FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING & SURVEYING

BACHELOR OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE (HONS.)

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & SERVICES (INA 524)

TITLE:
MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

PREPARED BY:

STUDENT NAME MATRICS NUM. CLASS

MOHAMAD FAIRUZ FAUZAN BIN MOHD ZAINAL 2022813474 AP247
MUHAMMAD HAFIZ BIN AHMAD KAMARUDDIN 2022813588 AP247
MUHAMMAD ALIF BIN MOHD AZLI 2022883776 AP247
MUHAMMAD FIRDAUS IRFAN BIN ZAINON 2022883496 AP247
MUHAMMAD FIRDAUS BIN MOHD FAUZI 2022883648 AP247

PREPARED FOR:

MADAM SHAMSIDAR BINTI AHMAD

DATE:
3 JANUARY 2023
CONTENTS

SUBJECTS PAGES
Contents i
1.0 Unitary System 1 - 11
2.0 Central Plant System or Water Chilled Systems 12 - 25
2.1 Central Handling Plant System
2.2 Central Plant with Local Handling
3.0 Solar System 26 - 34
4.0 Multi Room Systems 35 - 49
4.1 Induction Box Systems
4.2 Fan Coil Unit System
References 50

i
1.0 REFRIGERANT SYSTEMS | UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS

Window units, Split units, Cassette units, Package units and many more….

● Unitary systems are single units that provide both heating and cooling operations from one
product.

● This name is derived from the fact that two components are required to complete the
system: an indoor coil (inside the home) and an external condenser (outside the home).

● Using electricity as its power source, the unitary system compressor pumps refrigerant
through the system.

● The refrigerant attracts heat and moisture from indoors and then transfers it outdoors.

● Heat and moisture inside are removed when warm air passes over the cool indoor coil.

● Heat and moisture inside are removed when warm air passes over the cool indoor coil.

● The heat and humidity in the air are removed by the coil, thereby "cooling" the air indoors.
● When the unitary system operates in the heating mode, the unit operates in reverse.

● The refrigerant is used to create a heated indoor coil.

● As air passes over the heated coil the heat is transferred to the air inside the room creating
warm air.

1.0.2 BENEFITS OF UNITARY SYSTEM

Indoor comfort all year – Unitary systems can rapidly remove heat and moisture from indoor
air. Can simply set the units thermostat to the temperature that you desire and the unit
automatically cools to that level. Can manually select fan speed or use the automatic fan
speed setting. When you need the room to be heated you use the same basic settings. Just set
the thermostat to the temperature you want and select the heating function.

Simple Installation – Unitary systems are easy to install because they come in standard sizes
and shapes. Regardless of the heating and cooling load requirements, the unit is the same
size. Since both the heating and cooling systems exist inside a single unit, installation is
easier than the installation of a split system.

Independent Operation – Unlike split -system heating and cooling systems which condition
whole buildings through the use of ductwork, unitary systems cool and heat only the rooms or
spaces where they are installed. This means you cool or heat only what you want with
individual temperature control. With multiple unitary systems installed, you can easily
control indoor temperature on a room to room basis.

1
1.0.3 HEAT PUMPS

are electrically powered heating and cooling units.

● For cooling, refrigeration cooling cycle is used to absorb and transfer excess indoor heat to
the outdoors.

● For heating, heat energy is drawn from the outdoors air by reversing the cooling cycle and
switching the exchange function of the condenser and evaporation.

● Heating pumps are most efficient in mild climates where heating and cooling loads are
almost equal.

● In freezing temperatures, a heat pumps requires an electric resistance heater to keep the
outdoor coils from icing.

2
1.2 UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS │ WINDOW UNITS

Unit with a window mounting kit. These models are designed for mounting through an
opening in a wall.

Unit without a window mounting kit. No window mounting kit is supplied with the unit.
These models are designed for mounting through an opening in a wall. These units can be
adapted to window installation by purchasing an optional window mounting kit with
appropriate for your model and installation

Window Installation Window opening measurements: • 27” min to 38” max (68.6 cm to 95.5
cm) opening width. • 16 ¼ min (41.3 cm) opening height.

3
Through-the-wall Installation The wall opening measurements should be:

• Height: 15 9/16” (39.5cm) plus twice the thickness of wood used to build frame.

• Width: 22 13/16” (57.9 cm) plus twice the thickness of wood used to build frame.

1.2.2 HOW IT WORKS│ WINDOW UNITS

As the temperature in the room rises, it triggers the thermostat in the AC unit, which
turns on the blower. Room air is pulled into the unit and moves over the cold refrigerant coils.
The air is cooled as it passes over the cold coils and is pushed out into the room, cooling it and
bringing down the temperature.

4
UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS │ SPLIT UNITS

PTAC

WALL MOUNTED

PROS OF SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING

• Available in cool only or reverse cycle models.

• A HUGE range is available with a selection of sizes, colours, and designs.
• Quiet operation - most noise generated is by the outside unit - some models specialise
in ultra-quiet operation making them ideal for sleeping areas or work zones.
• Sophisticated filtration systems can catch fine particles such as dust, mould spores,
and other allergens.
• A dehumidifier setting can reduce the humidity in a room.
• Energy-efficient - some models score up to a 7-star energy rating.
• Cheap to run - the cost to cool a medium-sized room is around 25c to 35c per hour.
• Multi-split system models allow you to cool or heat multiple rooms (up to 6) from one
outdoor unit, with individual control for each indoor unit.
• No ducting is required.
• Fast cooling or heating
• Cost-effective to install
• Cons of split system air conditioning

5
 CONS OF SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING

• The outdoor compressor can be noisy - especially if not maintained correctly

• Space needed for the outdoor unit - not suitable for some homes with limited balcony
or yard space.
• Installation costs can increase if the indoor and outdoor units can’t be placed in close
proximity.
• Only circulate the air inside the room - no fresh air
• Requires a licenced professional to install and are hardwired via a dedicated circuit to
your home electrical system.
• Can be too noisy for light sleepers.

UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS │ CASSETTE UNITS

● The latest version of the split system has an indoor or fan coil unit called a cassette unit.

● There units range from 10kW to 20 kW capacities.

● They were originally intended to be mounted within a false ceiling, although many are now
hung from the ceiling.

● The return air from the space is taken into a grille in the centre of the unit through a filter
and fan to pass through an evaporator coil on one, two, three or four sides of the unit.

● The conditioned air is the discharged through diffusers in the unit just below the ceiling.

● This forms a compact air – handling unit where the discharged air can blow one, two, three
or four ways according to the needs of the location.

● The distance between the condensing set and the fan coil is limited by the restrictions of the
refrigerating cycle but with a modern compressor the distance can be up to 100m total travel

6
CEILING CASSETTE - SPACE IDEAL

Ideal for offices, shops, restaurants etc where wall space is limited or an even distribution of
air is required. The cassette is suspended in the fails ceiling with the grill cover flush to the
ceiling.

CASSETTE UNIT

These units fit into an existing ceiling void, all you see is the facia panel, about 25mm deep.
All services are installed in the ceiling void. The advantage of a cassette unit is the 4 way air
distribution.

UNDER CEILING 4 WAY BLOW CASSETTE - SPACE IDEAL

In situations where there is very limited or no false ceiling an under ceiling cassette unit can
be used. This unit also has the benefit of side discharge grills which can help eliminate
blowing directly down and causing discomfort if fitted at lower levels. Individual grilles can
also be shut so that the unit can be placed against a wall or in a corner as either a 3 or 2 way
blow.

7
BELOW CEILING CASSETTE

Similar to the above unit but If you have a limited ceiling void this unit will fit just below the
ceiling grid, and you still have the advantage of a 4 way air distribution pattern

UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS │ PACKAGE UNITS

● Construction technique in some parts of the country use in a single cabinet heating and
cooling system.

● Suitable when air conditioning room or number of small rooms for simultaneous usage.

● It usually can cool and / heat the entire home or building, and this system is connecting to a
ducting system.

● Typically, packaged units are installed outdoors at ground level, or they may be installed
on the roof for horizontal or down flow design.

● It available in the same configurations and utilizing, package unit also offer a variety of
efficiency option.

● Everything in a package unit system is in one cabinet. In parts of the country, a packaged
air conditioner is the perfect solution.

● Higher efficiency units are also available with the Comfort-R™ airflow system, offering
better moisture control during cooling start up.

IT CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SYSTEMS

● Water cooled package

● Air cooled package

● Self-contained package

8
AIR COOLED PACKAGE

Water will flow through the inner tube and cools the refrigerant that is flowing in the outer
tube. The refrigerant is also cooled by the air in the room. The inner tube can be designed to
have grooved inner tube to increase the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the water.

The water flows through the condenser coils to remove heat from the refrigerant inside the
coils. The heated water is then sent out through another hose into a drain. A water cooled unit
does not introduce water or humidity into the area being cooled.

AIR COOLED PACKAGE

The basic components for example the blow fan, evaporation coil, expansion valve and
compressor are in one unit.

Comprise of an external unit which contain the fan and a consideration coil and connected to
the internal unit via the return refrigerant insulated pipes.

9
SELF CONTAINED PACKAGE

The whole unit is placed outside The unit is connected to the space via the supply and return
ductworks The unit can be located besides the building or at the roof top It is cheap to buy
and simple to install, therefore applicable to small areas such as motel rooms and shops and
rooms. The disadvantages are the unsightly appearance, fan and compressor noise and limited
air distribution.

10
2.0 CENTRAL PLANT SYSTEM OR WATER CHILLED SYSTEM

2.1 CENTRAL HANDLING PLANT SYSTEM

Central plant but with dual ducts enabling hot and cold air to be circulated so that
blending may take place according to the varying requirements of different areas. Central plant
with air circulated throughout the building. This is best suited to single large rooms such as
banqueting halls, department stores or industrial processes, but has disadvantages if the
requirement of various rooms in the building complex varies.
The induction convector system where hot and/or cold-water pipes are used as a means
of local adjustment whilst retaining a primary air supply from the central plant. This primary
air enters the rooms through nozzles and induces a secondary circulation of air already in the
room.
Self-contained units for use in individual rooms can be supplied as a complete single
package with the option of a heating as well as a cooling facility, and these can be installed as
split systems to minimize space requirements and reduce noise.

11
SYSTEM ADVANTAGES

• The central plant is located in unoccupied areas, hence facilitating operating and
maintenance, noise control and choice of suitable equipment.
• No piping, electrical wiring and filters are located inside the conditioned space.
• Allows the use of the greatest numbers of potential cooling seasons house with outside
air in place of mechanical refrigeration.
• Seasonal change over is simple and readily adaptable to climatic control.
• Gives a wide choice of zone ability, flexibility, and humidity control under all operating
conditions.
• Heat recovery system may be readily incorporated.
• Allows good design flexibility for optimum air distribution, draft control, and local
requirements.
• Well suited to applications requiring unusual exhaust makeup. 9. Infringes least on
perimeter floor space.
• Adapts to winter humidification.

SYSTEM DISADVANTAGES

• Requires additional duct clearance which can reduce the

usable floor space.
• Air-balancing is difficult and requires great care.
• Accessibility to terminals demands close cooperation between
architectural, mechanical and structural engineers.

12
ALL AIR SYSTEMS

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM HAVE A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT COMPONENTS:

• The Air Handling Unit is a cabinet that includes or houses the central furnace, air
conditioner, or heat pump and the plenum and blower assembly that forces air through
the ductwork.
• The Supply Ductwork carries air from the air handler to the rooms in a house. Typically
each room has at least one supply duct and larger rooms may have several.
• The Return Ductwork carries air from the conditioned space back to the air handler.
Most houses have only one or two main return ducts located in a central area.
• Supply and Return Plenums are boxes made of duct board, metal, drywall or wood that
distribute air to individual ducts or registers.
• The Ductwork is a branching network of round or rectangular tubes generally
constructed of sheet metal, fiberglass board, or a flexible plastic and wire composite
material located within the walls, floors, and ceilings. The three most common types of
duct material used in home construction are metal, fiberglass duct board, and flex-duct.
• Flex-duct is installed between the register and plenum box, or plenum box and air
handler, usually in a single, continuous piece. While flex-duct has fewer seams, the
inner lining and outer insulated covering can tear or be pinched closed. Also longer
flex-duct runs can restrict the flow of air; proper design and installation is very
important.
• Both metal and fiberglass duct board are rigid and installed in pieces. Fiberglass duct
board, like flex-duct, is made of an insulation material. Ducts are built of sections of
the duct board. The seams in the duct board should be carefully sealed with mastic or
high-quality duct tape.
• Rectangular metal duct, especially the kind used for plenums and larger trunk runs, is
often insulated on the inside with fiberglass duct liner. If it is not insulated on the inside,
metal ducts should be insulated on the outside using a fiberglass batt with an attached
metal foil vapor retarder. The insulation should be at least two inches thick, and the
vapor barrier installed on the outside of the insulation facing away from the duct.
• The seams in the insulation are usually stapled together around the duct and then taped.
All of the seams should be sealed before insulation is installed. All return and supply
ducts located outside the conditioned space, in attics, crawlspaces, or basements, for
example should be sealed and insulated.
• Ductwork Joints join pieces of ductwork.
• Elbows are manufactured pieces of duct used for turns.
• Boots connect ductwork to registers.
• Registers and Grilles are the coverings for duct openings into the conditioned space.

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DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING

DHS involves the combustion of biomass feedstocks in a single facility to produce

steam, which is subsequently forced through a network of pipes and used to heat buildings
(Bauen et al., 2009). Supplying a significant amount of the heating services in some,
predominantly northern, regions (∼50% in Denmark and Finland), large-scale combustion (5–
10 MWth) for heat is a mature technology. Generated heat is cost-competitive with that
produced from fossil fuels. However, DHS require a significant investment in infrastructure.
Furthermore, operations are restricted to the cooler months, when heating is required, hindering
the deployment of new facilities, as installations and equipment would remain unused for part
of the year. On the other hand, it should be noted that interest in absorption cooling technologies
is on the rise, because they are more efficient and can utilise DHS infrastructure year-round
(Bauen et al., 2009).

Due to the substantial amount of carbon emissions contributed by domestic and

industrial heating, including space cooling, district heating and cooling (DHC) systems have
recently attracted significant attention. With suitable operating regimes, inclusion of low
carbon technologies and control strategies in place, a DHC system may be an integral
solution for the reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions while meeting local
demand for heat and cold. The main components of a DHC system are shown in Figure 1:
heating or cooling energy sources, distribution network components, customer installations
including thermal loads and thermal energy storage (TES) systems.

14
SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM

The all-air single-zone air conditioning system is the basic central system which can
supply a constant air volume or a variable air volume at low, medium or high pressure.
Normally, the equipment is located outside the conditioned space but can also be installed
within the conditioned are if conditions permit. Typical applications include:
1. Space with uniform loads
2. Small spaces requiring precision control
3. Multiple systems for large areas

15
DUAL DUCTS SYSTEM

The dual-duct system employs two air ducts to supply cold air and warm air to a
mixing terminal unit which proportions the cold and warm air in response to a thermostat
located in the conditioned space. The system is well suited to provide temperature control for
individual spaces or zones.
Advantages (in addition to those common to all air systems)
1. Systems with terminal volume regulation are self-balancing.
2. Zoning of central equipment is not required.
3. No seasonal changeover is necessary.
4. Instant temperature response is achieved because of simultaneous availability of cold and
warm air at each terminal unit.

Disadvantages
1. Initial cost is usually higher than other VAV systems.
2. Does not operate as economically as other VAV systems.

16
MULTI – ZONE SYSTEM

The multi-zone system applies to a relatively small number of zones served by a

single, central air-handling unit. Different zone requirements are met by mixing cold and
warm air through zone dampers at the central air handler in response to zone thermostats.

Advantages (in addition to those common to all-air systems)

1. Easy to balance.
2. Air transmission and distribution is simplified.

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2.2 CENTRAL PLANT WITH LOCAL HANDLING

CENTRAL PLANT SYSTEM

Central plant systems typically consist of components to provide chilled water for cooling,
and use a boiler for heating water. Boilers typically operate at 17º F to 200º F, although most
units that are manufactured currently are computer-controlled and may operate at as low as
100º F, depending on the exterior temperatures and the heat demand.

• Air handlers
• Air-Cooled Condenser
• Heat mode
• Cooling tower
• Cooling mode
• Refrige Ration cycle

LOCAL HANDLING

Local ventilation, such as bathroom and kitchen fans, is designed to remove the high
levels of humidity, odors, and other pollutants that are typically created by common activities
such as take a shower or cooking. This type of ventilation eliminates these pollutants at the
source, but it does not capture it all. Local ventilation methods do not have the distribution
efficiency to provide the whole-house continuous ventilation that tight homes need.

AHU
AIR HANDLING UNIT

The air handling unit (AHU) is the heart of central air conditioning. It collects outside air and
room air, removes dust and other particles from the collected air, adjusts the temperature and
humidity and then supplies comfortable and refreshing air-conditioned air into the rooms
through ducts.

19
LOCAL HVAC SYSTEM

Some buildings can have multiple zones or have a large, single zone, which needs
central HVAC systems to serve and provide the thermal needs. However, other building may
have a single zone which needs equipment located inside the zone itself, such as small houses
and residential apartments. This type of system is considered as local HVAC systems since
each equipment serving its zone without crossing boundaries to other adjacent zones.
Therefore, a single zone requires only one-point control point connected to a thermostat to
activate the local HVAC system. Some buildings have multiple local HVAC systems as proper
equipment serving specific single zones and controlled by the one-point control of the desired
zone. However, these local systems are not connected and integrated to central systems, but
still part of a large full-building HVAC systems. There are many types of local HVAC systems.

20
LOCAL HEATING SYSTEMS

A single zone will require a complete, single package of heating system which contains
heat source and distribution system. Some examples include portable electric heaters, electric
resistance baseboard radiators, fireplaces and wood stoves, and infrared heaters.

The illustration shows a local heating system consisting of a boiler and a system of pipes that
serves four single-family houses. Illustration: Bo Reinerdahl .

The differences compared to conventional district heating are not very large. The local
heating system also includes a network of pipes and a common boiler plant that delivers heat
through the pipework to the single-family houses.

21
LOCAL COOLING SYSTEMS

Local cooling systems can include active systems as air-conditioning systems that provide
cooling, a proper air distribution inside a zone, and control of humidification, and natural
systems as convective cooling in open window, evaporative cooling in fountains.

Local cooling is the most common cooling system globally. The local cooling system
provides cooling for a single building, for example a hotel, conference center, sports center,
hospital, or an office block. The chiller plant and the storage facility are located inside each
building, the cooling source usually being a chiller. Depending on availability some sort of
free cooling might be used, alone or in combination with the chiller. The cold from the source
water is transferred to the building’s internal cooling system through a plate heat exchanger.

OLA (Optimization Liquid Air), Alfa Laval’s new special software, will let you calculate an
optimized combination of two heat exchangers, for example a dry liquid cooler and a plate
heat exchanger. This optimized package will make your system work at just the right
capacity. A fine-tuned system will run smoother and minimize maintenance. It will also
enable you to choose the most economical cooling source solution for each season, for
example free cooling in the wintertime.

Another application is installing plate heat exchangers at different stories in tall buildings to
solve the cooling system’s pressure problems. These heat exchangers act as pressure
interceptors, transferring the cold between the separate zones, and also protecting the air
handling units and other equipment from excessive pressure.

22
LOCAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Local ventilation systems can be forced systems by using devices such as window fan to allow
air movement between outdoor and a single zone without changing in the thermal environment
of the zone. Other systems used for ventilation are air circulation devices such as desk or paddle
fans to improve thermal comfort of the space by allowing the heat to be transferred by
conventional mode

23
LOCAL AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

A local air conditioning system is a complete package that can contain cooling and heating
source, a circulation fan, a filter, and control devices. There are three main types listed below

24
SPLIT SYSTEMS

The split systems contain two central devices. the condenser, located outdoor, and the
evaporator, located indoors. The two devices are connected by a conduit for refrigerant lines
and wiring. This system solves some issues of small-scale single-zone systems since the
location and installation of window, unitary or rooftop air conditioners may affect the esthetic
value and architectural design of the building. The split systems can contain one condenser unit
and connected to multiple evaporator units to serve multiple zones as possible under same
conditions or different environmental conditions.

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3.0 SOLAR SYSTEM: MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

3.1 ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY

• Solar energy is from the sun.

• Drives the temperature and weather, as well as supporting nearly all life on Earth.
• Heat and light from the sun, as well as solar-based resources such as wind and wave
power, hydroelectricity, and biomass, contribute to the accessible flow of renewable
energy.
• Sunlight is an option that can help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which become
increasingly expensive.
• Solar power systems use the sun's energy to achieve future goal. Solar today's
technologies supply heat, light, electricity, and even flying.

3.1.1 COMPONENTS OF SUNSHINE

• Invincible heat waves.

• visible light rays of various colors

• invisible ultraviolet rays

26
3.1.2 SOLAR ENERGY DISADVANTAGES

• The sun's energy is diffuse; it is thinly distributed. Because just a limited amount of it
reaches at one location, it must be collected in some way.
• The energy received is inconsistent since the sun only shines during the entire day and
is sometimes blocked by clouds. As a result, the energy received must be stored until it
is required.

3.2 TYPES OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

• ACTIVE SOLAR DESIGN

1. Active liquid collector
2. Active air collector

• PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

• ROOF POND SYSTEMS
• WALL SYSTEM

3.2.1 ACTIVE SOLAR DESIGN

• Active solar technologies typically include a solar collecting device designed to gather the
sun's energy and store or transfer heat energy in water or air. It often incorporates a moving
component of the system, therefore the term "active" - typically a pump type device.

27
3.2.2 Active liquid collector

• A flat plate collector is installed on a south-facing roof or a vertical wall. A heat transfer
fluid (which may be water with antifreeze and anticorrosion additives) is pushed
through a heat exchanger coil in the storage tank and returned to the collector.
• The liquid from the storage tank is circulated through a second heat exchanger coil,
which warms the air before it is blown into the living space. A huge tank with a capacity
of 500 to 1000 gallons acts as storage. This tank is usually located in the basement or
underground.
• Auxiliary heat from a conventional heating system is required as a backup system for
the solar heating unit. A thermostat regulates the temperature in the living space for
both the solar and auxiliary systems.

28
3.2.3 Active air collector

• Active air collection rock storage air distribution systems are more common than liquid
type systems.
• These systems store 1 to 3 inch rocks in a bin and employ a flat-plate collector on the
roof.
• Hot air circulates across the area between the pebbles, heating them. The rock bins must
be around 2½ times bigger than a water tank with the same heat storage capacity.
• Air is blasted up from the cold end of the rock storage bin and returned to the bin.
• When the living room demands heat, dampers in the air ducts are changed, and hot air
is blasted into the living space from the storage bin.
• Auxiliary heating coils are also provided.
• The auxiliary system is utilized to provide some or all of the heat required, depending
on the quantity of heat in storage. Both the solar and auxiliary systems are controlled
by the same thermostat.Active Solar Technologies

29
 • The cold mains water is usually heated to the desired temperature with a gas or oil
fueled boiler or an electric immersion heater. Solar collectors may be added to the
system by slightly changing the traditional design. Solar collectors are firmly affixed
to a handy area of the house, facing south, towards the sun, and inclined from
horizontal by 10° to 60°.

Current Technologies

Solar Water Collectors are installed outside the home and must be built to survive for many
years. The materials used in their construction must be sturdy and compatible with the rest of
the plumbing.

The following types of collectors are most common in the UK:

i) Flat plate collectors

ii) Evacuated tube collectors
• Flat Plate Collectors are made up of a black absorber (dark colours attract the most
heat) contained in a weatherproof box (housing), insulated at the back and glazed at
the front (transparent cover), with a series of pipes containing the heat transfer
medium running through the box to the hot water tank. Both the insulation beneath
the absorber and the glass at the front limit heat losses caused by convection.

• The well-known 'greenhouse effect' is employed by a flat plate collector. The energy
from the sun that reaches the earth is mostly at wavelengths that humans cannot see.
Because the glazing material (glass or plastic) does not absorb these wavelengths,
heat is able to travel to the darkened absorber when the sun shines.

• As the sun's heat radiation penetrates through the collector cover, it heats the absorber
plate and the air inside the collector, preventing it from escaping directly back into the
atmosphere. This temperature increase is conveyed through pipes to heat transfer
fluid, which then goes through the hot water tank and transmits heat to the water in
the tank, heating water for washing, showering, and bathing.

30
3.2.4 PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

• Passive solar cooling systems function by preventing undesired heat absorption

throughout the day, creating non-mechanical ventilation, exchanging heated inside air
for cooler outdoor air when practicable, and storing nighttime coolness to decrease
warm daytime temperatures.

• Passive solar coolers, their most basic, include overhangs or screens on south-facing
windows, shade trees, thermal mass, and air circulation.

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FIVE ELEMENTS OF PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

1. Aperture /collector:
The huge glass space that allows sunshine to enter the structure. During
the heating season, the aperture(s) should face within 30 degrees of true
south and should not be shadowed by other buildings or trees from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. everyday.
2. Absorber:
The hard, black surface of the storage element. The surface, which might
be a stone wall, floor, or water container, is directly in the direction of
sunlight. Sunlight that strikes the surface absorbs heat.
3. Thermal Mass:
Materials that absorb or store the heat generated by sunshine. The thermal
mass is the substance beneath and behind the absorber, which is an
exposed surface.
4. Distribution:
The process through which solar heat travels from collecting and storage
locations to various regions of the home. A purely passive design will only
employ natural heat transfer mechanisms such as conduction, convection,
and radiation. Fans, ducting, and blowers may be utilised in some
applications to transfer heat around the house.

5. Control:
During the summer, roof overhangs can be employed to shade the
aperture. Electronic sensing systems, such as a differential thermostat that
tells a fan to turn on; movable vents and dampers that enable or limit heat
flow; low-emissivity blinds; and awnings are other features that control
under and/or overheating

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3.2.5 ROOF POND SYSTEM

• The roof pond is a system that passively incorporates water elements to passively cool
and heat the building.
• The system is made up of four components: a pond support, a water container, a pond
cover, and a spraying system. The pond support member should have a high heat
conductivity. The pond support can be made of metal or reinforced slab, with metal
providing better thermal connection.

• It is critical to cover the pond from sun radiation during the warm days. This may be
accomplished by covering the pond with a reflective cover, which will reflect the sun
energy away from it. Spraying the pond or the protective cover can improve system
functioning by allowing it to cool down through evaporation.
• During the night, the pond cools the below areas by emitting long-wave radiation into
the atmosphere, cooling the internal rooms.

• When the roof pond is exposed throughout the day, it collects heat from solar radiation
and transmits it into the house's interior, passively warming it. A protective cover can
be placed over the pond at night to minimize heat loss.

33
3.2.6 SOLAR WALL SYSTEM

• Solar Mechanical Ventilation or solar thermal collector is a solar collector specifically

intended to collect heat: that is, to absorb sunlight to provide heat.

• The outside corrugated steel covering of the passive solar ventilation air pre-heater is
perforated with small holes that allow fresh air to enter.

• Under negative pressure, an air gap (between the cladding and the outer wall finish)
sucks air in via the perforations and collects it in a canopy plenum (which has a
summer by-pass damper).

• The air is distributed throughout the house using a fan and distribution ductwork.

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4.0 MULTI ROOM SYSTEMS

4.1 INDUCTION SYSTEMS

The principle is quite simple. First, we must understand the Venturi Effect. It is the
reduction in fluid pressure that results when a fluid flows through a constricted section of a
pipe. The restriction increases the velocity to conserve mass continuity. This create a vacuum
if there is a hole in the pipe. (See figure 1).

Figure 1: Venturi Vacuum Pump Principle

Multi room systems have four types which are induction unit, induction VAV and
chilled beam.

4.1.1 PERIMETER INDUCTION TERMINAL

Figure 2: Perimeter induction terminal

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 The first induction system is the perimeter induction terminal. It was invented by Willis
Carrier to overcome the issues of large central duct risers and extensive branching to many
diffusers. His invention was smaller and consumes less energy than the existing HVAC system
of this period. We found that induction terminal in office buildings, hospitals, hotels, etc. It
was the system of choice for 1930’s to 1970’s.

We first need an air handling unit (AHU) that provides fresh air. This give us a small
AHU and few bulky ducts, since in most cases the primary air velocity is in the order of 15 to
25 m/s. This unit is composed of a fresh air damper, filter, a heating and cooling coil and a
constant fan. The flow is set according to the number of people in the rooms. The AHU creates
the primary air always at the same temperature for the induction’s terminal. This primary air is
passed through an array of nozzles in the terminal unit that creates a vacuum effect. This effect
is the induction phenomena. The vacuum recirculates the air from the room through the
terminal unit coil. The room air is called the secondary air. Finally, this air mixes with the
primary air and is discharged in the room (see figure 3).

The temperature in the room is controlled by throttling the water through the coil with
a valve or a damper which bypass the air around the coil.

Figure 3: Perimeter induction terminal diagram

There are many variations of induction terminals to control the temperature in room space.
Here are some examples:

• Reheat coil only (2 pipes induction unit system)

o The AHU produces the primary air always at the same temperature with heating
and cooling coils. A heating unit produces hot water or hot glycol for the reheat
coil in the induction terminal. The valve of the reheat coil modulate only if the
room thermostat is in need.

• Single water coil (2 pipes induction unit system)

o The AHU produces the primary air always at the same temperature with heating
and cooling coils. A heating unit and cooling unit produce hot and chilled water

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 for the water coil in the induction terminal. There is a change-over valve which
open or close due to the building mode of operation. The valve on the water coil
can serve as either chill water coil or hot water coil depending on the mode of
the system. This induction unit cannot cool and heat at the same time.

• Heating and cooling coils (4 pipes induction unit system)

o The AHU produces the primary air always at the same temperature with heating
and cooling coils. A heating unit and cooling unit produce hot and chilled water
for the heating and cooling coils in the induction terminal. The 4 pipes system
consists of two separate cooling and heating water coils. Each coil has its own
dedicated set of pipes and valve. Contrarily to the 2 pipes system, the 4 pipes
system does not require a changeover valve. This induction unit can cool and
heat at the same time and is not dependant of the actual mode of the building.

Nowadays, we find less perimeter induction terminal in new constructions. There were
certain negative aspects of those system that became more significant. Indeed, excessive fan
energy associated with the high-pressure primary air requirements of the nozzles (up to 2 in.
wc.) and rezoning difficulties did not meet the needs of new building occupancy profiles. There
were also causes of moisture to condense coils during cooling operation and excessive noise
due to the high pressure passing through the nozzles.

4.1.2 BARCOL AIR INDUCTION VAV TERMINAL UNIT

The second system is the Induction variable air volume terminal unit. It was created to
solve the issue of cold air dumping with the traditional VAV unit. Indeed, the traditional VAV
unit vary the airflow to maintain a constant temperature in the room. In a 100% heat load, the
room is properly flush, and everyone is happy. But if the heat load is reduced to 50% the room
is no longer properly flush and the room becomes stagnant. Below 50%, due to the low air
velocity, the air no longer travels along the ceiling. It will drop vertically from the diffuser to
the space. This is called cold air dumping. The induction VAV unit will eliminate this problem
with the fact that the room is always properly flush.

The induction VAV terminal are designed particularly for systems with high variations
in heat load. It can maintain comfort even in extreme load variations. This specific
characteristic means that cold air dumping will never occur and that low primary air
temperatures can be used.

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 Figure 5: Induction VAV Terminal Unit

The main feature of this induction VAV unit is the jet tronic damper. This damper
controls the amount of primary air volume at the same time, this creates a Venturi Effect which
induces room air in the terminal. To maintain the temperature constant, the room thermostat
modulates the jet tronic damper. The result is that in a 100% heat load the warm induction air
is relatively low. While in a 20% heat load the warm induction air is higher. The mixed air
volume always stays the same to maintain proper air distribution in the room, improving
comfort and conserving energy.

This unit is an excellent alternative to fan powered air terminals. This one is quieter due
to the absence of a fan and less maintenance.

They are many advantages for using an induction VAV unit:

• Energy savings
• Control range of 20 to 100%
• No cold air dumping
• Low noise production

For better comfort, it’s possible to install a water heating or electrical coil.

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4.1.3 ACTIVE CHILLED BEAM UNIT

Figure 6: Active Chilled Beam Unit

Finally, the third one is the active chilled beam. They are two kinds of chilled beams.
The first one is the passive chilled beam (PCB), a convective air motion is use to cool the space.
The second one is the active chilled beams (ACB) which uses induction air to cool the space.
This induction process allows an ACB to provide much more cooling capacity than a PCB.
Therefore, they are more commonly used.

ACTIVE CHILLED BEAM

An ACB is consist of fin-and-tube heat exchanger contained in a housing that is

suspended from the ceiling. The primary air passes through the nozzles, which induce air from
the space up through the cooling coil. One of the biggest challenges of the ACB is to maintain
a primary air with no humidity. Indeed, the chilled beam typically does not contain a
condensate drainage system. Therefore, the primary air system must maintain the dew point of
the indoor air below the surface temperature of the chilled beam to avoid moisture from
condensing on the coil.

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 Figure 7: Chilled Beam Diagram

AIR HANDLING UNIT

The air handling unit (AHU) must deliver the require amount of outdoor air to each
space for ventilation. The AHU must also dehumidify the outside air such that it is dry enough
to offset the space latent load and maintain the indoor dew point low. Finally, the unit must
deliver enough air to induce sufficient room airflow to offset the space sensible cooling load.
More primary air there is, more room air will be induced through the chilled beam coils. This
is cause by an high static pressure. However, a higher inlet pressure requires more fan power.
To avoid the excessive fan energy like the high pressure perimeter induction unit from the
1930s to the 1970s, ACB are selected with an inlet static pressure between 0.3 and 0.5 in. wc.

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COOLING AND HEATING COILS

There are the 2 pipes or the 4 pipes system design available. With the 4 pipes design,
some zones can receive cold water for space cooling, while other zones simultaneously receive
hot water for space heating. With the 2 pipes design, all zones receive either cold water or hot
water. This kind of design would need to either add heat to the room with a separate heating
system such as baseboard radiators or convectors.

In both design, there is a room thermostat which modulate the cooling or heating valve
to maintain the room temperature constant.

For the cooling coil, the temperature must be relatively warm (between 58°F and 60°F)
to prevent condensation. With a warmer water temperature, more coil surface area Is needed
to provide the required cooling capacity.

PROS AND CONS

The pros of the active chilled beam would be:

• Smaller ductwork and smaller AHU than a VAV system

• Low sound levels
• Less energy consumption
• Improved indoor air quality
• No cold air dumping
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower operation cost

The cons of the active chilled beam would be:

• Risk of water leaks

• Prevent condensation and moisture
• High installed cost
• Limited heating capability

For the moment, this is a new technology for the US. It is starting to emerge as an alternative
to conventional VAV system. They have been used successfully in Europe for the past 20 years,
where they have become standard practice.

4.2 FAN COIL UNIT SYSTEM

A fan coil unit is a relatively small piece of equipment that consists of a fan, a coil, and
other components, that are used to cool or heat the air recirculating within a room. Some will
also add fresh air to the space. The units are quite common and can be found in most
commercial or residential applications.

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 Typically, to operate in cooling mode, a wall or duct-mounted thermostat will note the
space temperature is over setpoint controlling a modulating/on/off valve, the fan will blow air
across the chilled water coil that is fed from the building central system, with the cooled
conditioned air flowing back into the room, cooling the space.

The cooling coil could also be supplied via a Direct Expansion [Dx] System using
refrigerant. Typically, to operate in heating mode, a wall or duct-mounted thermostat will note
the space temperature is below-set point controlling a modulating/on/off valve, the fan will
blow air across the heating coil that is fed from the building central system, with the heated
conditioned air flowing back into the room, heating the space.

The heating coil could also be an electric type. They are versatile and inexpensive,
having options to be installed in concealed in ceilings, exposed [out of ceiling], underfloor, or
mounted vertically against a wall.

A fan coil unit can be considered a terminal unit. The short definition of a terminal unit
is a piece of equipment or device installed within a system to manage and regulate primary air
or water from a central source, chiller/AHU, before supplying a conditioned room/space.

An FCU will generally consist of the following components:

• Cased or Uncased [casing around unit]

• Air Intake
• Filter
• Fan
• Cooling Coil [water/dx]
• Heating Coil [water/electric]
• Discharge
• Grille [intake/discharge]
• Speed controller/on/off switch
• Duct/Wall mounted thermostat
• Modulating/on/off valve

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4.2.1 NON-DUCTED RECIRCULATION

The below shows a typical fan coil unit that will use the ceiling as a
return/recirculation plenum.

4.2.2 NON-DUCTED RECIRCULATION

Below is a typical detail of a fan coil unit connected to a return/recirculation grille, not
using the ceiling as a return/recirculation plenum.

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4.2.3 TYPICAL 2 PIPES

The below shows a typical detail for pipework configuration of a two [2] pipe fan coil
unit, with an explanation below on the two [2] pipe systems.

A two-pipe [2] system is the most basic form of design and installation, and the unit
will have 3 possible configurations:

1. Cooling Only
2. Heating Only
3. Cooling or Heating [depending upon the time of year]

COOLING ONLY

A cooling-only unit will only be supplied by chilled water to the coil, and these are
usually found installed in spaces where no heating is required throughout the year. Usually
found in hotter climates and small computer/server rooms.

HEATING ONLY

Like the cooling-only system, the unit will be only supplied by hot water to the coil,
and these are usually found installed in spaces where no cooling is required throughout the
year. Usually found in colder climates.

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COOLING OR HEATING

The cooling or heating option is entirely dependent on the time of year, in the summer,
the central chilled water system will feed the 2 pipe systems and coil, whilst in the winter, it
will switch over and be fed by the central heating system.

This is useful if the changes between seasons are short, allowing a clean change over.
If the season change over is over a more extended period, then there can be complications as
the system may be switched to heating for winter, but there is a warm day and need cooling.

4.2.4 TYPICAL 4 PIPES

The below shows a typical detail for the pipework configuration of a four [4] pipe fan
coil unit, with an explanation below.

The four [4] pipe system uses two [2] coils in the FCU, one for cooling and one for
heating. There are obvious benefits to using this system in that there are no changeovers
required between seasons, and the system will automatically manage the space temperatures as
required.

The FCU is connected to the central heating and central chilled water system
simultaneously, using the control valves on each system to provide correct temperatures.

In most systems, there will be a requirement to connect the drip pan/condensate tray to
condensate pipework that will remove any water generated from the cooling process and
dispose of it, usually to drain. Check your design as, in some instances, there is no need for
them, running at higher temperatures, heating only, etc.

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ADVANTAGE

• Cost-effective
• Delivery time short
• Easy to install
• Flexible (especially if there is expected reconfigurations etc. to the floor layouts)
• Easy to maintain [the unit, but see disadvantages]
• Easy to replace
• Simple controls, especially individual rooms
• They can be efficient if maintained properly.
• Spatial requirements are minimal.

DISADVANTAGE

• If in large spaces, open plan, controls can be affected by other units (units can fight
each other)
• Lots of valves in the ceiling (potential leaksand issues with valves etc.)
• Generally, the system will need a separate primary system for providing fresh air.
• Maintenance can be higher than a central system.
• Constant access through the ceiling.

It will depend on how the system has been designed and configured, but generally, yes fan
coil unit can be installed to provide fresh air.

The fresh air can be supplied in 2 ways:

1. Directly 100% Full Fresh Air

2. Directly or Indirectly [AHU System] Part Fresh Air mixing with Recirculating
Air

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 The fan coil unit will be directly connected to a fresh air source, usually via a louvre
and ducting from outside. See above graphic. The unit will then bring in 100% fresh air to the
space. This is not hugely common.

The part fresh air input method is far more common, as seen above in the graphic. There
is a recirculation of air via a grille, and partial fresh air for the space and load is introduced
simultaneously, mixing the air before the unit’s fan in a plenum box. The fresh air is usually
supplied via a central AHU system in this instance.

We see that there are generally four [4] types of fan coil units, based upon how they are
installed:

1. Concealed Horizontal Ceiling Mounted

2. Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Mounted
3. Vertical Floor/Wall Mounted
4. Under Floor Horizontal Mounted

CONCEALED HORIZONTAL CEILING MOUNTED

The high-level ceiling-mounted concealed type unit is mounted above a ceiling and
then ducted to the space via grilles. Great if you want to hide the unit for aesthetics or require
low noise levels.

EXPOSED HORIZONTAL CEILING MOUNTED

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 Mounted the same way as the concealed unit, there will be no ceiling showing and
exposing the unit. Grilles can be connected via ductwork, or the units can just blow into the
space with no grilles or ducting. Great if you want to include the building services within the
aesthetics of the space [watch the noise levels].

VERTICAL FLOOR/WALL MOUNTED UNIT

Mounted at a low level on the floor, vertically. The FCU is usually fixed to the wall
drawing air from the bottom louver/grille and blowing upwards to condition the space.

UNDERFLOOR HORIZONTAL MOUNTED

Like the ceiling-mounted unit, the FCU is mounted under the floor, connected to
ducting and grilles to recirculate, and supply the air to the space.

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REFERENCES

[1] https://constructandcommission.com/what-is-a-fan-coil-unit/

[2] https://www.hvacbrain.com/blog/an-introduction-to-induction-systems/

[3] https://traceitlab.com/roof-ponds-passive-systems/

[4] https://theengineeringmindset.com/air-handling-units-explained/

[5] https://ccpia.org/central-plant-systems-and-chilled-water-systems/

[6] https://electricalworkbook.com/unitary-air-conditioning-system/

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