VAV System "The variable air volume or VAV System varies the air quantity rather than termperature

to each zone to maintain the appropriate room termperature."

(Air Conditioning Principles and Systems, Fourth Edition - Edward G. Pita)

The System The class defines a system as "A series of individual components interacting in order to insure that a design functions as desired." A VAV system's components are a chiller/condensing unit, furnace, air handler, main duct, branch ducts, VAV boxes, diffusers, and thermostats. Other components can include filters, fans, duct smoke detectors, fire dampers, heating coils, cooling coils and mixing boxes depending on the design of the system. These components work together to provide a comfortable environment through out a building.

Terms of the System VAV System - An all-air system in which a thermostatically controlled variable-volume box regulates the quantity of conditioned air supplied to each zone. Chiller - A device employing the compressive refrigeration cycle to chill the water used in cooling a building. Furnace - An apparatus in which heat is produced, as for heating a house or producing steam. Air Handler - An air-conditioning assembly containing the fans, filters, and other components necessary to treat and distribute conditioned air to an entire building or to specific zones within the building. Duct - A pipe or conduit of sheet metal or fiberglass for conducting heated or conditioned air. Ductwork - A system of ducts, connectors, and dampers for conveying air in a heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning system. Diffusers - A device having slats at different angles for deflecting warm or conditioned air from an outlet in various directions.

Thermostat - A device that automatically responds to changes in temperature and activates switches controlling such equipment as furnaces, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Fire Damper - A damper that closes an air duct automatically in the event of fire to restrict the passage of fire and smoke, required where a duct penetrates a fire wall, firerated shaft, or other fire seperation. Other Important Terms Thermal Comfort - Human comfort as determined by the ability of the body to dissipate the heat and moisture it produces by metabolic action.
(All definitions given above are from A Visual Dictionary of Architecture, Francis D.K. Ching)

What aspects of thermal comfort does the system control? Temperature The volume of air delivered to the zone at a set temperature controls the temperature of the zone. The variation in volume of air distributed by the VAV boxes is controlled by a thermostat located in the zone. Heating - The heat can be provided to the system by a furnace or in some cases, heating coils located within the ducts. Cooling - Cool air is distributed according to the demand; the cold air may be preheated to maintain minimum ventilation requirements. Pressure Pressure is determined by the volume of air being pumped into a room. Since the VAV systems functions by varying the volume of air, application of this system must be limited to situations that do not have specific pressurization requirements unless other provisions are made to meet these requirements. Humidity Humidity control is not an issue with VAV systems unless a great deal of latent heat is present in the zone. For example, humdity could be problematic for VAV controlled auditoriums or conference rooms. Reheat can be used to correct this humidity problem before the air is released into the zone.

Typical Uses of the System VAV systems are versitile in application. The most common application is a medium to large office building. Other applications include apartments, arenas, exhibition halls, auditoriums, theaters, factories, hospitals, hotels, motels, dorms, labs, libraries, nursing facilities, places of worship, schools, shopping centers, and stores. Problems with latent heat loads can arise in applications involving auditoriums. Sound pollution issues from equipment located just above the ceiling can become problematic in many applications. This system is ideal for offices as it promotes the efficiency of the HVAC system. It allows for more particular control of the environment. VAV application in hospitals and nursing facilities in particular can be problematic unless a particular level of pressurization is maintained by alternate means.

Advantages Produces a very small margin of error from the specified desired temperature. (Usually maintain temperatures within 1-degree of the desired temperature.) Contributes significantly to the efficiency of the system. Individually controlled zones can be as small as individual rooms. Add little if any cost to the operational costs to run the system. Require little if any maintenance (with the exception of those units that include fans and filters which may need to be cleaned.) Limitations Latent heat may cause an issue in applications such as conference rooms and auditoriums Minimum outside air requirements must be met regardless of the demand or lack there of from a particular zone of the system. Decreased air volume may lead to poor dispersion of the tempered air as diffusers are sized to accommodate the largest potential volume. Little control over pressurization is available directly through this system.

Equipment located just above the ceiling can create noise unless a method of prevention is employed.

Numeric Parameters Range of Dimensions for VAV Boxes CFM 400 800 1600 2400 3200 Height 8" - 9" 10" - 11" 14" 16" 18" Length 24" - 39" 24" - 53" 30" - 48" 42" - 60" 42" - 67' Width 14" - 30" 18" - 42" 22" - 44" 26" - 54" 33" - 54"

Sizing Spaces for Major Heating and Cooling Equipment -

(The Architect's Studio Companion)

(2003-11-17_500-03-082_A-11.pdf)

(2003-11-17_500-03-082_A-11.pdf)

As you can see from this information, the VAV system can be addapted to fit many

needs are requirements. Another useful item in sizing ducts in the process of engineering a VAV duct system is a Trane Ductulator (R) which can be purchased through the their website.

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1. What is a VAV Box?

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A Variable Air Volume (VAV) box, is a part of an air conditioning system. It is located inside the duct work. It is designed to control the air flow to a specific area, called a "zone." The VAV regulates the volume of the air to the zone by opening or closing the damper, thus controlling the amount of conditioned air directed to the zone. Each zone in a building has a thermostat which controls the VAV, telling it when to open or shut the damper based upon the needs of the zone. Sponsored Links

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2. VAV Box Parts

The traditional VAV box contains several parts which are necessary for operation. The casing is the outer box or shell, usually made from 22 gauge galvanized steel. The inlet is the connection to the duct coming from the Air Handling Unit. The outlet is the connection to the duct leading to the zone. Inside is the damper, or the metal door which opens or closes to control the amount of air flow needed. The damper controlled automatically by a motor, which is controlled by the thermostat. A thermostat is placed in the zone of the VAV, detecting the current temperature and instructing the VAV to open or close. This controls the amount of conditioned air entering the zone.

Types of VAV Boxes

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There are three types of VAV boxes: traditional, fan-powered and VAV with reheat. The traditional VAV box consists of VAV box with an integral damper and is controlled by thermostat. This is the most basic type of VAV box. The fan-powered VAV is built the same as the traditional, but it also contains a fan which is triggered when the area reaches optimal temperature or the damper is 50% closed. It provides additional air circulation when there is less demand for conditioned air. A VAV with reheat also is built the same as the traditional VAV, but it contains an electric coil designed to reheat the air when the damper reaches a predetermined position. This feature allows heating in the specific zone instead of having to heat the whole building.

Uses for VAV Boxes

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VAV boxes are usually designed for use in larger systems, where cooling needs vary in each zone of the building. The system has a large Air Handling Unit and multiple VAV boxes, allowing a far greater degree of control than a simpler system. With the ability to run the system on part load when not in use, or to have a higher level of independent room control, the VAV box are used in a variety of locations including retail stores, auditoriums, office spaces and some larger homes.

Variable Air Volume Systems

Description:
What distinguishes a variable air volume system from other types of air delivery systems is the use of a variable air volume box, as shown above, in the ductwork. The variable air volume box is interlocked with a thermostat, and can then control the temperature in a space. As a space requires cooling because of a large cooling

load, the damper in the VAV box will be placed in the "full open" position, to allow the maximum volume of air to enter the room, as shown in the left picture. As the space comes closer to its setpoint temperature, the damper inside the VAV box begins to close, thus decreasing the volume of air delivered to the room, as shown in the second illustration. The damper may close to provide only 15-30% of the original design cfm for a space. By regulating the volume of air delivered, a variable air volume system can control the temperature of a space without changing the temperature of the supply air.
There are several variations on the traditional VAV system, including VAV boxes with fans and heating coils. These variations were created to counteract some of the negative effects of a traditional VAV system, which will be discussed below.

VAV System Schematic The graphic above outlines the major components included in a variable air volume system. The above diagram shows the air handling unit, which includes the mixing box, filter, heating and cooling coils, fan, and the ductwork. In addition to the air handling unit, the illustration shows the VAV box and the diffuser. All of these elements will be discussed below. In addition to the components shown above, the VAV system also used chilled water and hot water in the coils to accomplish heating and cooling. Chillers, boilers, and heat exchangers provide the mediums required for heating and cooling. A description of these components can be found on the HVAC components page of this website. Air Handling Unit: The air handling unit is the location where air is conditioned to an acceptable level for distribution within the building. An air handling unit is composed of several components and subsystems, defined as follows:

1. Mixing Box: The mixing box is the location where return air and outdoor air are mixed to satisfy outdoor air requirements set forth in the ASHRAE standards. 2. Filter: The filter removes particulates from the air. The amount and size of particulates removed depends on the rating of the filter. 3. Cooling Coil: The cooling coil cools the air to the desired temperature. In addition to cooling the air, moisture is removed from the air in a dehumidification process based on the properties of air. 4. Heating Coil: The heating coil can have a hot water or steam medium. The primary purpose of this coil is to heat the air to a required temperature. 5. Humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air in the heating mode, if required. Humidifiers are commonly served by a steam manifold. 6. Fan: The fan pressurizes the air so it can travel through the ductwork to the space requiring the air. 7. Ductwork: The ductwork serves as a pathway for the transportation of the air from the air handling unit to the space. Diffuser: The diffuser is the component of the system that ultimately delivers the air to the space. A diffuser regulates velocity of the entering air, throw pattern, and volume of entering air through the use of an integral volume damper. In VAV systems, linear slot diffusers are usually preferred to traditional square diffusers. Since linear slot diffusers have a plenum attached to the register, they can more evenly distribute air at times when the delivered air volume is low. If a traditional square diffuser is used on a VAV system, a "puddling" effect often occurs where the cold air just drops to the floor, instead of being circulated around the room.

VAV Box Components:

VAV Box with Inlet and Actuator

Casing: See diagram above for description. Inlet: The inlet is a round connection to the VAV box from the often square supply ductwork. Damper: The damper is a component which can open or close to vary the volume of air passed through the VAV box.

Damper Shaft: The damper shaft is the operational tool that allows the damper to open or close. The shaft is connected to a motor (actuator), which is interlocked with the room thermostat. Fan: A fan is a component of a fan powered VAV box, which is not shown above. The fan helps to improve air velocity during times of low volumetric flow rates. Reheat Coil: A heating coil can be added to a VAV box to improve air volume and velocity when a room nears its design temperature. Thermostat: The thermostat is placed within the space and allows the occupant to control the temperature. The thermostat is interlocked with the damper shaft to control the position of the damper.

Types of VAV Systems:

Traditional: A traditional VAV system consists of a VAV box with a damper to control the volume of air delivered to a space. When the space approaches design conditions, the damper may close to provide only 15% of the design cfm. Fan Powered VAV: The addition of a fan to a VAV box improves air movement at times when a space is near its design temperature and supply air volumes are low. The fan will usually be set to begin running when the damper is 50% closed. The addition of a fan, however, reduces the efficiency of the system because the fan motor requires electric input for power. VAV with Reheat: A reheat coil (hot water or electric) can be added to a VAV box to improve air volume and movement when a space approaches design temperature. When the damper closes to a determined position (usually 50% of the design cfm), the reheat coil becomes operational and heats the air. Since the supply air is now warmer, a larger amount will have to be delivered to the space, which improves the volume of air and velocity.

Advantages of a VAV System:

1. Efficiency
A variable air volume system is highly efficient because the minimal amount of air required is used to keep a space at its design temperature. When the damper closes in a VAV box, the fan in the air handling unit can run at a slower speed (through the use of a variable speed drive) and the amount heating and cooling mediums running through the coil can be reduced (through electric or pneumatic control valves). In essence, a VAV system allows the air handling unit, chillers, and boilers to run a part load, which is more efficient.

2. Individual Temperature Control

Since a VAV box is linked to a thermostat, the ability to control temperature in a space is independent of other spaces. Rooms with similar loading patterns are often placed on the same

VAV box, and through the use of a VAV system, areas with very different loading patterns can be placed on the same air handling unit.

3. Cost
VAV systems are very cost effective in operation, but also offer a fairly low first cost. Since traditional VAV systems do not require piping or coils, they are cheaper to install and require simple electrical installation.

4. Flexibility
VAV systems are highly flexible because the boxes can easily be removed from one ductwork branch and placed into another, assuming that the design cfm for the spaces are similar.

Disadvantages of a VAV System:

1. Air Velocity at Design Conditions
As a VAV system reaches its design setpoint, the volume of air delivered to a room is decreased. This decrease in air volume is a problem because the outdoor air requirements of 20 cfm/person are not met, the velocity of air is decreased resulting in discomfort, and if a space requires positive pressure the needs cannot be met with a VAV system. To combat this trend, the addition of a fan or heating coil to the VAV box can alleviate many of these problems, however there is a greater expense involved.

2. Space Requirements
The installation of a VAV box requires considerable space, both in the vertical and horizontal directions. As a rule of thumb, the linear duct length before a VAV box should be three times the diameter of the inlet. This length is required for the air profile in the duct to even out before entering the box. In the vertical direction, the VAV box can require up to 18", which can be a problem if above ceiling heights are relatively small.

3. Inability to Simultaneously Heat and Cool

In many building situations, it is common to require heating in some parts (usually at the perimeter) and cooling in others (usually interior). Since a traditional VAV system does not have a heating coil in the box, heating in one space and cooling in another cannot take place. This problem can be overcome by adding a coil to the VAV box.

4. VAV Box Location

Since VAV boxes must be located in the branch ductwork, they are often placed above the ceiling. In situations where an acoustical ceiling is used, there is easy access to the box. However, in situations where a plaster ceiling is present, an access panel must be provided to allow access to the box.

Typical Uses For a VAV System:

1. Offices
VAV systems are commonly used in offices because of their efficiency and ability to grant independent temperature control. A VAV system is also rather flexible, as the boxes can easily be moved into new ductwork branches to accommodate office renovations. Offices are usually not as pressure sensitive as other scenarios (such as hospitals or laboratories), so the deficiencies in pressure associated with a VAV system are not a large concern.

2. Auditoriums
VAV systems work well in auditoriums because these spaces are occupied at intermittent intervals. When the space is occupied, the damper in the VAV box is completely open to combat the cooling load. However, when the auditorium is not in use, the dampers will be mostly closed, allowing the rest of the mechanical system to run at part load.

3. Stores
VAV systems are commonly used in stores because of their efficiency. Since a store might have occupancy only 8 hours of the day, having the mechanical system running at part load for the unoccupied hours can provide quite a savings. In addition, pressurizing issues are not as important in stores as in other cases.

Inappropriate Uses for a VAV System:

1. Laboratories/Hospitals
Traditional VAV systems would not be a good choice to use in a situation where pressurizing spaces is critical. For instance, a hospital hallway serving isolation rooms must be positively pressured so that contagious germs do not seep out of the isolation room. Since a traditional VAV system cannot assure a constant volume of delivered air, it works poorly in positively pressured situations.

Numerical Parameters:
1. Dimensions
A VAV box passing a maximum of 250 cfm will measure 16"x10"x10" (LxHxW) A VAV box passing a maximum of 8000 cfm will measure 28"x17.5"x32" (LxHxW)

2. Duct Length Requirements

A straight duct length equal to three times the inlet diameter is required for the proper installation of a VAV box.

3. Hot Water Coil Capacities

Heating MBH of a hot water coil is based on the amount of air being passed over the coil, the temperature of the hot water, and the flow rate of the water through the coil. For a 0.5 gpm flow rate serving a 75 cfm box, the heating capacity is 4.9 MBH. For a 4.0 gpm flow rate serving a 500 cfm box, the heating capacity is 20 MBH.

4. Fan Motor Size

If choosing to add a fan to the VAV box, the horsepower of the fan motor depends on the cfm of the box. For 250 cfm, a 1/6 horsepower motor is appropriate, while a 3/4 horsepower motor would be required to move 4200 cfm.

5. Damper Position The damper in a VAV box may close enough to only provide 15% of the design volumetric flow rate.