Design/sizing methodology and economic evaluation of central-fan-integrated supply ventilation systems
Ventilation systems for residential buildings can be generally categorized as supply, exhaust, or balanced systems. Subcategories include: integration into central air distribution ducts, or single- or multi-point air distribution. This effort focuses on establishing a design methodology for central-fan-integrated supply ventilation systems using an outside air duct to the return side of a central air distribution fan, with a specialized fan recycling control. A measurement protocol was developed, and air flow measurements were taken for 25 feet lengths of 5 inch through 9 inch diameter flexible ducts, with a 6 inch wall-cap, at duct pressures of {minus}10 Pa to {minus}120 Pa. Using these measurements, a five-step method was developed as a guide for correctly designing, sizing, and installing the components of the ventilation system. An economic evaluation was made by conducting hourly computer simulations to determine the impact on heating, cooling, and fan energy use for four US climates: cold (Chicago), mixed (Charlotte), hot-dry (Las Vegas), and hot-humid (Orlando). It was found that an effective ventilation system can be achieved using a 5 inch to 9 inch diameter insulated duct from outdoors to the return side of a central air distribution fan, with a specialized fan control that automatically cycles the fan if the fan has been inactive for a period of time. The advent of this specialized fan recycling control has made this type of ventilation system viable and more energy efficient.
- Research Organization:
- Florida Solar Energy Center, Cocoa, FL (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy
- OSTI ID:
- 20001994
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980815--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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