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Plenum box sizing for air handling unit (AHU):

Q = V x A --------- (1)
Q = flow rate (Cubic feet per minute) >> CFM
V = Velocity (feet per minute) >> ft/min
A = Area of plenum box (Square feet) >> ft2
As per Ashrae standard required velocity for Air handling unit (AHU) is 800 ft/min
Let’s say according to our calculated heat load tonnage is = 8 TR
As rule of thumb 1TR needs 400 CFM
So, 8 TR needs = 8 x 400 = 3200 CFM
As per equation 1:
A = Q/V
A = 3200/800
A = 4 ft2
Area of Plenum box = W x H --------- (2)
According to site condition we have to assume height of plenum box and try to
find width
Let’s say H = 1.6 ft
So, using values in equation 2:
Width of plenum box = Area of plenum box / height of plenum box = A/H
W = 4/1.6
Width of plenum box = 2.5 ft
Depth of plenum can be calculated by using following equation:
D = 2.5 x d --------- (3)
Where d = diameter of fan blower of AHU
Let’s say d = 12”
Using equation 3:
D = 2.5 x 12
D = 30” = 2.5 ft

Plenum box sizing for fan coil unit (FCU):

As per Ashrae standard required velocity for fan coil unit (FCU) is 500 ft/min
Same procedure as discussed above except velocity i-e 500 ft/min

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thth
id

Q=Flowrate M3/s
W

A=Area m2
V= Velocity m/s
Height

Formula For FCU plenum box V=2.5m/s

Q=AxV

A=Q/V

A=W X H W=A/H H= height of the FCU

Find W from the area obtained and Height of the FCU

Depth of the plenum box= 2.5 times of the diameter of the fan in inches
= 2.5X Dia Of FCU fan in inches. After obtaining the dia of fan in inches convert to mm to find out the depth of the plenum box.