UNIT V – VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING

Definition of Ventilation:
Ventilation is the process of providing fresh air into an enclosed space, such as a building,
and removing stale or polluted air. It is a critical aspect of building design and operation aimed at
ensuring a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Ventilation systems achieve this by
promoting the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, controlling indoor humidity levels, and
removing contaminants, odors, and excess heat.

Necessity of Ventilation:
Ventilation is necessary for several reasons:
1. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Ventilation helps maintain good indoor air quality by diluting
and removing pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and
allergens. Poor IAQ can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies.
2. Health and Comfort: Adequate ventilation ensures that occupants have access to fresh air,
which is essential for physical well-being and comfort. Stale air can lead to discomfort and
fatigue.
3. Moisture Control: Proper ventilation controls indoor humidity levels, reducing the risk of
mold and mildew growth. High humidity levels can also damage building materials.
4. Temperature Control: Ventilation can help regulate indoor temperatures by removing
excess heat and providing cooling when needed, reducing the reliance on energy-
consuming HVAC systems.
5. Odor Control: Effective ventilation systems can remove unpleasant odors from indoor
spaces, contributing to a more pleasant environment.
6. Fire Safety: Ventilation systems play a crucial role in maintaining proper air circulation in
the event of a fire, preventing smoke buildup and aiding in safe evacuation.

Functional Requirements of Ventilation Systems as per NBC:

The National Building Code of India (NBC) provides guidelines and functional requirements
for ventilation systems in buildings to ensure the well-being and safety of occupants. Here are
some key functional requirements as per NBC:
1. Adequate Ventilation Rates: Ventilation systems must provide an adequate flow of
outdoor air into the building to dilute indoor pollutants and maintain acceptable indoor air
quality.
 2. Cross Ventilation: NBC recommends that buildings be designed to allow for natural cross
ventilation, which involves the movement of air through open windows or openings on
opposite sides of a space.
3. Mechanical Ventilation: In cases where natural ventilation is insufficient, mechanical
ventilation systems should be provided. These systems should be designed to deliver the
required amount of fresh air and exhaust stale air.
4. Ventilation for Specific Spaces: Different spaces within a building may have specific
ventilation requirements. For example, kitchens, bathrooms, and industrial areas may
require enhanced ventilation to remove moisture, odors, or contaminants.
5. Smoke Control: Ventilation systems should be designed to facilitate smoke control in case
of a fire, helping to maintain clear escape routes and reducing smoke-related hazards.
6. Energy Efficiency: Ventilation systems should be designed with energy efficiency in mind
to minimize energy consumption and operating costs.
7. Maintenance: Proper maintenance of ventilation systems is essential to ensure they
function as intended. NBC recommends regular inspections and servicing to maintain
system efficiency and effectiveness.
Compliance with NBC's ventilation requirements is crucial for building design and
construction to create safe, healthy, and comfortable indoor environments for occupants.
Ventilation Systems and their Choice
Ventilation systems play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and comfort in
buildings. There are various ventilation methods, including natural ventilation, wind effect, stack
effect, and mechanical ventilation. Here's an overview of these ventilation systems and
considerations for their choice:
1. Natural Ventilation:
Choice and General Considerations:
• Natural ventilation relies on the flow of outdoor air through openings in a building (e.g.,
windows and doors) driven by wind and temperature differences. It is an energy-efficient
and sustainable method.
• Considerations for natural ventilation include building orientation, size and placement of
openings, and local climate conditions. Buildings in hot climates may benefit from
maximizing airflow, while those in cold climates should control ventilation to prevent heat
loss.
• Building design should include operable windows and vents that occupants can adjust to
control airflow.
• Cross-ventilation, which involves openings on opposite sides of a space to encourage air
exchange, is a common strategy.
 • In hot climates, shading devices and roof overhangs can prevent direct sunlight from
overheating interior spaces.
• Louvers, vents, and other architectural features can enhance natural ventilation.
2. Wind Effect:
• The wind effect is a component of natural ventilation. It occurs when prevailing winds
force outdoor air into a building through openings on the windward side and expel indoor
air through openings on the leeward side.
• Building design should consider prevailing wind directions and incorporate features like
windward-facing openings, wind catchers, and vents on the leeward side to maximize
airflow.

Wind Effect
3. Stack Effect:
• The stack effect, also known as chimney effect, relies on the principle that warm air rises
and creates a pressure difference that draws in outdoor air at lower levels.
• Tall buildings often experience stack effect, with warm air rising through vertical shafts
and drawing in outdoor air through ground-level openings or vents.
• Design considerations include the placement and size of openings, especially near the top
and bottom of the building, to facilitate the stack effect.

Stack Effect

General consideration and rules for natural ventilation as per NBC

The National Building Code of India (NBC) provides guidelines and rules for natural
ventilation to ensure that buildings maintain adequate indoor air quality and occupant comfort.
Here are some general considerations and rules for natural ventilation as per NBC:
1. Ventilation Area Requirements:
• NBC specifies the minimum required ventilation area as a percentage of the floor area for
different types of spaces within a building. For example, residential spaces may require a
minimum of 5% of the floor area to be openable for ventilation.
2. Location and Size of Openings:
• NBC outlines the location and size of openings (windows, vents, and other openings)
required for natural ventilation based on the type of space, occupancy, and climate zone.
• Windows should be operable to allow for control of airflow. The height and width of
windows should be designed to maximize airflow while ensuring security and safety.
3. Cross-Ventilation:
• Cross-ventilation, the flow of air through opposite openings in a room, is a key principle
of natural ventilation. NBC encourages building designs that facilitate cross-ventilation for
all habitable rooms.
• For buildings with multiple stories, cross-ventilation may be required for each floor or
level.
4. Wind-Driven Ventilation:
• NBC provides guidelines on harnessing wind-driven ventilation, which involves designing
openings to capture prevailing winds and direct them into the building for efficient natural
cooling.
5. Stack Effect:
• The stack effect, which uses the natural buoyancy of warm air to draw in fresh air from
lower openings, is another consideration. NBC specifies the design of openings at different
heights to facilitate the stack effect.
6. Free Area of Openings:
• NBC defines the "free area" of openings, which is the actual unobstructed area through
which air can pass, for various types of openings and materials. This metric is used to
calculate the total ventilation area.
7. Building Orientation:
• The orientation of a building concerning prevailing winds and sun angles can significantly
impact natural ventilation. NBC encourages designers to consider building orientation to
maximize airflow and minimize solar heat gain.
8. Control of Insects and Pests:
• Natural ventilation openings should be equipped with suitable screens or devices to prevent
the entry of insects, pests, and birds.
9. Noise Control:
• While promoting natural ventilation, NBC also addresses noise control. Windows and
openings should be designed to minimize noise ingress from external sources.
10. Building Shape and Form:
• The shape and form of a building, including the arrangement of rooms and corridors, can
influence natural ventilation. NBC provides guidance on optimizing building layouts for
natural ventilation.
11. Verification and Compliance:
• Compliance with NBC's natural ventilation requirements should be verified during the
design and construction phases to ensure that the specified ventilation rates and design
principles are met.
12. Maintenance:
• NBC emphasizes the importance of ongoing maintenance to ensure that natural ventilation
systems, including operable windows and vents, remain in good working condition.

Mechanical Ventilation and its Methods

Mechanical ventilation is a system that uses fans to circulate fresh air into a building. The
fans can be installed in air ducts, windows, or walls. Mechanical ventilation can improve indoor
air quality by extracting stale air or supplying fresh air. It can also help control humidity, odors,
and contaminants.
Mechanical ventilation is different from natural ventilation, which uses pressure
differences to move air through a building.
The National Building Code of India (NBC) provides guidelines for mechanical ventilation
systems in buildings to ensure adequate indoor air quality and occupant comfort. Here are the
methods and considerations for mechanical ventilation as per NBC:
1. Types of Mechanical Ventilation Systems:
NBC recognizes several types of mechanical ventilation systems, including:
• Exhaust Ventilation: This system uses exhaust fans to remove stale indoor air from the
building. It is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms to expel moisture and odors.
• Supply Ventilation: Supply ventilation systems introduce outdoor air into the building
using fans. This helps dilute indoor pollutants and maintain a fresh indoor environment.
• Balanced Ventilation: Balanced ventilation systems use both supply and exhaust fans to
achieve balanced airflow, ensuring that the amount of outdoor air introduced equals the
amount of indoor air exhausted. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery
ventilators (ERVs) are often used in balanced systems to recover heat or moisture from the
outgoing air.
• Positive Pressure Ventilation: Positive pressure systems pressurize the building, which
prevents the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. They are often used in buildings with specific
air quality requirements.
2. Ventilation Rate:
NBC specifies ventilation rates based on the type and use of the space. Ventilation rates are
typically expressed in air changes per hour (ACH) or liters per second (L/s) per person. These rates
help ensure that indoor air quality is maintained at acceptable levels.
3. Ventilation System Design:
The design of mechanical ventilation systems should consider the following aspects:
• Ductwork: Ducts should be properly sized and insulated to minimize heat loss or gain and
ensure efficient airflow.
• Fans: Fans should be selected based on their capacity to deliver the required airflow and
should be energy-efficient.
• Air Filters: Air filters are used to remove particulate matter and contaminants from
outdoor air before it enters the building.
• Controls: Mechanical ventilation systems should be equipped with controls to adjust
ventilation rates based on occupancy and air quality.
• Noise Control: Designers should consider noise control measures to minimize noise
generated by ventilation equipment.
4. Energy Efficiency:
NBC encourages the design and operation of energy-efficient ventilation systems. Proper system
design, control strategies, and equipment selection can reduce energy consumption while meeting
ventilation requirements.
5. Compliance and Verification:
It is essential to verify compliance with NBC's mechanical ventilation requirements during the
design and construction phases. Regular maintenance and testing are also necessary to ensure that
ventilation systems operate as intended.
6. Fresh Air Supply:
Mechanical ventilation systems must provide a continuous supply of fresh outdoor air to maintain
indoor air quality. The design should consider outdoor air intake locations to prevent contamination
from nearby pollution sources.
7. Exhaust Air Discharge:
Exhaust air from mechanical ventilation systems should be discharged to a location where it will
not re-enter the building or impact neighboring properties adversely.
8. Maintenance:
Proper maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems is crucial to ensure they function effectively
and efficiently. Regular cleaning and servicing of equipment, including filters and fans, are
necessary to maintain indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Consulting with HVAC engineers and professionals is advisable when designing and
implementing mechanical ventilation systems to ensure compliance with NBC's guidelines and
standards.

Purposes and Classification of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning serves various purposes in buildings and industrial settings, primarily
aimed at controlling and enhancing indoor air quality and comfort. Air conditioning systems are
classified based on their functions, which align with their specific purposes. Here are the primary
purposes and classifications of air conditioning:
Purposes of Air Conditioning:
1. Temperature Control: One of the primary purposes of air conditioning is to control indoor
temperatures. It provides heating in cold weather and cooling in hot weather, ensuring a
comfortable indoor environment year-round.
2. Humidity Control: Air conditioning systems regulate indoor humidity levels. They
remove excess moisture from the air during hot and humid conditions and add moisture in
dry climates to maintain optimal humidity for comfort and health.
3. Air Quality Improvement: Air conditioning systems incorporate filters and air purifiers
to remove airborne contaminants, allergens, and pollutants. This enhances indoor air
quality by reducing the presence of dust, pollen, bacteria, and odors.
4. Ventilation: Air conditioning systems can introduce fresh outdoor air into indoor spaces,
enhancing air circulation and preventing the buildup of stale or stagnant air. Ventilation is
vital for maintaining oxygen levels and removing indoor pollutants.
5. Preservation of Goods: In commercial and industrial settings, air conditioning is used to
control temperature and humidity to protect goods and materials that are sensitive to
environmental conditions, such as in cold storage facilities or data centers.
Classification of Air Conditioning Systems:
Air conditioning systems are classified based on their primary functions and applications:
1. Comfort Air Conditioning:
• Residential AC: Designed for homes and small-scale applications, residential air
conditioning systems focus on providing comfort by controlling temperature and
 humidity. Common types include split systems, window units, and ductless mini-
split systems.
• Commercial AC: Larger-scale comfort air conditioning systems are used in
commercial buildings, such as offices, retail spaces, and hotels. They often
incorporate centralized systems like variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and rooftop
units.
2. Industrial Air Conditioning:
• Process Cooling: Industrial air conditioning systems are used in manufacturing and
industrial processes to maintain specific temperature and humidity levels critical
for production or product quality.
• Data Center Cooling: Data centers rely on specialized air conditioning systems to
regulate temperature and humidity to protect sensitive electronic equipment.
3. Air Handling Units (AHUs):
• AHUs are part of centralized HVAC systems that handle the supply and distribution
of conditioned air. They can be used for both comfort and industrial applications.
4. Ventilation and Air Exchange:
• These systems focus primarily on bringing in fresh outdoor air and removing stale
indoor air. They are essential for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing the
buildup of contaminants.
5. Specialized Systems:
• Specialized air conditioning systems include applications like server room cooling,
cleanroom HVAC, and medical facility air conditioning, which have unique
requirements tailored to their specific purposes.
6. Geothermal and Solar AC:
• Geothermal and solar air conditioning systems utilize renewable energy sources to
provide cooling and heating. They are energy-efficient and environmentally
friendly alternatives to traditional AC systems.
7. Portable and Window Units:
• These compact AC units are suitable for cooling individual rooms or small spaces,
such as bedrooms or offices.
Principles of Comfort Air Conditioning
The National Building Code of India (NBC) provides principles and guidelines for comfort air
conditioning systems in buildings to ensure the creation and maintenance of a comfortable indoor
environment for occupants. While NBC provides a comprehensive framework, the specific
principles may be found in various sections and chapters of the code. Here are some key principles
related to comfort air conditioning as per NBC:
1. Temperature Control: NBC emphasizes the importance of maintaining indoor
temperatures within a comfortable range suitable for the building's purpose. It provides
recommended temperature ranges for different types of spaces, such as residential,
commercial, and industrial areas.
2. Humidity Control: The code acknowledges the significance of controlling indoor
humidity levels to enhance comfort. It recommends maintaining relative humidity within
acceptable limits, typically between 40% and 60%, to prevent issues like condensation,
mold growth, and discomfort due to excessively dry or humid conditions.
3. Air Quality: NBC places a strong emphasis on indoor air quality (IAQ). It requires air
conditioning systems to incorporate air filtration and purification mechanisms to remove
pollutants, allergens, and contaminants from indoor air, thereby ensuring healthier and
cleaner air for occupants.
4. Ventilation: The code outlines the importance of ventilation in air conditioning systems.
It stresses the need for fresh outdoor air intake to provide adequate oxygen levels and
prevent the buildup of indoor pollutants. Ventilation rates are specified based on occupancy
and use of the building.
5. Energy Efficiency: NBC encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and practices
in air conditioning systems. This includes the use of high-efficiency equipment, such as
compressors and fans, and the incorporation of energy-saving strategies like variable speed
controls and programmable thermostats.
6. Zoning: Zoning principles are mentioned in the code, allowing for the division of buildings
into different zones with individual temperature controls. This allows occupants to
customize comfort settings in specific areas, optimizing energy use and comfort.
7. Maintenance: Proper maintenance of air conditioning systems is emphasized to ensure
their continued efficiency and effectiveness. Regular inspection, cleaning, and servicing of
components like filters, coils, and ductwork are essential to maintain IAQ and comfort.
8. Noise Control: NBC recognizes the importance of noise control in air conditioning
systems. It specifies noise limits and recommends measures such as sound insulation,
vibration isolation, and quiet equipment to minimize noise levels and provide a peaceful
indoor environment.
 9. Safety: Safety features, including emergency shut-off mechanisms, are addressed in the
code to ensure the safety of occupants and the proper operation of air conditioning
equipment.
10. Environmental Considerations: The code promotes the use of environmentally friendly
refrigerants and systems with low global warming potential (GWP) to minimize the
environmental impact of air conditioning systems.

Systems of Air Conditioning

The National Building Code of India (NBC) provides guidelines and standards for various
systems of air conditioning in buildings. These systems are designed to control indoor temperature,
humidity, and air quality to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants.
Here are some of the key air conditioning systems and principles outlined in NBC:
1. All-Air Systems:
• Single-Duct System: In this system, a single air duct delivers conditioned air to various
spaces within a building. NBC provides guidelines for the design and operation of single-
duct systems to ensure efficient temperature control and distribution.
• Dual-Duct System: Dual-duct systems use two separate air ducts to deliver hot and cold
air, allowing for precise temperature control. NBC specifies requirements for dual-duct
systems to achieve comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Air-Water Systems:
• Hydronic Systems: These systems use water as a heat transfer medium to control both
heating and cooling. NBC provides guidelines for the design and installation of hydronic
systems, including the use of chillers, cooling towers, and pumps.
3. Variable Air Volume (VAV) Systems:
• NBC outlines principles for VAV systems, which modulate the supply air volume to
individual zones or rooms based on temperature requirements. VAV systems are known for
their energy efficiency and ability to adapt to varying loads.
4. Chilled Beam Systems:
• Chilled beam systems use convection and radiation to provide cooling. NBC includes
guidelines for the installation and operation of chilled beam systems, which are commonly
used in commercial buildings.
5. Radiant Cooling and Heating Systems:
• NBC provides principles for radiant systems that use radiation for cooling or heating. These
systems are often integrated into ceilings, walls, or floors to provide thermal comfort.
6. Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS):
• DOAS are designed to provide a controlled supply of outdoor air to improve indoor air
quality. NBC outlines the requirements for DOAS, including air filtration and ventilation
rates.
7. Heat Recovery Systems:
• NBC emphasizes the use of heat recovery systems to capture and reuse energy from exhaust
air to improve overall energy efficiency. This includes both sensible and latent heat
recovery.
8. Controls and Automation:
• The code addresses the importance of control systems to manage and optimize air
conditioning systems. Proper controls, including thermostats, sensors, and building
automation systems, are essential for efficient operation.
9. Ventilation Systems:
• NBC provides guidelines for mechanical ventilation systems, which ensure the
introduction of fresh outdoor air into the building. Ventilation systems are crucial for
maintaining indoor air quality and preventing the buildup of pollutants.
10. Duct Design and Insulation:
• The code includes recommendations for the design and insulation of air ducts to minimize
heat loss or gain, ensure proper airflow, and reduce energy consumption.
11. Refrigeration and Refrigerants:
• NBC addresses the use of refrigeration systems and the selection of environmentally
friendly refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) to minimize the
environmental impact.
12. Energy Efficiency:
• Energy efficiency is a central theme in NBC, and the code encourages the use of energy-
efficient components and practices in air conditioning systems to reduce energy
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Essentials of Air Conditioning System

The National Building Code of India (NBC) outlines essential requirements and principles for
air conditioning systems in buildings. These essentials ensure the effective and safe operation of
air conditioning systems while maintaining indoor comfort and air quality. Here are the essentials
of air conditioning as per NBC:
1. Comfort and Health:
• The primary purpose of air conditioning is to provide a comfortable indoor
environment for occupants. It should maintain suitable temperature and humidity
levels to ensure comfort year-round.
• Air conditioning systems should also support the health of occupants by providing
ventilation to remove indoor pollutants and maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ).
2. Temperature Control:
• Air conditioning systems must be capable of controlling indoor temperatures within
the recommended comfort range for the specific building type and occupancy.
3. Humidity Control:
• Air conditioning systems should have the capability to control indoor humidity
levels. This is crucial to prevent issues like condensation, mold growth, and
discomfort due to excessively dry or humid conditions.
4. Air Filtration and Purification:
• Air conditioning systems should incorporate air filtration and purification
mechanisms to remove airborne contaminants, allergens, and pollutants. This
ensures cleaner and healthier indoor air.
5. Fresh Air Intake and Ventilation:
• Adequate provisions should be made for the introduction of fresh outdoor air to
improve IAQ and prevent the buildup of indoor pollutants. NBC specifies
ventilation rates based on occupancy and space use.
6. Energy Efficiency:
• Air conditioning systems should be designed and operated with a focus on energy
efficiency. This includes the use of energy-efficient components, proper system
sizing, and the implementation of energy-saving strategies.
7. Control Systems:
• Control systems, such as thermostats and building automation systems, should be
in place to manage and optimize the operation of air conditioning systems. These
systems should be user-friendly and provide control over temperature and airflow.
8. Maintenance:
• Proper maintenance of air conditioning systems is essential to ensure their
continued efficiency and effectiveness. NBC recommends regular inspection,
cleaning, and servicing of components like filters, coils, and ductwork.
 9. Noise Control:
• Air conditioning systems should be designed and installed with noise control
measures to minimize operational noise levels, creating a peaceful indoor
environment.
10. Safety:
• Safety features and mechanisms should be incorporated into air conditioning systems to
ensure the safety of occupants and equipment. This includes features like emergency shut-
off systems and refrigerant leak detection.
11. Environmental Considerations:
• NBC promotes the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants and systems with
low global warming potential (GWP) to minimize the environmental impact of air
conditioning systems.
12. Zoning and Individual Control:
• For larger buildings and spaces, zoning systems should be implemented, allowing
for the customization of temperature settings in different areas. Individual control
in spaces like offices or bedrooms enhances occupant comfort and energy
efficiency.
13. Compliance with Codes and Standards:
• Air conditioning systems must comply with the relevant codes, standards, and
regulations outlined in NBC and other applicable documents. Compliance ensures
safety and performance.
These essentials are critical for the proper design, installation, and operation of air
conditioning systems in buildings, whether residential, commercial, or industrial.

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