|
 Distribution
Systems
Systems which deliver air and water to condition laboratory
spaces can be optimized by careful design. The method used to
size the air distribution system is critical. Air distribution
system first cost and operating cost are reduced if properly
sized ducts and other system components are selected by optimizing
fan pressure and duct air velocities. Fan pressure and air velocities
are usually chosen based on "engineering experience"
rather than on optimization of performance and cost for each
building design.
To save energy air distribution systems should be designed
with low-velocity, large-diameter, round ductwork including
efficient fitting transitions, large-area coils and filters,
and active noise attenuation. The laboratory pressure control
system contributes to overall safety and energy efficiency by
correctly isolating the laboratory from adjacent spaces without
wasting conditioned air. Energy-efficient fume hood systems
in the modern laboratory must take into account the discharge
velocity of supply diffusers near hoods. When noise attenuation
devices are necessary, the air distribution system will have
a higher pressure-drop, which increases fan size and power consumption.
Using quiet fans to minimize noise is the first step in the
design process. Even though hot and chilled water pumps are
not large consumers of energy, their impact is significant,
as much as 5 to 15 percent of HVAC system energy use.
Follow the links below for more information from US Labs21
on the following:
Air
Distribution
Room
Pressure Control
Diffusers
Noise
Attenuation
Pumping
Systems
|
