Single-Zone Systems

Group 2
What is Single Zone System?

 Single-zone systems are defined by the fact that they are controlled
by a single space thermostat. They may heat or cool, or both. They
may have separate heating and cooling coils, or a single coil may
perform both functions.
 The coils may be electric, hydronic, or direct-expansion. Thermostatic
control may be proportional or on-off. They may have any means of
controlling outside air, humidification, and other functions.
 Single-zone systems differ from room conditioning units primarily in
size, in having more elaborate duct systems, and perhaps, in having
more positive control of outside air intake.
Single Zone vs. Multi Zone
 A single zone system is  A multi-zone system is composed
composed of an outdoor unit, of an outdoor unit and multiple
condenser, and an indoor unit, indoor units. More expensive and
evaporator. In other words, a sometimes more complex to install
single indoor unit will cool or than a single zone system, it is
heat your home. There are however a more flexible system
that allows independent control of
many options for the indoor
each room for greater comfort and
unit such as wall mount,
reduced energy costs.
ductable, cassette etc. The
advantages of such a system is
that it’s relatively simple to
install and budget friendly. It is
suitable for open areas small or
large, but is less suitable for
multiple levels for example.
HVAC Zones and Rooms

 Zone
 Requires separate thermostatic control
 Usually comprises several rooms
 Room
 Separate partitioned area
 May require separate thermostatic control
The All-Air System

 Supplies cooling (heating) capacity to the zones

 Advantages
 Adaptable to multiple zoning needs
 Adaptable to seasonal changeover
 Easily accepts heat recovery equipment
 Provides year-round
ventilation
Disadvantages
 Larger distribution systems than all-water systems
 Operate longer than all-water systems to maintain temperatures
 Air distribution and performance are difficult to balance
Introduction to single-path all-air
systems
 Single-path, all-air systems
 Supply air flows directly from one conditioning device into the
next
 Single duct system
Variations of the single-path, all-air
system
 Constant volume variable temperature
 Zone reheat systems
 Design options
 Single zone, constant volume
 Single zone, constant volume, zone reheat
Single-duct, single-zone, constant volume
 Delivers constant volume of air
 Air is the same temperature in all zones
Single-duct, Single zone, constant volume, zone reheat
 Reheat coil located at supply to each zone
 Air is heated as it enters the zone
Variable Air Volume(VAV) and Constant
Air Volume (CAV)
 Variable air volume (VAV) is a type of heating, ventilating, and/or air-
conditioning (HVAC) system. Unlike constant air volume (CAV)
systems, which supply a constant airflow at a variable temperature,
VAV systems vary the airflow at a constant temperature.
CAV

 The basic concept of CAV systems is to use a constant supply air

volume through the distribution system while heating or cooling the
air to meet the spaces needs. There are typically 3 different types of
CAV systems; single duct, reheat, and mixed air.
Single Duct Systems

 Single duct systems have one distribution

system coming from the source where the air
is either heated or cooled. The air, at a
constant volume, is then distributed
throughout the system to meet the HVAC
needs.
Reheat System

 A reheat system is taking the single distribution system of the single

duct method, and adding reheat coils in the ductwork for further
temperature control at each individual space. This allows for some
spaces to have different supply temperatures than others.
Mixed Air System

 A mixed air system

alternatively has two
distribution systems, one for
cooling and the other for
heating. These two ducts
meet at the space and are
controlled by a mixing box.
Typical Uses

 Single duct systems are good for areas that require little differences
between spaces. For example, a warehouse setting would be good for
CAV since it is essential one giant space that has one HVAC load to
meet. These systems can also be found in residential areas. Most
housing does not have individual space control; rather a central
heating system that determines the supply air based on the entire
structures needs. Single space buildings, with little variance are the
best application for CAV single duct systems.
 Reheat systems are good for buildings with a single main space
surrounded by smaller user specific spaces. The air-handling unit can
control this way the main space and the smaller spaces can be heated or
cooled if they have different needs than the main space. An example
would be a gymnasium with adjacent locker-rooms and offices.
 Mixed Air systems can be appropriate in many different spaces. Since
there are mixing boxes at the different spaces, mixed air systems can
have individualized control. This makes these systems good for office
buildings, schools, and similar structures. In the office building example,
individual offices would be able to have control over the temperature in
that specific space as opposed to having a single duct system that would
only be able to have a single supply condition for all the offices.
Strengths

 Low initial cost

 Easy to design and construct
 Can control ventilation without a separate distribution system and fan
equipment
 Easy to expand and modify since ducts can be added onto and mixing
boxes can be easily relocated
Limitations

 Supply air volume is not variable limiting the systems applications

(i.e. the system cannot be used in a hospital that is concerned with
quarantining spaces).
 Non-variable supply air volume results in increased fan use since the
same amount of air is circulating through the system despite the size
of the demand.
 Mixed air systems require two distribution systems increasing cost and
spatial requirements.
VAV

 Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems are the best way to zone especially in large
buildings. A VAV system with the proper controls and set-up will help the
building owner realize large savings in energy usage.
Types of VAV Boxes

 There are VAV boxes that are fan powered and there are VAV boxes
that are not fan powered. The main purpose of fan powered VAV boxes
is to make use of the plenum air above the ceiling where the fan
powered VAV box is located. This air is usually warmer than the air
supplied by the VAV air handler.