University of Central Lancashire

Air conditioning

1
INTRODUCTION TO AIR CONDITIONING
1.1

THE NEED FOR AIR CONDITIONING

Air conditioning is installed to provide a comfortable environment to the subsequent

human beings or animals which are occupying a space or area. It is a means of
effectively controlling the atmosphere in buildings which are occupied by human beings.
Air conditioning is a process which when installed automatically maintains the
temperature and the relative humidity within the building or area where the relative
activities are being carried out.
Air conditioning provides the necessary requirements for comfort, in that it keeps the air
clean and fresh, removing any smells or odours along with types of airborne dusts.
Air conditioning has to be designed, manufactured and installed effectively so as to cope
with the number of factors which can upset the ideal balance which are required to
maintain comfort for the occupants of that particular building. These factors include:The outside temperature rises and falls.
Building occupancy varies during the day, at peak or quiet times for instance.
Lights, fittings, fitments and equipment which generate heat are operative on some
periods, but not on others, thus heat is created in larger amounts in some periods of
the day than others.
A well planned system can continually, without supervision and re-setting, adjust itself to
meet and therefore handle the all ever continuing cycle of fluctuations as mentioned
above.
A well planned and efficient system can maintain these requirements, at the same time
use energy efficiently, so that maximum benefit may be obtained for the absolute
minimum cost ratio available.
Only the scientifically planned, designed, manufactured and installed system can achieve
the required results constantly and effectively.
Heating and cooling of the air; increasing or decreasing humidity levels to give the
correct percentage ratios according to the surrounding climatic conditions.
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Purification of the air, filtration etc., constantly monitoring the situation, quietly and
unobtrusively, creating no draughts or uncomfortable cross flow or 'Eddy' air type
movements.
A fully integrated scientific air conditioning system is the only answer for controlled
atmospheric conditions, thus enabling occupants to be comfortable all year round.
The term 'Air Conditioning' has often been misused; for example, ducting a system of
heating combined with mechanical ventilation. It should however, be defined as a system
giving automatic control, within predetermined limits of the environmental conditions, by
heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, cleaning and movement of air in buildings.
The control of these conditions may be desirable to maintain the health and comfort of
the occupants, or to meet the requirements of industrial processes irrespective of the
external climatic conditions.
1.2

ADVANTAGES OF AIR CONDITIONING

In factories and offices the working efficiency of the personnel is improved and work
output is subsequently increased. Reduction in illness and absenteeism.
Shops and departmental stores have an increase in sales due to customers and staff
enjoying greater comfort levels, hence initial cost of plant and equipment will be
offset through increased customer revenue.
Reductions required in cleaning and of decorating, fabrics and furnishings last longer
also.
Hotels, restaurants, theatres and cinemas also receive increased customer usage.
Many industrial type buildings need air conditioning to keep all the manufacturing
plant and controlled processes functioning at maximum efficiency; inclusion of
computer suites, food processing and production rooms, electronic laboratories,
textile factories, printing rooms and laboratories.
Sealed windows reduce but not fully eradicate the noise of air craft and traffic, along
with the entry of fumes, smoke, dust and draughts, a well designed air conditioning
system can do this.
Risks of fire starting within air conditioned buildings is reduced due to the
elimination of static electricity caused by dry air.

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1.3

Introduction to Air Conditioning

EFFECTS OF AIR CONDITIONING ON PEOPLE

Human beings who live and work in an air conditioned environment, feel the relative
merits and benefits of these systems without actually feeling it. No human being can
work at their peak efficiency if the environment is either too hot or cold, coincidentally
either too stuffy, too sweaty or subsequent irritation by smells or draughts within the
accommodation or work environment. Providing a well designed and efficient air
conditioning system will undoubtedly encourage working staff to give optimum
efficiency because they feel good.
1.4

EFFECTS OF AIR CONDITIONING ON PREMISES

Premises which have an effective air conditioning system installed, have the following
advantages relating to the building fabric and internal content. Both the building fabric
and internal contents are left cleaner looking and longer lasting, because:Air conditioning systems are constantly extracting air-borne dust and dirt from the
atmosphere, therefore not allowing the airborne impurities to settle onto surfaces.
Smells and odours are extracted from the atmosphere before they have any chances of
impregnating into fabrics.
As a result, an internal furniture, fittings, decorations and surfaces look and last longer,
food keeps longer, machines function more efficiently, cleaning schedules and
maintenance costs are reduced.
1.5

EFFECTS OF AIR CONDITIONING ON CUSTOMERS

The presence of physical discomfort within premises can operate below the threshold of
awareness, customers may not openly complain, but they will either leave the store
prematurely or leave after sampling goods, but will probably be discouraged to return
again.
other examples can include restaurants, where cooking smells linger or an office where
stuffiness or lingering of cigarette smoke provide uncomfortable conditions.
In providing air conditioning in both cases mentioned above will in the case of shop
premises will translate customer visits into more frequent occasions and into larger and
more expensive purchases.
In the case of the office environment, the office personnel will respond positively and feel
generally better, therefore will give better performances within their jobs, because they
feel better.

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1.6

Introduction to Air Conditioning

TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONING

There are two types of air conditioning, comfort cooling and close control.
1.6.1

Comfort Cooling

Comfort cooling is the process of air conditioning in which components installed within
the system manage the relative atmospheric conditions required within the building,
catering for all seasonal requirements, it can control:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Air supply - Fans

Cooling and dehumidification of the air - cooling batteries (seasonal)
Heating of the air - heating batteries
Humidification of the air - pan or steam humidifiers (seasonal)
Air cleaning and purification - filters

The above components are located within the air handling unit treating the incoming air
as shown in figure 1.1.
-

FILTER

C O O LER

HEATER

HUMIDIFIER

FAN

FIGURE 1.1 Main components of an air handling unit

The above air handling plant can be used in large buildings for handling fresh air only,
however, it is very common to use a larger air handling plant to handle both fresh air and
return air from the building. This system will give a better control and consequently will
save energy by reusing the air conditioned from the building. Figure 1.2 shows an air
handling plant with recirculation.

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EXHAUST
AIR

20
19 18

16

15

14 13

17
+

FRESH AIR

RETURN AIR
+

SUPPLY AIR
1

10 11

12

FIGURE 1.2 Air Handling Plant with Recirculation

Referring to figure 1.2 the main components of an air handling plant with recirculation
are:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Fresh air intake louvers

Outside air frost coil / preheater
Outside air sound attenuator
Outside air control damper
Outside air panel filter
Outside air bag filter
Air mixing chamber
Cooling coil
Humidifier
Heating coil / reheater
Supply air centrifugal fan
Supply air sound attenuator
Return air panel filter
Return air bag filter
Return air sound attenuator
Return air centrifugal fan / recirculation fan
Mixing air control damper
Exhaust air sound attenuator
Exhaust air control damper
Exhaust air outlet louvers

1.6.2

Close Control

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Close control air conditioning, as its name suggests, is used close in proximity to the area
to be air conditioned.
In circumstances where equipment is used to complete tasks within a working
environment i.e. computer suites, word processing bays, auto cad offices etc., where
high-tech equipment is being used then a certain amount of heat build up is generated
within the environment is close proximity to the users and equipment. This build up of
stuffiness can be very unpleasant and ultimately affects the performance of the workers
and accuracy is affected also.
Generally, the system of close control air conditioning is employed in large new hightech offices in which large amounts of computer based equipment are used.
Types of systems which can be used to provide close control air conditioning set ups
within the building fabric include:1.
2.
3.
4.

Self contained units (up to 7 kW)

Self contained ducted units (up to 175 kW)
Perimeter induction systems
Fan coil systems

Figure 2 below illustrates the main items of a self contained air conditioning unit.

Air supply fan

Heat rejection fan

Inside coil

Compressor
Outside coil
Filter

FIGURE 1.2 Roof mounted self contained unit

1.7

AIR CONDITIONING PLANT ITEMS

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The range of equipment installed in an air conditioning plant includes:1. Heater batteries - to perform heating process
2. Cooler batteries - to perform cooling and dehumidification process
3. Direct and indirect humidifiers - to perform humidification
4. Fans - to perform air movement
5. Filters - to perform air cleaning process
Within all large air conditioning systems a range of plant items is incorporated within this
system to perform a range of psychrometric processes to meet the relative demands laid
upon the system.
1.7.1

Heater Batteries

Heater batteries or heating coils are a seasonal requirement, being used mainly in the
winter months, it is used to heat up and warm the incoming air through the air handling
unit, thus altering and subsequently changing the dry bulb temperature to suit the required
air temperature. Generally, the heater battery only operate in winter, but may be used to
reheat to control the supply air temperature. They can generally use steam, hot water, gas
or electricity as media for heating. A heater battery comprises of one or more rows of
finned tube, connected to headers and mounted within a sheet steel casing having flanged
ends. Tubes in an individual row are usually in parallel bur sometimes for water only, the
tubes may be in series connected as a separate coil in a single row. Tubes may horizontal
or vertical except for cases of serpentine coils, which always have horizontal tubes.
Materials for tubes are usually drawn copper, fins of copper or aluminium. See figure 1.3
below.

AIR IN

HO T WATER FLO W

AIR OUT

HO T WATER RETURN

FIGURE 1.3 A Section Through a Finned-Tube Heating Coil

1.7.2

Cooler Batteries

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Cooling batteries are used with chilled water, brine or 'well' water from the chilling plant
in the air conditioning system. They are used for pre-cooling, cooling and dehumidifying.
Cooler batteries are a seasonal type requirement, being used mainly in the summer
months, it is used to cool the temperature of the air passing through the air handling unit.
A cooler battery comprises of one or more rows of finned tube, connected to headers and
mounted within a sheet steel casing having flanged ends. Condensate drain trays through
depth of coil essential and are fitted at vertical intervals of not more than one meter to
facilitate proper fin drainage. Cooler batteries should normally be located on the low
pressure side of the supply fan, if condensate leakage is to be avoided. See figure 1.4
below.

AIR IN

AIR OUT

C O NDENS ATE TRAY

C HILLED WATER FLO W

C HILLED WATER RETURN

FIGURE 1.4 A Section Through a Finned-Tube Cooling Coil

1.7.3

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are placed within the air handling unit to increase the relative humidity of
air. Generally, humidifiers are required in the winter months of the year. Several types of
humidifier are available and are split into two groups, direct and indirect.
Direct humidifiers:- they have a particular application in the industrial field. They rely on
discharging water particles or vapour directly into the space absorbing the moisture to a
degree consistent with the air movement or turbulence and fineness of particles created
by the apparatus employed. Types of direct humidifiers include:Compressed air separation
Hydraulic separation
Mechanical separation
Vapour injection
Indirect humidifiers:- the addition of moisture to the air takes place within the apparatus
itself, the air leaving in a saturated state. Moisture is presented to the air as a mist or
surface film, depending on the type employed. Types of indirect humidifiers include:Spray washers
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Capillary type washers

Sprayed coils
Pan humidifiers
Mechanical separators
Steam humidifiers
Examples
Pan humidifiers:- simplest form of indirect humidifier is the pan type which is in effect a
shallow tank in which the water is kept at constant level by a ball float valve. the air
passing over the surface of the water picks up moisture and the water may be warmed to
increase effectiveness. Efficiencies are low and depend upon the area of water surface
presented to a given volume of air and disadvantages arise from the odours which can
result from a static water surface.
Steam humidifiers:- steam provides a relatively simple method of humidification
providing the heat in the system can be absorbed, achieves 100% relative humidity
(saturated) where as pan humidifiers can only achieve approximately 40% relative
humidity. Generally the use of main boiler steam is limited in application to industry due
to the characteristic odour and traces of oil which may be present. For application to air
handling plants secondary steam can be generated at low or atmospheric pressure from
mains steam or electrical supply.
Typical applications of humidifiers are within a central air handling plant in industrial,
domestic and commercial situations. Depending on which humidifier set up is used, then
each has its particular advantages:Spray washer - variable saturation by water control
Capillary washers - high efficiency / filtration / minimum space
Sprayed coils - high efficiency
Pan humidifiers - low initial costs
1.7.4

Fans

Fans range in variable types and mechanisms but they all achieve the same task. The fan
situated within the air handling unit as the supply fan or as an air recirculation fan. In
each case the fans are used to distribute conditioned air through the system or recirculate
air back through the system. The fan increases flow rate and pressure of the air in the
system, the fan works on an all year round cycle, as air passes through the air handling
unit small amounts of pressure are lost both through the processes carried out by each
piece of equipment, but also that these pieces of equipment cause a physical obstruction,
thus reducing pressure within the system. Types of fans include propeller fans, centrifugal
fans and axial flow fans.
1.7.4.1 Propeller fans
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suited to situations where there is no great resistance to air flow to overcome. Free
intake / discharge condition of fans situated in wall openings giving direct in / out and out
/ in movement are suited to this type of fan. Under these conditions these fans can move
large volumes of air economically. See figure 1.5 below.

FIGURE 1.5 A Section Through a Wall Mounted Propeller Fan

1.7.4.2 Centrifugal Fans

can develop pressure sufficient to drive air through air handling plant, hence they are
reasonably powerful. There are several types having impellers of different patterns giving
various types of performance. This type of fan is bulkier than others and turns the
direction of air movement through 90 degrees which is beneficial in many cases. See
figure 1.6.

AIR O UT

AIR IN
MO TO R
BELT

FIGURE 1.6 A Belt Driven Centrifugal Fan

1.7.4.3 Axial flow fans

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this type of fan is becoming popular. Efficiency is high, installation simple and the
appearance neat, particularly in a line of ducting.

FLO W THRO UGH

GALVANISED SHEET STEEL C ASING

THERMAL INSULATIO N
C O O L AIR ZO NE

FLO W O F HO T GASES

AXIAL FLO W TYPE FAN

FAN FO R C O O LING MO TO R
MO TO R SURRO UNDED BY C O O L AIR

FIGURE 1.7 A Section Through an Axial Fan (bifurcated)

1.7.4.4 Mixed FlowFans
These are intermediate between the centrifugal and axial types in pressure development
and compactness. The air path through the impeller has a radial as well as an axial
component. These fans are normally constructed with the intake and discharge on the
same axis, though they can be fitted with a radial discharge. Efficiencies are up to 80%
with non-over loading characteristics.
1.7.4.5 Cross Flow Fans
This type has a multi-bladed, cylinder like impeller with blade shape similar to the
forward curved centrifugal fan. The ends of the impeller are blacked off and, because of
the casing shape, air enters along one of the cylindrical surfaces and discharges from the
other. The maximum efficiency is about 40%. The principal application is in small
domestic electric heaters.
1.7.5

Filters

Filters are a consumable item within the air handling plant of an air conditioning system.
the filter is a very important piece of plant and its function is to purify the passing air
through the plant in other words to reduce dust and dirts which are in suspension in the
oncoming air stream. the filter affects the pressure of flowing air which is reduced, the
filter panel is effectively working at all times, although loads on the filters are larger in
summer months due to the dust contents in the air, in winter the loads are reduced. There
are many types of filter system include:Dry fabric; cell, bag, auto-roll and absolute type filters.
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Viscous; cell and automatic type filters

Adsorption filters
Electrostatic filters
1.7.5.1 Dry Fabric
Use materials such as cotton wool, glass fibre, cotton fabric, heated papers etc. as the
filter medium. efficiency of filter depends largely on the area of the medium offered to
the air stream. Various types e.g. :(i)
Cell type:- Often 'throwaway'. can be placed at 90o to air flow as a series of
oblique cells. Also referred to as 'panel' filters. See figures 1.8 & 1.9 below.
HARD CARDBOARD

FILTER MEDIUM

AIR FLOW

FIGURE 1.8 Cell Type 'Panel' Filter

METAL FRAME

FILTER CELLS

AIR FLOW

FIGURE 1.9 Cell Type 'V' Shape Panel Filter

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(ii)
Bag type:- These give a large area of filter medium. bags made from synthetic
glass fibre in frame. Some can be shaken clean. They are suitable for large volume flow
rates. See figure 1.10 below.

AIR FLO W

O PEN W IRE GRID

FO R S UPPO RT

BAGS CLIP O N
TO METAL FRAME

FIGURE 1.10

Bag Type Filter

(iii)
Auto-roll type:- Filter medium stretched between two rollers, one being motor
driven. When filter is dirty the pressure drop across filter increases. At a set pressure level
a pressure switch activates motor which rolls on a clean area of filter. Some media are
cleanable but most are discarded once the whole roll is dirty. See figure 1.11 below.

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CLEAN ROLL

FABRIC
AIR FLOW

AIR FLOW
OPEN MECH DRUMS

DIRTY ROLL

TYPE 'A'

TYPE 'B'

CLEAN ROLL

FABRIC

AIR FLOW

MOTORAND CHAIN
DRIVE OPERATED
BY PRESSURE SWITCH

DIRTY ROLL

FIGURE 1.11 Automatic Roll Type Filters

(iv)
Absolute type:- A densely packed filter medium giving a high pressure drop to air
flow and for economic operation it is often necessary to "derate" them. To prolong the life
of the absolute filter cells a pre-filter should be used to remove the relatively large
particles.
1.7.5.2 Viscous Filters
They have large dust holding capacity, often used where there are high levels of
atmospheric contaminants. Filter medium is coated with non-flammable, non-toxic and
odourless oil to which contaminants adhere as they pass the filter. There are two types of
viscous filters, cell and automatic.

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(i)
Cell type:- Arranged in banks, often in 'V' formation. Filter medium, wire mesh,
metal swarfe coated in oil. Dirty cells can be re-used (removed, washed in hot water,
allowed to dry and re-coated with oil). See figure 1.12.

OIL COATED FILTER MEDIUM

AIR FLOW

FIGURE 1.12 Cell Type Viscous Filter

(ii)
Automatic type:- Hinged plates on open mesh screen, moving under control of a
time switch. Plates pass through oil bath which clears oil. Sludge should be removed and
the oil must be replaced periodically. See figure 1.13 below.

AIR FLOW

AIR FLOW

OIL COATED PLATES

SLUDGE VALVE

OIL BATH

FIGURE 1.13 Automatic Type Viscous Filter

1.7.5.3 Adsorption Filters
Adsorption means attraction between a gas and a solid at a surface. Large surface area of
solid offered up to a gas which will be attracted to the surface. Usual medium is activated
carbon, effective in removing odours and some poisonous gases e.g. SO 2. Filter becomes
saturated eventually but can be re-activated by removing it and heating the carbon to a
high enough temperature. Applications such as removing odours, tobacco smoke etc.
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1.7.5.4 Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters can be up to 99.25% efficient and they have a very low resistance to
flow, the air is passed through a grid of wires charged at high voltage and the particles of
dust and dirt are deposited as a result of electrostatic attraction. The electrostatic filter
consist of two sections, ionising and collection. Air contaminants are given a positive
charge by an ioniser screen, a series of fine wires with a potential with a potential
difference of 13 kV across them, inducing an electronic charge. Wires are placed
alternatively with earthed rods. Air then passes through collector, series of parallel plates
with a potential difference of 6 kV between adjacent plates. The ionised dust particles are
attracted towards the negative plates to which they adhere. Cleaned by washing down.
See figure 1.14 below.

PLATES CHARGED
TO 6 kV POSITIVE D.C.

EARTHED PLATES
AT NEGATIVE POTENTIAL

EARTHED TUBES

FINE WIRES CAHARGED

TO 13 kV POSITIVE D.C.

CASING

AIR FLOW

POWER PACK

FIGURE 1.14 Electrostatic Filter

1.7.5.5 Filter Selection

Primary requirement is for the filters to remove a high percentage of the entering dust,
secondly it must retain all the dust removed. Other factors are:(i)

Type of atmospheric impurities:- This will vary within area. Site sample may
have to be taken.

(ii)

Environmental conditions:- Some conditions e.g. high humidity and temperature

can adversely affect filter and correct media must be chosen for these conditions.

(iii)

Space requirements:- Depend on the degree of air purity.

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(iv)

Introduction to Air Conditioning

Maintenance:- With rising labour costs, requirement for minimum maintenance

become more important. Four servicing methods:Replacing complete filter
Renewing filters media
Reconditioning or cleaning the filter
Automatic self-cleaning, e.g. electrostatic filters.

Frequency of filter replacement or cleaning must be looked at, in some cases care could
be reduced by changing type or using pre-filter. Clogged filters are the chief cause of
failure of systems to supply sufficient air, suitable indicators and alarms must be provided
to ensure filters are maintained correctly. Adequate access needed for replacement and
cleaning of filters.
(v)
Economics:- Total cost analysis may be required since a filter can have a low
initial cost and high running cost or vice-versa.
(vi)
Pressure drop:- As a high pressure drop adds to fan costs, the filter should be
chosen with as low pressure drop as possible consistent with required efficiency and
initial costs.
1.7.5.6 Filter Additional Requirements
Some additional requirements should be taken into consideration when selecting and
specifying an air filter such as:(i)
Filter position in the system:- As it is essential to prevent the build up of dust
deposits on the air conditioning equipment, the filter will normally be the first plant item
in the system. For special areas where high standards of air cleanliness are required, a
filter may need to be provided as the first plant item. This should be fitted after the fan to
cope with any ingress of air which may occur in the plant which is at atmospheric
pressure. Alternatively each room outlet may be fitted with a terminal filter.
(ii)
Recirculated air:- Plant size and energy consumption can be reduced by
recirculating air from the conditioned space. If the exhaust air from the space is
contaminated, and therefore cannot be recirculated, it will be economic to use some
method of heat recovery. Alternatively, a case can be made for cleaning the exhaust air to
allow it to be recirculated. The use of potentially contaminated air can be an emotive
subject: e.g. recirculation in hospital operating rooms. However, the techniques for air
cleaning are available and may prove to be cheapest plant arrangement. In the final
analysis the decision will usually depend on the quality of the installation and
maintenance to ensure acceptable safety standards.
(iii)
Changes in air flow rate:- The change in air flow rates resulting from increased
pressure drop across a dirty filter can be examined from the system and fan

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characteristics. if the change is unacceptable then some method of controlling near

constant flow rate can be achieved by using one of the following methods:hand reset damper
automatic damper
inlet guide vanes
variable speed fan
(iv)
Protection against fog and frost:- Where the filter is for use in a system
employing 100% outside air or where the filter is placed in the outside air duct fog can
sometimes saturate and degrade the filter media; freezing fog can block it completely. If
this condition is possible, then it will be advisable to provide a protective heater upstream
of the filter under the control of a low limit thermostat.
(v)
Outside air intake:- The position of the intake should be sited away from local
sources of contamination, at least 2 m off ground but preferably at roof level. This
precaution will reduce the load on the filter. A bird/insect screen should be fitted.
(vi)
Installation:- Care should be taken to provide adequate edge seals. This is
especially important with high pressure drop filters.

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1.7.6

Introduction to Air Conditioning

Heat Recovery Units

A system making correct use of recirculated air is the most efficient method of recovering
heat from the exhaust air. If, because of the ventilation requirements, the system has to be
designed for 100% outside air, or for a large percentage of outside air, then consideration
should be given to the incorporation of heat recovery unit (HRU) for exhaust air heat
recovery.
1.7.6.1 Heat Pump
A special and unusual method of exhaust air heat recovery would be to use a heat pump
between the supply and exhaust ducts of a 100% outside air system. Reversing valves can
be used to change-over from winter to summer operation. However it is unlikely that his
method would prove to be more appropriate than the methods described below, but where
domestic hot water is required, a heat pump with exhaust air as the heat source could be
an attractive proposition. See figure 1.15 below.
RECIRCULATED AIR

EXHAUST AIR

FRESH AIR
SUPPLY AIR

SWIMMING POOL

FIGURE 1.15 Heat Pump Recovery Unit

1.7.6.2 Thermal Wheel (Regenerator)
The thermal wheel comprises a framework, like a thick cartwheel, filled with a suitable
matrix of large surface area. The unit is installed between the two counter flowing
airstreams as illustrated in figure 1.16 below. Thermostat T controls speed of the wheel to
maintain temperature of dry air.
The wheel is rotated slowly (0 - 10 rpm) by a small electric motor. The part of the wheel
in the exhaust air is warmed up and this in turn heats the incoming air as the wheel
revolves. Very little exhaust air carries over to the supply air provided the correct pressure
differential are observed. To avoid leakage of the exhaust air into supply air stream, the
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air, the air duct pressure should be positive in the supply with respect to the exhaust. This
can be ensured by placing the supply fan on the upstream side of the wheel (rather than in
the position shown in figure 1.16) but an excessive pressure difference will result in a
flow of outside air to exhaust and consequently a reduced efficiency. Where air flows
from exhaust to supply efficiency is increased. The risk of the exhaust air contaminating
the supply air can be further reduced by fitting a purge unit.

T
HUMID AIR

DRY AIR

RETURN AIR

WET AIR
THERMAL WHEEL

FIGURE 1.16

Thermal Wheel Heat Recovery Unit

Hygroscopic wheels are available which transfer latent heat as well as sensible heat and
these will be particularly suitable for use in spaces which have high humidity.
3

The size of the units vary from 0.5 m to 4.5 m diameter, handling 0.2 to 30 m /s. Pressure
drops vary with the type of matrix, typically in the range 60-250 Pa. Normal efficiency of
heat transfer is about 70% but in some cases over 90% can be achieved. Output is
controlled by varying the speed of rotation of the wheel.
The main advantage of the thermal wheel is that efficiencies remain high down to low
loads. There are no problems with bacterial growths or frost / ice build up at sub-zero
outside air temperatures on sensible heat exchangers, though frosting can occur on
hygroscopic wheels (latent + sensible heat). The disadvantages lie in the restriction in the
overall system arrangement to obtain the pressure differentials and bringing the two ducts
close together.
1.7.6.3 Heat Pipes
Figure 1.17 illustrates the operating principle of heat pipes. a length of pipe, up to 3 m
long and 50 mm diameter, is sealed at both ends, It contains a tightly fitting sleeve of
porous material around a hollow core together with a charge of refrigerant. with one end
in the warm air stream, (A), and the other end in the cold air stream, (B), refrigerant
evaporates at (A) absorbing heat. the gas passes along the inside to condense at (B),
giving out heat. The refrigerant travels back by capillary action through the wick to
complete the cycle. the heat pipe will work in reverse for summer operation. For an air
conditioning system a bank of these tubes are used and for increased efficiency of heat
transfer the pipes will be finned.
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Heat pipe coils are available to deal with up to 5 m3/s. Efficiency of heat transfer up to
about 80% can be obtained depending on the face velocity, the number of tube rows, the
orientation of the pipes and the type and spacing of the fins. Typically for a face velocity
of 2.5 m/s the efficiency is about 75% for an 8 row coil and 50% for a 4 row coil. The
corresponding air side pressure drops are about 140 Pa and 70 Pa respectively.
Control of heat output may be achieved by face and bypass dampers in the supply air duct
as shown in figure 1.17. the main advantage of this unit is its relative simplicity resulting
in low maintenance costs.

WICK

CONDENSE

VAPOUR

HEAT OUT

HEAT IN
DETAIL OF HEAT PIPE UNIT

THERMOSTAT
FRESH AIR

DAMPERS

SUPPLY

A
EXTRACT

EXHAUST AIR

HEAT PIPE RECOVERY UNIT

FIGURE 1.17 Heat Pipes System

1.7.6.4 Parallel Plate Heat Exchanger
This system comprises an open ended box with a matrix of thin plates of metal, plastic or
glass. These from a series of narrow linear passages, alternate rows of which carry the
supply air, the remainder the exhaust air as shown in figure 1.18 below. this enable the
supply air to recover, in the main, sensible heat from the exhaust air but some latent heat
may also be recovered when the outside temperature is sufficiently low to condense
moisture on the exhaust air side of the plates.
Units are obtainable in large range of sizes to deal with up to 20 m3/s and modules can be
bolted together in parallel if higher flow rates are required. Pressure drop is in the range
60-70%. the output can be controlled with a modulating damper system as shown in
figure 1.18.

HKabbara

NT 3036 Systems Design

Introduction to Air Conditioning

The advantages of this unit are that there is minimum maintenance requirement and there
is possibility of cross contamination between the two air streams. Apart from the need to
bring the two ducts close together disadvantages centre around condensation within the
unit. In winter this can cause the unit to 'ice up' with consequent loss of efficiency and
reduced flow rates. This type of heat recovery unit may therefore require frost protection,
usually in the form of a preheater. If the unit is arranged for summer cooling,
condensation can occur on the supply air side and in these circumstances there is the risk
of bacterial contamination.
EXHAUST AIR

FRESH AIR

FRESH AIR

EXHAUST AIR

EXHAUST

RECOVERY UNIT

FRESH AIR
SUPPLYFAN

EXHAUST AIR
EXHAUST FAN

FIGURE 1.18 Parallel Plate Heat Exchanger

1.7.6.5 Run-Around System
Two pipe coil heat exchangers, one in the supply duct and one in the exhaust duct are
connected with a closed, pumped/piping system filled with water and dosed with antiHKabbara

NT 3036 Systems Design

Introduction to Air Conditioning

freeze. The exchanger in the exhaust duct picks up and transfers heat to the water which
in turn heats the supply air in winter. a typical arrangement is shown in figure 1.19, the
control of the supply duct temperature being achieved by a thermostat and 3-way valve.
The back-up that may be necessary can be obtained by a heater in the piping system,
rather than by a second air heating coil.
The efficiency of heat transfer is usually between 40-70% depending on the economics of
the system. The pipework and fittings should be insulated to maintain the maximum
efficiency. In very cold weather the liquid out of the supply coil can be cold enough to
form ice on the exhaust coil and if this is the case a protective circuit will be necessary.

EXHAUS T EXC HANGER

EXHAUS T AIR

RETURN AIR

O UTSIDE AIR

S UPPLY AIR

S UPPLY EXC HANGER

FIGURE 1.19 Run-Around Coil System

The main advantage of this method is that it may be used where it is impossible to run the
supply and exhaust ducts close together. Almost certainly it is the most appropriate
scheme for existing systems. it is also flexible, as a number of coils may be incorporated
into the system. A disadvantage is the maintenance requirement of the pumped / pipe
circuit.

HKabbara