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Strategy Guideline [electronic resource] : Compact Air Distribution Systems

Published
Washington, D.C. : Building Technologies Program (U.S.), 2013.
Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Physical Description
22 pages : digital, PDF file
Additional Creators
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.), Building Technologies Program (U.S.), and United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information
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Summary
This Strategy Guideline discusses the benefits and challenges of using a compact air distribution system to handle the reduced loads and reduced air volume needed to condition the space within an energy efficient home. Traditional systems sized by 'rule of thumb' (i.e., 1 ton of cooling per 400 ft2 of floor space) that 'wash' the exterior walls with conditioned air from floor registers cannot provide appropriate air mixing and moisture removal in low-load homes. A compact air distribution system locates the HVAC equipment centrally with shorter ducts run to interior walls, and ceiling supply outlets throw the air toward the exterior walls along the ceiling plane; alternatively, high sidewall supply outlets throw the air toward the exterior walls. Potential drawbacks include resistance from installing contractors or code officials who are unfamiliar with compact air distribution systems, as well as a lack of availability of low-cost high sidewall or ceiling supply outlets to meet the low air volumes with good throw characteristics. The decision criteria for a compact air distribution system must be determined early in the whole-house design process, considering both supply and return air design. However, careful installation of a compact air distribution system can result in lower material costs from smaller equipment, shorter duct runs, and fewer outlets; increased installation efficiencies, including ease of fitting the system into conditioned space; lower loads on a better balanced HVAC system, and overall improved energy efficiency of the home.
Report Numbers
E 1.99:doe/go-102013-3846
doe/go-102013-3846
Subject(s)
Other Subject(s)
Note
Published through SciTech Connect.
06/01/2013.
"doe/go-102013-3846"
"KNDJ-0-40341-00"
Burdick, A.
Funding Information
AC36-08GO28308
View MARC record | catkey: 14070235