Vinayak JainOverall HVAC System Strategy:
The primary goal of my HVAC system design was to achieve efficient thermal comfort while ensuring adequate air distribution for different zones of the building. I adopted a Variable Air Volume (VAV) single-duct system to allow better control over airflow and energy efficiency. The ductwork was carefully planned to minimize pressure losses and optimize distribution.
Heating Strategy & Implementation:
For heating, I integrated radiant floor heating and radiators in selected spaces. The radiant floor system was embedded within the slabs to provide uniform heating, reducing heat loss and improving thermal comfort. Radiators were placed on walls to supplement heating, with dedicated piping loops directing heated water back to the mechanical room. To maintain efficiency, these systems were not directly connected to a valve manifold but were routed strategically for easy access and control.
Cooling Strategy & Implementation:
For cooling, I designed the system to meet the calculated cooling load of each space. For example, in the Kids Zone, the required cooling airflow was 1,525 CFM. To meet this, I installed three diffusers, each providing 500 CFM, ensuring uniform air distribution. The ductwork was sized accordingly, using a rectangular duct of 18” x 16” to efficiently carry the required airflow without excessive pressure drop.
Special HVAC System Challenges:
One of the key challenges was balancing airflow distribution while keeping duct sizes manageable within ceiling spaces. Overall, my HVAC design effectively integrates heating and cooling strategies while maintaining efficiency, air quality, and thermal comfort throughout the building.