Strategy Guideline: Compact Air Distribution Systems

Technical Report · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1086355· OSTI ID:1086355

Burdick, Arlan ^[1]

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1. IBACOS, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

This Strategy Guideline discusses the benefits and challenges of using a compact air distribution system to handle the reduced loads and reduced air volume needed to condition the space within an energy efficient home. Traditional systems sized by 'rule of thumb' (i.e., 1 ton of cooling per 400 ft² of floor space) that 'wash' the exterior walls with conditioned air from floor registers cannot provide appropriate air mixing and moisture removal in low-load homes. A compact air distribution system locates the HVAC equipment centrally with shorter ducts run to interior walls, and ceiling supply outlets throw the air toward the exterior walls along the ceiling plane; alternatively, high sidewall supply outlets throw the air toward the exterior walls. Potential drawbacks include resistance from installing contractors or code officials who are unfamiliar with compact air distribution systems, as well as a lack of availability of low-cost high sidewall or ceiling supply outlets to meet the low air volumes with good throw characteristics. The decision criteria for a compact air distribution system must be determined early in the whole-house design process, considering both supply and return air design. However, careful installation of a compact air distribution system can result in lower material costs from smaller equipment, shorter duct runs, and fewer outlets; increased installation efficiencies, including ease of fitting the system into conditioned space; lower loads on a better balanced HVAC system, and overall improved energy efficiency of the home.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); IBACOS, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1086355
• Report Number(s): DOE/GO--102013-3846; KNDJ-0-40341-00
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
Air Distribution Systems
Air Flow Management
Building America
Buildings
Comfort
Compact Air Distribution Systems
Cooling
Duct Design And Layout
HVAC Design
Heating
High Sidewall Supply Air Outlets
IBACOS
New Construction
Residential
Residential Building
Return Air Systems
Roof/Ceiling/Attic
Space Conditioning
Supply Air Systems
Temperature Stratification