system design

The last decades big steps have been made on the road to develop and design energy neutral buildings. Despite the large list of developments and improvements of all kind of energy saving technologies we see specifically for the larger non-residential buildings that the electric energy use for fans hardly show any reduction and becomes a dominant factor in the total energy use of these buildings. The fan energy currently counts already for approximately 15-20% of the total building related energy and becomes increasingly important. 

Defines the fundamentals of heating systems, including components, features, common system types, ventilation, indoor air quality and air filtration. Discusses the important features of design and installation that are most commonly overlooked. Aimed at the homeowner. Contents include: heating fundamentals; heating system types; features to consider when choosing a heating system; common system types described; overview of ventilation systems and how they relate to heating systems; filtration.

During the last fifty years air condition i ng has become commonplace in commercial buildings and, in this time, we have managed to generate a poor image, both in the press and among the people who occupy air conditioned buildings. How have we succeeded in turning what people in hot countries regard as a blessing into a target for criticism and even abuse?

Until the late 1950s, virtually no firms specialized exclusively in testing, adjusting, and balancing the components of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The balancing, if performed at all, was done by the HVAC contractor, who lacked the necessary expertise required for advanced testing and balancing. After installation, many design engineers found that their systems were not working, not because of flawed design but because of improper balancing or deficient performance of the equipment.

The development of guidelines for performance based innovative mechanical ventilationsystems in residential and commercial buildings is included in the European Commissionproject TIPVENT Towards Improved Performances of Mechanical Ventilation Systems.The overall aim of TIPVENT is to promote improved performances of mechanical ventilationsystems and the introduction and implementation of innovative designs. The development ofperformance oriented procedures for designing, commissioning and maintaining mechanicalventilation systems plays a key role in the project.