CPD CE001 –

Professional Certificate in AC
HKCE
Note 3 – Part 1
Types of HVAC Air Supply System
• FCU – Fan Coil Unit
• CAV ( single zone)- Constant Air Volume
• VAV ( single zone)- Variable Air Volume
• VAV ( multi -zone)- Variable Air Volume

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FCU – Fan Coil Unit

• A fan coil unit (FCU) contains a fan which draws the air in a space
into the unit then blows it over a cooling or/and heating coil.
• The air comes out of the FCU either cooler or hotter than before.
They are used in some office buildings and shopping centres and
typically specified where there are multiple small spaces requiring
individual control

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Advantages:
• High level of flexibility in terms of subdivision and
rearrangement of space.
Disadvantages:
• Poorly suited to open plan spaces, as adjacent
units can operate in conflict
• Does not generally has the ability to use outside
air for free cooling, making the system less
efficient in cooling particularly in spring and
autumn.
• Chilled water valves and hot water valves in
ceiling can be a maintenance problem 4
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Energy efficiency
• FCU systems are of average efficiency only but if
well maintained and operated can produce a
good level of efficiency.
• They are generally not as efficient as standard
alternatives such as variable volume air
conditioning, chilled beams and displacement
systems.

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CAV ( single zone)- Constant Air Volume

• Constant air volume

(Supply fan is running at constant speed)
• Chilled/hot water flow is changed according to room
thermostat control.
• Supply air temperature will be adjusted accordingly.

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VAV box ( for multi-zone VAV)

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 Fan Assisted VAV

Supply air
from AHU - Improve air circulation

- Noise, ceiling space

Supply
and power consumption
air concerns
Return
Air
Fan

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2 pipes system (chilled or/and hot water)

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3 pipes system (chilled or/and hot water)

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4 pipes system (chilled or/and hot water)

Cooling Coil

Heating Coil
AHU

Chiller

Heat Pump

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Direct return vs Reverse return (chilled or hot water)

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The End

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