SMACNA 65th Annual Convention

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

HVAC Systems
Understanding The Basics
Thomas E. Glavinich, D.E., P.E.
The University of Kansas
October 22, 2008

HVAC Systems - Understanding The Basics

Manual Objective

Provide an introduction to HVAC

systems for project personnel and
others needing a basic
understanding of HVAC system
operation and components.

Systems Approach To HVAC

HVAC Contractor Defined

HVAC contractor is the firm that
is responsible for the installation
for the complete HVAC system in
accordance with the scope of
work defined by the contract
documents.

HVAC System Contractor

Scope Of Services
z

Air Distribution:
Sheet Metal
Air Distribution Equipment

z
z
z
z
z
z

Piping
Insulation
Equipment (Wet)
Water Treatment
HVAC Controls
Test & Balance

Self Perform Versus Subcontract

HVAC System Contractor:

Advantages
z
z

Establishes Firm As HVAC Expert

Perform All Of CSI Division 23:
Greater Control Of Scope
Less Scope Overlaps & Gaps

Higher On Food Chain:

First Tier Subcontractor
Closer To $s

z
z
z
z

Potential Higher Profits

Greater Control Of Schedule & Work Sequence
More Project Opportunities
More After-Installation Service Opportunities

HVAC System Contractor:

Challenges
z
z
z
z
z
z

Increased Contract Size & Scope

Subcontract Procurement &
Contracting
Subcontract Management
Wet-Side Equipment Procurement
Multiple Trade Management
System Performance Risk

HVAC Systems - Understanding The Basics

Target Audiences
z

HVAC Contracting Firms:

Project Managers
Project Engineers
Estimators
Superintendents & Forepersons
Others

Construction Programs Colleges & Universities:

Engineering (Construction Emphasis)
Construction Science, Management, & Technology
Other Related Academic Programs

General Contractors & Construction Managers

HVAC Systems - Understanding The Basics

Intended To Complement
HVAC Bid Specifications Manual
z HVAC Systems Applications
z SMACNA Guide Specifications
z Other SMACNA Publications
z

2004 CSI MasterFormatTM

Division 23 HVAC
CSI Level 2 Content
23 00 00
23 10 00
23 20 00
23 30 00
23 40 00
23 50 00
23 60 00
23 70 00
23 80 00

HVAC General Requirements

Facility Fuel Systems
HVAC Piping & Pumps
HVAC Air Distribution
HVAC Air Cleaning Devices
Central Heating Equipment
Central Cooling Equipment
Central HVAC Equipment
Decentralized HVAC Equipment

HVAC Systems Applications

I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV

Introduction
Basic HVAC Systems
HVAC Control Systems
Multizone Systems
Dual-Duct Systems
Terminal Reheat Systems
Variable Air Volume Systems
Induction & Induction Reheat Systems
Special Applications
Hydronic Systems
Unitary & Heat Pump Systems
Cooling/Refrigerant Systems
Hydronic Heat Recovery Systems
Engineering Data, Tables & Charts

Manual Currently Being Updated

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

How Will This Manual Be Used?

z Chapter

Education Program
z Self Study
z Reference
z Text: Primary Or Supplemental
z Combination

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter Outline
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X

Introduction To HVAC Systems

Properties Of Moist Air
HVAC System Basics
Unitary HVAC Systems
Central Heating Equipment
Central Cooling Equipment
Hydronic Distribution Systems
Air Distribution Systems
Central HVAC Systems
Control Systems

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter I - Intro To HVAC Systems

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

Introduction
What Is An HVAC System?
Why Do Buildings Need HVAC?
A Brief History Of HVAC Systems
HVAC Systems & 21st Century Buildings
Overview Of This Manual

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter II - Properties Of Moist Air

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13

Introduction
Air Chemistry
Air Temperature
Air Humidity
Evaporation & Condensation
Moist Air Properties
Psychrometry
Heat Transfer Methods
Heat Transfer Units
Heat Transfer Media
Moist Air Energy Content
Simple Space Conditioning Processes
Practical Space Conditioning Processes

Air Temperature
z What

Is Temperature?
z Temperature Scales
z Temperature Measurement

Air Humidity
z What

Is Humidity?
z Humidity Scales
z Humidity Measurement

Psychrometric Chart

Moist Air Physical Properties

z Dry-Bulb

(DB) Temperature
z Wet-Bulb (WB) Temperature
z Percent Relative Humidity
z Humidity Ratio
z Dew Point Temperature
z Air Specific Volume

Moist Air Energy Content

z Sensible

Heat
z Latent Heat
z Enthalpy

Basic Space Conditioning

Processes
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z

Sensible Cooling
Sensible Heating
Humidifying
Dehumidifying
Cooling & Dehumidifying
Heating & Humidifying
Chemical Dehumidifying
Evaporative Cooling

10

Simple Space
Conditioning Processes

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter III - HVAC System Basics

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
8.10
8.11
8.12
8.13
8.14
8.15

Introduction
HVAC System Purpose
HVAC Zones & Spaces
Airflow Defined
Four Variables The Impact Human Comfort
Defining Human Comfort
Indoor Air Quality
HVAC System Energy Use
HVAC System Operation
Basic HVAC System Mechanical Elements
HVAC Controls
Space Conditioning Methods Used By HVAC Systems
HVAC Sys Categorized By Primary Heat Transfer Media
HVAC System Space Conditioning Methods & Categories
HVAC System Equipment Location & Heat Transport

11

Four Variables That Affect

Human Thermal Comfort
Temperature
z Thermal Radiation
z Humidity
z Air Speed
z

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and AirConditioning Engineers, Thermal Environmental Conditions for
Human Occupancy, ASHRAE 55-2004.

ASHRAE Comfort Zones

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers,

Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, ASHRAE 55-2004.

12

HVAC System Energy Use

z HVAC

System Energy Use

z ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1
z Energy Codes & Standards
z Green Buildings & HVAC Energy Use

Basic HVAC System Elements

z Thermal

Conditioner
z Moisture Controller
z Air Mover
z Air Cleaner

13

Basic HVAC System Elements

Space Conditioning Methods

z Constant

Air Volume - Variable Temperature

z Variable Air Volume - Constant Temperature
z Variable Air Volume - Variable Temperature

14

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Section 3.13 - Primary Heat Xfer

z
z
z
z
z

All-Air HVAC Systems

Air-Hydronic HVAC Systems
All-Hydronic HVAC Systems
Direct Refrigerant HVAC Systems
Hybrid HVAC Systems

All-Air HVAC System

15

Air-Hydronic HVAC System

All-Hydronic HVAC System

16

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter IV - Unitary HVAC Systems

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6

Introduction
Unitary HVAC Systems Characteristics & Use
Refrigeration Defined
The Refrigeration Cycle
Direct Expansion Refrigeration Systems
Unitary HVAC System Types

Refrigeration Cycle

17

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Section 4.5.2
Six Primary DX System Components
z Compressor
z Condenser

Coil
z Regulator Valve
z Evaporator Coil
z Refrigerant Piping
z Controls

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Section 4.6 - Unitary HVAC Systems

z
z
z
z
z
z
z

Packaged Terminal HVAC Units

Room Air Conditioners
Self-Contained Air Conditioners
Computer-Room Air-Conditioners
Split-System Air-Conditioners
Air-Source Unitary Heat Pumps
Water-Source Unitary Heat Pumps

18

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter V - Central Heating Equipment

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12

Introduction
Furnaces
Boilers
Boiler Sizing
Boiler Construction
Electric Boilers
Condensing Boilers
Boiler Auxiliary Equipment
Boiler Controls
Boiler Water Treatment
Solar Energy Heating Systems
Combined Heat & Power

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter VI - Central Cooling Equipment

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10

Introduction
Central Cooling Plant Operation & Components
Chiller Purpose
Refrigeration Cycle
Refrigerant
Motor-Compressor Units
Mech Compressor Operation & Characteristics
Absorption Chillers
Cooling Towers
Evaporative Cooling Systems

19

Central Cooling Plant

Schematic Diagram

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter VII - Hydronic Distribution Sys

7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9

Introduction
Hot Water Distribution System Operation
Chilled Water Distribution System Operation
Hydronic Distribution System Operating Temps
Hydronic Distribution System Arrangements
Multi-Loop Hydronic Distribution System
Hydronic Distribution System Heat Xfer Mode
Convection Terminal Units
Hydronic Radiant Heat

20

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Section 7.5
Hydronic Dist Sys Arrangements
z One-Pipe

System
z Two-Pipe System
z Three-Pipe System
z Four-Pipe System
z Summer-Winter System

Two-Pipe Hydronic Distribution

(Direct Return)

21

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Section 7.8
Convection Terminal Units
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z

Air-Coil Units
Fan-Coil Units
Induction Units
Unit Ventilators
Radiators
Finned-Tube Radiation Heaters
Valence Units
Convectors
Unit Heaters

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter VIII - Air Dist Systems

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
8.10
8.11
8.12
8.13
8.14
8.15

Introduction
Air Distribution System Purpose
Air Distribution System Components
Fans
Air Handling Units
Air Ducts & Plenums
VAV Terminal Units
Air Outlets & Inlets
Air Distribution System Operation
Air Distribution System Operating Point
Air Distribution System Dynamics
System Operating Point & Fan Speed
Variable Frequency Drives
Air Cleaning Devices
Testing, Adjusting, & Balancing

22

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter IX - Central HVAC Sys

9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8

Introduction
Central HVAC Subsystems
VAV System Description
VAV System Operation
VAV Terminal Operation
HVAC Systems Incorporating VAV
Constant Volume HVAC Systems
VAV Versus Constant-Volume

Central HVAC System Block Diagram

23

Basic Single-Zone Cooling

Only VAV System

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Chapter X - Control Systems

10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10

Introduction
Control System Purpose
Control System Types
Control System Components
Thermostat: Simple Control System
Sensors
Controllers
Controlled Devices
Building Automation & Control Systems
Open-Architecture Control Systems

24

HVAC Systems: Understanding The Basics

Appendices
A
B
C
D

HVAC Glossary
HVAC MasterFormatTM Outline
HVAC References & Resources
Chapter Education Program

Questions?

25