on a galvanised steel plate. The can be reset electrically, one must first switch
fans to the surroundings is measured while
impellers are press-fitted directly onto the off the current and then wait for up to an hour
operating at optimal efficiency in a 20 m2
rotor of the external rotor motor. The motor before the fan can be started again. KVKF
(complete with impeller) is balanced dynami- and small KD fans are among those models equivalent room absorption area (Sabine) at
cally in two planes in accordance with DIN which require electrical resetting. a distance of 3 m.
ISO 1940. The sound pressure level emitted by roof
fans to the surroundings is measured while
Bearings Rating operating at optimal efficiency in a free field
The motor's ball bearings are completely and at a distance of 4/10 m.
Rated voltage/ Frequency
maintenance-free and can be used in any Maximum permitted voltage variation: +6%, -
installation position at the maximum indicat- 10% in accordance with DIN IEC 38, plus Duct fan Roof fan
ed temperature for transported air. At a 40°C maximum permitted frequency.
ambient temperature for transported air, the Room volume 80 m3 Free field
life expectancy of the bearings is at least Room's equiv.
Power rating
40.000 hours (L10). NB! Low ambient tem- Maximum power used by the fan from the absorption area 20 m2 –
perature is not a problem for the motor ball mains supply. Distance from fan (r) 3m 4/10 m
bearings if the fan is operating. The reason Direction factor (Q) 1 1
is the 60- to 90 K temperature increase inside Rated current
the motor during operation. Rated current means the maximum current Difference between -7 dB 23/-31 dB
used by the fan from the mains supply at sound power (LW) and
Motor protection nominal mains voltage. When the fan speed sound pressure (Lp)
Most fans have an integral thermal protection is controlled by lowering the voltage, the cur-
relay which provides the motors with better rent in the motor may exceed the specified The relationship between the sound pres-
protection against overheating than an over- rated current when the voltage is low. (The sure level and sound power level is
current protection relay. This is especially recommended speed controllers are described in the Theory Section on page 509.
9
General technical information: fans
Adjusted sound values ters and also the use of shielded motor DVEX series
In this catalogue, all the sound values for cables when several fans are connected to These fans can be speed-controlled from
fans (both sound power levels and sound one speed-control unit. 100% to 15% by lowering the voltage. These
pressure levels) have been adjusted to the motors must be connected to the U-EK230E
ear's sensitivity with an A filter. thermistor motor protection unit.
The sound power levels shown in the dia- Explosion-proof fans The fan motors have six series-connected
gram are measured at the fan's inlet. Octave The owner of the property and the installation thermistors (two per phase winding) whose
band apportioning of the sound pressure engineer are responsible for ensuring that all resistance is determined by the motor tem-
level is made at the fan's maximum operat- equipment that is installed in explosive areas perature. When the motor temperature
ing efficiency. The tables show the inlet, out- is approved by a recognised testing labora- exceeds the permitted limit, the resistance
let and ambient sound. tory and installed correctly. Fans must be rises sharply and the connected motor pro-
installed and protected so that no foreign tector is triggered to break the circuit.
object can come into contact with the impeller DVEX fans are supplied as 400 V three-
Speed control or cause hazardous sparking. Both the motor- phase models. Permissible ambient temper-
Choosing a speed control method protection relay and the transformer must be ature range: from -20°C to +40°C. The cas-
Both economical and technical aspects should positioned outside the risk area. ing is manufactured in galvanised steel plate
be taken into consideration when selecting and the impeller is made of aluminium. The
speed control. When assessing the most EX series inlet cone is made of copper. The certificate
economical option, both the investment cost These fans are fitted with specially-made EX of compliance refers to explosion-proof ver-
and the operating cost should be included in motors. Single-phase fans use a special EX- sions in accordance with EN 50014, EN
the calculations. The most important techni- approved motor capacitor encased in sand 50019, EN1127-1 and EN 13463-1. Improved
cal aspects that need to be considered are which complies with the requirements for safety versions comply with EEx e II T3.
noise and life-expectancy. Fire Class T5.
Most of the electrical means for varying a The fans casings are cast in silumin alloy, Installation
motor's speed cause some degree of noise and the impeller is made of aluminium. The All fans can be installed in any position, but
in the motor, with the exception of transformer- certificate of compliance refers to explosion- roof fans should be installed horizontally.
controlled speed. Power dissipation increas- proof versions in accordance with EN 50014, Smaller roof fans can be installed on the
es when running at lower speeds. This dissi- EN 50017, EN 50019, EN 1127-1 and roof pitch. To avoid the transfer of vibrations
pation is transformed into heat in the motor. EN13463-1. Improved safety versions com- to the duct system, we recommend that fans
If the power dissipation is substantial, the oper- ply with EEx e II T3. are installed with mounting clips or flexible
ating temperature for the bearings will alter This series must always be connected to sleeve couplings. All fans are designed for
significantly, which will reduce their life- an over-current relay which protects the motor continuous operation.
expectancy. against overheating or short-circuiting (for Fitting a straight duct or silencer onto the
Suitable operating conditions and charac- instance with a seized rotor). The motor pro- inlet and outlet of the fan will help to prevent
teristics of the different speed control methods: tection must break the circuit within 15 sec- pressure-drop and system efficiency losses
onds of a short circuit. The current must be caused by turbulent air flow. The straight
Transformers disconnected definitively. This means that the section must have no filter or similar, and its
No increased motor noise when the speed is motor-protection relay must require manual length must be at least 1 x the duct diamater
regulated. Life-expectancy of the motor bear- resetting. Fans in the EX series are not on the fan's inlet side and at least 3 x the
ings can be shortened when operating at low speed-controllable. duct diameter on the fan's outlet side. (See
voltages for long periods (voltage steps 1 and figure 1.)
2). Suitable range for speed control: steps 1-5. The DKEX and KTEX series
Several fans can be run via the same trans- These fans are supplied as 400 V three- Figure 1. Correctly installed duct fan.
former without special procedures. phase models. Permissible ambient temper-
The five curves in the fan diagram show ature range: from -20°C to +40°C. The fan
the different voltage outputs from our trans- casing and impeller are manufactured in gal-
formers. vanised steel plate and the inlet cone is made
of copper. The certificate of compliance refers
Step (curve) 1 2 3 4 5 to explosion-proof versions in accordance
Voltage, 1~ 80 105 130 160 230 with EN 50014, EN 50019, EN 1127-1 and
Voltage, 3~ 95 145 190 240 400 EN13463-1. Improved safety versions com-
ply with EEx e II T3. For a rectangular duct, the duct diameter is
Single-phase stepless speed control The fans are fitted with specially-made calculated as:
Can cause noise problems when reducing external rotor motors which allow their speeds
speed. Should be avoided in noise-sensitive to be adjusted from 100% to 15% by lower- D = duct diameter
installations. The life-expectancy of the motor ing the voltage. These motors must be con- H = duct height
bearings will be reduced by operating at lower nected to the U-EK230E thermistor motor B = duct widht
voltages. Suitable range of adjustment: 60- protection unit.
100% of the rated voltage. Using the same
speed control to run several fans increases Step (curve) 1 2 3 4 5 Guarantee
the levels of noise and electromagnetic inter- Voltage, 3~ 90 140 180 230 400 The guarantee period is specified in the rele-
ference. Shielded motor cables are recom- vant terms and conditions for delivery. The
mended for installations with several fans The fan motors have six series-connected guarantee is only valid when the thermal
connected to one speed control unit. thermistors (two per phase winding) whose contact motor protector and transformer are
resistance is determined by the motor tem- correctly installed.
Three-phase speed control perature. When the motor temperature
There are normally no noise problems asso- exceeds the permitted limit, the resistance
ciated with speed-controlled operation. The rises sharply and the connected motor pro-
life-expectancy of the motor bearings will be tector is triggered to break the circuit.
somewhat reduced by operating at lower
voltages. Suitable range for speed control:
40-100% of rated voltage. Suitable when
using one speed-control unit for several fans.
In order to minimise noise and electromag-
netic interference, we recommend sound fil-
10
General technical information: fans
Electrical connection
Fan type Diagram Fan type Diagram
AR/AW 200E2-K to 450E4-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 KBR 315DV, 355DV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
AR/AW 315D4-2K to 450D4-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 KBR 315DZ, 355DZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
AR/AW 630E6, 710E6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 KBR 355DV/K, 355DZ/K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
AR/AW 450E4 to 560E4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 KBR 355E4/K, 355E4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
AR/AW 450D4 to 710D4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 KBT 160DV to 280DV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
AR/AW 630D6 to 1000D6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 KBT 160E4 to 250E4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
AR/AW 1000D8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
KD 200L to 355S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
AW 355D4EX, 420D4EX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 KD single phase (other models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
AW 550D6EX to 650D6EX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 KD three phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
11
1
3
2
12
brown blue
blue black
black yellow/green
yellow/green
7
6
5
10
General technical information: fans
brown
blue
blue
brown black
230V3~ (D)
black yellow/green
yellow/green
8
(white) 11
(white)
General technical information: fans
12 14
13a 15a
Delta connection
Star connection
13b 15b
Delta connection
Star connection
13
General technical information: fans
16 19
Star connection
Star connection
17 20
Delta connection
High speed connection
18 21
Delta connection
Star connection
14
General technical information: fans
22 23
Black Black
Net voltage L L Net voltage L L
Blue Blue
N N N N
Green-yellow Green-yellow
1-200-277V PE PE 1-200-277V PE PE
White
NC
White Alarm
COM
White
Tacho
Red Red
+10V Exit +10V Exit
+ Yellow + Yellow
0-10V Inlet 0-10V Inlet
0-10V - P1 Blue 0-10V - P1 Blue
GND GND
External signal 10k External signal 10k
Motor Motor
Potentiometer Potentiometer
24
Pressure control
GND 10
Operatione
Night 9
mode
GND 8
Day 7
GND 6
Input
0-10V in 5
Mains 1 1 PE +10V 4
Mains
1 PE Tacho in 1
EC-motor
2 N
3 L 3
2
Fan (EC-motor)
1 1
Alarm relay
074/084
2 Red
Alarm relay 1 GND 2 +10V
Blue
Normally 2 +20V in 1 GND
Yellow
closed contact 0-10V
White 1
NC
White 2
COM
Blue
L
Black
N
Green/yellow
PE
15
General technical information: fans
25
Pressure control
Operatione
Night 9
GND 8 112/150
12 RS A
mode
Day 7 11 RS B
GND 6 10 RS A
0-10V in 5 9 RS B
Input
1 PE +10V 4 8 GND
Mains
2 N GND 3 7 0-10V
Fan, EC-
KL.3
3 L 0-10V out 2 6 4-20mA
motor
1 PE Tacho in 1 5 +20V
motor
Fan, EC-
2 N 4 +10V
3 L 3 3 0-10V
2 2 GND
1 Alarm relay 1 1 OUT
2
Alarm relay 1 GND 2
Normally 2 +20V in 1 3 NO
closed contact
2 COM KL.2
1 NC
L 2 L
KL.1
N 1 N
PE PE
26
3 L1 Net, L1
2 L2 Net, L2
Kl. 1 / class 1
1 L3 Net, L3
PE Protective conductor
Art.-Nr.: 305332
16
General technical information: fans
27
2 L Net, L
1 N Net, N
Kl. 1 / class 1
PE Protective conductor
Art.-Nr.: 305386
28
YellowGreen
( ) ( )
(L)
(N)
Black (L)
Blue (N)
Brown
17
Theory
THEORY SECTION
The intention of this Theory Section is to explain the basic principles
of acoustics and ventilation.
The theory section concludes with a description of the parts which
are integral to a ventilation unit or an air-handling unit, i.e. fans,
heaters, heat exchangers and filters.
Explanatory texts and further information are provided in the margin.
Some diagrams and formula also feature in the margins, together with
examples of their application.
Contents
Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 500
Heat recovery units, heaters and filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 506
Acoustics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 509
Air terminal devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 515
499
Theory
Fans
Fans are used in ventilating units to transport the air from various air intakes
Blade profiles for radial fans through the duct system to the room which is to be ventilated. Every fan must
The arrow indicates the impeller's direction of overcome the resistance created by having to force the air through ducts, bends
rotation. and other ventilation equipment. This resistance causes a fall in pressure, and
the size of this fall is a decisive factor when choosing the dimensions of each
individual fan.
Fans can be divided into a number of main groups determined by the
impeller's shape and its operating principle: radial fans, axial fans, semi-axial
fans and cross-flow fans.
Radial fan
Radial fans are used when a high total pressure is required. The particular
characteristics of a radial fan are essentially determined by the shape of the
impeller and blades.
Backward curved
Figure 24: The air stream through a radial fan with forward-curved blades
Backward-angled straight blades (P impeller): Fans with this blade shape are
well suited for contaminated air. Up to 70% efficiency can be achieved.
Axial fan
The simplest type of axial fan is a propeller fan. A freely-rotating axial fan of
this type has a very poor efficiency rating, so most axial fans are built into a
cylindrical housing. Efficiency can also be increased by fitting directional vanes
immediately behind the impeller to direct the air more accurately. The efficiency
rating in a cylindrical housing can be 75% without directional vanes and up to
85% with them.
Forward curved
500
Theory
Mixed flow fan
Radial impellers produce a static pressure increase because of the centrifugal
force acting in a radial direction. There is no equivalent pressure increase with
axial impellers because the air flow is normally axial. The mixed flow fan is a
mixture between radial and axial fans. The air flows in an axial direction but
then is deflected 45° in the impeller. The radial velocity factor which is gained
by this deflection causes a certain increase in pressure by means of the cen-
trifugal force. Efficiency of up to 80% can be achieved.
Cross-flow fan
In a cross-flow fan the air flows straight across the impeller, and both the in
and out flow are in the periphery of the impeller. In spite of its small diameter,
the impeller can supply large volumes of air and is therefore suitable for build-
ing into small ventilation units, such as air curtains for example. Efficiency of
up to 65% can be achieved.
501
Theory
Fan curves
The fan diagram indicates the fan's capacity at different pressures. Each pres-
Theoretical calculation of the system line sure corresponds to a certain air flow, which is illustrated by a fan curve.
Pressure
line
where
ΔP = the fan's total pressure (Pa)
tem
qv = air flow (m3/h or l/s)
Sys
k = constant
Fa
n
Example cu
Working point rv
A certain fan produces an air flow of 5000 m3/h e
at a pressure of 250 Pa.
Pressure
c) Do the same thing for 350 Pa and mark
B
eC
ste
lin
Sy
m
ste
line.
Flow
502
Theory
Pressure
Fa ster
a) Calculate the constant for the new system
(fa
n
cu rota
line: k = 350/50002 = 0,000014
rve tio
Fa low
n
B
e (s b) Select two other pressure reductions, for
cu r ro
lin
n)
rv tat
e example 150 and 250 Pa, and calculate the
e
em eC
st lin air flow for them.
Sy m
ste io
Sy n)
Flow
Figure 30. Increase or reduction of the fan speed
To obtain the same air flow as calculated, one can in the first case (where the
system line corresponds to B) quite simply increase the fan speed. The work-
ing point (4) will then be at the intersection of system line B and the fan curve c) Plot in the two new points (2 and 3) and
for a higher rotational speed. In the same way, the fan speed can be reduced if draw in the new system line.
the actual system line corresponds to line C.
Pressure
In both cases, there will be a certain difference in pressure from that of the sys-
tem for which the dimensioning has been calculated, and this is shown as DP1
and DP2 respectively in the figure. This means that if the working point for the
calculated system has been chosen so as to give the maximum degree of effi-
ciency, any such increase or decrease of the fan's rotational speed will reduce
the fan's efficiency.
503
Theory
Efficiency and system lines
To facilitate the selection of a fan, one can plot in a number of considered sys-
Definition of the system line tem lines in a fan diagram and then see between which lines a particular type
of fan should operate. If the lines are numbered 0 to 10, the fan will be com-
pletely free-blowing (maximum air flow) at line 10 and will be completely choked
(no air flow at all) at line 0. This then means that the fan at system line 4 pro-
duces 40% of its free-blowing air flow.
Pressure
where
L = the fan's system line
Δpd = dynamic pressure (Pa)
Δpt = total pressure (Pa)
Flow
Figure 32. System lines (0-10) in a fan diagram
Each fan's efficiency remains constant along one and the same system line.
Fans with backward-curved blades frequently have a greater efficiency than fans
with forward-curved blades. But these higher levels of efficiency are only achiev-
able within a limited area where the system line represents a weaker air flow at
a given pressure than is the case with fans with forward-curved blades.
To achieve the same air flow as for a fan with forward-curved blades, while
at the same time maintaining a high level of efficiency, a fan with backward-
curving blades in a larger size would have to be selected.
Efficiency (η)
η max (backward-curved)
η max (forward-curved)
System line
Figure 33. Efficiency values for the same size of radial fan with backward-
curved and forward-curved blades respectively
504
Theory
Fan application
It is assumed in the fan diagram that the fan's connections to the inlet and out-
let are designed in a specific way. There must be at least 1 x the duct diameter Efficiency of a fan
on the suction side (inlet) and 3 x the duct diameter on the pressure side (outlet).
where
ΔPt = total pressure change (Pa)
q = air flow (m3/s)
P = power (W)
If the connections are different from this, there could be a greater pressure
reduction. This extra pressure drop is called the system effect or system dissi-
pation, and can cause the fan to produce a smaller volume of air than indicat-
ed in the fan diagram. The following factors must be considered in order to avoid
system dissipation:
At the inlet
• The distance to the nearest wall must be more than 0.75 x the inlet's diameter
• The inlet duct's cross-section must not be greater than 112% or less than
92% of the fan inlet
• The inlet duct's length must be at least 1 x the duct diameter
• The inlet duct must not have any obstacles to the air flow (dampers,
branching or similar)
At the outlet
• The angle at the reduction of the duct cross-section must be less than 15°
• The angle at the enlargement of the duct cross-section must be less than 7°
• A straight length of at least 3 x the duct diameter is required after a duct fan
• Avoid 90° bends (use 45°) Specific Fan Power
The Specific fan power for an entire building
• Bends must be shaped so that they follow the air stream after the fan
where
P = the fan's consumption of electric power
from the network (kW)
pt = the fan's total pressure (Pa)
q = air flow (m3/s)
ηfan = the fan's efficiency
ηbelt = efficiency of the transmission
ηmotor = efficiency of the fan motor
505
Theory
ing in the heat recovery unit. Rotary heat exchange units contain moving parts.
Supply air
Fresh air
Used air
Heat pipe
This heat recovery unit consists of a closed system of pipes filled with a liquid
that vaporises when heated by the exhaust air. When the supply air passes the
pipes, the vapour condenses back into liquid again. There can be no transfer of
impurities, and the heat recovery unit has no moving parts. Low efficiency (50-
70%).
506
Theory
Heating batteries
In most cases the outside air is colder than the required temperature for the
supply air, so it is often necessary to warm the air before it enters the building. Water-heating battery
The air can be warmed in a heating battery, by using either a hot water, or an The power input (kW) to a water-heating battery
electric heating battery. in a ventilating unit is:
Electric-heating battery
An electric-heating battery consists of a number of enclosed metal filaments or
wire spirals. They create an electrical resistance which converts the energy to
heat. The advantages of the electric battery are: it has a small pressure drop, it
is easy to calculate the power and it is inexpensive to install. The disadvantage
where
is that the metal filaments have a considerable heat inertia so the electric bat-
tery has to be fitted with overheating protection. L = the air flow (m3/h)
ti = required supply air temperature (°C)
Water-heating battery tu = dimensioned outside temperature (°C)
Crossflow water-heating batteries are the most common type of water-heating η = the efficiency of the heat recovery unit
batteries in ventilation units. The water flows at right angles and in the opposite
direction to the air stream. The water is conducted from below and flows upwards
through the battery, and this allows any air bubbles to collect at the highest point Water battery
where they can be easily drawn off via a ventilating pipe. The hot water should be conducted in the
Water-heating batteries have to be protected against ice formation to ensure opposite direction to the air, otherwise it will
they do not crack as the result of freezing. The greatest risk of this happening cool too quickly and the water battery's warm-
is actually when the air temperature is immediately below 0°C. Most water bat- ing of the air will not be as efficient.
teries therefore have a frost guard which stops the intake of fresh air when there
is a risk of freezing. Because still water freezes faster than flowing water, it is
also usual to fit an internal pump which keeps the water flowing through the
battery.
The air velocity through the battery, calculated for the entire front area, should
be dimensioned to 2-5 m/s. The water velocity should not be below 0.2 m/s, as
this could cause difficulties with venting. Nor should the water velocity be higher
than 1.5 m/s in copper pipes or 3 m/s in steel pipes, as this could lead to erosion Air
of the metal pipes.
Filters
Water
There are two reasons for using filters in an air-handling unit: to prevent impuri-
ties in the outside air from entering the building and to protect the unit's compo-
nents from contamination.
An analysis of the impurities in the air indicates that among other things the
air contains soot particles, smoke, metallic dust, pollen, viruses and bacteria.
The particles vary in size from less than 1 μm to whole fibres, leaves and insects.
It is thought that these pollutants are a significant contributing factor in the cause
of many asthmatic and allergic conditions, and it is therefore important for people
to protect themselves against them. Dust Holding Capacity for different filter
Since as much as 99.99% of all particles in the air are smaller than 1 μm, it classes
is necessary to use filters in a ventilation system that are adequately fine-meshed.
The filter's capacity to trap particles is called its Dust Holding Capacity and fil-
ters are often divided into three classes depending on this capacity: coarse fil-
ters, fine filters and absolute filters.
Filter classes
Coarse filter EU1 to EU4
Fine filter EU5 to EU9
Absolute filter EU10 to EU14
The coarse filter essentially only traps particles larger than 5 μm, and has vir-
tually no effect at all on particles smaller than 2 μm. This means, therefore, that
it does not trap soot particles, which are the most prevalent impurities in the out-
side air. Fine filters should be fitted in a ventilation unit instead. The best fine
filters work effectively with particles larger than 0.1 μm, and therefore trap the
most important impurities in the outside air.
507
Theory
Pressure drop
The pressure drop caused by a completely clean filter is called the start pres-
sure drop, and this is somewhere between 80 and 120 Pa for fine filters. After
impurities have been trapped by the filter, the pressure drop will increase and
the air flow will be reduced. Eventually there will be a pressure drop which makes
the filter no longer usable. For fine filters this will be between 200 and 250 Pa.
It is usual for filters in a unit to be fitted with some kind of filter monitor which
constantly measures the pressure drop caused by the filter. This can give a signal
when a pre-set pressure drop has been reached and it is time to replace the
filter. In any event it is advisable to replace the filter twice a year, irrespective of
whether or not the final pressure drop has been reached, so as to prevent the
dirt in the filter becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
Suppliers of filters have been debating for a long time as to whether glass fibre
or synthetic fibre provides the best filter material. Some research has been car-
ried out, but without any clear results. It appears, however, that glass fibre fil-
ters maintain a better Dust Holding Capacity throughout their working life.
Just as important as the selection of the filter material is the need to ensure
that there is a good seal around the filter to prevent dirt and dust passing around
the edge. The filter housing should be designed so that repeated filter replace-
ments can be made without any space developing between the filter and the
housing. It is also important to protect the filter from moisture as this can alter
the characteristics of the filter fibres and impair its Dust Holding Capacity. Glass
fibre filters are more susceptible to the effects of moisture than synthetic filters.
508
Theory
ACOUSTICS
Basic principles of sound
Before we discuss the connection between the sound power level and the sound
pressure level, we must define certain basic concepts such as sound pressure,
sound power and frequency.
Sound pressure
Sound pressure is the pressure waves with which the sound moves in a medium,
for instance air. The ear interprets these pressure waves as sound. They are
measured in Pascal (Pa).
The weakest sound pressure that the ear can interpret is 0.00002 Pa, which is
the threshold of hearing. The strongest sound pressure which the ear can tol-
erate without damage is 20 Pa, referred to as the upper threshold of hearing.
The large difference in pressure, as measured in Pa, between the threshold of
hearing and the upper threshold of hearing, makes the figures difficult to han-
dle. So a logarithmic scale is used instead, which is based on the difference
between the actual sound pressure level and the sound pressure at the thresh-
old of hearing. This scale uses the decibel (dB) unit of measurement, where
the threshold of hearing is equal to 0 dB and the upper threshold of hearing is
120 dB.
The sound pressure reduces as the distance from the sound source increas-
es, and is affected by the room's characteristics and the location of the sound
source.
Sound power
Sound power is the energy per time unit (Watt) which the sound source emits.
The sound power is not measured, but it is calculated from the sound pressure.
There is a logarithmic scale for sound power similar to the scale for sound
pressure.
The sound power is not dependent on the position of the sound source or
the room's sound properties, and it is therefore easier to compare between dif-
ferent objects.
Frequency
Frequency is a measurement of the sound source's periodic oscillations. Calculation of equivalent absorption area Aeqv
Frequency is measured as the number of oscillations per second, where one
oscillation per second equals 1 Hertz (Hz). More oscillations per second, i.e. a
higher frequency, produces a higher tone.
Frequencies are often divided into 8 groups, known as octave bands: 63 Hz,
125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz.
where
2
S = Size of surface (m )
a = Absorption factor, depending
on the material
n = Number of surfaces
Sound power level and sound pressure level
There is a link between a sound source's sound power level and the sound
pressure level. If a sound source emits a certain sound power level, the follow- Calculation of sound pressure level
ing factors will affect the sound pressure level: Estimate based on figures 1, 2 and 3 together
The position of the sound source in the room, including the direction factor with table 1.
(1), the distance from the sound source (2) and the room's sound-absorbing
properties, referred to as the room's equivalent absorption area (3). A normally damped room in a nursing home,
measuring 30 m3, is to be ventilated. According
1) Direction factor, Q to the information in the catalogue, the direction-
The direction factor indicates the sound's distribution around the sound source. al supply-air terminal device fitted in the ceiling
A distribution in all directions, spherical, is measured as Q = 1. Distribution has a sound pressure level (LpA) of 33 dB(A).
from a diffuser positioned in the middle of a wall is hespherical, measured as
This applies to a room with a space damping
Q = 2.
equivalent to 10 m2 Sabine, or 4 dB(A).
509
Theory
2) Distance from sound source, r
With the following values Where r indicates the distance from the sound source in metres.
r=1
Q = 2 (fig.1)
and information about the room's dimensions, 3) The room's equivalent absorption area, Aeqv
you can calculate the equivalent absorption area A material's ability to absorb sound is indicated as absorption factor a. The
with the help of figure 2. absorption factor can have a value between '0' and '1', where the value '1' cor-
responds to a fully absorbent surface and the value '0' to a fully reflective sur-
face. The absorption factor depends on the qualities of the material, and tables
are available which indicate the value for different materials.
2
A room's equivalent absorption area is measured in m and is obtained by
adding together all the different surfaces of the room multiplied by their respec-
tive absorption factors.
In many instances it can be simpler to use the mean value for sound absorp-
tion in different types of rooms, together with an estimate of the equivalent
absorption area (see figure 2 ).
LpA - LWA = 0
LpA = 0 + LWA
510
Theory
Calculation of sound pressure level
With the help of the factors previously described, it is now possible to calculate
the sound pressure level if the sound power level is known. The sound pres- Calculation of sound pressure level
sure level can be calculated by means of a formula incorporating these factors,
but this equation can also be reproduced in the form of a diagram.
When the diagram is used for calculating the sound pressure level, you must
start with the distance in metres from the sound source (r), apply the appropri-
ate directional factor (Q), and then read off the difference between the sound
power level and the sound pressure level next to the relevant equivalent where
absorption area (Aeqv). This result is then added to the previously calculated LpA = sound pressure level (dB)
sound power (see also the example on page 509). LwA= sound power level (dB)
Q = direction factor
r = distance from sound source (m)
Aeqv = equivalent absorption area (m2 Sabine)
The room's equivalent absorption area
ΔL = LpA-LWA
where
T= Reverberation time (s). Time for a 60 dB
reduction of the sound pressure value
V= Room volume (m3)
Aeqv=The room's equivalent absorption area, m2
The reverberation time indicates the time it takes for the sound level to reduce
by 60 dB from the initial value. This is the echo effect one hears in a quiet
room when a powerful sound source is switched off. If the reverberation time is
measured precisely enough, the equivalent absorption area can be calculated.
511
Theory
Example of addition
Several sound sources
There are two sound sources, 40 dB and 38 dB To establish the total sound level in a room, all the sound sources must be
respectively. added together logarithmically. It is, however, often more practicable to use a
diagram to calculate the addition or subtraction of two dB values.
1) What is the value of the total sound level?
Addition
The input value for the diagram is the difference in dB between the two sound
levels which are to be added. The dB value to be added to the highest sound
level can then be read off they scale.
The difference between the sound levels is 2 To add to the higher level, (dB)
dB and, according to the diagram, 2 dB must
be added to the highest level.
Example of subtraction
The total sound level is 34 dB in a room fitted
with both supply and exhaust ventilation systems.
It is known that the supply system produces 32
dB, but the value for the exhaust system is not
known. Difference between the levels to be added, (dB)
Subtraction
The input value for the diagram is the difference in dB between the total sound
level and the known sound source. The y scale then shows the number of dB
that have to be deducted from the total sound level to obtain the value for the
unknown sound source.
512
Theory
A filter
The sensitivity of the ear also varies in response to the sound's strength. A
number of so called weighting filters have been introduced to compensate for
the ear's variable sensitivity across the octave band. A weighting filter A is
used for sound pressure levels below 55 dB. Filter B is used for levels between
55 and 85 dB, and filter C is used for levels above 85 dB.
Attenuation (dB)
There are also other ways of compensating for the ear's sensitivity to different
sound levels, apart from these filters. A diagram with NR curves (Noise Rating)
shows sound pressure and frequency (per octave band). Points on the same
NR curve are perceived as having the same sound levels, meaning that 43 dB
at 4000 Hz is perceived as being as loud as 65 dB at 125 Hz.
513
Theory
Sound attenuation
Sound attenuation is principally achieved in two ways: either by absorption or
by reflection of the sound.
Attenuation by absorption is achieved by internal insulation in ducts, by spe-
cial silencers or by means of the room's own sound absorption. Attenuation by
reflection is achieved by forking or bending, or when the sound bounces back
from a supply-air device into the duct, which is referred to as end reflection.
The degree of sound attenuation can be calculated by using tables and dia-
grams presented in the relevant suppliers technical documentation.
514
Theory
The theory section which follows will discuss what happens to the air in rooms
ventilated by diffusion, how to calculate air velocity and displacement in the
room, and also how to select and position a directional supply-air terminal
device correctly in the premises.
Ventilation by diffusion
An air stream which is injected into a room will attract, and mix together with, Ventilation by displacement
large volumes of ambient air. As a result, the air stream's volume increases Air which is somewhat cooler than
while at the same time the air velocity is reduced the further into the room it the ambient air flows at low velocity
travels. The mixing of the surrounding air into the air stream is termed 'induction'. into the occupied zone.
The air movements caused by the air stream very soon mix all the air in the Occupied zone
room thoroughly. Impurities in the air are not only attenuated but also evenly The occupied zone is that part of the
distributed. The temperatures in the different parts of the room are also evened room normally occupied by people.
out. This is usually defined as being a
When dimensioning for ventilation by diffusion, the most important consider- space 50 cm from an outer wall with
ation is to ensure that the air velocity in the occupied zone will not be too high, windows, 20 cm from other walls,
as this will be experienced as a draught. and up to 180 cm above the floor.
515
Theory
516
Theory
Velocity profile
It is possible to calculate mathematically the air velocity in each part of the
stream. To calculate the velocity at a particular distance from the diffuser or Theoretical calculation of the diffuser
valve, it is necessary to know the air velocity at the diffuser/valve outlet, the coefficient
shape of the diffuser/valve and the type of air stream produced by it. In the
same way, it is also possible to see how the velocities vary in every cross sec-
tion of the stream.
Using these calculations as the starting point, velocity curves for the entire
stream can be drawn up. This enables one to determine the areas which have i = impulse factor indicating impulse dissipation
the same velocity. These areas are called isovels. By checking that the isovel at point where air is blown in (i<1)
corresponding to 0.2 m/s is outside the occupied zone, one can ensure that e = contraction factor
the air velocity will not exceed this level in the normally occupied areas. Cb = turbulence constant (0.2-0.3 depending on
type of diffuser or valve)
517
Theory
Coanda effect
The diffuser coefficient when the Coanda effect If a directional supply-air terminal device is fitted close enough to a flat surface,
is influencing the air stream: usually the ceiling, the air stream will cling to the surface. This is due to the fact
that the ambient air will be drawn into the stream, but close to the flat surface,
where no new air can flow from above, an underpressure forms instead, and
this causes the stream to be sucked to the surface. This is known as the Coanda
effect.
The horizontal discharge angle also increases
to 30° when the stream is sucked towards the
ceiling, while the vertical angle remains
unchanged (20-24°).
Deflection
The deflection from the ceiling to the central
axis of the air stream (Y) can be calculated
using
Practical experiments have shown that the distance between the diffuser or
where valve's upper edge and the ceiling ('a' in figure12) must not be greater than 30 cm
Δt0 = the temperature difference between the if there is to be any suction effect.
air stream and the ambient air The Coanda effect can be used to make a cold air stream stick to the ceiling and
x = distance from the diffuser/valve (m) travel further into the room before it reaches the occupied zone.
vx = centre velocity at distance x (m/s) The diffuser coefficient will be somewhat greater in conjunction with the suc-
v0 = velocity at the diffuser/valve outlet (m/s) tion effect than for a free air stream. It is also important to know how the diffuser
or valve is mounted when using the diffuser coefficient for different calculations.
K = the diffuser coefficient
Aeff = the diffuser or valve's effective outlet
Non-isothermal air
area (m2) The flow picture becomes more complex when the air that is blown in is non-
isothermal air, in other words warmer or colder than the ambient air. A thermal
energy, caused by differences in the air's density at different temperatures, will
force a cooler air stream downwards and a warmer air stream upwards.
This means that two different forces affect a cooler stream that is sticking close
Point of separation to the ceiling: both the Coanda effect which attempts to adhere it to the ceiling
The point where a conical air stream leaves the and the thermal energy which attempts to force it towards the floor. At a given
ceiling (xm) will be: distance from the diffuser or valve's outlet, the thermal energy will dominate and
the air stream will eventually be dragged down from the ceiling.
The stream's deflection and point of separation can be calculated using for-
mulae which are based on the temperature differentials, the type of diffuser or
valve and the size of its outlet, together with air velocities etc.
where
Δt0 = the temperature difference between the
air stream and the ambient air
v0 = velocity at the diffuser/valve outlet (m/s)
K = the diffuser coefficient
Aeff = the diffuser or valve's effective outlet area
(m2)
After the stream has left the ceiling, a new path Figure 13. The air stream's point of separation (Xm) and deflection (Y)
can be calculated with the aid of the formula for
deflection (above). The distance x is then calcu-
lated as the distance from the point of separa-
tion.
518
Theory
Important considerations when dimensioning air supply
It is important to select and position the directional supply-air terminal device Effective penetration
correctly. It is also important that the air temperature and velocity are as The most common method for selecting the
required for producing acceptable conditions in the occupied zone. correct directional supply-air terminal device is
to consider the throw l0,2. But since the desired
end velocity in the air stream depends on both
the room's geometry and the required air veloc-
ity in the occupied zone, this can sometimes be
Correct air velocity in the occupied zone rather misleading. Therefore the concept of the
A specification called 'throw' is indicated for most supply-air equipment in the air stream's effective penetration has been
manufacturer's product catalogue. 'Throw' is defined as the distance from the introduced instead.
diffuser or valve opening to the point in the air stream where the centre velocity The effective penetration is the distance to
has been reduced to a particular value, generally 0.2 m/s. A throw of this type the point where an end velocity is to be calcu-
is designated by l0.2 and is measured in metres. lated. This can be the distance along the centre
of the air stream from the diffuser itself to the
furthest point in the room where the supply air
is required. For wall-mounted diffusers, this
means that the effective penetration is the
same as the room's depth, while for ceiling dif-
fusers the penetration is half the room's depth.
The velocity of the return air stream is
approximately 30% slower than the air stream's
velocity when it meets the wall. If the maximum
air velocity in the occupied zone is to be 0.18
m/s, this means that the air stream must have a
maximum velocity of 0.26 m/s when it meets
the wall.
One of the first considerations when dimensioning an air supply system is usu-
ally to avoid velocities in the occupied zone that are too high, but as a rule it is
not the air stream itself that reaches us there. Effective penetration – calculation
In the occupied zone we are more likely to be exposed to high velocities in The velocity at the effective penetration depth
the return air stream: see the figure below. of a diffuser can be calculated theoretically by
using the formula for calculating air velocity.
where
vx = velocity at the effective penetration (m/s)
v0 = velocity at the diffuser outlet (m/s)
K = the diffuser coefficient
Return air stream Aeff = the vent's effective outlet area (m2)
xv = the effective penetration (m)
519
Theory
The penetration of the air stream
The shape of the room can affect the flow picture. If the cross section of the air
stream is more than 40% of the cross section of the room, all induction of air in
the room will stop. As a result, the air stream will deflect and start to suck in the
induction air itself. In such a situation it does not help to increase the velocity
of the supply air, as the penetration will remain the same while the velocity of
both the air stream and the ambient air will increase.
Other air streams, secondary vortices, will start to appear further into the room
where the main air stream does not reach. However, if the room is less than three
times as long as it is high, it can be assumed that the air stream will reach all
the way in.
Figure 16. Secondary vortices are formed at the furthest point in the room,
where the air stream does not reach.
Avoid obstacles
Unfortunately, it is very common for the air stream to be obstructed by light fit-
tings on a ceiling. If these are too close to the diffuser and hang down too far,
the air stream will deflect and descend into the occupied zone. It is therefore
necessary to know what distance (A in the diagram) is required between an air
supply device and an obstacle for the air stream to remain unimpeded.
520
Theory
Installing several directional supply-air terminal devices
If a single ceiling diffuser is intended to service an entire room, it should be
Dimensioning with several ceiling diffusers
positioned as close to the centre of the ceiling as possible, and the total sur-
A large room has to be divided into several
face should not exceed the dimensions indicated in Figure 18 below.
zones. The maximum dimension for each zone
is 1.5 x the room's length (A), as long as this
does not exceed 3xH (see figure 18).
Example
A large room (see figure 19) has the following
dimensions:
H=3m
A=4m
B = 16 m
Example
A room which is 5 m deep is ventilated from the
rear wall by means of diffusers with a throw of 4
m.
Figure 20. A large room ventilated by several wall diffusers 1) There should be 80 cm between two diffusers.
521
Theory
Blowing in warm air
Blowing supply air horizontally from the ceiling works excellently for most rooms,
including those with very high ceilings. If the supply air is above ambient tem-
perature and also used to heat the premises, practical experiments have shown
that this works well in rooms with ceiling heights of no more than 3.5 metres.
This assumes that the maximum temperature difference is 10-15°C.
In very high rooms, however, the supply air has to be jetted vertically if it is also
used for heating. If the temperature difference is no more than 10°C, the air
stream should flow down to approximately 1 metre above the floor in order to
produce a satisfactory evenness of temperature in the occupied zone.
522
Theory
Blowing in cold air
When supplying air that is colder than the ambient air, it is particularly impor-
tant to make use of the Coanda effect to prevent the air stream from falling Correction of throw (estimate)
down into the occupied zone too early. The ambient air will then be sucked in This diagram can be used to obtain an approxi-
and mixed more effectively, and the temperature of the air stream will have a mate value for the throw of non-isothermal air.
better chance to increase before it reaches the occupied zone.
If the sub-ambient-temperature air is directed along the ceiling in this way, it
is also important that the air stream velocity is high enough to ensure that
there is sufficient adherence to the ceiling. If the velocity is too low there is
also a risk that the thermal energy will push the air stream down towards the
floor too early.
At a certain distance from the supply-air diffuser, the air stream will in any
case separate from the ceiling and deflect downwards. This deflection occurs
more rapidly in an air stream that is below the ambient temperature, and there-
fore in such cases the throw will be shorter.
(non-isothermal)
l0.2 (corrected) = k · l0.2 (isothermal air)
(isothermal)
Maximum acceptable cooling effect
A rule of thumb for the maximum acceptable
cooling effect (Qmax) is:
Figure 23. The difference between the throws of isothermal and Supply air blown from rear wall
non-isothermal air streams. Qmax = 20-40 W per m2 floor surface at Δt 8K
523
Theory
Ceiling Wall
524