Yuvraj Gupta
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The primary goal was to design an HVAC system capable of meeting a predominantly cooling-driven load profile while also providing sufficient heating during cooler months. The climate data shows higher peak cooling demands compared to relatively mild heating requirements, so the design centers on a variable air volume (VAV) system. This choice allows for efficient load matching and flexible control in zones that exhibit varying occupancy patterns—such as conference rooms, exhibit spaces, and lobbies. The system’s core approach is to supply conditioned air at lower temperatures (around 10–12 °C) from centralized air-handling units (AHUs) and then regulate the final zone temperature and airflow using VAV terminal units.
For cooling, I observed the cooling load for each space that was calculated in the model and then designed the system correspondingly. For example, in the Exhibit Space on the ground floor, the required cooling airflow was 2,325 CFM. To meet this, I installed three diffusers, each providing 800 CFM, ensuring uniform air distribution. Rectangular ducts, such as the 475 mm by 600 mm sections shown in the provided image, distribute the supply air. Their sizing reflects both the peak airflow requirements and the need to maintain appropriate static pressure drops. The system uses VAV boxes at the zones to modulate airflow in response to real-time loads, which is especially important in high-occupancy zones that experience frequent fluctuations.
One challenge has been managing large glass areas that significantly increase solar loads in smaller spaces, sometimes accounting for 70–80% of the zone’s cooling requirement. Coordinating with the architectural team to select better glazing or external shading helps reduce peak loads and improve occupant comfort. Another challenge arises in high-occupancy areas—exhibit spaces, conference rooms, and kids’ play areas—where both sensible and latent loads spike. Providing adequate ventilation and dehumidification is crucial, so AHUs are sized with appropriate coil capacities and, in some cases, reheat coils to maintain comfortable humidity levels. Finally, the café/kitchen area adds complexity because of cooking loads and the need for dedicated exhaust and makeup air to keep odors and moisture from migrating into adjacent zones.
The image provided shows a rectangular duct with dimensions of 475 mm (width) by 600 mm (height), using a flanged radius bend or shoe branch. Center justification is employed so that the duct path is aligned through the centerline in the Revit model, simplifying coordination with structural and architectural elements. This duct size is selected to handle the required airflow (as indicated by the CFM calculations in the load summaries) while limiting pressure drops and noise.