Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
In the modern world, the building sector demands comfort and energy efficiency. The
design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems has a significant
impact on both, and working with a qualified engineering firm has a positive impact
on the final outcome.
This article provides an overview of CAV and VAC systems, describing the principles
and calculations used by HVAC engineers during the design process.
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 1/8
11/4/2020 Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
Contact Us
CAV systems can be of single-zone or multi-zone types, although they are better
suited for single-zone applications where the load experiences minimal change over
time. Some examples are auditoriums, theaters and museums. Multi-zone CAV
systems require duct heating to deliver different air temperatures for individual zones,
which reduces their energy efficiency.
The operation of a multi-zone CAV system can be described best with an example.
Consider the following design conditions:
An indoor air-handling unit (AHU) serves three zones (A, B and C).
The AHU gets cold water from a chiller with a cooling tower.
Air duct heaters are attached to the main branches serving individual zones.
The thermostats are set at 55°F (A), 68°F (B) and 72°F (C).
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 2/8
11/4/2020 Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
Although the operating principle is simple, it has an efficiency limitation. Part of the
cooling output is wasted when air is reheated for zones B and C, and the duct heaters
themselves also consume energy.
Dual duct VAV systems have separate ducts for hot and cold air, and each zone has a
plenum where their airflow is mixed. The ratio of hot and cold air depends on the
desired temperature for each particular zone. This HVAC configuration is the most
expensive in terms of installation, operation and maintenance.
Multi-zone systems have VAV boxes that control the airflow supplied to individual
zones. Unlike CAV, the cold water flow supplied to the fan coil unit is kept constant.
VAV systems achieve their full potential in applications where there a multiple zones
with variable load. Some examples are malls, hotels and office buildings.
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 3/8
11/4/2020 Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
The starting point is the sensible heat gain equation, which is fundamental in HVAC
systems:
Q = 1.08 x CFM x ΔT
Where:
ΔT = Difference between the room temperature and the supply air temperature
Q = 1.08 x CFM x ΔT
In this case, the VAV system would have to adjust airflow to 463 cfm for the
corresponding zone. Let’s observe the effect when the load is increased to 12,000
BTU/h.
The temperature difference of 20°F is kept constant under a load of 12,000 BTU/h,
while increasing airflow to 555 cfm.
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 4/8
11/4/2020 Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
Example 2 Partner
- CAV withSystem
Us Pricing Calculator
In this case, the cooling load and room temperature are the same used in the example
above: 10,000 BTU/h and 75°F. However, the airflow is fixed at 500 cfm and the air
supply temperature is adjusted. The sensible heat equation would be rearranged as
follows:
ΔT = Q ÷ (1.08 x CFM)
ΔT = 18.52°F
The air supply must be 18.52°F below room temperature, which is equivalent to
56.48°F. Repeating the calculation for 12,000 BTU/h, the following result is achieved:
ΔT = Q ÷ (1.08 x CFM)
ΔT = 22.22°F
Conclusion
HVAC engineers can choose between CAV and VAV systems depending on the
application. While a CAV system uses variable air temperature and constant airflow, a
VAV system keeps constant temperature and variable airflow. CAV systems are better
suited for single-zone applications where the load experiences little change, while VAV
systems are the best option for multi-zone applications with a constantly changing
load.
Leave Comment
Name**
Email**
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 5/8
11/4/2020 Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
Submit Comment
Please avoid adding links in comments. Any comment with external website links will not
be published.
Subscribe
Most Popular
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 6/8
11/4/2020 Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
Download eBook
Post By Topics
Design (148)
Sustainability (73)
See all
A B O UT U S
At New York Engineers, we search for simple, eloquent solutions to complex problems. We
minimize construction costs by eliminating the extraneous and focusing on the overall
efficiency for the most streamlined designs.
U S E F U L L I N KS
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 7/8
11/4/2020 Differences Between Constant and Variable Air Volume Systems
CO N TA C T U S
H.Q. - 135 West 41st street 5th oor,
New York, NY 10036
Tel : 212-575-5300
888-575-8844
E-mail : info@ny-engineers.com
R E C E N T B LO G S
© 2020 New York Engineers. All Right Reserved. Legal Notice | Trademarks
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/differences-between-constant-and-variable-air-volume-systems 8/8