Air Handling and Distribution: Chapter 2
Fan Coil Unit
In this module, we will learn about the fan coil unit. We will also learn about its working principle. Skip to quiz!
Introduction
Fan coil unit is a type of AHU that recirculates indoor air only. There is no adding of fresh outdoor air. We usually call it FCU for short.
Recall that FCU provides cooling or heating to a single room only. We can not connect FCU to multiple rooms like AHUs. So, it does not require much ductwork as it is placed within the room.
The blower draws the indoor air through the air filter onto the coil. The air filter traps the dust particles and debris from the air. The coil cools or heats the clean filtered air before pushing it back into the room. Let us see a video to understand the working principle of FCU.
Components
The main components of FCU are:
Coil,
Motor,
Blower fan,
Air filter, and
Drain pan.
Let us see a video to learn more about these components.
As shown in the video, hot or cold water or refrigerant flows in the coil. An electric motor is connected to the fans to circulate air.
The air filter in the FCU traps the dust particles and debris from the air. The drain pan collects the condensate water droplets in the FCU.
FCU Types
The main types of FCUs that we find usually are:
Concealed ceiling mounted,
Exposed ceiling mounted,
Floor mounted, and
Underfloor mounted.
Let us learn more about these types of FCUs.
Concealed ceiling mounted FCU is installed above the ceiling. Return air grill and supply air diffuser are set into the room to circulate the air. It will not occupy any space in the living room. It looks aesthetic because the FCU hides behind the ceiling.
The exposed ceiling mounted FCU is installed the same way as the previous FCU, but there will be no ceiling. It is exposed outside. It can be connected to grills via ductwork or can just blow air into the room with no grills or ductwork. It creates noise that can disturb us.
Floor mounted FCU is placed on the floor in a room. Typically, return air enters at the bottom, and supply air circulates to the room through the top of FCU. It occupies space in the room. It also creates noise that can disturb us.
Underfloor mounted FCU is similar to the ceiling-mounted FCUs, but it is installed below the floor. It also can be connected to grills via ductwork or can just blow air into the room with no grills or ductwork.
FCUs are also divided into two types depending on the number of coil pipes. The two types of FCUs are:
2-pipe FCU, and
4-pipe FCU.
Let us see a video understand about them.
2-pipe FCU consists of a single water coil connected to two pipes. Recall that pipe is used for carrying gas and fluid.
2-pipe FCU has one supply and one return pipe. We supply either cold or hot water to the coil, depending on the season. This type of FCU can not cool and heat the air at the same time.
4-pipe FCU consists of two separate cooling and heating water coils connected to four pipes.
Each water coil has its own supply and return pipes. This type of FCU can cool and heat the air at the same time.
Controls
The main controls that we find in the FCU are:
Temperature control, and
Speed control.
We will learn about these controls in detail.
Recall that the temperature of indoor air is controlled by a temperature sensor connected to a thermostat. We set the required temperature in the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the indoor air temperature by controlling the refrigerant or water flow in the coil.
We can set the speed of the blower using a speed controller. The speed controller usually has low, medium, and high speeds.
BMS
FCUs can also be controlled by BMS. Recall that BMS stands for ‘Building Management System. BMS is a computer-based control system. Let us see a video to understand how BMS controls the operation of FCU.
Fan coil unit is a type of AHU that recirculates indoor air only. We usually call a fan coil unit FCU for short. The main types of FCUs that we find usually are:
Concealed ceiling mounted,
Exposed ceiling mounted,
Floor mounted, and
Underfloor mounted.
The main controls that we find in the Fan Coil Unit are:
Temperature control, and
Speed control.
The temperature of indoor air is controlled by a temperature sensor connected to a thermostat. FCUs can also be controlled by BMS.
Ductwork
In this module, we will learn in detail about ductwork. We will also learn about different types of dampers used in the ductwork. Skip to quiz!
Introduction
Recall that ductwork is a closed pathway made of thin metal sheets.
Two main purposes of the ducts are:
To provide a path for the hot or cold air to reach the rooms from the HVAC systems.
To not allow the transfer of heat between the air inside and outside the ductwork.
Ducts can be divided into four types depending on their usage. The types of ducts are:
Supply air duct,
Return air duct,
Exhaust air duct, and
Fresh air duct.
Let us learn more about these types.
Recall that the supply air duct carries the cold or hot air from the AHU to the offices and rooms. Return air duct carries air from the rooms back to the AHU. In some cases, part of the return air in this duct is released to the outside to remove stale air.
Exhaust air duct carries and expels air inside the building to the outdoors. Recall that exhaust air is taken from toilets, kitchens, laboratories, etc. Fresh air duct supplies fresh outdoor air to the AHU. Recall that fresh outdoor air replaces the stale air inside the room.
Duct Materials
Recall that ductwork is made of thin metal sheets. Different metals are used to make ductwork to serve different purposes
The main metals used to make ducts are:
Galvanized steel,
Aluminum, and
Stainless steel.
Let us know more about them.
Galvanized steel is the most common material used to make ducts. It costs less and lasts for a long time. It has a smooth surface. Air can flow smoothly in ducts made of this material as it offers low resistance to airflow.
Aluminum is the next popular duct material. It is lightweight and easy to install. It can easily bend to fit any shape. It does not rust easily.
Stainless steel is used in ducts of the kitchen and fume exhaust. It costs little more than galvanized steel and aluminum. It can withstand high temperatures. It also does not rust easily.
There are also ducts that are made of non-metallic materials. The main types of non-metallic ducts are:
FRP,
PVC,
Fabric, and
Flexible.
Let us learn more about these materials.
FRP stands for ‘Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic’. It is made of a combination of materials like plastic and glass that work together for good performance. It is a strong, lightweight material that resists corrosion.
PVC stands for ‘Polyvinyl Chloride.’ PVC duct is a thin sheet version of PVC pipe. PVC pipes are commonly used in our homes for supplying water. Compared to metal ducts, PVC ducts resist corrosion and degradation from chemicals that often attack metals.
Fabric ducts are made of polyester material. Polyester is a type of cloth. We find many sportswear, jerseys, and workout pants made of polyester. These are also called textile ducts.
Fabric ducts circulate air without making noise. They are lightweight, and installation and maintenance are significantly easier.
Flexible duct is also known as ‘flex duct.’ It is made of flexible plastic over a metal wire coil. Using flexible ducts is best in tricky spaces where rigid ducts are not just possible to install.
Flexible duct is used for attaching supply outlets to the rigid duct. We can bend this duct as needed.
Duct Shapes
We usually find ducts in
round,
oval,
square, and
rectangular shapes.
Let us look into these duct shapes.
Round ducts are more efficient in circulating air. Round ducts use less material than other shape ducts to circulate the same amount of air. Oval ducts are flat and have less height than round ducts.
Square and rectangular ducts have more metal than round ducts for the same amount of airflow. They require less space to install compared to round and oval shape ducts. They can fit into walls and above ceilings.
Duct Insulation
Duct insulations are materials wrapped around the duct that decrease the heat transfer. It creates a barrier between the metal duct walls and outside air. It helps the air in the duct to stay at the desired temperature.
The main duct insulation materials used in the industry are:
Asbestos,
Glass fiber,
Rock wool, and
Elastomers.
Let us learn more about these materials.
Asbestos is a group of heat-resistant minerals. It is used to insulate the ducts carrying hot air. We may also find asbestos wrapped around hot water pipes and water boilers. Of the previously mentioned impacts of ozone depletion, the most serious threats to humans are increased skin cancer and increased cataracts.
Asbestos material is fireproof. bIn case of fire, the asbestos insulation around a duct will not burn and produce smoke. We should be careful with this material because it can cause cancer.
Recall that glass fiber is a material made from a large number of extremely fine threads of glass. It is wrapped around the duct. It is used for cold and hot air applications.
Glass fiber is fireproof and moisture resistant. It prevents the entrance of moisture and corrosion damage of duct under insulation.
Rock wool is also called mineral wool. It is a man-made material made from a combination of natural minerals. It is also used for cold and hot air applications.
Rock wool is not fireproof and provides poor insulation when wet. It is not good choice in high humidity places.
Elastomer is a rubbery material.
It is capable of recovering its original shape after being stretched. It is moisture-resistant but not fireproof. It is commonly used for cold air applications.
Damper
Recall that damper is a movable plate located in the ductwork that regulates airflow. Dampers can block the branches of certain ducts so that air cannot flow through. They decide how much heated, or cooled air is sent into different areas of the ductwork.
Some of the main types of dampers are:
Volume control damper,
Backdraft damper, and
Guillotine damper.
Let us learn more about these dampers.
Every ductwork uses a volume control damper to regulate the amount of air entering the room. It prevents most of the air from being pushed into a single room. It can be operated manually or automatically with a motor. We can not close this damper completely.
A backdraft damper allows airflow in only one direction and prevents reverse airflow. It is installed in places like the exhaust air duct, where air should be removed from the home, but outside air should not enter. The plate will open as air leaves home, but as a breeze tries to push air into the home, the plate will close.
A guillotine damper is a single plate damper. Closing a guillotine damper can make it easier for a technician to service a specific zone. It seals off an entire duct and does not allow any amount of air to pass through it.
The types of ducts are
Supply air duct,
Return air duct,
Exhaust air duct, and
Fresh air duct.
Different metals are used to make ductwork to serve different purposes. There are also ducts that are made of non-metallic materials.
We usually find ducts in round, oval, square, and rectangular shapes. Duct insulation are materials wrapped around the duct, which do not allow the transfer of heat. The main types of dampers are:
Volume control damper,
Backdraft damper, and
Guillotine damper.
Air Terminal Devices
In this module, we will learn about VAV boxes. We will also learn about grilles and diffusers. Skip to quiz!
Constant Air Volume
CAV stands for ‘Constant Air Volume.’ In the CAV system, the air quantity entering the room is constant, but air temperature varies to meet the heating or cooling requirements. AHU is an example of a CAV system. Let us see a video to understand the working of it.
CAV systems are used for small buildings. However, when some terminal devices are attached to ductwork openings of these systems, they can provide cooling or heating for large buildings.
VAV Box
VAV stands for ‘Variable Air Volume.’ VAV boxes are terminal devices and are installed at the openings of ducts. These regulate the quantity of air entering the room.
VAV box is an assembly of a metal box with damper and control systems. A thermostat connected to it gives the signal to change the position of the damper. The VAV box regulates the air quantity entering the room by opening or closing the damper.
The main control systems of the VAV box are:
Thermostat, and
Damper actuator.
Let us see a video to understand the working of control systems in the VAV box.
Grilles and Diffusers
The air terminal devices are where the air is supplied to a room. This is where the air leaves a ductwork system through either grilles or diffusers.
The main types of air terminal devices used are:
Grilles, and
Diffusers.
Let us learn more about them.
A grille is an air terminal device for supplying or extracting air vertically without any deflection. Air comes out directly or straight without going sideways. The main types of grilles are:
Egg crate grille,
Bar grille, and
Transfer grille.
Egg crate grille is the simplest and cheapest type of grille. These are usually fixed on the ceiling for exhaust applications. These are found in shops, offices, hotels, schools, restaurants and other commercial properties. These can handle large amounts of air without generating excessive noise.
The bar grille has bar-shaped narrow blades. The blades are manufactured in T shape to reduce see-through visibility for pleasing appearance. These blades can be used in horizontal and vertical positions.
Transfer grille is installed in the wall or above the door. It is an air terminal device in the wall or above the door for letting the air in or out from the closed area. It provides pathway for stale air.
A diffuser is an air terminal device that distributes air in different directions. The main types of the diffuser are:
Louvre bladed diffuser,
Straight bladed diffuser, and
Linear slot diffuser.
Louvre bladed diffusers supply air at the ceiling level These can be round and square in shape. The curved blades of the diffuser are capable of circulating air in more than two directions.
Straight bladed diffusers are normally cheaper than louver bladed diffusers. Some of them come with adjustable blades.
Linear slot diffusers can be used to supply or return air. These are aesthetic in the room.
CAV stands for ‘Constant Air Volume.’ In the CAV system, the air quantity entering the room is constant, but air temperature varies to meet the heating or cooling requirements. VAV stands for ‘Variable Air Volume.’ VAV boxes are terminal devices and are installed at the openings of ducts.
The main types of air terminal devices used are:
Grilles, and
Diffusers.
A grille is an air terminal device for supplying or extracting air vertically without any deflection. A diffuser is an air terminal device that distributes air in different directions.
Reading Duct Drawings
In this module, we will learn what duct drawings are. We will also learn about how to read duct drawings. Skip to quiz!
Duct Drawings
Recall that ductwork is a closed pathway made of thin metal sheets. Duct drawings specify the location and installation details of any HVAC equipment. These also provide a layout for the ductwork.
Duct drawings provide detailed information on how the ducts and HVAC equipment are placed in the building. These help the technician during maintenance.
Duct Drawings - Symbols
A symbol in a duct drawing represents a specific HVAC component within the building. Before we can learn how to read a drawing, we must understand what each symbol represents.
The straight duct looks like a rectangle. Main ducts split into branched ducts. Two or more ducts combine to form a single duct at the junction. We can see the symbols of these in the picture to the right.
All ducts cannot be made straight. So, we need to elbows around the corners in a room. Recall that elbows are used to change the direction of the ductwork
The main types of elbows in ductwork are:
Radius elbow, and
Miter elbow.
Recall that duct reducer is used to join ducts of different sizes. The two types of reducers are:
Concentric reducer, and
Eccentric reducer.
We can see the symbols of these in the picture to the right.
A concentric reducer decreases the ductwork in the center. bIt is perfectly circular throughout. An eccentric reducer decreases the ductwork out of line to the center. It is not perfectly circular throughout.
Recall that a diffuser is an air terminal device that distributes air in different directions. The two types of diffusers are:
Supply diffuser, and
Return diffuser.
We can see the symbols of these in the picture to the right.
Recall that a grille is an air terminal device for supplying or extracting air vertically without any deflection. We can see the symbols of grilles in the picture to the right.
Recall that a flexible duct is made of flexible plastic over a metal wire coil. bIt is used for attaching supply outlets to the rigid duct. We can see the symbol of the flexible duct in the picture to the right.
Recall that damper is a movable plate located in the ductwork that regulates airflow. Dampers decide how much air is sent into different areas of the ductwork. We can see the symbol of the damper in the picture to the right.
Recall that VAV boxes are terminal devices and are installed at the openings of ducts. These regulate the air quantity entering the room. We can see the symbol of the VAV box in the picture to the right.
Duct Drawings - Size
The size of any component is represented by W x H in the drawing. The first number represents the width, and the second number represents the height of the duct.
For example, the duct is 350mm in width and 250mm in height. It is represented by 350 x 250 in the duct drawings.
The size of the round component in the duct drawing is represented with ‘⌀’ followed by a number. The number represents the diameter of the component. For example, the duct diameter is 200mm. It is represented by ⌀ 200 in the duct drawings.
Duct Drawings - Arrows
Arrows are used in duct drawings to show the direction of the airflow.
With the help of these arrows, we can identify the supply and return air components. For example, arrows are
coming out of the duct, which shows that air is flowing out of the supply duct.Arrows can also be used to label the dimensions of the ductwork.
Reading Duct Drawing
Recall that duct drawings specify the location and installation details of any HVAC equipment. We can read the duct drawing with the help of symbols, sizes, arrows, etc. Let us see a video explaining FCU duct drawing.
Duct drawings specify the location and installation details of any HVAC equipment. These help the technician during maintenance. A symbol in a duct drawing represents a specific HVAC component within the building.
The size of any component is represented by W x H in the drawing. The size of the round component in the duct drawing is represented with ‘⌀’ followed by a number. Arrows are used in duct drawings to show the direction of the airflow.
Question #1: The fan coil unit supplies fresh outdoor air.
True
False
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: False
The fan coil unit does not supply fresh outdoor air. It recirculates indoor air only.
Question #2: Which of the following component collects the condensate water droplets in the FCU?
Air filter
Blower
Cooling coil
Drain pan
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Drain pan
The drain pan collects the condensate water droplets in the FCU.
Question #3: Which of the following type of FCU occupies the space in the room?
Concealed ceiling mounted
Exposed ceiling mounted
Floor mounted
Underfloor mounted
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Floor mounted
The floor mounted FCU occupies the space in the room.
Question #4: Which of the following type of FCU can cool and heat the air at the same time?
2-pipe FCU
4-pipe FCU
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: 4-pipe FCU
4-pipe FCU consists of two separate cooling and heating water coils. This type of FCU can cool and heat the air at the same time.
Question #5: In the FCU, the _________ regulates the indoor air temperature.
speed control
air filter
drain pan
thermostat
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: thermostat
In the FCU, the thermostat regulates the indoor air temperature by controlling the refrigerant or water flow in the coil.
Question #6: FCUs can also be controlled by BMS.
True
False
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: True
This statement is true. We can control Fan Coil Unit by BMS.
Question #7: Which of the following air ducts brings in fresh outdoor air to the AHUs?
Supply air duct
Return air duct
Exhaust air duct
Fresh air duct.
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Fresh air duct.
Fresh air duct supplies fresh outdoor air to the AHU.
Question #8: Which of the following is the most common material to make ducts?
Galvanized steel
Aluminum
Stainless steel
Copper
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Galvanized steel
Galvanized steel is the most common material used to make ducts.
Question #9: Which of the following is also called a textile duct?
FRP duct
PVC duct
Fabric duct
Flexible duct
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Fabric duct
The fabric duct is made of polyester material. This is also called a textile duct.
Question #10: Which of the following is a more efficient duct shape in circulating air?
Square
Rectangular
Round
Oval
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Round
Round shape ducts are more efficient in circulating air.
Question #11: Which of the following insulating material is both fireproof and moisture resistant?
Asbestos
Glass fiber
Rock wool
Elastomer
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Glass fiber
Glass fiber is fireproof and moisture resistant.
Question #12: _______ allows airflow in only one direction and prevents reverse airflow.
Volume control damper
Backdraft damper
Guillotine damper
All the above
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Backdraft damper
Backdraft damper allows airflow in only one direction and prevents reverse airflow.
Question #13: In CAV systems, ______ changes to meet the heating or cooling load of the building.
air quantity
air smell
air temperature
air color
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Answer: air temperature
In CAV systems, air temperature changes to meet the heating or cooling load of the building.
Question #14: VAV stands for _____________.
Ventilation Air Volume
Variable Air Volume
Ventilation Air Velocity
Variable Air Velocity
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Variable Air Volume
VAV stands for ‘Variable Air Volume.’
Question #15: VAV box is an assembly of a metal box with _______ and _________.
condenser, compressor
damper, control systems
blower, cooling tower
water pump, cooling coil
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Answer: damper, control systems
VAV box is an assembly of a metal box with damper and control systems.
Question #16: Which of the following are the control systems of the basic VAV box? (Select all that apply)
Thermostat
Float switch
Damper actuator
Motor winding thermostat
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Answer: Thermostat
Damper actuator
The main control systems of the VAV box are:
Thermostat,
Damper actuator.
’Question #17: Which of the following grille has T shape blades?
Egg crate grille
Bar grille
Transfer grille
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Bar grille
Bar grille blades are manufactured in T shape to reduce see-through visibility.
Question #18: Louvre bladed diffusers are capable of circulating air in a single direction.
True
False
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: False
Louvre bladed diffusers are capable of circulating air in more than one direction.
’Question #19: Which of the following things are specified in the duct drawing?
HVAC equipment location
HVAC equipment installation details
Ductwork layout
All the above
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: All the above
Duct drawings specify the location and installation details of the HVAC equipment.
They also provide the layout for ductwork.
Question #20: The ________ reducer decreases the ductwork out of line to the center.
Concentric reducer
Eccentric reducer
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Eccentric reducer
The eccentric reducer decreases the ductwork out of line to the center.
Question #21: The size of the round components in the duct drawing is represented with the ____ symbol.
Ω
α
π
⌀
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: ⌀
The size of the round components in the duct drawing is represented with the ‘⌀’ symbol.
Question #22: Arrows in the duct drawing represent the direction of _______.
airflow
water flow
current flow
refrigerant flow
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: airflow
Arrows in the duct drawing represent the direction of the airflow.