The purpose of this chapter is to outline the criteria used in the HVAC system and equipment selection process, to describe some of the systems and equipment available, and to develop some of the underlying philosophy and background related to system selection. Details of specific systems and items of equipment are discussed in later chapters. | Source HVAC Systems Design Handbook Chapter 4 Design Procedures Part 2 General Concepts for Equipment Selection Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to outline the criteria used in the HVAC system and equipment selection process to describe some of the systems and equipment available and to develop some of the underlying philosophy and background related to system selection. Details of specific systems and items of equipment are discussed in later chapters. Criteria for System and Equipment Selection The problem-solving process requires some criteria that can be applied in describing and evaluating alternatives. In the selection of HVAC systems the following criteria Table are used consciously or unconsciously because only rarely is the problem-solving process formally applied. 1. Requirements of comfort or process. These requirements include temperature always humidity ventilation and pressurization sometimes and zoning for better control if needed. In theory at least the comfort requirement should have a high priority. In practice this criterion is sometimes subordinated to first cost or to the desires of someone in authority. This is happening less often as building occupants become more sophisticated in their expectations. Process requirements are more difficult and require a thorough inquiry by the HVAC designer into the process and its needs. Until the process is fully under- 81 Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill Copyright 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use as given at the website. Design Procedures Part 2 82 Chapter Four TABLE Criteria for HVAC System and Equipment Selection 1. Demands of comfort or process 2. Energy conservation code requirements 3. First cost versus life-cycle cost 4. Desires of owner architect and or design office 5. Space limitations 6. Maintainability reliability 7. Central plant versus distributed .
