PART 2 CENTRAL SYSTEMS v/s LOCAL SYSTEMS

The design of HVAC systems is related to various parameters, including but not limited
to:

• Comfort
• Building Architecture
• Building Regulations
• System Controls
• Robustness & Redundancy
• System Flexibility
• System Integration
• Energy Efficiency
• Whole of life costs including capital costs, maintenance costs, energy costs and
replacement cost

The above factors represent a minimum set of criteria against which HVAC system
selection shall be assessed. User’s ultimate objective is to acquire and utilize a HVAC
system that will minimize the impact on the natural and physical environment through
energy efficiency and simplification of the systems and that will provide the most
appropriate approach, on a whole of life basis, in terms of capital, operating,
replacement and maintenance costs. In managing conflicting requirements in terms of
optimizing the HVAC system selection, the consultant shall prioritize parameters that
affect the fit for purpose nature of the system (comfort, reliability). These parameters
shall take priority over energy efficiency.

The key facts about centralized and decentralized system are summarized here:

CENTRAL SYSTEMS DECENTRALIZED SYSTEMS

CONFIGURATION

A central system is custom-designed for a A decentralized system is essentially off

building and is categorized by field assembly shelf, factory assembled, compact
of: equipment consisting of cooling/heat