HVAC System Strategy
For my system, all spaces were divided into east and west thermal zones. East and west sides of the building can have drastically different HVAC loads due to uneven heating from the sun, so it is best practice to have different main ducts for these zones. Also, the the supply air flow is slightly higher on the south side of the building because of solar heat gain from glass facade.
Since the building is located in Sao Paolo, we are much more concerned with the cooling loads rather than heating, so all air terminals are designed to peak cooling load cfm. The supply air flow is specified for each space. The building’s central units are located in the first floor mechanical room, and ducts from all floors return to that space.
Issues Encountered:
- Connecting ducts to air terminals
- Setting appropriate elevations for ducts and air terminals