Terminology 283

Operating: A cleanroom which is complete and operating

with all services connected and functioning. It has produc-
tion equipment and personnel.

Clean Zone: A defined or dedicated space in which the concentra-

tion of airborne particles is controlled to meet a specified airborne
particulate cleanliness class. A clean zone is constructed and used
in a manner to minimize the introduction, generation, and reten-
tion of particles inside the zone. Other relevant parameters, e.g.
temperature, humidity, and pressure, are controlled as necessary.
A clean zone may be open or enclosed and may or may not be
located within a cleanroom.

Coil: Coils are heat transfer devices (heat exchangers). They come
in a variety of type and sizes and are designed for various fluid
combinations. In hydronic applications coils are used for heating,
cooling or dehumidifying air. Hydronic coils are most often made
of copper headers and tubes with aluminum or copper fins and
galvanized steel frames.

Cold: Cold is a relative term to describe the temperature of an

object or area compared to a known temperature. For instance,
50°F in the winter might be considered a warm temperature while
in the summer it would be a cool temperature.

Cold Deck: In a multizone, or dual duct, unit, it is the chamber

after the air leaves the cooling coil.

Condensation Stage: Condensation stage is the cooling of a re-

frigerant vapor to convert it to a liquid in this condenser.

Cubic Feet Per Minute: Airflow volume (cfm).

Constant Volume Single Duct Box: A single inlet terminal box

supplied with air at a constant volume and temperature (typically
cool air). Air flowing through the box is controlled by a manually
284 HVAC Fundamentals

operated damper or a mechanical constant volume regulator. The

mechanical volume regulator uses springs and perforated plates
or damper blades, which decrease or increase the available flow
area as the pressure at the inlet to the box, increases or decreases.
A reheat coil or cooling coil may be installed in the box or imme-
diately downstream from it. A room thermostat controls the coil.

Cooling Coil: A chilled water or refrigerant coil.

Damper: A device used to regulate airflow.

Diffuser: A supply air outlet generally found in the ceiling with

various deflectors arranged to promote mixing of primary air
with secondary air. Types of diffusers are: round, square, rectan-
gular, linear and troffers. Some diffusers have a fixed airflow
pattern while others have field adjusted patterns.

Digital Signal: Representation of a numerical quantity by a num-

ber of discrete signals (not continuous) or by the presence or
absence of signals in particular positions. Binary digital signals
have one of two states (0 or 1) defined by voltage or current lev-
els.

Direct-Acting: A direct-acting controller increases its branch out-

put as the condition it is sensing increases (D/A).

Diversity in Constant Air Volume Systems: The total cfm output

of the fan is greater than the maximum required volume through
the cooling coil.

Diversity in Variable Air Volume (VAV) Systems: The total cfm

output of the fan is less than the maximum required volume
through the VAV boxes and outlets.

Draft: A localized feeling of coolness caused by high air velocity,

low ambient temperature, or direction of airflow.