Fine HVAC

Quick Start Guide

1. Installation – Launching
2. CAD Environment
3. Calculation Environment
Preface
This Quick Start Guide provides a fast and friendly introduction on Fine HVAC main
features and functionalities.
Fine HVAC, the Fully INtegrated Environment for Heating, Ventilation and Air-
Conditioning Installations combines both designing and calculations in a uniform,
integrated environment, consisting of two main components, CAD and Calculations:
 Concerning the CAD component, it is based on an autonomous CAD embedding
4MCAD engine adopting the common cad functionality and open dwg drawing file
format. The CAD component helps the user to design and then calculates and
produces completely automatically the entire calculations issue for every HVAC
project, as well as all the drawings in their final form.
 Concerning the Calculations component (called also as ADAPT/FCALC), it has been
designed according to the latest technological standards and stands out for its unique
user - friendliness, its methodological thoroughness of calculations and its in-depth
presentation of the results. The HVAC Calculation Environment consists of 8 modules:
Heating Loads, Single Pipe System, Twin Pipes System, Infloor System, Cooling Loads,
Fan Coils, Air Ducts and Psychrometrics. Each module acquires data directly from the
drawings (automatically), thus resulting in significant time saving and maximum reliability
of the project results. It can also be used independently, by typing data within the
module spreadsheets.
Despite its numerous capabilities, Fine HVAC has been designed in order to be easy to
learn. Indeed, the simplicity in the operation philosophy is realised very soon and all that the
user has to do is to familiarise with the package.
This Guide is divided into three short parts:
- Part 1 describes the installation procedure and the main menu structure.
- Part 2 deals with the CAD component of Fine HVAC, showing its philosophy and main
features.
- Part 3 describes the calculation environment of Fine HVAC and its 8 application
modules mentioned above.
Contents
Fine HVAC ............................................................................................................................ i
1. Installation - Launching .................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Installing Fine HVAC ............................................................................................................ 1
2. CAD Component ............................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Main menu .............................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Drawing Principles & Basic Commands.............................................................................. 5
2.3.1 Drawing aids ................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2 Drawing Coordinates ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.3 Drawing Basic Entities ................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.4 Useful Commands ........................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.5 Grips ............................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.6 Print................................................................................................................................................. 9
2.3.7 Plus Drawing Tools....................................................................................................................... 11
2.4 Architectural Drawing......................................................................................................... 12
2.4.1 Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.2 Building Entities ........................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.3 Drawings – Calculations ............................................................................................................... 15
2.5 AutoNET: Piping Drawing Principles ............................................................................... 16
2.6 AutoNET: Network Installation Design............................................................................. 21
2.7 AutoNET: Fine HVAC Installations .................................................................................. 28
2.7.1 Two-Pipes System ........................................................................................................................ 28
2.7.2 Single-Pipe System ....................................................................................................................... 30
2.7.3 Fan Coils ....................................................................................................................................... 32
2.7.4 Air-Ducts ...................................................................................................................................... 34
2.7.5 Infloor Heating System ................................................................................................................. 40
3. Calculations .................................................................................................................... 41
3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 41
3.1.1 Files............................................................................................................................................... 41
3.1.2 Project Data................................................................................................................................... 42
3.1.3 View .............................................................................................................................................. 42
3.1.4 Windows ....................................................................................................................................... 42
3.1.5 Libraries ........................................................................................................................................ 51
3.1.6 Help............................................................................................................................................... 51
3.2 Heating .................................................................................................................................. 53
3.2.1 Thermal Losses ............................................................................................................................. 53
3.2.2 Two Pipes System ......................................................................................................................... 62
3.2.3 Single Pipe System ....................................................................................................................... 67
3.2.4 Infloor Heating System ................................................................................................................. 71
3.3 Air-Conditioning .................................................................................................................. 77
3.3.1 Cooling Loads ............................................................................................................................... 78
3.3.2 Fan Coils ....................................................................................................................................... 91
3.3.3 Air-Ducts ...................................................................................................................................... 95
3.3.4 Psychrometrics ............................................................................................................................ 101
3.4 Examples ............................................................................................................................. 111
3.4.1. Building design example ............................................................................................................ 111
3.4.3. Cooling Network design example .............................................................................................. 129
1. Installation - Launching

1.1 Installing Fine HVAC

1. Insert the CD in your computer CD-ROM drive (e.g. D:, E:) or, if you received your
software via Internet, run the installation application you downloaded.
2. When the Setup window appears, choose the language for the installation and click
OK.
3. When the Welcome page appears (as shown below), click Next.

4. When the License Agreement appears, read it carefully. If you agree with the terms,
check the respective “radio button” and then click Next (you must agree with the terms
to proceed with the installation).
5. In the next screen enter your username and organization information and check if you
want to create a desktop icon. Then click Next to see if the information is correct (see
the following window) and finally click Install for the installation procedure to begin.
6. Upon completion of the installation procedure, the following last window appears on
screen and all needed is to click Finish.

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7. After installation, the program is located within the programs list.

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2. CAD Component

2.1 Overview
Fine HVAC is a powerful Workstation for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Design,
which automatically performs the necessary calculations directly from the drawings,
producing all the case study results (calculation issue, technical descriptions, full-scale
drawings, bills of materials etc.). This first Part (Part I) of the user's guide describes the
operation of the CAD component of Fine HVAC. As mentioned in the preface, the CAD
component is based on 4MCAD technology. Furthermore this CAD component is
considering the building and HVAC installation as being composed of intelligent entities
with their own attributes and properly related each one to each other. Fine HVAC CAD
Component includes modules, which co-operate closely and give the Designer the
impression he virtually works on the building: It is about a) the Definitions, Building Entities
and Drawings-Calculations that is used to load-identify the building and b) AutoNET that is
used to design and identify the network installations.

2.2 Main menu

As soon as the program is loaded, the main menu screen appears for the first time:

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Notice: When the application starts, the Ribbon menu appears. If the user wants to work
with the classic menu bar, makes right-click on the toolbars bar and selects 'Go to Menu
Bar'.

Among the commands of the designing environment, we notice the following main options
of the package:
1. Project files management options (New Project, Open Project and Project Information)
which are located into the options group FILE.

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2. Option Groups with the name Definitions and Building Entities, which include all the
commands required for the Architectural designing.
3. Option group with the name AutoNET, which includes all the commands required for
the designing and calculation of the application (Single-pipe system, Two-pipe System,
Air-ducts etc.).
4. Auxiliary option group with the name PLUS, which
contains a series of designing facilities for the user.
Starting with FINE, you define a new project through
the corresponding option in the FILE menu mentioned
above. In case that "New project" is selected, a window
appears on the screen where the name of the Project
should be typed.
In order to "load" an existing project, which has
been created with the program and you want to further edit it or just view it, you select
"Select Project", and a list with the existing projects in the hard drive will be displayed on
the screen. At first, the list displays all the projects
that exist in the FINE directory and with the use of
the mouse or the keyboard and acting
correspondingly, you can transfer to any other
directory, viewing at the same time the existing
projects. It is noted that the projects are included
into directories with the extension BLD. If an
existing project is selected, it is loaded and
displayed on the screen.
Either if a new project is created or a saved one is loaded, you can start working with the
use of the subsystem commands described above. A detailed description of these
commands is available in the following chapters. Before this detailed description, a short
reference of the basic designing principles featured in the designing environment of the
package is recommended, in chapter 2.3 that follows next. If you are familiar with the use
of 4MCAD or AutoCAD, you may page through or even skip this chapter, while if you are
not, you should read it carefully.

2.3 Drawing Principles & Basic Commands

A great advantage of the package is that the structure and the features of the drawing
environment follow the standards of the CAD industry adopted by AutoCAD, 4MCAD etc.
In particular, the available working space is as follows:

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As shown in the above figure, the screen is divided into the following "areas":
 Command line: The command line is the area where commands are entered and the
command messages appear.
 Graphics area: The largest area of the screen, where drawings are created and
edited.
 Cursor: The cursor is used for drawing, selecting objects and running commands from
the menus or the dialog boxes. Depending on the current command or action, the
cursor may appear as a graphics cursor (crosshairs), a selection box, a graphics cursor
with a selection box etc.
 Ribbon Menus: Each time you select one of these categories (Building Entities,
AutoNET etc.) a set of Ribbon commands is appeared.
 Status Line: It is the line on the bottom of the screen where the current level, the
drawing status and the current cursor coordinates are displayed. From the status line
you can enable or disable tools such as SNAP, GRID, ORTHO etc., which are
explained in the following chapter.
 Toolbars: You can arrange which toolbars you want to be shown in the screen in each
project. To enable or disable a toolbar, in the upper part of the screen (where the
existing toolbars are shown) right click with the mouse and select the desired toolbar
from the list (as it is shown below).

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 Apart from that, each time you select an application from the AutoNET menu, a toolbar
with the name of the application is shown and you can either work from there or from
the AutoNET commands.

2.3.1 Drawing aids

This section describes the most important drawing aids. These are the commands:
SNAP: The graphics cursor position coordinates appear in the middle of the upper part of
the graphics area. If "Snap" is selected, the graphics cursor movement may not be
continuous but follow a specific increment (minimum movement distance). To change the
increment, right click with the mouse on “SNAP” and choose “Settings”. To activate or
deactivate it, double click on the “SNAP” icon.
GRID: The screen grid is a pattern of vertical and horizontal dots, which are placed at the
axes intersection points of an imaginary grid. The grid can be activated or deactivated by
clicking the corresponding icon or by pressing F7.
ORTHO: The "Ortho" feature restricts the cursor to horizontal or vertical movement. The
status bar shows whether the "Ortho" command is activated by displaying "ORTHO" in
black characters. The command is activated or deactivated by clicking the corresponding
icon or by pressing F8.
ESNAP: The "Esnap" command forces the cursor to select a snap point of an object,
which is within the Pick box outline. The esnap points are characteristic geometric points
of an object (i.e. endpoint of a line). If you have specified a snap point and move the
cursor close to it, the program will identify it with a frame. The "Esnap" command can be
activated either by holding down the "SHIFT" key and right clicking the mouse or through
the additional toolbar.

2.3.2 Drawing Coordinates

When you need to determine a point, you can either use the mouse (by seeing the
coordinates in the status bar or using the snap utilities), or enter the coordinates directly in
the command line. Moreover, you can use either Cartesian or polar coordinates and
absolute or relative values, in each method (relative coordinates are usually more
convenient).
Relative coordinates: Enter the @ symbol (which indicates relative coordinates) and
then the x, y, z coordinates (Cartesian system) or the r<θ<φ coordinates (polar system) in
the command line. The system used (Cartesian or polar) is defined by the “,” or “<” symbol
respectively. If you do not insert a value for z or φ, it will be automatically taken as zero.
For example, if you are prompted to locate the second (right) endpoint of a 2m horizontal
line, you enter:
@2,0 if you use the Cartesian coordinates (which means that the distance of the second
point from the first is 2 m on the x axis and 0 m on the y axis), or
@2<0 if you use the polar coordinates [which means that the second point is at a distance
of 2m (r=2) and an angle of 0 degrees (θ=0) from the first].
Absolute coordinates: They are specified in the same way as the relative coordinates
but without using the @ symbol. The absolute coordinates are specified in relation to the
0,0 point of the drawing.
The measurement system can be activated, deactivated or changed with the F6 key.

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2.3.3 Drawing Basic Entities
In the “Draw” menu you will find the basic drawing entities:
Line: "Line" option is used for drawing segments. When you select "Line" from the menu
or type "Line" in the command line, you will be prompted to specify a start point (by left
clicking or by entering the point coordinates – relative or absolute – in the command line)
and an endpoint (determined in the same way).
Arc: The "Arc" command is used for drawing arcs. An arc can be drawn in different ways:
the default method is to specify three points of the arc ("3-Points"). Alternatively, you can
specify the start point and endpoint of the arc as well as the center of the circle where it
belongs (St, C, End). You will not find it difficult to understand and become familiar with
the various methods of drawing an arc.
Polyline: This command allows you to draw polylines, which are connected sequences of
line or arc segments created as single objects. The command is executed by either using
the menu or typing "pline" in the command line. You will be prompted to specify a start
point and an endpoint (by right clicking the mouse or by entering the point coordinates –
relative or absolute – in the command line). Then, the command options will appear (Arc,
Close, Length etc). Select A to switch to Arc mode, L to return to Line mode and C to
close the polyline.

2.3.4 Useful Commands

This section includes brief descriptions of the basic program commands, which will be
very useful. These are the commands "Zoom", "Pan", "Select", "Move", "Copy" and
"Erase" (you will find them in “View” and “Modify” menus). In particular:
Zoom: "Zoom" increases or decreases the apparent size of the image displayed, allowing
you to have a "closer" or "further" view of the drawing. There are different zooming
methods, the most functional of which is the real-time zooming ("lens / ±" button). You can
use the mouse to zoom in real time – that is to zoom in and out by moving the cursor.
There are a number of zoom options as shown by typing "Zoom" in the command line:
All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Left/Previous/Vmax/window/<Scale(X/XP)>.
Pan: "Pan" ("hand" icon) moves the position of the visible part of the drawing, so that you
can view a new (previously not visible) part. The visible part of the screen moves towards
the desired area and to the desired extent.
Select: This command selects one or more objects (or the whole drawing), in order to
execute a specific task (erase, copy etc.). Select is also used by other CAD commands
(for example, if you use the "Erase" command, "Select" will be automatically activated in
order to select the area that will be erased).
Move: This command allows moving of objects from one location to another. When the
"Move" command is activated, the "Select" command is also activated so that the object(s)
you want to move (in the way described in the previous paragraph) can be selected.
After you have selected the desired object(s), you are prompted to specify the base point
(using the snap options), which is a fixed point of the drawing. When you are prompted to
specify the position where the base point will be moved, use either the mouse or the snap
options. After you have completed this procedure, the selected object(s) will move to the
new position. Please note that the base and the new location points can be also specified
with the use of coordinates (absolute or relative, see related paragraph).
Copy: The "Copy" option allows the copying of objects from one location to another. The
"Copy" procedure is similar to the "Move" procedure and the only difference is that the
copied object remains at its original location in the drawing.

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Erase: Choose this option to delete objects. The procedure is simple: Select the objects
you wish to erase (as described above), type "E" in the command line and press <Enter>.
Alternatively, you may first type "E" in the command line, then select the object(s) by left
clicking and finally right click to erase the object(s).
DDInsert (Insert Drawing): This command allows you to insert another drawing (DWG
file) or block in the drawing. When this command is selected, a window appears in which
you select block or file and then select the corresponding block or file from disk. Then you
are prompted to specify the insertion point, the scale factor etc., so that the selected
drawing is properly inserted.
Wblock: The "Wblock" command allows us to save part of a drawing or the entire drawing
in a file, as a block. When this command is selected, you are prompted to enter the file
name and then you select the drawing or the part of the drawing you wish to save. The
use of this command is similar to the "Screen Drawing" command in the Drawings-
Calculations menu, which will be described in a following section. In order to insert a block
in a drawing, you use the "ddinsert" command described above.
Explode: The "Explode" command converts a block in a number of simple lines so that
you can edit it in that form. If it is selected, the program will prompt you to select the block
("Select object") you wish to explode.

2.3.5 Grips
Grips are some characteristic points of an
object, which appear after it is selected (by
moving the cursor on the object and left
clicking). The object is displayed with grips
(small squares in blue colour), which mark
control locations and are powerful editing
tools (by selecting one grip you can for
example, move or change the length of the
line). When you click a grip, the following
prompt appears in the command line:
**STRETCH** <stretch to point> /Base point
/copy/ undo/ exit. If you press <Enter> (or right click), the first characters of the
corresponding word are entered, e.g. “sc and enter” for the "Scale" command).
When a command is executed, grips disappear and the objects are deselected. If the
command is an editing command (correction or copy), which can be preselected, the
objects take part in the execution of the command automatically. In this case, the
command overrides the "Select objects" prompt and proceeds. To deselect grips and
objects you should press <Esc> twice: once to deselect the objects and twice to
deactivate the grips.
In each object the positions of the grips are different. Namely, for a point the grip is the
point itself, for a segment the grips are the midpoint and the two endpoints, for an arc the
midpoint and the two endpoints, for a circle the center and the quadrants, for a polyline
the endpoints of the line and arc segments and the midpoints points of the arc segments,
for a spline the spline points, for a block the insertion point, for text the insertion point etc.

2.3.6 Print
This section may be read after you have created a drawing and you want to print it. Any
drawing can be printed using a printer or plotter or to a file. Printing is performed using
"PLOT" command, selected either from the "FILE" menu or typing it in the command line,
provided there is a drawing already loaded.

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Viewing a drawing before printing gives you a preview of what your drawing will look like
when it is printed. This helps you see if there are any changes you want to make before
actually printing the drawing.
If you are using print style tables, the preview shows how your drawing will print with the
assigned print styles. For example, the preview may display different colours or line
weights than those used in the drawing because of assigned print styles.
To preview a drawing before printing
1. If necessary, click the desired Layout tab or the Model tab.
2. Do one of the following:
 Choose File > Plot Preview.

 On the Standard toolbar, click the Plot Preview tool .

 Type ppreview and then press Enter.
3. After checking the preview image, do one of the following:
 To print the drawing, click Plot to display the Print dialog box.
 To return to the drawing, click Close.
The Plot dialog box is organized in several areas as it is shown in the picture below. For
help defining print settings before you print, see Customizing print options.
In the plot window, you can select the printer, the paper size and the number of copies
and several plot options such as the style (pen assignments), the orientation etc.
Moreover, you can select the plot scale and the plot area. Before you proceed to printing,
you select “Apply to layout” and then “Preview” so as to make any modifications you might
want.
To print a drawing
1. If necessary, click the desired Layout tab or the Model tab.
2. Do one of the following:
 Choose File > Plot.

 On the Standard toolbar, click the Print tool ( ). If you click the Print tool, the Print
dialog box does not display. Your drawing will be sent directly to the selected printer.
 Type print and then press Enter.
3. From the Plot dialog box, make any adjustments to the settings.
4. Click OK.

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2.3.7 Plus Drawing Tools
Those tools belong to the large group of options under the general menu PLUS. These
are a series of additional drawing tools, which have been embodied in the package in
order to help the user during drawing.

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2.4 Architectural Drawing
Architectural drawing includes all the facilities required to insert building entities such as
walls, columns, openings etc, as well as heating and cooling design calculation. As it is
shown in the corresponding Ribbon menu, the various options are divided into sub-groups
like Definitions, Building Entities and Drawings-Calculations.

In general, the first sub-group includes commands for the definition of the project
parameters, the second sub-group includes drawing commands for the building shell, the
third sub-group includes commands for the building supervision and link to the
calculations. In the following sections, the options reported above are described one by
one, starting from the "Definitions" option.

2.4.1 Definitions
As soon as you select the "Building Definition" command, the levels management menu
appears.
On this screen the levels of the project building
are defined, which means that you have to
determine the level and the corresponding
architectural drawing (plan view-as xref) (DWG
file) of each building floor (only in case you use a
drawing that was created by another architectural
designing program). More specifically:
 In the "Level" field, define the level (floor)
number (always starting with the number “1”).

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 In the "Elevation" field, define the height of the floor level. You can define manually a
benchmark for level measurement (e.g. the pavement). You can also define negative
levels (e.g. -3 m for the basement).
 In the “Name” field, you give a name for each level.
 In the “Height” field, you give the height for each level.
 In the "File" field, define the path and the name of the relevant DWG drawing-file, only
if you refer to an already existing drawing (which means that you do not intend to draw
the plan view from scratch). If there is no DWG architectural drawing available, leave
this field empty.
The insertion and the management of plan views are performed with use of the xref
command. At the bottom of the dialog box there are three functions available which are
used to manage the level files. Specifically:
 Press the “Add up” and “Add Down” button to save a new level or save the changes in
the data of a level (e.g. elevation, DWG drawing).
 Use the "Current" option to select the plan view/file you want to work on each time.
 Select the "Delete" option to delete the
level you want (after you have it selected).
The "Delete" command removes the plan
view of the relevant level in the project
without deleting the original architectural
DWG file.
 The “Accept” command closes the dialog
box (it does not save the floor data. This
can be managed with the “New”
command). Fine HVAC enables also the
use of a “scanned” ground plan, which is a
ground plan in a bitmap file created by a
scanner.
The “Layers Management” option gives you
the choice to enable or disable in a quick and
practical way (during working) several layers.
If you want, you can disable any element
group by simply clicking inside the indicator-
box of the corresponding group. When the box is checked, the corresponding group is
enabled.

2.4.2 Building Entities

Building entities menu contains all the commands required for drawing and editing walls,
such as parallel moving of walls, trimming, extending, joining and breaking walls as well
as placing openings of any kind on them (windows, sliding doors, openings, arches).
During the initial drawing, as well as during any modification at any stage, the drawing is
automatically updated (e.g. placing an opening on a wall does not break the wall in two
parts, the opening moves easily from side to side whether you are working on the ground-
plan or on a 3D view and the wall is restored without leaving undesirable lines after
deleting an opening etc.).

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The Wall option, located at the second subgroup of the
Building Entities group of commands, includes the Outer,
Inner, Outer wall from polyline, Inner wall from polyline
and Outline options as well as the option subgroup
Modify, Delete, Extend, Break, Join, Trim and Move. The
first subgroup concerns the wall drawing, while the
second their further processing after being drawn. By
selecting Outer Wall, first of all its attribute dialog
appears with a series of parameters (type, dimensions,
colours etc.).
In order to start drawing a wall, you click Accept and then
follow the instructions shown below:
Outer wall (straight / arc): After activating the command
(by pressing <Enter> in the menu), you are required to
successively provide:
i) the starting point of the wall (the application message in the command prompt is: ‘’Wall
start \ Relative to wall \ Toggle shape <Linear>’’)
ii) the ending point of the wall (the application message in the command prompt is ‘’Wall
end \ Relative to wall \ Toggle shape <Linear>’’)
iii) the direction towards which the wall shall grow, by providing any point on one of the
two half-planes defined by the wall line (the application message in the command prompt
is "Enter Side Point").

After the above actions, you can see that the wall has been drawn and that you can
continue to draw another wall starting from the ending point you defined earlier, unless
you right click, which means that you want to stop (or press “ENTER”). You can change
the wall drawing from linear into circular, typing T in the following program prompts and
pressing <Enter>. During drawing, one can come to the conclusion that the ability of
drawing consecutive walls is very convenient since it prevents you from making many
movements. As mentioned further below, in the “Element Parameters” section, the
thickness of the wall, its height and its level in relation to the floor level (when the level is
0, the wall starts from the floor), are stored within the “Element Parameters” for the wall.
By providing proper values for the wall height and level, any possible case of walls of
unequal height can be dealt with.

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Further to the drawing functions, the program also provides powerful editing tools, such as
erase, modify (through the wall dialog box), multiple change etc. Two other commands
that are widely used while drawing the walls are a) the Undo command, which enables
you to reverse the previous command executed and b) the Properties command, which
enables you to view (and change) the attributes of the selected wall.
Once the command "Opening" is activated, a second option menu is displayed, including
a variety of opening types (window, sliding door, door etc) to draw, plus also a set of
editing functions such as "Erase", "Modify" or "Move", applied to existing openings.
Besides, at the bottom of this menu lies the option “Libraries”, which enables the user to
define his/her own opening freely, to create various shapes of windows.
Window: The option "Window" demands that you select the wall on which the opening will
be placed and then define the beginning and the end of the opening (all these actions are
carried out using the mouse and pressing <Enter> each time). The window will
automatically obtain the data that are predefined in the “Attributes”, namely the
corresponding values for the height, the rise, the coefficient k etc). Of course, you can
draw the window from the ground plan as well as in the three-dimensional (3D) view.
During drawing a window, it is very helpful to the user the fact that, after the wall where
the window will be automatically placed is selected, the distance from the wall edge is
displayed in the coordinates position on the top of the screen, while the crosshair is
transferred parallel to the wall for supervision reasons. The measurement starting point
(distance 0) as well as the side (internal or external) are defined by which one of the two
edges is closer and which side was "grabbed" during the wall selection. Similar
functionality exists for other types of openings, such as Sliding Doors, Doors, Openings
etc.
Building entities menu provides tools for designing columns and other elements, as well
as drawing libraries including drawings and symbols to place within the drawing (i.e.
general symbols, furniture, plants etc.).

2.4.3 Drawings – Calculations

The Fine HVAC building model includes intelligent information, capable to recognise the
spaces and their heating and cooling loads. More specifically, the “space definition”
command enables the user to define one or more spaces, in two alternative ways
a) by selecting the walls that surround each space, or
b) by defining an internal and an external point of the space. This way needs only the
definition of an internal point of the space (by a left click of the mouse) and an external
point so that the line-rubber that is formed intersects a space wall. Then the program
"indicates" (by discontinuous outline) the defined space and asks for the space name in
the command line. By entering the name the space definition is completed and its features
are indicated on the drawing.
In addition, by using the command “Space height” the user can specify differences
between the height and the elevation of the spaces. After that one can generate the 3D
surface model for cooling and thermal loads, executing the command Cooling or Heating
surface model. This model simulates the surfaces that will be transferred to calculation
module, so the user can supervise easily a large-scale project.
Given that one or more spaces are already defined, the command "Calculations" serves to
calculate the Thermal losses and Cooling loads of the building. Each one of the
commands “Thermal losses” or “Cooling loads” activates the respective application
window. In each window, first of all, you have to select the “Update from drawing”
command (located at the “Files” menu) in order to transfer the drawing data automatically
(see paragraphs 3.2.1 and 3.3.1).

FINE – HVAC - 15-

Finally, the Building model of a Fine
HVAC project can be viewed through
the commands:
 Plan View (2D): The two-
dimensional plan view of the
respective building level is shown.

 3D View: A three-dimensional
supervision of the ground plan of
the current floor (with given viewing
angles) is shown.

 Axonometric: A three-dimensional
supervision of the whole building
(with given viewing angles) is
shown.
 Screen drawing : By executing this command, the user can get out drawings that can
be shown in AutoCAD or another CAD platforms.

2.5 AutoNET: Piping Drawing Principles

The AutoNET group includes all those tools the designer needs in order to draw (and then
calculate) the HVAC piping installations. Below are described the general AutoNET
commands and you will find the specific commands for FINE HVAC applications in the
next chapters.
Drawing Definition: The layers for each installation are organised properly and the
information is shown on the respective dialog. The command "Colour" is used to assign
the desired colour to each network while the command "Linetype" is used to select the
desired line type.
Clash Detection: It enables the identification, inspection and reporting of interferences in
the MEP project model with beams and columns.
Applications Layers Management: This command leads to a dialog screen where you
can activate more than one applications and monitor those which are possibly overlapping
(i.e. both Single pipe and Fan coils networks at the same time).
Copy network of Level: ΑutoNET enables copying of typical (installation) plan views and
pasting them on other levels through this command, which functions similarly to the “Copy
Building Floor” option of the Definitions menu. When you select this command, the
program prompts you to select the network you want to copy (you can select it in a
window), and after you do it and press ENTER, it asks you to give the number of the level
in which you want to copy it.

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Select Application: This option enables selection of the desired application of Fine
HVAC. Depending on the selected application, the section of the following AutoNET menu
will be configured accordingly.

The basic principles and rules for drawing a network are described below:
Network Drawing: The installation network drawing is carried out with a single line, by
drawing lines and connecting them to each other, exactly as the network is connected in
fact. You should keep in mind some general principles regarding drawing and connecting
between straight or curved, horizontal or vertical network branches.

FINE – HVAC - 17-

Horizontal & Vertical Piping: In any case, the piping drawing is carried out exactly as the
line drawing (in AutoCAD or 4MCAD). You are able to draw horizontal or vertical pipes.
The pipe installation elevation is the current elevation. Modification of the pipe installation
elevation is possible through the menu AutoNET -> Current Elevation (or if you type the
command "elev"). If you type "elev" (in the command line), you are prompted to determine
the new current elevation. Press <Enter> if it is 0 or type the value you want. At this point
it should be emphasised that, if a horizontal piping which is found on a specific level is
drawn and it is connected to another piping or a contact point (receptor), the program
automatically "elevates" or "lowers" the pipe so that connecting to the other pipe or
receptor, respectively, is possible. In this way, the program facilitates the drawing of piping
in three dimensions while you are actually working in a two-dimension environment. In any
case of a network design, all facilities provided by AutoCAD can be utilised through
relative co-ordinates.
Vertical pipe Drawing: Drawing vertical pipes which cross floors (one or more) is
possible through the option "Main Vertical pipes (Building)". When the respective option is
selected from the menu, the program asks for the pipe position ("Enter xy Location") and
then for the height of the starting point ("Enter Height for First Point") as well as the height
of the ending point ("Enter Height for Second Point"). For example, if you want to draw a
vertical pipe from 0 to 3, by inserting the location point (XY) and then the numbers 0 and 3
successively, the symbol for direction change appears on the ground plan and in 3D View.

Vertical sections within the same floor: If you want to elevate or lower a pipe within the
same floor, you can use the relative coordinates. For example, if you have drawn a
horizontal pipe (in elevation of 0 m) and you want to elevate it to 2 m, when in the
command line asks for “Enter next point”, you will type @0,0,2 and continue drawing the
pipe (see the adjacent photo). In the same way, if you want to lower the pipe by 2 m, you
will type @0,0,-2.
Drawing of Curved Pipes: You can
draw curved pipes by inserting the
points from which the curved pipe is to
pass (give at least 3 points). The
respective command prompts for the
following:
 First point: Insert the starting point
of the pipe.
 Next point: Insert next point, the
one after that and so on
(successively), defining the pipe
routing in this way and to stop
press <ENTER> or right click of the
mouse.

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The user can easily modify curved pipes using “grips". As soon as the pipe is selected,
grips appear which you can move, altering this way the pipe routing. In the Bill of Materials
and the Calculations phase, the program will measure the pipe length precisely.
Connecting network sections: Connections between network sections (horizontal,
vertical or both) as well as between network parts and receptors can be easily executed
by using the "Snap" commands. For example, suppose that the two horizontal parts of the
ground plan below, which are placed in different heights, have to be connected. If you
start by "grabbing" the "upper" pipe end and then end up at the "lower" pipe end, the result
in the three-dimension representation will be as on the right.

Another example, the result of the connection of a radiator starting from its "connection
point" and ending at the base point of the vertical pipe is shown below. Alternatively, you
can use the “Connect radiators to an existing pipe” command where after you define the
pipe and the radiators you want to be connected to it, the program connects them
automatically.

FINE – HVAC - 19-

Special Commands for Pipe Construction: This is actually a set of commands aiming
at the facilitated drawing of the installation piping. More specifically, there are two basic
commands:
 Double Pipe ->Supply-Return: A double pipe (e.g. supply-return) can be drawn,
when the in between distance is known, by simply defining the routing.
 Pipe parallel to Wall: A pipe parallel to the wall (walls) that you mark is drawn, with a
given distance from the wall, in printing mm (which depends on the printing scale as
well). The program asks for the first point and afterwards the wall or the walls
(successively) parallel to which (in a certain fixed distance) the pipe is to be drawn.
 Pipe parallel to Points: A pipe is drawn parallel to the points you defined (supported
by automatic snap), with a given distance from the crooked line defined by these
points. The program asks for the first point and then for the other points (successively)
parallel to which it is desired to have the pipe drawn. When all points are inserted (and
you right click), the distance will be requested.
 Pipe parallel to Wall (or Points) and Receptor Connection: This is a particularly
useful command similar to the two commands above "Pipe parallel to wall" and "Pipe
parallel to points", which, however, enables selecting the receptors to be connected on
the routing which will be drawn parallel to the walls or the points. Therefore, it is
possible to connect a whole set of appliances to the nearest vertical or horizontal pipe,
with 2-3 moves.
For better understanding of the command function, assume that in a given room with its
radiators it is desired to install a pipe parallel to the wall and connect the radiators to it.
The steps are the following:
 Select the "Pipe parallel to points and receptor connection" command and the
following options will appear:
 Select receptors: Select the receptors to be connected to the pipe applied in a parallel
arrangement against the wall by defining certain points on the wall.
 Enter the first point & Enter the next point: Provide the points parallel to which you
want to install the pipe. The points are shown on the drawing with an X.
 Distance from a point <1.00>: Provide the distance in printing mm where the pipe is
going to be drawn starting from the inserted points.
The program draws the pipe and connects it to the receptors.
Modifying an existing network: You can edit an existing network by using any CAD
command (i.e. copy, move or erase etc. of a network section) or utility (i.e. grips) during
the design process. The only rules to apply are the following: Pipes supplying the
appliances (receptors) should be connected to the touch points of these receptors.
Obviously only one pipe can be connected to a touch point. The connection with the touch
points which appear as red "stars" in the ground plan can be executed with the "esnap"
function. Piping can be branched to one another and extend in any way as long as they do
not form loops, something which does not apply to reality anyway.

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If however a mistake occurs, the program (during the recognition procedure) will perform
all checks and indicate the mistake and its location. A necessary step before the "Network
recognition” is defining the point (1) where the network starts, that is the supply point (1).
In reality, this point corresponds to the ch Pump. In Fine HVAC application, the menu
includes the specific options, so that you can be easily guided when drawing any
installation.

2.6 AutoNET: Network Installation Design

The previous chapter described the drawing principles, while the present one describes
those commands in relation to the special features of Fine HVAC.
Regardless of the fact if there is a 3D building model, an external reference, a digital
image or even no architectural drawings, a Fine HVAC installation can be drawn and then
calculated.
Although there are no limitations regarding the order of actions followed in drawing an
installation, the following order is suggested:
 Place the receptors (Radiators, Grilles etc.)
 Draw the horizontal pipes (or air ducts)
 Connect the receptors to the pipes
 Draw the vertical pipes
 Connect the horizontal to the vertical pipes
 Define the Supply point(s)
 Clash Detection in case of building shell definition
 Run “Network Recognition”
 If there are no mistake messages, proceed to the calculations
In the case of heating and air-conditioning, the program automatically senses the load of
each space and allocates it equally over the
respective radiators or units (FCUs), or grilles (for
air-ducts). You can change this allocation in the
calculating environment, as you desire. The
"Receptors" selection shows the screen including
the receptors of each installation (radiators in the
Single-pipe and Two-pipes system, Fan Coils in a
Fan Coils network and grilles in an Air-duct
network) in the form of slides. The location
procedure is exactly the same as the block
insertion procedure in AutoCAD or 4MCAD.
Receptors are always installed in the current
height that can be changed through the ‘’Set
elevation’’ command.

FINE – HVAC - 21-

Example: Suppose that a grille has to be installed in 2.85 m height from the floor. After
selecting "Set elevation" (from the PLUS menu) or executing the "elev" command by
typing it in the command line and inserting value 2.85, press <Enter> in the receptor
screen "on" a grille and afterwards press "OK" (or alternatively double click). Then you can
see the grille moving on the ground plan together with the graphic cursor.

If the mouse is moved properly the grille can be carried in such a way that its base point
(which coincides with the cross of the graphic cursor) will be placed in the respective
point.

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It can now be observed that if the mouse is moved, the grille rotates around the base
point. Thus, if you confirm the angle in which you desire to install the receptor, the grille
can be seen in its final position.

It is possible not to install the whole receptor if it already exists in the architectural ground
plan (if it has been drawn by the Architect), but activate the "Touch Points Only"
indication in the upper side of the receptor selection window, so that only the receptor
touch point will be selected in order to install it in the appropriate position.
“Receptors grid”, as well as the “Automatic radiators placement”, are two additional
options.
Fittings: The "Fittings" command selects the accessories to
be also inserted in the drawings, which applies exactly the
same as the receptors. Fittings have "touch points" upon
which the piping will be connected so that the network can
be recognised. A symbol may also have more than one
touch points (e.g. a collector), in which case the fitting will be
numbered as a junction point in the "Network Recognition".
The program provides the capability of cutting off the line
automatically when a symbol is inserted on the line, exactly
where the accessory interjects. This capability is defined by
the indication of the accessories box "Break Pipe". If this
option is activated, then the program will automatically
"Break" the pipe when the accessory is placed. Moreover,
the "Move Symbol" indication is in the same box, which
defines whether the accessory will be moved in relation to
the position it was initially placed (so that it will be placed
parallel and on top of the pipe) or the pipe will be moved
(so that the accessory can be attached).
Symbols: "Symbols" include various general symbols,
layout of machines (i.e. pressure units) and other drawings
that can be used in the corresponding installation.

FINE – HVAC - 23-

Network Recognition and Numbering: Since the network has been drawn according to
the current rules and the supply point has been determined, the "Network Recognition"
option converts the network in the required standard pattern and updates appropriately
the calculation sheet. During updating, junction points and receptors are numbered on the
ground plan. Note that if a receptor is not numbered, means that it is not connected to the
network. Besides, if a network section has a different colour it cannot be connected to the
network. Connect it or select "Break at selected point" at the connection point with the
previous pipe.
Calculations: The "Calculations" option leads you in the corresponding calculating
environment, which means that the window of the current application is “opening”, while
FINE HVAC always remains "open". In order to transfer the data from the drawings, you
select "Update from Drawing" in the menu "Files" of the corresponding calculating
application (in order to carry out the corresponding calculations, answer "Yes" to the
question "Calculate" that appears). It has to be noticed that the numbering of the sections,
the lengths of the network sections, the receptors with their supplies and the fittings (from
the piping routing) are transferred in the calculation sheet. Of course, if you want to, you
can intervene in the calculations in order to make any modifications.
Update Drawing: After the calculation part of the program is completed, save the project
file, return to the drawing program (FINE HVAC) and select “Update Drawing”. The
following window will open and you will select the information you want to be shown on
the drawing. Particularly:
- In the left part of the window, you select the information you want to be shown
regarding the pipes (or air ducts). You can select to see information for all the pipes
(choose “Select All”), some of them (choose “Select from Drawing” and select the
pipes from the drawing) or none (choose “Deselect All”). Furthermore, below this list,
you can choose which information you want to be shown, such as the length, the flow
rate, the diameter etc. If you do not want, for example, the “Velocity” to be shown,
select it and uncheck the “Selection” button.
- In the right part of the window, you select the information you want to be shown
regarding the receptors. You can select to see information for all the receptors
(choose “Select All”), some of them (choose “Select from Drawing” and select the
receptors from the drawing) or none (choose “Deselect All”). Furthermore, below this
list, you can choose which information you want to be shown, such as the receptor
name, the water flow etc. If you do not want, for example, the “Group” to be shown,
select it and uncheck the “Selection” button.
To place the information on the drawing, select either “Manually placement” or “Auto
Placement” (the program automatically chooses to place the information for each pipe and
receptor in the best position without covering each other).

- 24 - FINE - HVAC
Moreover, radiators and fan coils can be resized automatically into real size according the
heating or cooling loads and manufacturer’s data in the libraries. In the corresponding tab,
the user should select the button “Update” in order to get out the updated receptors’
length.

Convert single line to 3D: After the drawing has been updated, you can convert the
single lines to 3D pipes or air ducts (depending the application you are working on), by
choosing this command. The dimension of the 3D pipes and air ducts will be related to the
calculation results. When you select this command, in the command line you will have to
define which network will be converted to 3D (supply, return or both) and in which level
(one or all) and the drawing once again will be automatically updated.
Legend: The "Legend" option creates a legend with all the symbols that have been used
in this specific project. By selecting it, the program asks for the location where the Legend

FINE – HVAC - 25-

is going to be inserted. Use the mouse to define the location and the legend will appear
automatically on your screen, exactly under the location point.
Vertical Diagram: This option is used for the automatic creation of the vertical diagram of
the installation and in its appearance on
the screen, within few seconds. In case
there is already a vertical diagram, the
program asks if you want to update it. It is
obvious that, in order to create a vertical
diagram, you should draw and identify a
network and enter the calculation sheet,
so that the program knows all the data
needed for the vertical diagram creation
(pipe dimensions, junction points
numbering, etc). By the “creation”
command the window of the vertical
diagrams manager appears on screen.
This window is composed of two parts,
the part with the network tree and the part with the vertical diagram. Through specific
commands, the user can intervene in several ways on the output of the diagram:
 Enable or disable various branches of the network
 Change the order of the columns of sub-networks in the vertical diagram

- 26 - FINE - HVAC
 Change the sub-networks direction connection on the vertical columns (right or left)
 Read the information of each node
 Describe the sub-networks
The changes done in the vertical diagram are displayed in real time, in the second part of
the window. On the upper side of this window there are also icons for processing the
diagram (real time zoom and pan, zoom extends etc). In addition, in the upper-left side
there are some other icons having to do with the appearance of the screen, such as the
hiding of the left part of the window, the appearance of the level names and heights on
the left to be edited, the appearance of the numbers of the receptors, the layers and
others.
Finally there are some options for the initialization of the vertical
diagram, its recreation and the definition of the drawing
parameters. In particular, these parameters depend on the
application and include the following options:
Layers: Through a supervisory window table you can define the drawing scale, the colors
corresponding to the various layers and the height of the texts (in mm drawn on paper)
placed on the vertical diagram.
Drawing distances: The drawing dimensions that will be considered on the creation of
the diagram are also defined on mm
drawn on paper.
Blocks: There, it can be defined on
each application different network
starting points and type of tables.
You can choose from a set of .dwg
drawings.
Miscellaneous: A set of attributes
concerning the form of the vertical
diagram is defined, such as the
condensation of the columns, the
number of branches over whom the
node is considered as collector,
whether the z height information will
be considered in the diagram creation and whether the sub-networks pipes on the vertical
diagram will be placed over or under the receptors. Finally, it should be mentioned that
during the editing procedure concerning the vertical diagram manager, if there are
mistakes the program displays the proper messages and warnings.
Library Management: The Library Management leads to a submenu including the
options "Numerics", "Drawings" and “General Symbols”. The first option leads to the
libraries with all the numerical data of the materials. The "Drawings" option leads to a
dialog box where the following data can be seen, regarding each application and the
“General Symbols” window has symbols such as arrows etc..

FINE – HVAC - 27-

2.7 AutoNET: Fine HVAC Installations
In this section AutoNET commands are described in relation to the special features of
each application, which means that the general features are analysed and the special
features applying to each installation network are pointed out.

2.7.1 Two-Pipes System

The basic AutoNET drawing principles apply here as well. Generally, a typical two-pipe
heating system network (parallel induction-return networks) is drawn according to the
following procedure:
 Install radiators on the ground plans
Radiators are installed on the ground plans either by running the "Radiators"
command and selecting from the appearing dialog box the type which will be used (size
will be estimated in the calculating environment) or by running the "Automatic
radiators placement" command and selecting the spaces where automatic installation
will take place (on the condition that spaces are defined on the ground plan and their
thermal losses are calculated).
 Draw horizontal supply and return pipes (simply or parallel to walls, points etc.) and
connect them to the radiators (automatically or manually)
 Draw vertical pipes
 Install fittings such as collectors (optional)
 Connect horizontal to vertical pipes (directly or through collectors)
 Place network starting points
 Clash Detection in case of building shell definition
 Run network recognition
 Proceed to the calculations (pipe lengths and the respective fitting number will be
automatically inserted in the calculation sheets)
 Ground plan update including transfer of calculated types, radiator loads and pipe
dimensions through the “Update drawing” command (see paragraph 2.6 for more
information)
 Convert single lines to 3D pipes (optional)
 Create the Vertical Diagram
In two-pipes system you can design only the supply network and not the return and when
you proceed to the calculations the program will automatically double the length of the
network sections so as to calculate the return network as well.
In case that the supply is not parallel to the return network (or if they are parallel and the
user wants to draw them), then two independent networks should be drawn (one for the
supply and one for the return network) as well as two starting points in the network willl be
placed (supply point and return point). After recognition, two networks will be transferred
in the calculation sheet (supply with "." and return with "-" symbol) according to the valid
standardisation required from the calculating environment (see Two-Pipes System
calculating environment).

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For example, in the following screen appears a section of a Two-Pipe installation, where
we have drawn only the supply section, which however is enough for the analytical
calculation of the installation:

In the above example radiators are connected automatically to the columns through small
horizontal sections.

You are absolutely free to draw horizontal and

vertical sections as well as columns, according
to the example in section 5.1. The network

FINE – HVAC - 29-

starting point is provided with the command “Supply Start Point” (Boiler), while a return
point is required only if there is a return network.
Apart from the above general functions, you should also be aware of the following:
 The space loads are distributed equally over the radiators installed within the space.
From this point on, the user is able to interfere in the calculating environment in order
to distribute the total load over the radiators, exactly as it is desired.
 The program recognises as space load the modified (perhaps) space load which exists
in the "Thermal Losses" and not the one which the program had initially “read" from the
ground plan.
The program shows error messages in case that the network does not fulfil the logical
drawing rules (i.e. there is a short circuit, a point where pipes of supply and return end up
etc.), while the wrong connected sections are shown with a different colour.

2.7.2 Single-Pipe System

The general AutoNET principles apply in the Single-Pipe System application as well.
However, there are several variations which result from the fact that the standardisation
applied in the Single-Pipe System application differs from the others significantly. In
general, a Single-Pipe Heating System network is drawn following the order described
below:
 Install radiators on the ground plans (automatically or manually):
Radiators are installed on the ground plans either by running the "Radiators"
command and selecting from the appearing dialog box the type which will be used (size
will be estimated in the calculating environment) or by running the "Automatic
radiators placement" command and selecting the spaces where automatic installation
will take place (on the condition that spaces are defined on the ground plan and their
thermal losses are calculated).
 Draw the main vertical pipes (supply and return):
Define the location where the vertical pipes will be placed as well as their starting
and ending points. Note that the vertical pipe heights should be provided in relation to
the heights determined for the building floors.
 Install collectors on the ground plans
Install the supply and return collectors which are found on the various building floors on
the ground plan. Collector installation is carried out by running the "Fittings" command
and selecting the respective desired collectors from the appearing dialog box. Keep in
mind that the collector connection points are just drawing symbols, so you can connect
more than one circuit pipes to each connection point.
 Draw horizontal pipes from collectors to columns
Draw the network section connecting the supply collector to the supply vertical pipe as
a supply horizontal pipe. Regarding the pipe drawing, first you select the point of the
collector (you can use the "Set point snap" to help you) and then the vertical pipe (for
the vertical pipe you can use the "Perpendicular snap" to help you). The vertical pipe is
not represented by the arrow but by the dot displayed in the middle of it (this is the
projection of the vertical pipe on the ground plan).
The same steps are followed for the connection of the return collector to the return
vertical pipe.
Note: The user can define the desired Inner diameter (mm) and the Pipe kind of each
network segment, directly from the Property Panel.

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 Draw the circuits that connect the collectors to the radiators. You can either draw
the circuits manually or automatically. If you want to draw them automatically, you
select the “Automatic placement” command. You start from the supply collector and
select the first radiator (you can then see the circuit section forming until the first
radiator), continue to the second (you select it in the same way) and so on until the last
radiator you want to be included in this circuit. When you finish, you press “ENTER”
and select the return collector so as to close the circuit. Circuits can be drawn using
either straight or curved pipes.

FINE – HVAC - 31-

 Define the network start points (supply and return) of the installation
Place the supply and return points by using the option “Network Start Point” and
selecting the endpoint of the respective pipe through “End Point” snap.
 Clash Detection
Since the Building Shell and the Network have been defined, the user can check the
interferences between the network elements and the beams or columns. During this
process, warning messages inform the user for the potential drawing errors.
 Network Recognition
If the command “Network Recognition” is activated, the program identifies the circuits
as well as the radiator locations in the spaces and prepares linking files to the
calculation sheets. If something hasn’t been drawn correctly, you will get a message
which informs you, where exactly is the problem.
 Calculations
Select the option “Calculations” to call the calculation program of the Single-Pipe
application, where data are transferred to the calculation sheet when the option
"Update from Drawing", under "Files" menu, is selected.
 Update Drawing
If this option is selected, the calculated radiator types and loads as well as the circuit
data are transferred to the ground plan. If the ground plan has been updated before,
the program prompts you to update the ground plan erasing the old data (see
paragraph 2.6 for more information).
 Insert arrows on circuits
Run the command “Circuit arrows placement” to insert arrows automatically on the
circuits, following the direction from the supply collector to the return collector (you can
find the command in AutoNET -> Network start point menu).
 Convert single lines to 3D pipes (optional)
 Create the Vertical Diagram
The vertical diagram is created according to the DXF file, generated by the calculation
module.

2.7.3 Fan Coils

Everything mentioned above about the Two-Pipe system, applies here as well. Besides, in
order to transfer the calculated cooling loads, in the Cooling Loads program, the user
has to choose from the "Files" menu the option Export to -> Fan coils. There he can also
select whether he wants to transfer the "Total Loads" (e.g. in case only FCUs are used for
cooling) or the "Space Loads" (e.g. in case there is a FCU and a central air-conditioning
unit which precools the air induced in the space) or the "Ventilation Loads" (rare case).
Otherwise, the user has to enter manually the load which corresponds to each FCU in the
calculation sheet. Apparently, in the case of more than one FCU units, the space loads
are distributed equally over the FCU units installed within the particular space. From this
point on, you are able to interfere in the calculating environment in order to distribute the
total load over the FCUs, exactly as it is desired.
Furthermore, you should also be aware of the following:
 The space loads are distributed equally over the Fan Coils installed within the particular
space. From this point on, you are able to interfere in the calculating environment in
order to distribute the total load over the FCUs, exactly as it is desired.

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 The program recognises as space load the modified (perhaps) space load which exists
in the "Cooling Losses" and not the one which the program had initially “read" from the
ground plan.

FINE – HVAC - 33-

The program shows error messages in case that the network does not fulfil the necessary
rules.

2.7.4 Air-Ducts

An air-duct network can be drawn in one dimension so that it can be identified and
transferred to the calculation sheet automatically. Moreover, there is also the possibility to
draw in two or three dimensions for detailed and complete air-duct ground plan drawings.
These three possibilities can be used independently as well as in combination with each
other. The greater interest lies within the automatic creation of a two-dimensional drawing
starting from a linear (one-dimensional) one. First draw the linear (one-dimensional)
figure, proceed to the network identification, carry out the calculations and update the
ground plan with the calculation results (air-duct and grille dimensions). Then run the
command "Convert single line into 2D" to receive the two-dimensional drawing of the air-
ducts, completely automatically, on the basis of the calculation results. Moreover, you can
use the “Convert single line to 3D” command so as to receive directly the three-
dimensional drawing (after the calculations have been made).
More specifically, a linear air-duct network, either supply or return, is drawn according to
the following procedure:
 Install grilles on the ground plans (automatically or manually)
 Draw vertical ducts
 Draw horizontal ducts (connect them to grilles)
 Define the network starting point (supply or return point)
 Clash Detection in case of building shell definition
 Run Network Recognition
 Proceed to the Calculations
 Update the ground plans concerning transfer of the calculated dimensions
 Convert single lines to 3D (optional)
 Create the Vertical Diagram
The above procedure should be followed separately for the supply network as well as for
the return network. During the design process, the program detects and shows all the
possible error messages.

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Example: In the following ground plan grilles are installed on the ceiling, the supply ducts
are drawn in one dimension and the supply start point (fan) is located, so the supply
network is ready for recognition.

Suppose that there is a return network as well (e.g. with one, two or three orthogonal
grilles per space). The above ground plan would look like this:

Note that, in all connections, the section part which runs from the duct to the grilles should
be clearly shown (even through a very small section), even if these are practically placed
on the duct.

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Regarding network recognition and the loads distributed to each grille, everything
mentioned for the FCUs applies as well: In order to transfer the calculated cooling loads,
in the Cooling Loads program, the user has to choose from the "Files" menu the option
Export to -> Air ducts. There he can also select whether he wants to transfer the "Total
Loads", the "Space Loads" or the "Ventilation Loads". Otherwise, the user has to enter
manually the load that corresponds to each grille in the calculation sheet. The loads and,
by extension, the air supplies in the various spaces, are distributed equally over the grilles
installed in the space, however the user is able to interfere.
Note: The user can define the desired Air supply (m3/h) of each grill, directly from the
Property Panel.
As long as the linear network has been recognised and the ground plans have been
updated, the command "Convert Linear into 2D" converts the linear air-duct network into a
two-dimensional one. Thanks to BIM technology the user can define specific
characteristics on each segment. As a result, the user can specify the following data:
Air duct kind: The user can define two kind of air ducts either main or secondary. As a
result, one can define two kind of materials in the same projects.
Section Type: The section type (Circular, Square or Rectangular) can predefined from
drawing module.
Justification: One can define the side that will take depth the linear network among three
options, Center, Left or Right.
Connection Params to 1 pipe, 2 pipes-1 parallel or 2 pipes- Left Right: More
specifically the user can define the fittings that will be taking into consideration for the
automatic 2D and 3D design process.

Example: The identified air-duct network displayed in the following screen:

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will be converted according to the parameters of the "AutoFine.ini" file, which will be
described below) into the two-dimensional network shown below:

Note: The logical parameters - drawing commands are determined within the Property
Panel for each segment.

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Apart from the automatic conversion of the linear network into two-dimensional, the
program enables the independent two-dimensional air-duct drawing on the ground plans,
through the "2D Design" option, activating a series of slides, each one of which is linked to
an integrated drawing routine. For example, if you select an elbow, the corresponding
drawing routine will ask for information about the starting point and the size of the
respective angle.
Each air-duct section can be constructed either as an independent section, or
consecutively to an already drawn section. In the latter case the program reads from
the previous section the direction and the initial width of the
accessory. Depending on the section, the program asks for the
necessary values of parameters. For example, regarding the
Straight Air-duct option, which corresponds to the AERE
command, the program prompts for the width, the direction and
the length of the air-duct. More specifically, the options the
previous command includes, are shown below:
 Select air-duct endpoint Points/<Line>: Select the endpoint of an already drawn air-
duct section.
 Air-duct length: Insert the air-duct length, either by typing it or using the mouse.
The program includes a series of section types/commands, covering most of the possible
cases. Some of those commands are shown below.

Reducer to the right Reducer to the

(AERR command) middle (AERM Wye with straight section
command) and angle with inner
Wye with curves
radius (AEREΟ)
(AERCC)

Lowering induction air-

Elbow with equal Elevating induction
Elbow (AERC) duct (AERPD)
inner and outer air-duct (AERPU)
radius (AERS)

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Besides the two-dimensional drawing (manually or after the automatic linear drawing
conversion), Fine HVAC also enables 3D design, through rather a manual procedure,
supported by the 3D drawing subsystem, which appears in the AutoNET menu. When "3D
Design" is selected, a series of slides appear on the screen, each one of which is linked to
a complete 3D drawing routine.

At the end, the user can get the perspective view of the project if we select “View” >
“Visual Styles” > “Realistic” or the respective icon on the Ribbon Menu.

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2.7.5 Infloor Heating System

An Infloor Heating System can be generated automatically taking into consideration the
heated area of each area. In this way, the user should define the circuit area with a
polyline, the type of infloor heating system (Bifilar or Meandering), the circuit insertion
points, the distance from sides, the distance and the radius between circuit pipes.

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3. Calculations

3.1 Overview
This chapter provides a description of the Calculations Component of Fine HVAC. Each
module can be used either independently by filling the numeric data, or in co-operation
with the CAD component
of Fine HVAC, in which
case the calculation
environment acquires the
data directly from the
drawings.
At the top of the
application window
appear the general
options of each
application menu,
constituted of the group
options "Files", "Project
Data", "View",
“Windows”, "Libraries"
and "Help".

3.1.1 Files
The "Files" option deals with the file management and printing options according to the
known windows standardisation. By summarizing:
New project: Type a name in order to save the new project in a file.
Project Selection: A window appears where you can select the desired (existing) project
file and load it.
Update from Drawing: In case of cooperation with the Fine HVAC component, the
project calculation sheet is updated with the drawing data. This option replaces the data
that have already been saved in the calculation sheet.
Export to: This option serves for exchanging data between calculation applications (i.e.
the heat losses calculation is completed and you want to proceed to studying a "TWO
PIPES SYSTEM", "SINGLE PIPE SYSTEM", “INFLOOR HEATING SYSTEM” or
“PSYCHROMETRICS”). If you have used the Fine HVAC component, you should not use
the commands “Export to” -> “Two Pipes System”, “One Pipe System” etc., given that the
"Network Recognition" command updates automatically the calculation sheets of all HVAC
applications.
Save Project: The project you are currently working on is saved on the hard disc (with the
previously given name).
Save as..: The project you are currently working on is saved in a different file with a new
name.
Load Prototype: The saved prototype appears on the screen.

FINE – HVAC - 41-

Save as Prototype: The form, which you have created and is displayed on the screen
when this option is selected, can be saved as a Prototype.
Printing Prototypes: The printing prototype management window is activated.
Printing: The project issue is printed according to the selected options in "Printing
Contents" and "Printing Parameters", following the print preview output.
Printing Contents: You can select the project items you want to print, as shown in the
respective window.
Printing Parameters: The desired printing parameters can be selected in this window
according to the procedure already mentioned in Chapter 1.
Print Preview: The complete project issue appears on the screen, exactly as it will be
printed, page to page.
Export to RTF: An rtf. file containing the project items, is created.
Link to WORD: An rtf. file, containing the project items, is created (within the project
directory. At the same time, the MS-Word application is activated (if it is installed in your
PC).
Link to EXCEL: An excel file, containing the project items, is created. At the same time,
the MS-Word application is activated (if it is installed in your PC).
Link to 4M editor: An rtf. file, containing the project items, is created. At the same time,
the 4Μ text editor is activated for further editing.
Export to PDF: A PDF file containing the project items, is created (within the project
directory. At the same time, the Acrobat Reader application is activated (if it is installed in
your PC).
Exit: With this command, the application stops running.

3.1.2 Project Data

This group of commands depends on the specific application, concerning the necessary
parameters and is summarized separately for the respective application.

3.1.3 View
This option follows the known windows standardization.

3.1.4 Windows
Windows include a set of windows with the case study results. The main window refers to
the calculation sheet which constitutes the core of each application.

3.1.4.1 Calculation Sheet

The execution of the calculations takes place in an advanced calculation environment
especially designed by 4Μ for the particular needs of any specific application. It is a
spreadsheet type environment with specific capabilities and facilities, tailor-made for each
application. More specifically, regarding Fine HVAC applications which refer to an
installation network, the calculation sheet is shown in a spreadsheet using lines
corresponding to the network branches, and columns containing primary data (e.g. length)
and results of calculations (e.g. water flow) for each branch. An example of such a
spreadsheet for the Two Pipes Application is shown below:

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Ι. Pipe Networks: In case the application refers to an installation network (e.g. two Pipes
system, single pipe system, or even air ducts, fan coils etc.) the calculation sheet is
standardised in a specific way. More specifically, the installation network is shown in a
spread sheet using lines corresponding to the network branches, and columns containing
primary data (e.g. length) and results of calculations (e.g. water velocity) for each branch.
An example of such a sheet for the Two Pipes System is shown below:

In order to make the network understandable by the program, a specific standardization

should be followed, which is more or less the same in all applications. This
standardization can be easily understood with the following simple example.
Suppose we have the network which is shown in
the adjacent figure. This network comprises of
several branches (i.e. parts of the network),
junction points and terminals (end points). Thus in
this network, we have assigned arbitrary numbers
to both the junction points (1,2,3) and the
hydraulic terminals (4,5,6). Each junction point
may be assigned to a number (from 1 to 99), a
letter (lower or upper case, e.g. A, d etc) or a
combination of letters and numbers (e.g. A2, AB,
eZ, 2C etc.). The main restriction is that the starting point is always assigned to the
number 1. Also, assigning the same number to the same network twice is not permitted
for obvious reasons, with the exception of the junction point 1 for which the assignment
may be repeated as desired (for networks with more than one starting points). After
numbering the junction points and the terminals according to the above rule and in order
to represent the network in the spreadsheet, it is enough to give a name to the various
sections of the network entered in the first column of the spreadsheet. Having in mind that
the order of the network sections is not important, we fill in the first column with the two
junction points of each section (putting a dot in between) so that the sequence of junction
points matches the direction of the water flow in the pipe. In the above example the
network sections will be shown as:
Network section
1.2
2.3
2.6
3.4
3.5

FINE – HVAC - 43-

Above standardization, in spite of its several variations or extensions, is generally applied
so as to contribute to an easy understanding of any application even if the user applies it
initially for one particular application.
ΙΙ. Space Sheets: This standardization is encountered in applications where the related
calculations refer to the spaces of the building (or, more generally, to other building
entities such as the building views). Applications of such type are, for example, the
calculation of Thermal losses or Cooling loads for each space separately. The spread
sheet for a space is the structural element of this standardization, while all such sheets
compose the complete set of spread sheets of the study.

Focusing our attention on a space spread sheet we see a series of rows corresponding to
structural elements (e.g. walls W1, W3, openings O1, O2, floors F1 etc.) and columns
referring to specific characteristics of these structural elements (such as Orientation,
Length, Width etc.). Remaining columns are automatically updated with the results of
calculations related to each row element (with deferent colour for clarity). At the lower part
of the space sheet total results are also given resulting from calculations performed on all
rows’ data. In the example above which is an extract of thermal losses calculation, we can
see the sum of room partial losses at the bottom right in red.
Taking as a reference point the above spread sheet and ignoring initially the filled in
values, we can see the columns heading zone (every column has its title and units), the
zone for filling in values with a number of rows (separated with dotted lines for better
supervision and clarity) and a status bar (at the bottom of the window) where helpful
information appear depending on the position in the spread sheet we are in. Since the
spread sheet contains usually a lot of information and is the core of the calculations in
each application, it is particularly useful to have it maximized on screen by clicking on the
upper arrow (located at top right of the window), so that the whole computer screen area
is utilized. Next section will familiarise you with the “Calculation Sheet”, as the basic
functions described therein hold good for every application.

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Furthermore, the Calculation Sheet provides you with all the editing functions, which are
described below:
First of all, as stated earlier, you can use in the frames where the Calculation Sheets
appear the "Font" option for both the calculations zone (so that values appear with the
desired size and style) and the headings zone (so that headings are shown to your
satisfaction).
As far as the headings zone is concerned you can also increase or decrease the column
width using the mouse: As long as the mouse pointer rests on the vertical line separating
two adjacent columns, it takes the form of a double arrow and then by pressing (and
keeping pressed) the left mouse button and dragging, the column width is increased or
decreased depending on the direction of mouse movement. In the spread sheet below we
can see columns having different widths:

Above, alternative supervision possibilities available to the user depend on several factors
such as the resolution of the graphics card and screen size, and for this reason any
possible interventions are left your discretion. For that matter, there is also the possibility
of “Load Prototype” from you. Note however, that best supervision results are achieved
with higher resolutions and large screens..
Access to the positions of the zone for filling in values is carried out by means of the
mouse and the arrow keys of the keyboard. Moving the mouse pointer in the zone for
filling in values we can see that in some columns the pointer takes the form of a vertical
line (|) while in other columns it takes the form of a prohibitive traffic sign. We cannot
modify the values contained in these last columns (because they result from calculations).
If we move the mouse pointer (having the form of a cross) in to a cell or small square and
click the left mouse button, we’ll see that the cell contour (outline) becomes dark and we
can fill in a value or modify the cell content. In the same way we can move to any other
cell, or using the <Enter> key we move to the next cell below and using the <Tab> key
we move to the next cell at the right and so on. Besides, in case the window width is not
large enough to accommodate all columns, we can review the entire calculation sheet by
manipulating it up-down or left-right using the vertically or horizontally sliding keys. In
addition, when access to a column for filling values is denied the mouse pointer takes the
form of a prohibitive traffic sign. This way, the user is informed that the quantity under
examination is a derivative one i.e. resulted automatically from calculations.

FINE – HVAC - 45-

The user should keep in mind the following useful commands when entering values in
the Calculation Sheets of any application:
Deleting cell content: Pressing the <Del> key on a cell, the value it contains is deleted,
and the cell is blank.
Deleting a row: Pressing the keys <Ctrl>&<Del> in combination, the row we are in is
deleted.
Inserting a row: Pressing the keys <Ctrl>&<Ins> in combination, a new (blank) row is
inserted immediately below the cell we are in.
Moving to the beginning of a row: Pressing the <Ηοme> key we move automatically in
the first column of the row we are in.
Moving to the end of a row: Pressing the <End> key we move automatically in the last
column of the row we are in.
Moving to the upper part of the sheet (first column-first row): Pressing the keys
<Ctrl>&<PgUp> in combination, we automatically move in the first column-first row of the
calculation sheet.
Moving to the lower part of the sheet (first column-last row): Pressing the keys
<Ctrl>&<PgDn> in combination, we automatically move in the last row of the calculation
sheet.
Finally, you can move from an upper to a lower cell using the <Εnter> key and from a
left cell to a right cell using the <Tab> key.
In addition, the calculation sheet provides you with a set of Spreadsheet Functions,
which are available in most windows applications, such as the Cut-Copy-Paste type of
commands of a subset of lines (or even the whole calculation sheet), the row and columns
width definition, the font type (as well as font attributes, justification etc) of a selected
area, and so on. Further to the calculation sheet, each application has additional windows
with complementary results (e.g. ‘’Bill of Material – Costing’’ Window, ‘’Technical
Description’’ Window etc.). The “forms” of these windows are described shortly below.

3.1.4.2 Bill of Materials -Costing

The “Bill of Materials - Costing” window is found in all applications related directly to an
installation (e.g. Single Pipe System, Fan Coils etc.). This window comprises, in a table,
the materials of the specific installation together with the quantities resulting from the
calculation sheet and corresponding library values.

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Materials are listed as items (e.g. pipes, fittings etc.) in the rows of the table, while the
table columns contain information such as "unit
price", "quantity", "discount %", "VAT" and
"Total Price". Calculations are performed
automatically and the results appear in the last
column. You can edit the bill of materials-
costing table in a similar way as for the
calculations sheet. When the "Bill of Materials"
window is active, then the option with the title
name appears in the main menu together with
the two secondary options "Offer Parameters"
and "Printing Parameters" providing more
options to the user.

3.1.4.3 Technical Description

The “Technical Description” window supports composition of the project’s technical
description and it is automatically
updated when a change in the
“Calculation method” is made.
Making the selection “Technical
Description” the corresponding title
window in yellow background appears
updated with the project’s results (where
word-parameters exist). When the
Technical Description window is
activated, an additional option in the main
menu (just above the “Windows” option)
is appeared with the name “Technical
Description”. Choosing “Prototype
Selection” from this menu the prototype
management window will appear on our
screen.
Selecting the corresponding prototype (with the help of the mouse and using the “Load”
key), the corresponding text appears in the Technical description window (also in yellow
background and with updated results of the project).

FINE – HVAC - 47-

If we choose to modify an existing prototype in any way (even re-writing a description from
scratch), we can easily save it using the “Save As” button after giving it a name at the top
right and a two-digit number (as done for the “Printing Prototypes”). Also we can easily
delete a prototype using the “Delete” button.
In general, as stated earlier, a technical description prototype comprises not only text but
word-parameters (in square brackets) as well. With the help of these word-parameters,
you can pass values to technical description prototypes since the word-parameters are
automatically replaced by the values calculated in the project we work with (for example,
the word-parameter [BOILER POWER] found in the technical description text for the Two
Pipes System is automatically replaced by the thermal power value calculated in the
project, e.g. 35.000 Kcal/h).
Any desired modification in the technical description of the project, either by changing the
position of a word-parameter or processing the text the way we want to, can be done by
pressing the "Edit Prototype" icon. There is, also, the "Edit Text" icon used for further
processing of the final text.

3.1.4.4 Assumptions (methodology)

All applications, in the window "Assumptions" include text of the general Assumptions of
the project issue, which may be included to the printing of the project as long as it is
selected in the "Printing Contents". Assumptions function is quite similar to the Technical
Description providing alternative prototypes.

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3.1.4.5 Cover Page (of the project issue)
The “Cover Page” window is the first page of the project that is printed and the program
enables you to select between different types of cover pages, or even to create your own
cover page. Its function is similar to this of the Technical Description, providing alternative
prototypes.

3.1.4.6 Text Editing-Word Processor

Fine HVAC contains a build-in Word Processor with advanced functions (just as MS
Word), in order for you to have all the needed management and editing tools. On this
word processor the program’s report generator is based, as well. Particularly, in each
case the text-editing program is selected through the relevant icons and then the menu of
the text-editing program replaces the application menu, which covers all the upper
part of the screen.

FINE – HVAC - 49-

The option groups of the text editing program consist of the following: "Files", "Edit",
"View", "Insert", "Font’’, "Paragraph’’, "Table" and "Other options". In detail, the commands
of the text-editing program are divided in the groups Editing Commands (Cut, Copy,
Paste, Delete, Paste Special, Edit Picture, Undo, Redo, Select All, Repaginate etc.), View
Commands (Page Mode, Fitted View, Ruler, Tool Bar, Zoom etc.), Insert (Add)
Commands (Insert Break, Page Break, Section Break, Column Break, Embed Picture,
Link Picture, Ole Object etc.), Font Commands (Normal, Bold, Underline, Italic,
Superscript, Text Colour etc), Paragraph Commands (Normal, Centre, Justify, Indent
Left, Border and Shading, Bullet, Numbering, Set Tab etc.), Table Commands (Insert
Table, Insert Row, Merge Cells, Header Row, Cell Vertical Align etc) and More Options
(Search, Replace, Snap to Grid, Background Picture etc.).
Besides, when the text-editing program is "active", there is a "ruler" in the upper part of
the text window, which shows the distances with the "guides" and the tab symbols.

In general whatever applies to Word applies here too. In order to exit the Word Processor
and return to the previous desktop, you select "Exit" in the first menu under "File".
As mentioned before, the Report Generator of the program is based on the above
described word processor. In order to define a report, you have to insert the variables
(parameters) of any application in the right position into the text (i.e. under the titles). For
example the parameter ''net_sec'' should be placed under the title “Branch of Network”. All
these parameters take automatically the exact values that have been calculated by the
program.

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3.1.4.7 Vertical Diagram
This instruction serves only if you want to take a vertical diagram through the calculation
sheet, by filling properly the polar coordinates for each branch. In this case a rough
network drawing diagram is also provided by the program. In the (strongly recommended)
case that the network has been designed on AutoNET, the vertical diagram is
automatically created.

3.1.5 Libraries
Libraries include materials and equipment related to each application.

3.1.6 Help
Help support follows the usual windows standards.

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3.2 Heating
The Heating part consists of four applications which function either independently or in
conjunction with each other and/or the Fine HVAC Component. These applications are
listed below:
 Thermal Losses: Heat losses are calculated in each building floor and room. This
procedure usually comprises the first step of a heating project.
 Two Pipes System: All the necessary calculations for the installation of a Two Pipe
Heating System are made and the required equipment is selected (radiators, pipes,
boiler, burner, circulator, safety device, tank, chimney etc.).
 Single Pipe System: All the necessary calculations for the installation of a Single Pipe
Heating System are made and the required equipment is selected (radiators, pipes,
boiler, burner, circulator, safety device, tank, chimney etc.).
 Infloor Heating System: All the necessary calculations for the installation of an Infloor
System are made and the required equipment is selected (radiators, pipes, boiler,
burner, circulator, safety device, tank, chimney etc.).

3.2.1 Thermal Losses

By executing the Thermal Losses
application, the main menu screen
appears, including the main menu
options “Files", "Project Data", "View",
“Windows”, "Libraries" and "Help".
“Files”, “View” and “Help” and most of
the other options are following the
rules described in the previous
section. The rest is described in short
in the following paragraphs.

3.2.1.1 Project Data

There are three basic data categories of the project: Project info, Building parameters and
Structural elements. When “Building parameters” is selected, a window appears
presenting a list of items concerning mainly the building and some additional data. These
items and the values which should be given to them are explained right below, exactly in
the same order in which they appear in the window:
1) Building parameters tab
 City: Select from the list that opens (by pressing F11 or the appropriate button into the
field) the city you want (you can add and use your own cities in Libraries -> Outer
Winter Temperatures).
 Design external temperature (ºC): You can see (by pressing F11 or the appropriate
button into the field) the library list containing climatologic data for the cities, and either
select a value from it or type directly the desired temperature value.
 Desired Indoor temperature (ºC): You select from the list or type the more typical
indoor temperature, in case there are more than one value. This value can be
selectively edited in the fields of the spaces where a different temperature is required.

FINE – HVAC - 53-

 Not-heated spaces temperature (ºC): The temperature of the building spaces which
are not heated (e.g. staircase) should be typed in this field.
 Soil temperature (ºC): The soil temperature should be typed in this field.
 Annual mean external temperature (ºC): You can see (by pressing F11 or the
appropriate button into the field) the library list containing climatologic data for the
cities, and either select a value from it or type directly the desired temperature value.
 Calculation Method: You have the option to choose between the older (1977) or the
newer (1983) DIN standard, the European norm EN12831, the American ASHRAE HB
1997 or the ASHRAE RTS 2013 method and the ASHRAE Ships (Merchant or Naval)
method.
 Vessel type: If the ASHRAE Ships method has been chosen, select the type of the
vessel.
 Default space increment (%): This value is used only in the case of non-automatic
increase calculations (see last option), as it is simply stated for every room, can be
selectively modified by the user.
 Number of levels (floors): You define the number of the levels of the building.
 Default height (m): You type a default height for each level. This value can be
selectively edited in the fields of the spaces where is required.
 Energy units: You have the option to choose between Kcal/h or Watts for the results.
 Floor slab depth (m): If the floor slab is beneath ground level, you type its depth
(used only in ASHRAE RTS 2013).
 Floor on the ground level: The number of the floor which is on the ground level (e.g.
2nd floor) must be filled, so that the floor distances and, therefore, the rift increase due
to height (DIN 1983) can be automatically calculated.
 Heating system efficiency factor: You type the efficiency factor of the heating
system.
 Air exchange rate/hour: You select (by pressing F11 or the appropriate button into
the field) the number of air exchanges per hour depending on the type of the room or
type it directly. This value can be selectively edited in the fields of the spaces where is
required.
 Rotation angle: If you want to change the orientation of the building, you can rotate it
to a specific angle through selecting it from the list that opens.
2) DIN 77-83 tab
This tab is completed if you want to use the DIN77 or DIN83 methodology.
 Building characteristic number Hk: It depends on how much the building is exposed
to winds (see auxiliary table).
 Shut-Down period: One of the 3 options should be selected: "0 break hours", "8-12
break hours" or "12-16 break hours".
 Space characteristic number R: Depending on the ratio of the internal to external
openings, an auxiliary table, based on the selected DIN, appears.
 Automatic Increment Calculations: By checking the box, the increase percentage is
automatically modified in every room in combination with the above selected DIN.
Therefore, the increase percentage due to exposure, breaks and walls will be
displayed analytically for each space.

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3) EN 12831 tab
This tab is completed if you want to use the EN12831 methodology.
 Area of floor slab (m²): You type the area of the considered floor slab. For a whole
building, it is the total ground floor area. For part of a building, it is the ground floor
area under consideration.
 Perimeter of floor slab (m): You type the perimeter of the considered floor slab. For
a whole building, it is the total perimeter. For part of a building, it includes only the
length of external walls separating the heated spaces under consideration from
external environment.
 Building volume (m³): You fill in the volume of the building.
 Building exhaust air flow rate Vex (m³/h): If there is ventilation system in the
building, in this cell you fill in the exhaust air flow rate.
 Building supply air flow rate Vsu (m³/h): If there is ventilation system in the building,
in this cell you fill in the supply air flow rate.
 Correction factor for influence from annual variation of external temperature
fg1: You type a value for the correction factor taking into account the influence from
annual variation of external temperature. Default value is 1.45.
 Correction factor for influence from ground water Gw: You select a value for the
correction factor, taking into account the influence from ground water. Default values
are either “1” if the distance between the assumed water table and the floor slab is
more than 1 m, or “1.15” if the distance is less than 1 m.
 Air exchange rate/hour at 50 Pa: You select (by pressing F11 or the appropriate
button into the field) or type directly the air exchange rate at 50 Pa pressure difference
between inside and outside per hour.
 Shielding coefficient ei: You select (by pressing F11 or the appropriate button into
the field) or type directly the shielding coefficient depending on the exposure of the
building.
 Supply air temperature tsu: You type the supply air temperature into the heated
space (either from the central air heating system, from a neighbouring heated or
unheated space or from the external environment). This value can be selectively
edited in the fields of the spaces where is required.
 Calculation of reheating: In case there is a reheating system in the building, you
check this box.
 Correction factor for reheating: You select (by pressing F11 or the appropriate
button into the field) or type directly the correction factor for reheating which depends
on the reheat time and the assumed drop of the internal temperature during setback.
 Ceiling height correction >5m: For buildings with ceilings which have a height
greater that 5 m, you check this box.
 Ceiling height correction factor fh,i: For buildings with design heat losses ≤60 W/m²
of floor area, for spaces with high ceilings a correction factor is used. You select (by
pressing F11 or the appropriate button into the field) the correction factor depending
on the height of the heated space.
 Efficiency of heat recovery system nv: In case there is a heat recovery system, you
type its efficiency on exhaust air.

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3.2.1.2 Structural Elements
This term is used to describe some of the usual types of the building structural elements,
which are summarized in the respective window:

As shown in the window, the following structural element classification can be defined:
 External Walls (W1, W2, etc): The thermal conductivity coefficient k can be typed
either independently or by selecting one of the walls from the respective column of the
list which appears when the appropriate button into the field is pressed.

In fact, this list contains the external wall library, which can be updated by the user
through the respective secondary option under "Libraries".
 Internal Walls (I1, I2, etc): The thermal conductivity coefficient k is typed in the same
way as for the external walls (if the appropriate button into the field is pressed, another
auxiliary table with the internal walls saved in the library appears, from which a wall
can be selected).
 Floors (F1, F2 etc.): The thermal conductivity coefficient k is typed (if the appropriate
button into the field is pressed, an auxiliary table with the library floors appears, from
which a floor can be selected).

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 Ceilings (or Roofs) (C1, C2 etc.): The thermal conductivity coefficient k is typed (if
the appropriate button into the field is pressed, an auxiliary table with the library
ceilings appears, from which a ceiling can be selected).
 Openings (O1, O2 etc.): You can type the opening dimensions (width, height), the
thermal conductivity
coefficient k (if or
the appropriate
button into the field
is pressed, the
auxiliary library
table appears, from
which a window can
be directly
selected), the air
penetration
coefficient a
(infiltration) and the
sheets number (one, two etc.). The data which will remain blank can be filled in later
within the losses calculation sheet.

3.2.1.3 Thermal Losses Calculation Sheet

The calculation sheets for space losses are included in the respective
building floor sheets. If you select one of the floors, a list will appear
containing the respective losses sheets for the floor spaces along with
their management toolbar:

When a new project is created this list is blank. When you enter this list (with the mouse)
and click the icon (with the “+” sign on the lower side) in the menu or press the key <Ins>,
a small window appears, where the name of the desired space should be typed (e.g.
Kitchen, Bathroom etc.). If you press “OK” this space Enters the list and all you have to
do is type the space dimensions in the thermal losses sheet. In the same way, if you click
the icon Delete Space (with the “x“ sign) or even press <Del> on the keyboard, after

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selecting the name of the space, the specific space is deleted. By pressing <Ctrl>&<I> or
clicking the icon of insertion (with the “+” sign in the middle) a new space is inserted.

To every space (left) corresponds a Losses Sheet (right), where up to 60 different

structural elements can be inserted and which can be separated in two parts:
On the upper part, each row of the losses sheet corresponds to a structural element
while each column refers to the data which are going to be inserted or are going to result
automatically during the process of the sheet completion. Instructions about entering
these data are displayed in the status bar. For each row, the first column which refers to
some type of structural element should be filled first. If a typical element is concerned, the
corresponding data of the building typical data sheet are automatically filled.
For each row-structural element the following must be defined: The orientation, the
indication "Subtracted" (by S) since it considers an element that can be removed from the
element just above this one (such as windows, columns and beams), the thickness
(optional), the length and the height of the structural element, the number of similar
surfaces, the thermal conductivity coefficient and the temperature difference. The
openings are removed automatically under the following conditions:
 The openings must be entered under the walls to which they belong.
 A common orientation should be entered for the openings and the respective walls (or
"I" if it is about internal openings on internal walls (non heated), "C" for horizontal
openings/skylights, "P" for Pilotis Roof - attention for Pilotis you enter Ceiling, e.g. C1
and not Floor).
 The indication "S" (Subtracted) should exist in the correspondent column (for the
openings it is inserted automatically at the beginning).

Note: For Floors that are adjacent to the ground you do not fill in the second column,
while when the Floor is above a non heated space you fill "I". For Roof to external space
(or openings on the roof) you enter "C", to internal "I" and to pilotis "P".
When the “ASHRAE Ships” method is selected, the extra column “Adjoining space” has to
be filled in.

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On the bottom side of the screen appear data which refer to the overall sheet: These are
the total increase, the losses due to slots or air changes, the total losses due to thermal
conductivity and the total space losses, as well as some additional data that are used as a
link to the applications of Cost Distribution and Single Pipe System. All these data are
organized in 3 columns, the first two of which refer to parameters and the third to total
results about the space. Keep in mind that depending on the methodology selection you
make in the “Building Parameters”, different data are shown. More specifically, if you
select, for example, the DIN methodology:
In the first column appear the increase percentages due to exposure and breaks, as well
as the desired increase percentage which can be modified. The total increase percentage
automatically becomes equal to the value
that exists on the general data sheet, which
can be modified by the user. You can be
based either on your judgement, or on the
method (DIN) increase value. The last one
is displayed on the right side in brackets
depending on the selected methodology
and consists of two components: The
increase due to exposure ZH and the
general increase ZD due to breaks (ZU) and Cold Walls (ZA) (ZD=ZU+ZA).
Lower on the first column, the values R, H and ZΓ are shown that are typed under the
“Building Parameters”. These values are taken into consideration automatically for the
calculation of the losses due to slots, losses that are displayed in the middle of the 3rd
column.
You can interfere to the calculation as you can change the values R (or r), H and ZΓ. In
the case of the DIN83 the coefficient Η is increased automatically when the height is over
10 meters using the factor eGA. If any of these values are zero, the losses due to slots are
also zero, which must be performed when there is forced ventilation (therefore the space
is over pressurised).
In the second column, the space dimensions which are on the upper part (Length,
Width, Height) are used for the calculation of the
adjacent surface (for the calculation of the increase
due to breaks) and the losses due to air changes.
The calculation of the latter is performed as long as
the number of changes per hour is entered in the
row right below.
Below you can fill the symbolic name of the
Property (e.g. 1A, 1B, A1, 1IS or any other name you wish).
The circuit topology (to enable linking to the Single Pipe System program) can be defined
in the last two rows. Specifically, it is necessary to insert two numbers:
 The number of the vertical pipe and the circuit which passes through the specific space
(number the circuits by level and vertical pipes starting from 1). For example, if the first
vertical pipe of the building and the second circuit of the vertical pipe pass through the
specific space, you should type 1.2 in the specific level.
 The radiator serial number in the circuit (number the radiators in each circuit starting
from 1). If there is more than one radiator in the same space, their serial number is
inserted with a full stop (e.g. 1.2 or 2.4 etc). Note that in case of a twin pipes system no
entering is required, because you can call the load of any space directly from there.


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 Notes:
 In case two different circuits pass through one space, it is recommended to divide the
space in two parts (e.g. Living-room part Α, Living-room part Β) in order to define the
corresponding circuit in each part. If this is not possible, the user can interfere
afterwards to the Single Pipe System and make the required changes.
 In case you use the Fine HVAC and you have designed the circuits in the ground
plan, it is obvious that you do not need to fill the two previous fields since the
topology is given and the program takes it automatically into consideration.
Finally, in the third column, the total results of the space thermal losses are presented.
First of all, the Total Losses due to Thermal Conductivity are presented, that are the sum
of the losses in the last column of the losses sheet
(space losses). The absolute value of the increase,
which corresponds to the percentage of the increase of
the first column, is presented below. The sum of the two
previous values provides the Final Losses due to
Thermal Conductivity (Final Thermal Losses) which are
displayed right below. After that, the space losses due to
Openings Slots and Ventilation are presented (only one
of them is provided with a value). Finally, the sum of all previous values of column 3,
which provides the Total Space Losses, is presented in the lower part.
Also, the program enables the copying of each floor or space to any other, through the
usual copy-paste window functionality.

3.2.1.4 Circuits-Radiators-Properties
The window “Circuits-Radiators-Properties” presents a list of the building spaces with the
circuits-radiators which correspond to each space, as well as the properties to which they
belong. With the help of this window, you can control the above data and detect any
omissions. This window is extremely useful in case the program displays a message
about an “Unspecified Property” or “Incomplete Circuits” during the creation of the link files
Single Pipe System (or Infloor Heating System).

3.2.1.5 Overall Data of Losses

A list appears with the spaces per level and a number with their names and their losses,
as well as the side and total losses sums.

3.2.1.6 Properties Thermal Losses

A list appears with the Properties and losses Qol, (Total, due to Openings and Slots
respectively).

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3.2.1.7 Energy Analysis
The program has the ability of Energy Analysis by the Degree Day Method. Based on the
results of the thermal losses, the program calculates the annual energy consumption
required for the main cities based on the Degree Days (from weather data) which have
been measured for each city on annual basis and for defined temperature limits. These
data are in the "Libraries" and can be updated by the user.

3.2.1.8 Libraries
The libraries refer to structural element types, as well as to temperature data. They can be
easily updated by you and therefore you can enter your own data exactly as you desire.

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3.2.2 Two Pipes System
By executing the Two Pipes Heating System application, the main menu screen appears,
including the options "Files", "Project Data", "View", “Windows”, "Libraries" and "Help".
“Files”, “View” and “Help”, as well as a part of the window sub-options (cover page,
assumptions, technical descriptions, bill of materials etc.) follow the usual windows
standards and the description provided in section 3.1. The rest are described in short in
the following paragraphs.

3.2.2.1 Project Data

This pertains to the project basic data, which are divided into Project info (project
headings) and Network data. Network data concern:
 Inlet Water temperature: Enter the inlet water temperature in C (the return
temperature is calculated automatically)
 Radiators Temperature Drop: Enter the radiators temperature drop (usual value
Dt=15 C).
 Room temperature: Enter the room temperature (usually 20 degrees Celsius).
 Main pipe type: Select the pipe type of the main pipes (e.g. copper pipe).
 Main pipes roughness factor: Roughness factor is entered automatically, depending
on the pipe type selected, but you can easily modify it. The measurement unit used by
the program is μm.
 Secondary pipes type: Select the pipe type of the secondary pipes (in case two
types are used, e.g. copper pipe for the vertical pipes and plastic pipes for the
horizontal piping).
 Secondary pipes roughness factor: The roughness factor is entered automatically,
depending on the pipe type you have selected, but you can easily modify it. The
measurement unit used by the program is μm.
 Maximum water velocity: Enter the maximum desired water velocity limit (based on
which the cross-sections are calculated).
 Friction limit (mwg/m): Enter the friction limit per length of the piping in mwg/m.
 Number of circulators: In case you have more than one circulator, enter their
number here so as to be able to use them in the Calculation sheet and the Circulator
calculation.
 Energy units: Select the unit system (Kcal/h or watt).
 Expansion tank type: Select between open and – more often used – closed
expansion tank.
 Temperature drop per meter: If you do not have ideally insulated pipes, enter in this
field the temperature drop per meter of the length of piping (in °C/m).
 Chimney calculations according to EN 13384.01: If you check this box, you can
calculate the chimney according to the European norm EN 13384.01.
 Building geodetic height in relation to sea level: Enter the geodetic height of the
building.
 Analytical calculation of contained water in the system: If you check this box, you
can calculate in detail the contained water in the system.

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 Combi system: This box is checked when you have several boilers and circulators in
the network. In this case, you check this box and type the “Number of circulators” in
the same window so as to calculate them.
 Fuel Type: Select the fuel that is used (oil, natural gas, LPG etc.).

3.2.2.2 Calculation Sheet

Following the standardization described earlier, each row of this sheet corresponds to a
different network section while each column refers to data that will be filled out or will
ensue automatically during the procedure of completing data.
The space load is taken immediately (by inserting the level and space number (e.g. 1.2)
provided that a link to losses has been established and the respective supply corresponds
to the total required supply for the space. If there is more than one radiator in the same
space, the designer should intervene by distributing the load accordingly. The respective
radiator is calculated for the radiator type selected through the library.
Based on the supply in each network section and given the maximum velocity that
corresponds to this section, the cross-section of the section pipe is established. Despite
all this, the designer may give another standardized diameter, by selecting (through the 6th
column) the list of standardized diameters from the library that appears on the screen. In
whatever way the section has been defined, the
effective water velocity and the pressure drops (see
respective columns) of the piping and fittings in the
respective section of the network will be exactly
calculated. The fittings are completed in each
section separately, opening the respective fittings
window.
At this point, the fitting numbers for each type of
accessory must be given or their combination.
There is also the option to assign an increasing
number system for the fittings (in the upper row) for
avoiding the repeated filling out of the same.
In the case of typical (similar) sections it is possible
to recall them (with their name from the first
column) in order to automatically transfer them.

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Reverse - Return (Tichelmann or Three Pipes System) Network Calculations: Apart
from the classic Two Pipes System described above, there is the possibility to define a
reverse-return network, which is a network where inlet and return do not comprise entirely
parallel networks, but follow a different path. It is easy to define such a network
considering a second network like, the one described above, which junctions are
numbered differently. Note that in this case Radiators do not need numbering because
they are already numbered.
The options concerning the boiler-room equipment (Boiler, Burner, Circulator, etc) are
found in the menu “Windows”, below the calculation sheet.

3.2.2.3 Boiler - Heat pump selection

The "Total Thermal Load Qol" is automatically updated with the calculation sheet data.
This field remains blank only if the calculations have not been completed or the junction
point 1 (start) of the network does not exist.

If an increase safety factor (e.g. 0.25 for 25% increase) is inserted, the Boiler power is
properly calculated and you can select the type among the options of the library of boilers.

3.2.2.4 Burner – Fuel Tank calculations

The necessary data for the burner and the tank selection are typed in the drawing screen
and the Burner is selected from the library.

3.2.2.5 Circulator calculation

The program enables the designer to have several circulators. You can either simply
select a circulator or select a circulator for Reverse solution by selecting ''Circulator
selection by Hydraulic Solution Method'' (you select it in the “Type of selected circulator”
field). In this case, the program determines the intersection point of the network
characteristic curve with the nearer circulator curve (operation point), on which all the
other results (velocities, supplies, radiators etc.) are based. In the libraries a list of
different circulators is included.

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3.2.2.6 Expansion Tank and Chimney calculations
In order to select an Expansion Tank you should fill properly the parameters shown in the
dialog. The required volume comes up automatically and the effective volume finally
appears, if the dimensions (length, width, height) are typed in the following fields.
Regarding the Chimney, the program provides the option for very detailed calculations
through mathematical curves.

3.2.2.7 Network Drawing

The (numbered) network drawing is shown on the screen, provided that polar coordinates
have been inserted in every network branch (see calculation sheet).

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3.2.2.8 Vertical Diagram
If you want to create a vertical chart directly from the calculation sheet (and not
automatically, using Fine HVAC), the above option creates the vertical chart provided that
polar coordinates have been inserted in every network section.

3.2.2.9 Sections Friction Drop

This option shows the total friction in every terminal route so that you can see if the
network is balanced.

3.2.2.10 Network Checking

If this option is selected, a window appears containing various network checks and
possible errors which you should keep in mind during the final solution.

3.2.2.11 Hot Water Storage Tank Calculations

If you select this option, the next window appears where the Hot Water Storage Tank of
the installation is selected.

3.2.2.12 Libraries
The "Two Pipes System" application libraries contain pipes, radiators and fittings as well
as equipment for the boiler-room (Boilers, Burners, Circulators, Expansion Tanks, Heat
Pumps etc.). Each library category contains various material types which exist in the
market, but naturally it can be updated with the material types you desire.

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3.2.3 Single Pipe System
The main menu options are divided into the groups "Files", "Project Data", "View",
“Windows”, "Libraries" and "Help". “Files”, “View” and “Help” and most of the other options
are quite similar to the “twin pipe heating” application (they are discussed in detail in
paragraphs 3.1.1, 3.1.3 and 3.1.6 respectively). The rest are described in short in the
following paragraphs.

3.2.3.1 Project Data

This pertains to the project basic data, which are divided into Project info (project
headings) and Network data. Network data concern:
 Space Temperature (C): Enter the desired space temperature in C (usually 20 C).
 Inlet water temperature (C): Enter the inlet water temperature in C (the return
temperature is calculated automatically)
 Water Temperature drop per level (%): Enter (if desired) a percentage of
temperature drop per level, due to minor losses in the vertical pipe of the installation.
 Water Temperature drop at the circuits (C): Enter the temperature drop at the
circuits (usually 15 C). This need to be entered only if the equal temperature drops
method is used.
 Maximum velocity limit for the central pipes (m/s): Enter the maximum water
velocity limit in the main pipes.
 Maximum water velocity limit for the circuits (m/s): Enter the maximum desired
water velocity limit at the circuits. In general, for Single Pipe System circuits with
copper or plastic pipes on the floor, water velocity should be between w=1.0-1.2 m/s.
 Main pipe types: Select the pipe type of the main pipes (e.g. copper pipe)
 Main pipes roughness factor: The roughness factor is entered automatically,
depending on the pipe type you have selected, but you can easily modify it. The
measurement unit used by the program is μm.
 Circuits pipes type: Select, to enter the pipes type for the circuit pipes (e.g. copper
pipe).
 Circuit pipes roughness factor: The roughness factor is entered automatically,
depending on the pipe type you have selected, but you can easily modify it. The
measurement unit used by the program is μm.
 Circuits desired pipe size: Enter the desired circuit pipes size (diameter). Initially,
this will be the same for all circuits. Diameter may be selectively modified for specific
circuits in the calculation sheets (although in practice, most of the times loops with the
same diameter are used).
 Desired switch Regulating (%): Enter the initial setting of the radiators switches
(usually 50%). For the last radiator of a circuit, most engineers set the switch to 100%.
If the program works with Fine HVAC, this setting is entered automatically.
 Switch Equivalent Length: Enter the equivalent length of the switch (in m). By
default, the program considers that there is one switch for every radiator.
 Branch Equivalent Length: Enter the equivalent length of the branch (in m). By
default, the program considers that there are two branches for every circuit (inlet &
return).

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 Equivalent length of the curve: Enter the equivalent length of a circuit pipe curve. By
default, the program considers that there are two curves for every radiator.
 Safety factor of main pipes length (%): Enter the average estimated increase of the
main pipes length (25-30%).
 Number of levels (floors): Enter the number of levels (floors) to be heated with the
single pipe system.
 Energy units: Select the unit system (Kcal/h or watt).
 Expansion tank: Select between open and – more often used – closed expansion
tank.
 Calculation Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate the installation.
The program gives you three options: 1) self- balancing (of equal pressure drops or
frictions), 2) of equal temperature drops and 3) hydraulic simulation with reverse
solution.
 Chimney calculations according to EN 13384.01: If you check this box, you can
calculate the chimney according to the European norm EN 13384.01.
 Building geodetic height in relation to sea level: Enter the geodetic height of the
building.
 Analytical calculation of contained water in the system: If you check this box, you
can calculate in detail the contained water in the system.
 Fuel Type: Select the fuel that is used (oil, natural gas, LPG etc.).

3.2.3.2 Calculation Sheet

The Single Pipe Heating System calculation sheet has the following form:

Each calculation sheet corresponds to a building level (floor) which is heated with the
single pipe system.

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Each row of the sheet corresponds to a different circuit of the level or to the section of the
vertical column that heats this particular level (or simply passes through it to feed the
circuits of higher levels) or to a horizontal section that connects two vertical columns.
Each column of the sheet contains the data entered by the user or calculated by the
program.
In the network Calculation Sheet, you enter the circuits existing on each level and the
columns which provide the heating medium to the particular level.
Each column-circuit row is numbered with the column and circuit serial numbers, inserting
a full stop ".", e.g. "2.3", which stands for "column 2, circuit 3".
At each level the circuits are numbered, starting from 1. If there are more than one
columns, the numbering of the circuits of each column begins from 1 (for example, the
circuits of column 1 will be 1.1, 1.2 etc, the circuits of column 2 will be 2.1, 2.1 etc.).
Please note that each column-circuit row corresponds to a sub-table that contains the
detailed characteristics of the particular circuit. To activate this table, go to the desired line
and press F11 or select ''Calculations of the radiators of the circuit'' from the list that
appears when we press the right button of the mouse. Instructions about data entering
appear at the bottom of the screen.
Finally, note that the network vertical columns are entered, for each level, right below the
last circuit, by entering the central column number for each column. For example, the
section of the central column 1 that feeds the 5th level and comes from the 4th level will be
given to the 5th level by entering "1" below the last circuit. At level 1, the section of the
central column 1, which will also be given number "1", is the section that leads to the
boiler-room collector.
In case another column begins from the collector of a certain level, it is specified by
entering the numbers of both columns, with a dash ("-"). For example, section "1-2" is the
horizontal section that connects two vertical pipes at the collector of the level below the
one you are working on. This way any possible case of single pipe heating network
installation is standardized.

3.2.3.3 Calculation of other equipment

Other equipment, concerning mainly the heating engine room, is calculated through a
series of windows, each one taking care of a specific part. Those windows for the single
pipe heating installation concern in particular the Boiler – Heat pump, the Burner, the Fuel
Tank, the Circulator pump, the Expansion Tank, the Chimney and the Hot Water Storage
Tank, as also explained for the two pipe heating system presented in the previous section.

3.2.3.4 Vertical Diagram

This option creates the vertical diagram of the network (if you want to create it directly and
not automatically using Fine HVAC). The Boiler Room is located on the bottom side with
its specific features automatically transferred from the calculation sheets.

3.2.3.5 Network Checking

If this option is selected, a window appears containing various network checks and
possible errors which you should keep in mind during the final solution. More specifically,
each circuit is inspected for temperature drop (the program locates and marks the circuits
where temperature drop exceeds 20 degrees). Furthermore, water velocity in the piping is
checked with respect to the maximum limit set in the “Network” data.

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3.2.3.6 Libraries
Libraries of the Single Pipe System include pipes and radiators as well as the equipment
of the Boiler Room (Boilers, Heat pumps, Burners, Circulators, Expansion Tanks, Heat
Pumps etc.) as in the case of the Two Pipes System. All these libraries can be updated by
the user.

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3.2.4 Infloor Heating System
The main menu of this application consists of the groups "Files", "Project Data", "View",
“Windows”, "Libraries" and "Help". “Files”, “View” and “Help” and most of the other options
are quite similar to the two others heating applications (they are discussed in detail in
paragraphs 3.1.1, 3.1.3 and 3.1.6 respectively). The rest is described in short in the
following paragraphs.

3.2.4.1 Project Data

This pertains to the project basic data, which are divided into Project info (project
headings) and Network data. Network data concern:
 Space temperature (C): Enter the desired temperature of the spaces to be heated.
 Inlet water temperature (C): Enter the inlet water temperature which is heated by the
boiler.
 Water Temperature drop per level (%): If it is desired, the program can take into
account a slight temperature drop from one level to another due to thermal losses in
the central vertical pipes.
 Main pipe water maximum velocity (m/s): Enter the upper water velocity limit in the
main pipes, which should not be exceeded.
 Maximum velocity limit for the circuits (m/s): Enter the upper water velocity limit in
the circuits, which should not be exceeded.
 Main pipe types: Enter the pipe type for the main piping (e.g. copper pipe).
 Main pipes roughness factor (μm): The roughness factor is automatically filled in,
depending on the selected pipe type but if you wish, you can modify it.
 Circuit’s pipes type: Enter the pipe type for the circuit piping (e.g. copper pipe).
 Circuit pipe roughness factor (μm): The roughness factor is automatically filled in,
depending on the selected pipe type but if you wish, you can modify it.
 Circuits desired pipe size (mm): Select the desired circuit pipe size (diameter) which
will initially apply to all circuits. This diameter can be modified selectively in the desired
circuits included in the calculation sheet, although loops of uniform diameter are usually
preferred in practice.
 Coefficient of floor Thermal Resistance (Upward) (m²K/W): Enter the respective
coefficient of floor thermal resistance (if F11 or the appropriate button into the field is
pressed, an explanatory table appears).
 Coefficient of floor Thermal Resistance (Downward) (W/m²K): Enter the respective
coefficient of floor thermal resistance (if F11 or the appropriate button into the field is
pressed, an explanatory table appears).
 Default pipes spacing RA (cm): Enter the RA spacing of the pipes.
 Main Pipes Fittings Sz: Enter the value of the total fittings resistance (if F11 or the
appropriate button into the field is pressed, an explanatory table appears).
 Coefficient z of Entering and Leaving switches: Enter the value of the inlet and
return switch resistance (if F11 or the appropriate button into the field is pressed, an
explanatory table appears).
 Number of levels (floors): Enter the number of levels (floors) to be heated from the
infloor system.

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 Energy units: Select the unit system (Mcal/h or Kwatt).
 Expansion tank: Select between open and – more often used – closed expansion
tank.
 Chimney calculations according to EN 13384.01: If you check this box, you can
calculate the chimney according to the European norm EN 13384.01.
 Building geodetic height in relation to sea level: Enter the geodetic height of the
building.
 Analytical calculation of contained water in the system: If you check this box, you
can calculate in detail the contained water in the system.
 Fuel Type: Select the fuel that is used (oil, natural gas, LPG etc.).

3.2.4.2 Calculation Sheet

The columns and the circuits (loops) of the infloor heating network are included in the
network calculation sheet. According to the applied standardization, circuits are numbered
in each floor and column (starting from number 1). Each sheet is corresponds to a specific
floor and each sheet row to a different circuit of a particular central column while each
column of the calculation sheet refers to the data which are going to be inserted or result
automatically during the data insertion procedure.

Attention should be paid to the fact that the sub-table of the circuit, which contains the
detailed features of the particular circuit and is activated if F12 is pressed or by selecting
''Options'' from the list that appears when we press the right button of the mouse while in
the respective row, corresponds to each column-circuit row (which is symbolised with the
serial column and circuit number, separated by a full stop "." e.g. 2.3, which stands for
column 2 circuit 3). It should be mentioned that the vertical columns of the network are
entered, for every floor, in the 1st column of the sheet right below the last circuit, by simply
inserting the central column number for each column. This standardization is completely
relevant to the one applied to the Single Pipe System (see section above). If the above
standardization is followed, data should be entered not only into the floor sheets (circuit
table) but into the circuit sub-tables as well, for every network circuit. In the next
paragraphs (a) and (b) you can find an extensive description about the way to insert data:
(a) Infloor Circuit (loop) Table

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Data should be inserted primarily in the first column, which refers to the circuit symbolism.
The length of the pipe automatically comes up in the second column (provided that the
necessary calculations have been made). In the same column, extra accessories can be
added to the circuit (elbows, valves etc). if F12 is pressed or by selecting '' Options '' from
the list that appears when we press the right button of the mouse and the total z
(resistance) provided, using the table which automatically appears on the top left side of
the screen. The circuit load appears in column 3, on the condition that F12 has been
formerly pressed and certain data have been inserted into the displayed window (circuit
sub-table). More specifically, you should insert either the number of the floor and the
space heated by the particular circuit (e.g. 2.3 stands for floor 2 space 3 as it is shown in
the thermal losses calculation sheet) in the first row of the window or the space load
directly in the third line (in Mcal/h).

During the calculation of each space thermal losses, it should be taken into account that
the Infloor Heating System requires a 16-hour minimum operation time.
Quite often part of the space under study needs to be covered by a separate additional
circuit of high thermal output. Such a circuit is called thermal “zone”. The aim is to have
the zone covering floor areas that cannot or are not normally used by the tenant of the
space (e.g. area close to the external walls or area beneath an immovable piece of
furniture etc.). This zone allows us to cover a substantial space load, since the maximum
floor temperature can be taken as 35 C maximum. Note that space loads should not
contain any floor losses, which should also not be taken into account during the thermal
losses calculation.
When the results appear in the circuit row (after you have completed the “Options”
windows that is discussed below), it can be observed that all items (water supply,
temperature drop in the circuit, flow velocity, frictions etc.) have been calculated for the
specific pipe size selected in the “Network” window. If it is desired, this can be changed by
pressing F3 while in the "desired pipe size" column (see also relevant message in the
bottom of the screen). In the eleventh column, the required throttling is calculated so that
the installation functions properly (through precise regulation devices). For the worst
installation circuit, throttling automatically resets (reference circuit).

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(b) Options window (Circuit Sub-table)
As it has already been discussed above, control is transferred to the sub-table by pressing
F12 or by selecting '' Options'' from the list that appears when we press the right button of
the mouse in the relevant row of the circuit table.
Data appearing in the columns of this sub-table, as it can be seen, are as follows:
 Heated space: The floor and space numbers are entered as they are appeared in the
Thermal Losses calculation sheet (e.g. 1.2).
 Space type: It is determined whether it is a people living area, a bath or a high thermal
capacity area.
 Space loads: It concerns the total space load, which automatically appears after
selecting the "Heated space" or typing it directly.
 Floor surface (m2): Insert the
floor area of the heated space.
 Space temperature (C): Enter
the desired space temperature.
 Under heated Space Room
temperature (C): Enter the
temperature of the space located
under the heated space.
 Coefficient of thermal
resistance (Upward) (m²K/W):
Enter the coefficient of upward
thermal resistance either by
typing it directly or by selecting it
from the table that opens.
 Coefficient of thermal
Conduction (Downward)
(W/m²K): Enter the coefficient of
downward thermal resistance
either by typing it directly or by
selecting it from the table that
opens.
 Thermal flow density (Mcal/h/m²): When the above fields have been completed, the
density of thermal flow is automatically calculated.
 Mean floor temperature (C): When the above fields have been completed, the mean
temperature of the floor surface is automatically calculated.
 Max. floor temperature (C): The maximum allowable floor area temperature appears
according to DIN 4725. Specifically, for residential areas tFBmax  29 C, for high thermal
capacity area tFBmax  35 C and for baths tFB  ti + 9 C, where ti is the space
temperature.
 Desired floor temperature (C): If the Mean floor surface temperature that has been
calculated exceeds the Maximum floor surface temperature, enter a desired mean floor
temperature so as to calculate the length of the pipes.
 Corrected heat transfer density (Mcal/h/m²): The corrected value of the thermal flow
thickness is then calculated and shown.

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 Fall Short Thermal Power (Mcal/h): This result concerns the power that cannot be
covered by the particular piping arrangement. Consequently, the designer should
shorten the piping spacing RA, define a thermal zone or install a radiator.
 Pipes spacing RA (cm): Enter the RA spacing of the pipes.
 Mean water temperature (ºC): The average water temperature is calculated and
shown.
 Downward thermal flow density (KWatt/m²): The density of thermal flow downward
appears, as calculated by the program.
 Total Power of infloor system (Mcal/h): The total infloor heating power of the
installation is calculated.
 Circuit length (m): The required circuit length (net section) is calculated according to
all the above mentioned data.
 Supply and return circuit length (m): Insert the total inlet and return length from the
vertical pipe to the circuit.
 Sum of coefficients z of the additional accessory fittings: Enter the sum of the z
coefficients of all the fittings that are used in this circuit.
Some of the above values should be typed while others are automatically calculated (the
ones in red). Default values, which are the more common in each case, have been
inserted in advance so that the user will not have to insert data in all fields.
Any modifications in the above data bring about correspondent modifications in the values
of the circuit sheet, which instantly appear on the screen. In this way, the user supervises
and controls the procedure fully.
Regarding the calculations, it should be clarified that the space type (residential area, bath
or high thermal capacity area) automatically determines the maximum floor temperature
(29, 33 or 35 respectively). If the mean floor surface temperature is higher than the
maximum floor surface temperature, then the desired mean floor temperature should be
inserted. In this case, the circuit will not cover all losses. For this reason, the remaining fall
sort thermal power appears. Moreover, pipe spacing RA constitutes one of the principal
parameters determined by the user in each space. If this spacing is shortened, the circuit
pipe length is obviously increased and the mean water temperature drops. In all cases it is
assumed that the circuit length should not exceed a certain limit which is set by the
manufacturer of the particular pipe type and is approximately 150 m.

3.2.4.3 Calculation of other equipment

Other equipment, concerning mainly the heating engine room, is calculated through a
series of windows, each one taking care of a specific part. Those windows for the infloor
heating installation concern in particular the Boiler – Heat pump, the Burner, the Fuel
Tank, the Circulator pump, the Expansion Tank, the Chimney and the Hot Water Storage
Tank, as also explained for the single and two pipes heating system presented earlier.

3.2.4.4 Vertical Diagram

This option creates the vertical diagram of the network. The Boiler Room is located on the
bottom side with its specific features automatically transferred from the calculation sheet.

3.2.4.5 Libraries
Infloor Heating System Libraries include pipes as well as boilers, heat pumps, burners,
circulators and expansion tanks as in the case of Single and Two Pipes Systems.

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3.3 Air-Conditioning
The Air-conditioning package consists of four applications, which function either
independently or in conjunction with each other. These applications are:
 Cooling Loads: Cooling Loads are calculated (with the use of Ashrae or Carrier
method) in each building floor and space, a procedure which usually comprises the first
step of an Air-conditioning project.
 Fan Coils: In this application all the necessary calculations for the installation of fan
coils units are carried out and the required equipment is selected (pipes, cooling
system, pump, safety device etc.).
 Air Ducts: All the necessary calculations for the installation of a duct network are
carried out (with one of the three known methods) and the required equipment is
selected (duct dimensions, duct grills, fan etc.).
 Psychrometrics: The air distribution in the air-conditioned spaces is estimated based
on detailed psychometric equations, the psychometric change is depicted on the
Psychometric Chart and the appropriate air-conditioning unit is selected.

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3.3.1 Cooling Loads
When the program is loaded, the main menu with the option groups "Files", "Project Data",
"Windows", "Libraries" and "Help" appears on the screen. “Project Data” are divided in
project info (headings of the project), indoor design conditions, building parameters,
climatological data, months, structural elements, people, equipment and lighting loads.

3.3.1.1 Indoor design conditions

You define the desired indoor humidity (desired relative % humidity in the air-conditioned
spaces) and temperature (desired temperature in °C in the air-conditioned spaces) along
with the temperature difference between outdoor and non air-conditioned spaces (in °C)
and the temperature difference between soil and air-conditioned spaces (in °C).

3.3.1.2 Building Parameters

The data of the respective window include the following:
Area with Fog: In case there is usually fog in the area, check this box.
Number of levels (floors): The levels of the building can be up to 15.
Default Height (m): This value will automatically update the height of the walls in the
calculation sheet, while you will be able to make modifications wherever you desire.
Energy units: You select the units of the project (Mcal/h, KWatt, KBtu/h).
Resistance coefficient unit system: You select the units of the resistance coefficients
(Kcal/hm²C or Watt/m²K).
Calculation method: The program gives the option to select among Carrier, ASHRAE
CLTD, ASHRAE TFM, ASHRAE RTS 2001 or 2013 and ASHRAE Ships (Merchant or
Naval) calculation methods. Moreover, when you complete the data entry procedure with
one of these methods, you can compare the results with those of another method, by
simply altering it.
Safety Factor (%): You can define in any desired space a general increase factor for the
loads (e.g. 5%), which will increase accordingly all the individual loads of the space.
Opening hour – Closing hour (1-24): Through these two options you can determine the
range of the time period in which you wish to have the calculation results (e.g. initial time 8
until final time 18). Naturally, the selection can be made for the whole 24 hours’ time (from
1 o’clock until 24 o’clock) but the result volume will be larger.
Rotation angle: If you want to change the orientation of the building, you can rotate it to a
specific angle through selecting it from the list.
Vessel type: If the ASHRAE Ships method has been chosen, select the type of the
vessel.

3.3.1.3 Climatological Data

The data refer to the selected city, displaying the corresponding climatologic data
(latitude, longitude, altitude, mean maximum temperatures, corresponding daily ranges for
6 months etc.) as well as the average relative humidity in summer.

3.3.1.4 Months
The Reference month and Calculation months (i.e. from April until September) are defined
in this window.

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3.3.1.5 Structural Elements

This term corresponds to some common element types which characterise the building
and more specifically the typical structural elements such as outer and inner walls,
ceilings, floors and openings.
 Outer walls are specified through their U factor coefficient, weight (100, 300, 500, 700
kg), colour (light, intermediate, dark), as well as standardisation by ASHRAE method
(A, B, C, D, Ε, F, G). You can select the desired typical data from the relevant library.
 Ceilings are specified through their U factor coefficient, weight (50, 100, 200, 300 kg),
colour (light, intermediate, dark), and type by Carrier (sunny, shady, under water or
watered) or by ASHRAE (types 1, 2, 3... 11 with or without suspended ceiling).
 Inner walls and floors are specified through their U factor coefficient.
 Openings are specified through their dimensions (in m), U factor coefficient, glass
coefficient, frame type, coefficient of air penetration a (the same coefficient applied in
heating) and glazing system. As far as the glass coefficient is concerned, a detailed
auxiliary table is available.

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3.3.1.6 People
In case you want to define the same people loads for all the spaces, you complete the
following window.

You select a description from the list that appears by pressing F11 or right click of the
mouse and automatically the sensible, the latent load and the radiant heat are completed.
The only thing that you have to do is enter the quantity in the last column which will be
either the number of persons in the space per m² or the number of persons in the space
(depending on which option you will check). Furthermore, you can select the operating
schedule depending on the building type by pressing the selection button.
When this window is filled in, all the spaces in the calculation sheet will automatically get
the same people loads but you can modify them separately in each space inside the
calculation sheet.

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3.3.1.7 Equipment
In case you want to define the same equipment loads for all the spaces, you complete the
following window.

You select a description from the list that appears by pressing F11 or right click of the
mouse and automatically the sensible, the latent load and the radiant heat are completed.
The only thing that you have to do is enter the quantity in the last column which will be
either the number of devices in the space per m² or the number of devices in the space
(depending on which option you will check). Furthermore, you can select the operating
schedule depending on the building type by pressing the selection button.
When this window is filled in, all the spaces in the calculation sheet will automatically get
the same equipment loads but you can modify them separately in each space inside the
calculation sheet.

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3.3.1.8 Lighting loads
In case you want to define the same lighting loads for all the spaces, you complete the
following window.

You select a description from the list that appears by pressing F11 or right click of the
mouse and automatically the special allowance factor and the radiant heat are completed.
The only thing that you have to do is enter the watts in the last column either per m² of the
space or for the whole space (depending on which option you will check). Furthermore,
you can select the operating schedule depending on the building type by pressing the
selection button.
When this window is filled in, all the spaces in the calculation sheet will automatically get
the same lighting loads but you can modify them separately in each space inside the
calculation sheet.

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3.3.1.9 Calculation Sheet
The calculation sheets for the space loads are included in the respective building floor
sheets. If one of the floors is selected, a list will appear containing the respective load
sheets for the floor spaces. The functionality is quite similar to the one described for the
heating losses spaces.

The screen that corresponds to the space data is divided in two parts: the upper part
refers to the loads due to the structural elements of the space, while the lower part refers
to the additional loads due to lighting, people, equipment etc.
Concerning the upper part of the screen, each row refers to a specific typical structural
element (e.g. W1, O1 etc.). The data inserted (either from you or automatically through
the drawings) correspond to the Orientation, the Length (m) and Height (m) of the building
element, as well as the number of equal surfaces if exist. Openings are subtracted
automatically from walls, if orientations are alike.
When the “ASHRAE Ships” method is selected, the extra column “Adjoining space” has to
be filled in.
Optionally, in the last three columns, the data for the shading calculation can be typed.
Three different shading mechanisms are possible:
 Inside shading: This applies only to windows in the case there are blinds, roller
shades etc. that cover their total surface at the same time. The most common values
for each case and according to the glass type appear in the auxiliary table, which is
activated when F11 or the selection button of the field is pressed.
 Projection shading: This applies mainly to openings but it can be also used for wall
surfaces. If you press the right button of the mouse while in the respective column and
row and select from the list ''Options'', the window of the adjacent figure appears in the
right corner of the screen. Here you can fill the width of the horizontal and (or) vertical
projection of the opening and its distance from it. For example, for a balcony of one-
meter width, which hangs 0.5 meter above the O1 window, you type ‘’1’’ in the field of
the horizontal projection width and ‘’0.5’’ in the field of the horizontal projection

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 distance. As soon as you fill in and close this window, the word “SHADE” will be shown
in the “Projection Shading” column.
 Arbitrary shading coefficients: You can select the shading coefficients for different
hours, with the help of the “Options” window (press the right button of the mouse while
in the respective column and row and select from the list ''Options''). This option is used
when there are shadings due to elements that do not belong to the building (e.g.
neighbouring buildings). Note that a shading coefficient 0 means that the window is
completely shaded, a shading coefficient 1 means that it is not shaded at all and a
coefficient from 0 to 1 means that it is shaded partially. Regarding all other intermediate
hours, the shading coefficient is calculated automatically with the linear interpolation
method. As soon as you fill in and close this window, the word “SHADE” will be shown
in the “Arbitrary shading coefficients” column.
As far as the space loads calculation is concerned, the Maximum Space Load Values
appear in the bottom right corner of the screen, at every minute, and more specifically:
 The maximum sensible space load
 The maximum latent space load
 The maximum total space load
If you want to see the analytical calculations per structural element and hour, all you have
to do is press F7 or the button or press the right button of the mouse and select
''Loads'' and the analytical loads due to each structural element as well as the sums for
each hour will appear on the screen. In this way you have absolute supervision and
control in every phase of the data entry procedure and can interfere accordingly (e.g.
make an opening smaller if you think that this causes a rather large increase of the space
load).
At the bottom left part of the screen appear the results that concern additional loads
due to People, Equipment, Lighting and Ventilation. More specifically, these data are
divided in two categories: total loads due to People and Equipment appear in the left
column while total loads due to Lighting and Ventilation appear in the right column.

a) People total load: In the case of people loads, you press the selection button and fill in
the window that opens as it was described in paragraph 3.3.1.6.
b) Equipment total load: In the case of equipment loads, you press the selection button
and fill in the window that opens as it was described in paragraph 3.3.1.7.
c) Heat gain from lights: In the case of lighting loads, you press the selection button and
fill in the window that opens as it was described in paragraph 3.3.1.8.
d) Ventilation total load: This field is completed in each space due to either opening
slots losses (in the case of no forced air circulation) or loads due to air changes. In order
to estimate loads due to air changes you type the length, width and height space values
and select the number of air changes per hour (n). If there is no forced air circulation,
losses due to slots will probably occur. In this case, the number of air changes will be 0,

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while the opening slots losses coefficient is defined (it should be approximately 0.5 - see
Calculation Assumptions).

Notes:
 If there is central air conditioning system, the loads due to air changes are not
"charged" to the space but to the respective air-conditioning unit (their calculation is
described in the section of Calculation Assumptions in detail).
 Losses due to slots are included in the calculations only if there are Fan Coils units
while they are ignored in the case of air ducts due to overpressure.
System or Zone: The window is filled in only if you want to group the spaces so that total
calculations for each group can be performed separately (up to 50 space groups can be
defined). The default zone or system number is 1. The air conditioning load requirements
of a zone can be covered by (usually) one or more systems. In the latter case, the load
allocation over systems is left to you.

If F11 or the appropriate button into the field is pressed, the above window is activated,
where you can insert the increment and the temperature and relative humidity values
regarding the specific space. In particular, regarding exclusively the TFM Ashrae method,
the shell type (from light to heavy construction type), the air circulation (low up to very
high), the operation type (not 24-hour or 24-hour) and the coefficient A (see adjacent
table) can be also defined. If F11 or the appropriate button into the field is pressed in each
one of the four last fields, an auxiliary table appears containing a list of relevant values
from which you can choose the appropriate one for the space under study.

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When the “ASHRAE RTS 2013” method has been selected, the extra options “Roof load
absorbed in the return air-stream” and “Lighting load absorbed in the return air-stream”
appear.
The sensible load part of all the above additional loads is added to the total load of the
structural elements and the final sum corresponds to the total room sensible load.
If the latent loads due to people and equipment are summed up, the total space latent
load results. The total sensible plus the total latent load comprise the total space load.
These per hour values are shown in the calculation sheet mentioned above.
In order to insert data faster, in case they have to be analytically typed (that is, if they are
not automatically updated from drawings through FINE HVAC), the program enables you
to copy a typical floor (extremely usual in practice) and a typical space, as shown in the
heating losses application.

3.3.1.10 Temperatures
The results of this window are directly linked to the applied method, which means that
some intermediate results-admissions of the methodology are shown.

3.3.1.11 Building Loads Summary

The total building loads are shown for each month and hour without including ventilation.

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3.3.1.12 Building Loads Analysis
All loads and their sum are shown per month and hour and they are described in detail
(including the unit ventilation loads).

3.3.1.13 Systems Loads Analysis

All loads and their sum are shown per month and hour and they are described in detail for
each System (including the unit ventilation loads).

3.3.1.14 Total Loads Diagram (Without Ventilation)

The following chart appears, displaying the load variation per hour and calculation month
regarding the building total loads without ventilation.

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3.3.1.15 Total Loads Diagram (With Ventilation)

The above chart appears, displaying the load variation per hour and calculation month
regarding the building total loads including ventilation.

3.3.1.16 Systems Diagram

The following chart appears, displaying the load variation per hour and calculation month
regarding the total loads for each system.

3.3.1.17 Libraries
Libraries refer to structural element types (walls, openings, ceilings etc.), temperature data
as well as auxiliary loads and their coincidences (people, equipment etc.).

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You can insert and use your own data, easily by selecting a category (e.g. the external
walls as it is shown above) and press the append record button . In the new line you fill
in the element data, press to save them and OK to close the window.

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3.3.2 Fan Coils
The main menu of the Fan Coils application includes the options "Files”, “Project Data”,
“View”, “Windows”, “Libraries” and “Help”. “Files”, “View” and “Help” are similar to the
“Two pipes heating system” application and are discussed in detail in paragraphs 3.1.1,
3.1.3 and 3.1.6 respectively. The rest are described in short in the following paragraphs.

3.3.2.1 Project Data

This pertains to the project basic data, which are divided into Project info (project
headings) and Network data. Network data include:
 Water temperature (ºC): Enter the inlet water temperature in C (the return
temperature is calculated automatically)
 FCUs Temperature Difference (ºC): Enter the fan coils units temperature difference
(usual value Dt=5 C)
 Dry bulb temperature (ºC): Enter the dry bulb room temperature.
 Wet bulb temperature (ºC): Enter the wet bulb room temperature.
 Main pipe type: Select the type of the main pipes (e.g. steel pipes).
 Main pipes roughness factor: The roughness factor is entered automatically,
depending on the pipe type you have selected but if you want, you can modify it. The
measurement unit used by the program is μm.
 Secondary pipe type: Select the type of the secondary pipes (in case two types are
used).
 Secondary pipes roughness factor: The roughness factor is entered automatically,
depending on the pipe type you have selected but if you want, you can modify it. The
measurement unit used by the program is μm.
 Maximum water velocity (m/s): Enter the maximum desired water velocity limit
(based on which the cross-sections are calculated).
 Friction limit per meter length of piping (mwg/m): Enter the friction limit per length
of the piping. The recommended maximum pressure drop in water supply systems is
30 kPa per 30 m of equivalent pipe length, i.e. 10% approximately, or 10 m of water
column per 100 m of equivalent pipe length.
 Number of pumps: In case you have more than one pump, enter their number here
so as to be able to use them in the Calculation sheet and the Circulator calculation.
 Energy units: Select the unit system.
 Type of cooling engine: You can select between an air cooled or a water cooled
engine.
 FCU model: By pressing the selection button, you choose from the library the type of
the FCUs. If you want, you can add your own suppliers and units in the Libraries ->
FCUs.
 Temperature variation per meter length of piping (ºC/m): If the pipes are not well
insulated, enter the temperature variation per meter. In case they are insulated, this
value is zero.
 FCU fan speed: Select from the list the speed of the fan among low, medium or high.

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 Analytical calculation of contained water in the system: If you check this box, you
can calculate in detail the contained water in the system.

3.3.2.2 Calculation Sheet

As shown in the figure, each row of the sheet corresponds to a different network section
while each column refers to data that will be inserted or will result automatically during the
procedure of data insertion. Instructions regarding data insertion appear in the status bar.
In each row, first fill in the fields of the first column, which refer to section designations.
Network standardisation is based on the familiar principles explained earlier for the two
pipes heating system.
In the network section, you enter the number of each circuit and its length. Each column-
circuit row is numbered with the column and circuit serial numbers, inserting a full stop ".",
e.g. "1.2", which stands for "column 1, circuit 2". In Fan coils application, all the levels are
shown in the same calculation sheet and the circuits are numbered, starting from 1. If
there are more than one vertical pipes, the numbering of the circuits of each one begins
from 1 (for example, the circuits of vertical pipe 1 will be 1.1, 1.2 etc., the circuits of
vertical pipe 2 will be 2.1, 2.1 etc.).
Please note that each column-circuit row corresponds to a sub-table that contains the
detailed characteristics of the particular circuit. To activate this table, go to the desired line
and press F12 or select ''Options'' from the list that appears when we press the right
button of the mouse and the following window will open.

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In the above window, the cells “Conditioned space”, “Space sensible heat” and “Space
latent heat” will be automatically inserted if from the application of Cooling Loads you
have previously exported the results to the Fan coils application (in the Cooling Loads
window, from Files menu choose Export to -> Fan coils) otherwise, you can add them on
your own and automatically the fan coil type will be selected.
If there are more than one Fan Coil unit in the same space, you must intervene by
allocating the load accordingly. Calculation of the fan coil unit is performed automatically
in relation to the information of the network data and displayed in the above window.
Regarding fittings, friction drops, similar sections, Reverse Return type of networks etc.,
same rules as stated earlier for two pipes heating system, can be applied.

3.3.2.3 Cooling Engine

In this window a Cooling engine or a Cooling tower is selected (from Libraries, if F11 or
the appropriate button into the field is pressed) and its operation features are inserted.
Note that detailed calculations for the cooling system are performed within the
Psychrometrics application.
“Network Drawing”, “Vertical Diagram”, “Sections friction drop” options, as well as the
windows “Technical Description”, “Assumptions” “Bill of materials” and “Cover Page”
follow the rules stated in the previous paragraphs.

3.3.2.4 Libraries
The "Fan Coils" application libraries contain pipes, FC units and fittings as well as
equipment for the engine-room (Cooling engines, Pumps, Expansion Tanks etc). Each
library category contains various material types, which exist in the market, but it can be
easily updated with the material types you want. As far as the "Fan Coils" library is
concerned, various unit types are registered. Specifically, for each manufacturer a tab is
displayed with fan coil sizes (200, 400 etc.), Z coefficients, codes and costs.
If the key “Loads” is pressed, the corresponding outputs for the various temperatures (dry
bulb, wet bulb and water inlet temperature) are displayed.

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You can insert and use your own data, easily by selecting a category (e.g. pipes as it is
shown below) and press the append record button . In the new line you fill in the pipe
data (inserting and the Diameters), press to save them and OK to close the window.

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3.3.3 Air-Ducts
When the program is loaded, the main menu with the option groups "Files", "Project Data",
"Windows", "Libraries" and "Help" appears on the screen. “Files”, “View”, most “Windows”
options and “Help” are similar to what has been described earlier (paragraphs 3.1.1, 3.1.3
and 3.1.6 respectively), while the rest are summarized below. These options and their
secondary options are described in detail in the following paragraphs.

3.3.3.1 Project Data

This pertains to the project basic data, which are divided into Project info (project
headings) and Network data. Network data include:
 Air Supply temperature (ºC): In this field you fill in the temperature of the air entering
the space from the supply grilles (15-16C).
 Desired Spaces temperature (ºC): This is the desired temperature in the air-
conditioned spaces (significant only if Psychrometrics has not been preceded).
 Air-duct material: The Air-duct material to be used is selected (if F11 or the
appropriate button into the field is pressed, the respective library is displayed).
 Air-Ducts Roughness Factor (μm): Air-duct roughness factor which depends on the
duct material is inserted. If the duct material has been selected from the libraries,
roughness is automatically updated.
 Secondary air-duct material: The secondary air-duct material to be used is selected
(if F11 or the appropriate button into the field is pressed, the respective library is
displayed).
 Secondary air-ducts Roughness Factor (μm): Air-duct roughness factor, which
depends on the secondary duct material, is inserted. If the duct material has been
selected from the libraries, roughness is automatically updated.
 Maximum air velocity (m/s): This field concerns the upper air velocity limit in the air
ducts. This value is used as an upper limit if the method of equal pressure drops is
applied or it is taken as the value of the air velocity when the method of equal velocities
is applied instead.
 Pressure drop per meter (mm. W.G./m): This is the value of the corresponding
network pressure drop per m when the equal friction method is applied, while it is of no
significance if the method of velocity reduction is applied instead.
 Type of Cross-Section: Cross section type in the longest part of the network is
inserted (circular, square or rectangular). Of course, there is always the possibility to
modify it in a specific section of the network.
 Desired Air-duct dimensions (width and height): The desired air duct dimensions
should be determined only if rectangular air ducts are selected where you are able to
define a fixed value for width or height. Note that, when both dimensions of the air-duct
rectangular cross section are determined (or one dimension for circular or square cross
sections), then the velocity and pressure drop in each network branch are determined
without following the principles of any of the available methods. On the contrary, if only
one dimension is inserted, height or width, then the other dimension results
automatically from the selected calculation method. Of course, the fixed value for
height or width determined here, does not constrain you because there is always the
possibility to modify it in a specific section of the network.

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 Rounding step of Air-duct dimensions (mm): In case that accuracy to mm is not
needed, the air-duct cross-section value is calculated approximately in increments (e.g.
50 mm).
 Grilles Sound Level (dB): This field concerns the upper limit of the noise level at
grilles, which should not be exceeded. This limit can also be selectively modified for a
specific room grille.
 Desired grilles dimensions (length and width): Similar instructions to those given
above for the desired air duct dimensions are applied.
 Number of Fans: It concerns the number of the installation Fans (1-40).
 Energy units: Υοu can choose the units of the results among Mcal/h, KWatt or KBtu/h.
 Calculation Method: You can select the calculation method among the three
available, a) Velocity reduction b) Equal friction and c) Static regain.
 Minimum Air velocity (Regain method): This concerns the minimum air velocity in
case the Static regain method is selected. You should keep in mind that you are
allowed to insert a minimum velocity limit value, if the velocity at the air outlets is
considered very low.
 Speed calculation method: You can select the speed calculation method between the
one with Equivalent cross section area or with Real duct cross section area.

3.3.3.2 Calculation Sheet

As shown in the figure, each row of this sheet corresponds to a different network section
while each column refers to data concerning this network section (see status bar). The
operation concepts are based on the principles stated earlier. The starting point of the air-
duct network (where the fan is located) corresponds to the number 1. The total air flow
rate in each space can be calculated either approximately based on the Space load and
the Temperature difference between supply and return air or accurately if Psychrometric
Calculations have been previously performed (see Psychrometrics application). Given
the values of those data, flow rate values are summed up properly and are automatically
displayed in the Air flow column. Based on these flow rates in each network section and
the calculation method (equal pressure or velocity), air-duct dimensions as well as
standard sizes for the grilles are determined in each section. Air-duct cross section

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(circular, rectangle etc.) and its desired dimensions are those entered in the general data,
but you modify or insert any other desired dimension here.
Based on the above dimensions, effective air velocity and pressure drop can be
calculated in the calculation sheet.
Finally, the respective grille dimensions are also determined so that the noise level,
specified in general data, is not exceeded. The grille dimensions are automatically
calculated after a grille type has been selected on Network window from the respective
library by pressing F11 or the appropriate button into the field, as it is shown below.

The grille width, height and existing noise level are displayed at the bottom of the
calculation sheet window. Note that in the middle of the window, it is possible to insert the
desired dimensions (usually one of them is inserted in the general data and the other one
is automatically calculated).
Fittings of the air-duct network (e.g. elbows, T-junctions etc.) are entered for each section
in the column “Type of fittings” by activating the corresponding window with F11 or the
appropriate button into the field.
Note that, in case the equal friction method is used and you want to balance the
network, dampers can be adjusted accordingly (keep in mind that the equal pressures
method ensures well "balanced" networks only if the network has been symmetrically
designed). The column “Air ducts Friction Drop” shows how well balanced the network is
and indicates which sections need restriction using dampers.
If the method of static regain is applied instead, then friction losses in each network
section are balanced by the recovered static pressure, which in turn depends on the
velocity in the previous and next section. So, nothing appears in “Total friction loss”
column (zero friction losses), except for the first network section that starts at the fan
(section 1.2 in the above example) and, of course, the sections where you have specified
both dimensions of the air-duct cross section. Consequently, total friction losses in this
case are equal to the friction losses in the first section, which starts at the fan.

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All the above apply to the air supply network. The return network is standardised
similarly by determining again junction points and (outlet) grilles and assigning a slightly
lower flow rate, compared to the supply grilles, to each grille (i.e. 70-80% of the air inlet
flow rate so that room is slightly over-pressurised). Apparently, the return network is
completely independent and does not have grilles in all rooms. Since the fan has to
overcome friction losses for the most mailing supply and return section, the corresponding
friction losses are added and displayed in the calculation sheet.
In the case of typical (similar) air-duct network sections, it is possible to recall them (with
their name from the first column) in order to automatically transfer them.

Note: The Air-duct program is also suitable for any other ventilation project. In order to
calculate a ventilation network, it should be first standardized as previously explained with
the only difference that the load and temperature differences should be deleted (from the
corresponding column) and flow rates for all sections terminated in grills should be
inserted. Furthermore, sections should be inserted with “.” and not with “-“, as there is not
a secondary network.

3.3.3.3 Fan Calculation

In order to use and calculate more than one fan, you must first define in the “Network”
window the “Number of fans” (Project Data -> Network). After that, in the calculation sheet
you will fill in the number of each fan in the “Fan No” column, remembering that each fan
that covers the requirements of a network section, should be set in the starting section of
the network (see image below). In the “Fan No” column you type directly the fan number
or press F12 or select ''Options'' and fill in the “Fan number” cell.

The program allows the use of one to forty different Fans and you can calculate them from
Windows -> Fan calculations. For the selected Fan (type its number in the first row) the
total network airflow and the total friction drop of the section with the highest pressure
drop are displayed in the window.

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Regarding the selected Fan number (1, if only one fan exists), the following data appear:
 The calculated air flow in m3/h, according to the calculation sheet data.
 The highest pressure drop section (in mmWG), that is the section with the highest
friction losses.
 The total Network (pipes and fittings) Friction Drop, which corresponds to the above
section and has been calculated in calculation sheet.
 The filters, alternator air-air and air-conditioning unit friction drops as well as other
friction losses (for safety reasons, some further friction losses are supposed, that is the
theoretically calculated friction values are usually increased by approximately 20-30%,
in mmWG).
If the above friction values are added together, the result will be the installation total Static
pressure (in mmWG). In order to select a fan type from the program libraries, press F11 or
the appropriate button into the field "Type of Selected Fan".
When you select the fan type, the following options will be completed automatically and
you fill in only the Cost.

3.3.3.4 Libraries
The "Air-ducts" application libraries include duct materials, grilles, fittings and fans as well
as the common Offer libraries. As in any other application, each library category contains
various material types, which exist in the market, but naturally it can be updated with the
material types you want. Fittings libraries contain the various air-duct fittings in list form
while the main features of each fitting [Z coefficient (resistance) and cost] are also
mentioned. Duct material library contains different types of materials (e.g. from Tin Plate,
Plastic, etc.), along with their roughness and specific gravity and thickness. As for the
"Grilles" library, it contains grille types with their standard dimensions and all other
features needed for the calculations. You can insert and use your own data, easily by
selecting a category (e.g. grilles as it is shown below) and press the append record
button . In the new line you fill in the grille data (inserting and the Size), press to
save them and OK to close the window.

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3.3.4 Psychrometrics
Based on the analytical psychrometric equations, this program carries out the air-
conditioning unit selection and the air distribution in the air-conditioned spaces while it
also provides the psychrometric variation on the psychrometric chart as a result. When the
program is loaded, the main menu with the option groups "Files", "Project Data", “View”,
"Windows" and "Help" appears on the screen. “Files”, “View”, “Help” and most of the
“Windows” options are quite similar to the “Heating losses” application and are discussed
in detail in paragraphs 3.1.1, 3.1.3 and 3.1.6 respectively. The rest are summarized in the
following paragraphs.

3.3.4.1 Project Data

These are the basic data of the installation. They are divided into Project info (headings
of the project), Calculation parameters, Indoor and Outdoor design conditions and,
finally, Spaces data.
1) Calculation Parameters concern the following:
 Minimum temperature of the psychrometric chart: Define the minimum temperature
(°C), which will be shown in the psychrometric chart.
 Maximum temperature of the psychrometric chart: Define the maximum
temperature (°C), which will be shown in the psychrometric chart.
 Energy units: You can select among Mcal/h, KWatt or KBtu/h units.
 Outside air: The required outside air can be inserted either as a volume (in m3/h) or as
a percentage of the total air (%).
 Heat recovery unit: If a heat recovery unit is used, you select its type (Heat Recovery
Ventilator or Energy Recovery Ventilator) otherwise you choose “No”.
 Air-duct losses: Check this box if you want to take into account air duct losses,
otherwise, they will be ignored.
 Fan losses: You select ''No'' if you want the fan losses to be ignored, or choose
between ‘‘Before’’ if the fan is located upstream of the air-conditioning unit, or ''After'' if
the fan is located downstream of the air-conditioning unit.
 By-pass factor BF: This concerns the air-conditioning unit by-pass factor and varies
between 0 – 1 (0 means no by-pass at all, 1 means 100% by-pass).
 Coolant temperature difference: Fill in the temperature difference of the coolant
medium (°C).
 Heating medium temperature difference: Fill in the temperature difference of heating
medium (°C).
 Outside air percentage: In case you have required the outside air to be inserted as a
percentage, fill it in, in this field.
 Air duct losses in percentage of room loads (%): In case you have checked the “Air
duct losses” box, define them here as a percentage of the room loads.
 Fan losses: In case you take into account the fan losses, you can define the load here
(if you want, you can modify it in the “Systems” window later, selecting the specific
system). The energy units are those that have been selected in “Energy units” field.
 Percentage of supply air exhausted from space (%): In this field, you fill in the
percentage of the supply air that is exhausted from the space.

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 Altitude: Fill in the altitude of the location in m.
 Outside air preheating: If a preheater is used in the heating system, select “Yes” in
this field (you can also select or change it later in the “Systems” window).
 Exit air temperature from preheater: In this field fill in the temperature of the air that
is leaving the heater (you can also select or change it later in the “Systems” window).
2) Indoor design conditions concern the following:
 Desired indoor temperature in summer:
This concerns the desired temperature (in
C) of the cooled rooms.
 Desired indoor relative humidity in
summer: This concerns the desired relative
humidity (%) of the cooled rooms.
 Desired indoor temperature in winter:
This concerns the desired temperature (in
C) of the heated rooms.
 Desired indoor relative humidity in
winter: This concerns the desired relative humidity (%) of the heated rooms.
3) Outdoor design conditions concern the outdoor temperature and relative humidity
values during the day in summer as well as in winter.
4) Spaces
The data that will be used for the calculation of the air-conditioning units for each space
should be typed in this window.

More specifically, for each space the following data should be typed:
 The level where the space is, its number and name.
 The system where the space belongs.

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  The hour when the maximum load appears, regarding the system where the space
belongs.
 The sensible (RSH) and latent (RLH) cooling load of the space.
 The thermal losses of the space (WRSH).
 The required outside air quantity of the space (VA).
The above data will be automatically completed as long as you have followed the
following procedure:
1) For the cooling loads and the quantity of fresh air to be transferred:
- From the Cooling loads application, in the Calculation Sheet you fill in the “System or
Zone” for each space (in case you have more than one system).
- When you finish, you select from Files -> Export to -> Systems - Psychrometry (total,
spaces of ventilation loads)
- Open the Psychrometrics application and select Files -> Import from -> Cooling
2) For the thermal loads to be transferred:
- When you finish the Thermal losses application, select Files -> Export to -> Systems
- Psychrometry
- Open the Psychrometrics application and select Files -> Import from -> Heating

3.3.4.2 Psychrometric Point Calculations

If this option is selected from the “Windows” menu, the basic psychrometric calculations
are performed. In the following image if you provide two of the six basic psychrometric
quantities and press F8 or the calculation button from the toolbar, the remaining four
quantities will be calculated.

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3.3.4.3 Systems
This option is the main window of the Psychrometrics application (you open it from
Windows -> Systems). When it is selected, the air-conditioning unit calculation is carried
out for each one of the Systems, in which the spaces have been grouped.

The systems window provides a list of the systems on the left side (System 1, System 2
etc.) while the Cooling and Heating tabs appear on the upper side. In this way you can
access any system, either Cooling or Heating, and follow the instructions given in the next
section. Note that, for better monitoring of the results, you can have on screen a) the
above window with all the information shown at the same time b) just the psychrometric
chart or c) just the results. Switching between the above three monitoring ways is enabled
through the three relative icons of the toolbar (see adjacent image) when the window
“Systems” is active. As far as data, applicable methods and
calculation results are concerned, a detailed description follows for
both the cooling and the heating application.
A. Cooling
In order to calculate a Cooling System, the following data should be typed:
 Desired temperature in summer (C): This concerns the desired indoor temperature
in the cooled rooms. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given
in “Calculation parameters”.
 Desired relative humidity in summer (%): This concerns the desired indoor relative
humidity in the cooled rooms. This option is filled in automatically with the value that
was given in “Calculation parameters”.
 Outdoor temperature in summer (C): This concerns the outdoor temperature at the
peak hour of the System. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was
given in “Calculation parameters”.

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 Outdoor relative humidity in summer (%): This concerns the relative humidity at the
peak hour of the System. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was
given in “Calculation parameters”.
 System Sensible Heat: This is the sensible cooling load of the System at its peak
hour. It is completed automatically from the sum of the sensible load RSH of each
space of the system (from “Project Data” -> “Spaces”).
 System Latent Heat: This concerns the latent cooling load of the System at its peak
hour. It is completed automatically from the sum of the latent load RLH of each space
of the system (from “Project Data” -> “Spaces”).
 Outside air: The required outside air can be provided either as quantity in m3/h or as
percentage. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in
“Calculation parameters”.
 Outside air quantity (m³/h) or percentage: This concerns the total outside air of the
System in m³/h or the respective percentage. It is completed automatically from the
sum of the air capacity VA of each space of the system (from “Project Data” ->
“Spaces”).
 Air-duct losses: You enter either ''No'' if you want to ignore the air duct losses, or
''Yes'' if you want them to be taken into account in the calculations. This option is filled
in automatically with the value that was given in “Calculation parameters”.
 Percentage of load loss in the air-ducts: In case you have selected “Yes” in the “Air
duct losses” box, define here the percentage of the system loads. This option is filled in
automatically with the value that was given in “Calculation parameters”.
 Fan losses: In case you take into account the fan losses, you can define the load here.
This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in “Calculation
parameters”.
 Total fan load: To be inserted only if the fan load is to be taken into account in the
calculations. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in
“Calculation parameters”.
 Bypass factor BF: This concerns the air-conditioning unit by-pass factor which varies
between 0 - 1. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in
“Calculation parameters”.
 Coolant temperature difference DT (C): Based on the coolant temperature
difference after it passes through the cooling element, the required quantity of the
coolant can be calculated. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was
given in “Calculation parameters”.
 Heat recovery unit: If a heat recovery unit is used, you select its type (Heat Recovery
Ventilator or Energy Recovery Ventilator) otherwise you choose “No”.
 Sensible effectiveness: When a heat recovery unit has been selected, in this field you
fill in its sensible effectiveness.
 Latent effectiveness: When a heat recovery unit has been selected, in this field you fill
in its latent effectiveness.
After the above information have been specified, you follow the steps I and ΙΙ which are
described below:

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I. Method Selection:
If the arrow in the first field is pressed, a window will appear listing the seven methods
included in the program:

1. Cooling and dehumidification, without reheating: This is the most common method.
2. Cooling and dehumidification, with reheating: It is usually used when the latent load
is high in comparison to the total loads (e.g. ball rooms).
3. Cooling and dehumidification, with return air by-pass: Part of the return air is by-
passed through the unit-cooling element.
4. Cooling and dehumidification, 100% outside air: It is used in applications where it is
necessary to have supply air coming totally from outdoors (e.g. surgeries).
5. Cooling without dehumidification, pretreated air: This method should be selected if
the air-conditioning unit is to undertake only the outside air load while the room loads
are covered by Fan Coils or another unit.
6. Cooling and dehumidification, pretreated air: The same as the previous method but
with dehumidification.
7. Precooled air with heat exchanger, pretreated air: This method is selected in order
to calculate the temperatures and total heat of the heat recovery unit.
II. Calculation Activation:

While in the Systems screen, press F8 or the button from the toolbar and the
calculations of the air-conditioning unit of each System will be executed. The results
appear at the bottom of the page while the psychrometric chart showing the respective
psychrometric variation is displayed on the right. More specifically, the appearing results
are:
 The air mixture conditions (dry and wet bulb temperature, absolute and relative
humidity).
 The air inlet conditions in the air-conditioning unit (dry and wet bulb temperature,
absolute and relative humidity).
 The air outlet conditions from the air-conditioning unit (dry and wet bulb temperature,
absolute and relative humidity).
 The air inlet conditions in the air-conditioned rooms (dry and wet bulb temperature,
absolute and relative humidity). Note that there are two ways to alter the air supply
temperature in the spaces:
 Modifying the by-pass factor of the air-conditioning unit.
 Modifying the calculation method and using the "Air return By-pass" method.
 The effective coefficient of sensible heat.
 The coefficient of the system sensible heat.
 The coefficient of the air-conditioning unit sensible heat.

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 The quantity of the air delivered by the air-conditioning unit, the fresh air, the supply air
and the return air.
 The fresh air loads.
 The air-conditioning unit loads.
 The cooling element supply.
B. Heating
For the calculation of a Heating System, the following data should be inserted:
 Desired temperature in winter (C): This concerns the indoor desired temperature in
the heated rooms. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in
“Indoor design conditions”.
 Desired relative humidity in winter (%): This concerns the desired indoor relative
humidity in the heated rooms. This option is filled in automatically with the value that
was given in “Indoor design conditions”.
 Outdoor temperature in winter (C): This concerns the outdoor temperature at the
peak hour of the System. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was
given in “Indoor design conditions”.
 Outdoor relative humidity in winter (%): This concerns the relative humidity at the
peak hour of the System. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was
given in “Indoor design conditions”.
 System Sensible Heat: This is the sensible heating load of the System at its peak
hour. It is completed automatically from the sum of the sensible load WRSH of each
space of the system (from “Project Data” -> “Spaces”).
 Outside air quantity (m³/h) or percentage (%): This concerns the total outside air of
the System in m³/h or the respective percentage. It is completed automatically from the
sum of the air capacity VA of each space of the system (from “Project Data” ->
“Spaces”).
 Air-duct losses: You enter either ''No'' if you want to ignore the air duct losses, or
''Yes'' if you want to be taken into account in the calculations. This option is filled in
automatically with the value that was given in “Calculation parameters”.
 Percentage of load loss in the air-ducts (%): In case you have selected “YES” in the
“Air duct losses” box, define here the percentage of the system loads. This option is
filled in automatically with the value that was given in “Calculation parameters”.
 Fan losses: In case you take into account the fan losses, you can define the load here.
This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in “Calculation
parameters”.
 Total fan load: To be inserted only if the fan load is to be taken into account in the
calculations. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in
“Calculation parameters”.
 Bypass factor BF: This concerns the air-conditioning unit by-pass factor which varies
between 0 - 1. This option is filled in automatically with the value that was given in
“Calculation parameters”.
 Heating medium temperature difference (C): Based on the heating medium
temperature difference DT after it passes through the heating element, the required
quantity of the heating medium can be calculated. This option is filled in automatically
with the value that was given in “Calculation parameters”.

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 Heat recovery unit: If a heat recovery unit is used, you select its type (Heat Recovery
Ventilator or Energy Recovery Ventilator) otherwise you choose “No”.
 Sensible effectiveness: When a heat recovery unit has been selected, in this field you
fill in its sensible effectiveness.
 Latent effectiveness: When a heat recovery unit has been selected, in this field you fill
in its latent effectiveness.
 Outside air preheating: In this field you select if the entering outside air is preheated
or not.
 Exiting air temperature from preheater: If you chose “Yes” in the previous field, enter
here the temperature of the air when it is exiting the preheater.
After having set values on the above, the steps I and II that are described below should be
followed at this point as well:
I. Method Selection:
If the arrow in the first field is pressed, one of the nine methods included in the program
can be selected:

1. Heating and humidification - Steam (cooling has preceded): This method involves
air heating and humidification with a steam humidifier. The air inlet quantities will be
those already calculated in the cooling calculations.
2. Heating and humidification - Steam (cooling has not preceded)
3. Heating without humidification (cooling has preceded)
4. Heating without humidification (cooling has not preceded)
5. Heating without humidification – Steam, pretreated air
6. Heating and humidification - Steam, pretreated air
7. Heating and humidification - Spraying (cooling has preceded)
8. Heating and humidification - Spraying (cooling has not preceded)
9. Heating and humidification - Spraying, pretreated air
10. Preheated air with heat exchanger – pretreated air
ΙΙ. Calculation Activation

While in the Systems screen, press F8 or the button from the toolbar and the
calculations of the air-conditioning unit of each System will be executed. The results
appear at the bottom while the psychrometric chart showing the respective psychrometric
variation is displayed on the right.
More specifically, the results are:
 The air mixture conditions (dry and wet bulb temperature, absolute and relative
humidity).

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 The air inlet conditions in the air-conditioning unit (dry and wet bulb temperature,
absolute and relative humidity).
 The air outlet conditions from the air-conditioning unit (dry and wet temperature,
absolute and relative humidity).
 The air inlet conditions in the air-conditioned rooms (dry and wet bulb temperature,
absolute and relative humidity)
 The effective coefficient of sensible heat.
 The coefficient of the system sensible heat.
 The coefficient of the unit sensible heat.
 The quantity of the air delivered by the air-conditioning unit, the fresh air, the induced
air and the return air.
 The outside air loads.
 The air-conditioning unit load.
 The heating element supply and finally.
 The humidification water quantity.

3.3.4.4 Space Conditions – Cooling

If you select from Windows -> Space Conditions – Cooling, the supply and return air as
well as the prevailing conditions in the space after the air supply (dry and wet bulb
temperature, absolute and relative humidity) are displayed for all the spaces.

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3.3.4.5 Space Conditions – Heating
If you select from Windows -> Space Conditions – Heating, the supply and return air as
well as the prevailing conditions in the space after the air supply (dry and wet bulb
temperature, absolute and relative humidity) are displayed for all spaces.

3.3.4.6 Systems Conditions – Cooling

If you select from Windows -> System Conditions – Cooling, the supply and return air as
well as the prevailing conditions in the space after the air supply (dry and wet bulb
temperature, absolute and relative humidity) are displayed for the spaces of each system.

3.3.4.7 Systems Conditions – Heating

If you select from Windows -> System Conditions – Heating, the supply and return air as
well as the prevailing conditions in the space after the air supply (dry and wet bulb
temperature, absolute and relative humidity) are displayed for the spaces of each system.

3.3.4.8 Air-conditioning units

The complete data for the selection of the Air-conditioning Units appear.

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3.4 Examples

In this chapter three step-by-step examples are presented, which will help you understand
in practice the basics of drawing in FINE HVAC. These simple examples aim mainly at
helping you start drawing building entities (walls, openings etc.) along with heating and
cooling networks. More specifically:
- Example 1, describes the steps of drawing a simple level and defining the spaces
so as to calculate thermal and cooling loads.
- Example 2, describes the steps of drawing a simple two-pipes heating network,
proceeding to the calculations and generating the necessary drawings. The same
steps can be applied also to the single-pipe and fan-coils application.
- Finally, example 3, describes the steps of drawing an air-duct cooling network,
proceeding to the calculations and generating the necessary drawings.
Apart from the following examples, you can watch the same steps (and much more) in the
videos you will find in 4M SA.

3.4.1. Building design example

In this example, the drawing of the
adjacent simple building is described,
including the steps from the beginning
(creating a new project) to the end
(calculating thermal and cooling loads) so
that you can easily understand the
function of FINE HVAC in practice.
For this example, we will import two
architectural plan views that have been
designed in AutoCAD although you can
start drawing from scratch. If you have
already designed the building in IDEA
Architecture 19, you can skip this
example.
1. From FILES menu, we select “New project”, type “Project HVAC” and press “Accept”.
2. From Ribbon menu, we select “Building definition”, define as level 1 the “Ground
Floor” in elevation “0” and from “File” we load its architectural drawing. After that, we
press “Add Up” (so as to save the changes) and we follow the same steps for the
second level, as it is shown below.

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 When we finish, we press once again “OK” and automatically we defined the two
levels with their architectural drawings.

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3. From Building Entities, we select Outer wall and in the properties window we
define the height (3 m in our example) and the
width (0.25 m) of the wall, the height and the width
of the column (it will be automatically designed
along with the wall), its type etc.
When we finish, we press “Accept” and we design
the wall by defining three points:
- First, we click on the beginning of the wall
(where the left red spot is, in the following
image)
- Then, we click on the end of the wall (where the
upper right red spot is) and
- Finally, we click on the side that the wall
“grows” (where the down right red spot is).

You can enable the “Entity snaps” toolbar (or the “ESNAP” setting) so as to select
easily the edges of the wall.
Continuing in the same way, we draw all the walls (inner and outer) of the ground
floor.

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4. From Building entities, we select Door and in the properties window, we select the
height (2.20 m in our example), the length (1 m), the type of the door etc.
When we finish, we press “Accept” and we design the
door:
- First, we select the wall upon which we want to place
the door.
- We click on the starting point of the door (where the
left red spot is, in the following image)
- We click on the ending point of the door (where the
upper right red spot is). As long as you have
specified the length of the door, it is not necessary to
specify this point exactly. You only need to specify a
point near the start towards the side that the second
point is located.
- Finally, we click on a point that shows the direction towards which the door will
open (where the down right red spot is).

5. From Building entities, we select Window and in

the properties window, we select the height (1.20 m in
our example), the length (1 m), the rise (0.80 m), the
type of the window etc.
When we finish, we press “Accept” and we design the
window:
- First, we select the wall upon which we want to
place the door.
- We click on the starting point of the window (where
the upper red spot is, in the following image)

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 - We click on the ending point of the window (where the down red spot is). As with
the door, as long as you have specified the length of the window, it is not
necessary to specify this point exactly. You only need to specify a point near the
start towards the side that the second point is located.

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6. After drawing the walls, openings, doors etc. the ground floor has been designed as it
is seem below. In the drawing, you can add the columns (from Building Entities >
Column) and the floors/ceilings (from Building Entities > Floor - Ceiling).
In the following image, we have deactivated the architectural drawing, so as to have a
better inspection of the drawing. To do this, go to Definitions > Layers management >
and uncheck the “XREF” box.

7. We set the “North direction” symbol in the drawing, from Definitions > North direction.
8. In order to calculate the “Thermal Losses” and the “Cooling Loads”, we have to define
the spaces of the ground floor.

From Drawings-Calculations > Space definition by Point we zoom in a space:

- We click on an internal point of this space (where the left red spot is, in the
following image)

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 - We click on an external point of this space (where the right red spot is, in the
following image)
- In the command line, where the prompt “Enter space name” appears, we write
“Bedroom 1” and press “ENTER”.

9. We repeat step 9 for all the spaces of the level, as it is shown in the following image,
and we can now proceed to the calculation of heating and cooling loads from:

- Drawings-Calculations > Thermal Losses (detailed information in Chapter

3.2.1).

- Drawings-Calculations > Calculations > Cooling Loads (detailed information in

Chapter 3.3.1).

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3.4.2. Heating Network design example
1. Continuing working with the previous drawing, from AutoNET remove, we choose
“Two pipes system” icon .
Automatically, the “Two pipes system” Ribbon is shown on the screen (see adjacent
image) and you can either work from there or from the AutoNET commands.

2. First of all, we place the radiators in the rooms of the ground floor. From AutoNET >
Radiators, we select the “IV505” radiator type, press “Accept” and place it in “Bedroom
1”. In this way, you can select on your own the type and the number of the radiators in
each room.
Alternatively, from AutoNET > “Automatic radiators placement”, if we click on the
“Living room” and press enter, the program automatically selects the number, the type
of the radiators (depending on the “Thermal loads” of the space) and places them in
the room. We repeat the same for the rest of the rooms.

3. From Ribbon menu we select “Straight supply pipe” and start drawing it between
the walls and the radiators as it is seen in the following picture.

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4. The next step is connecting the supply pipe with
the radiators and we do this easily by selecting
from Supply pipe > Connect radiators to an
existing pipe (or from the corresponding symbol
of the toolbar):
- We click on the first radiator
- We click on the supply pipe next to it and
finally
- Press ENTER and they are automatically
connected.
- We repeat the step for all the radiators.

5. In order to place the vertical pipe that leads to the basement, we select from Ribbon
menu Supply Vertical Pipe :
- We click on the location we want to place the vertical pipe (in the command line
you can see the “Enter XY location” prompt message).
- We type the height “0” which is the starting point of the vertical pipe in this
example (the basement elevation).
- We type the height “3” which is the ending point of the vertical pipe in this example
(the ground floor elevation) and the supply vertical pipe is created.

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6. From Ribbon menu we select Return pipe and draw a part of the pipe connecting
the horizontal to the vertical pipe as it is shown below.
You can use the “Entity snaps” toolbar (it is highlighted in the picture) to connect
precisely the two pipes.

7. We repeat the steps 13-17 for drawing the return network (drawing vertical and
horizontal pipes and connecting them with the radiators) and we have set the two
pipes heating network for level 2.

8. By selecting the level of the basement (you can use to change levels or
double click on the level’s name in the left side of the screen) we draw the horizontal
supply and return pipe starting from each vertical pipe as it is shown below.

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 You can easily connect the horizontal to the vertical pipe using the “Perpendicular
snap” point (highlighted in the following picture).

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9. Finally, by selecting Start point, we set the supply and return start point symbols. You
can easily connect the symbols to the horizontal pipe using the “Endpoint snap” point
(highlighted in the following picture).

10. Before we proceed to the heating calculations, we select Network recognition .

This is an important step in order to make sure that the network has been drawn
correctly. If there are any mistakes, a warning message will appear, otherwise, the
network sections are numbered as it is shown below and we can proceed to the
calculations.

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11. After that we select Calculations and in the window that opens automatically, we
select Files > Update from Drawing.
From Windows menu > we open the Calculation Sheet where the network information
have been transferred (detailed information in Chapter 3.2.2).

When we finish the calculations, we save and close the window and return to FINE
HVAC.

12. The next step is to go back in the drawing module and make Update Drawing and
in the opening window we choose which network segments and radiators information
we want to be show on the screen.

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 By clicking “Auto Placement”, the selected information is shown in each level.

13. Finally, we can select Convert single line to 3D and the program automatically
creates 3D pipes in relation to the calculation results.

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3.4.3. Cooling Network design example
1. Continuing working with the previous drawing, from AutoNET > Select application, we
choose “Air ducts” .

Automatically, the “Air ducts” Ribbon menu is shown on the screen (see adjacent
image) and you can either work from there or from the toolbars commands.
2. From AutoNET menu > we select “Current Elevation” and in the command line we
type “2,6” meters. In this way, everything that we are going to design will be placed in
2,6 m in z axis in relation to each level.
3. First of all, we place the grilles in the rooms of the first floor. From Air Ducts > Grilles
(or directly from the “grilles” symbol of the toolbar), we select the “K 104 A” type, press
“Accept” and place it in “Bedroom 1”. In this way, you can select on your own the type
and the number of the grilles in each room.
Alternatively, from Air Ducts > “Automatic grilles placement”, we select the type of the
grille we want, we click on the “Living room” and press enter. The program
automatically places the grille in the center of the room. We repeat the same for the
rest of the rooms (we can select more than one room each time).

4. From Air Ducts > we select “Supply air duct” and start drawing the network of the air
ducts.

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5. The next step is connecting the supply air duct with the grilles and we do this easily by
selecting from Air Ducts > Connect grilles to existing duct (or from the
corresponding symbol of the toolbar). Instead of this command, you can use the
“Connect grilles to existing duct with flexible duct”:
- We click on the first grille
- We click on the supply air duct next to it
- We press ENTER and they are automatically connected.
- We repeat the step for all the grilles (we can connect more than one grille to an air
duct each time).

6. In order to place the vertical air duct that leads to the basement, we select from Air
Ducts > Supply Vertical duct:
- We click on the location we want to place the vertical duct (in the command line
you can see the “Enter XY location” prompt message).
- We type the height “1” which is the starting point of the vertical duct in this
example (the ground floor elevation).
- We type the height “5,8” which is the ending point of the vertical pipe in this
example (from the “Set elevation” command we have set the elevation we are
drawing the air ducts in the ground floor in “2,8” m) and the vertical duct is created.

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7. From Air Ducts > we select Supply air duct and draw a duct connecting the horizontal
to the vertical air duct as it is shown below.
You can use the “Entity snaps” toolbar to connect precisely the two ducts.

8. By selecting the level of the ground floor (you can use to change levels or
double click on the level’s name in the left side of the screen) we draw a horizontal
supply air duct starting from the vertical duct as it is shown below.
(You can easily connect the horizontal to the vertical duct using the “Perpendicular
snap” point).
Finally, from Air Ducts > Supply start point we can easily connect the symbol to the
horizontal pipe using the “Endpoint snap” point (highlighted in the following picture).

9. If you want, you can easily draw the return air ducts network by repeating the steps
above for return air ducts.

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10. Before we proceed to the cooling calculations, we select from Air Ducts > Network
recognition . This is an important step in order to make sure that the network has
been drawn correctly. If there are any mistakes, a warning message will appear,
otherwise, the network sections are numbered as it is shown below and we can
proceed to the calculations.

11. From Air Ducts, we select Calculations and in the window that opens
automatically, we select Files > Update from Drawing.
From Windows menu > we open the Calculation Sheet where the network information
have been transferred (detailed information in Chapter 3.3.3).

When we finish the calculations, we save and close the window and return to FINE
HVAC.

12. From Air Ducts > we select Update Drawing and in the opening window we
choose which air ducts and grilles information we want to be show on the screen.

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 By clicking “Auto Placement”, the selected information is shown on each level.

13. From Air Ducts > we select Convert single line to 2D, in the command line we type “S”
(as we only have supply network) and the program automatically creates 2D pipes in
relation to the calculation results.

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14. Finally from Air Ducts > we select Convert single line to 3D and the program
automatically converts the network into 3D in relation to the calculation results.

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