Basic of HVAC Duct Design PDF
Basic of HVAC Duct Design PDF
Basic of HVAC Duct Design PDF
H VAC& R S K I LL S WO R K S H O P
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Total pressure
Velocity pressure
(or velocity head)
P T = PS + PV
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Fittings
When a fitting changes the direction of airflow
or its velocity, then as well as the friction loss
referred to above, a dynamic loss is involved.
The quantum of dynamic loss is expressed
in total pressure. Various fittings are assigned
a fitting loss factor (K). The dynamics loss
through the fittings is then calculated from,
PT (Pa) = PV
Where the velocity pressures is usually related to
the maximum velocity occurring in the fitting.
(2)
(3)
(4)
AIRAH , ASHARE and SMACNA are the most
widely used references for fitting loss factors. Duct
designers are often frustrated by the disparity
skills workshop
expressed as a k factor based on the branch duct
velocity or based on the main or upstream duct
velocity. These different loss coefficients are related
by:
ku = kB.(VB /Vu)2
Where:
ku =the loss coefficient based on the upstream
velocity
kB =the loss coefficient based on the branch
velocity
Vu =the upstream duct velocity
VB =the branch duct velocity
Hence the pressure loss through the branch path is:
1/2p x ku x Vu2 = 1/2p x kB x VB2
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Ductwork
Further
considerations
References
1 Ahern WR, AIRAH Journal Vol.16, No.6 :Duct sizing,
June 1977
2 AIRAH Application Manual Duct Design DA3, 1987
3 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals 2001
4 SMACNA HVAC Systems Duct Design 3rd Edition 1990.
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Fitting losses
While fitting losses can be allowed for by allowing an
equivalent length, more reliable and comprehensive
data is available in the form of loss coefficients (k).
Care must be taken when using this data, however;
because different texts base loss coefficients on
different velocities in the fitting eg. the branch
path pressure loss for a divided flow fitting can be
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Fitting interaction
Another important consideration with fitting losses
is that fittings in close proximity can have a higher
(and in some cases lower) combined pressure loss.
While it is reasonable to say that fittings should
not be located close together, particularly in an
S configuration, in practice this often cannot be
avoided, eg. when ducts have to drop under beams.
(Clauses 6-40 to 6-120 of DA3 discuss the effects
of fitting interaction and also the effects of poorly
configured fan layouts.)
Duct attenuation
Published data on lined duct attenuation is generally
very sparse. Much of the data is for only a limited set
of sizes making interpolation for intermediate sizes
extremely difficult. Duct attenuation is not linear,
ie. if you keep increasing the length of duct, the
attenuation does not keep increasing in proportion.
This is because of self-generated noise in the duct.
Suppliers attempt to account for this by publishing
attenuation for different lengths of duct. Thus we
get the anomalous situation where two lengths
of two metre duct either side of a transition gives
(apparently), a higher attenuation to that of a four
meter length of straight duct.
To determine the attenuation accurately, account
must be taken of self-generated noise in the duct.
The same applies to fittings. The noise level in a duct
system does not progressively decrease away from
the fan until it reaches zero. There is a lower limit
caused by self-generated noise.
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Self-generated noise
Self-generated noise is generally proportional to
velocity to the sixth power (pressure is proportional
to the square of velocity), the duct cross sectional
area, a characteristic dimension in the case of
fittings and the frequency. The formulas though not
excessively complex, do mean that a complete duct
design, including an acoustic analysis, is very tedious.
It will also necessitate the use of a computer. If noise
criteria of NR 25 or even NR 30 are to be achieved, a
full acoustical analysis is essential.
Acoustical analysis
of a ductwork system
The acoustical analysis of a ductwork system is
normally carried out by calculating the sound power
level along the ductwork system, starting with
the fan. Taking account of the attenuation and self
generated noise of ducts and fittings, the sound
power at each air terminal is calculated. Some of
this sound is reflected back up the duct leading
to the terminal. The reflected noise is a function
of the diameter of the duct at the connection
to the terminal (the terminal neck diameter) and
the frequency and design charts are available to
determine this.
The noise coming from the duct (after deducting the
end reflection loss) is then added (logarithmically)
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M O D U L E 2 2
Q + 4
2
4r
DA03 Ductwork
for air conditioning
AIRAHs DA3 Ductwork for air conditioning
provides detailed guidelines for designing
air conditioning ductwork systems. The
manual covers sizing and the complete
acoustical analysis of ductwork systems plus
determination of qualities for accurate design
costing. To order a copy, visit www.airah.org.au
or contact AIRAH on 03 8623 3000.