BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL

SERVICES)

MODULE-1

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE I AR. JANIS JAWAD

MODULE I (11 hrs)
Introduction - Role and Purpose of HVAC systems in everyday use. Need for architects to study
the system. The scope and impact of Mechanical systems- Impact of space planning - Impact
on Architectural Design - Impact on High-rise Buildings - Impact on construction cost – Impact
on the Global environment. Engineering Fundamentals - Principles of Heat transfer –
Conduction, convection, radiation, Thermodynamics.

Document any traditional context where passive system for thermal comfort is implemented.

MODULE II (11 hrs.)

Psychrometry - Psychrometric properties - Psychrometric chart – Psychrometric process -
adiabatic mixing - Sensible heating and cooling - humidifying and dehumidifying – bypass
factor - sensible heat factor - room sensible factor – RSHF and GSHF line - Thermal Comfort-
Human comfort, comfort chart - Standard requirements of ventilation for different conditions
of living and work. Conditions for comfort - Control of quality, quantity, temperature, and
Humidity of air. Indoor Air Quality, Techniques and Adaptations of different climatic
conditions. Effective temperature – Factors governing effective temperature.

MODULE III (12 hrs.)

Principles of Refrigeration – Capacity - Coefficient of performance (COP)- Carnot refrigeration
cycle - vapor compression systems - Theoretical and practical cycles - Thermodynamic analysis
using PH diagram - Standard refrigerants including eco-friendly refrigerants and their
properties - Study of refrigeration system components – Compressors – Condensers -
Expansion devices – evaporators - cooling towers.

Exercise: Site visits to study various air conditioning systems.

MODULE IV (12 hrs.)

Air conditioning systems - Room air conditioning systems - window A/C, split packaged
systems - central and unitary systems – summer – winter - year-round air conditioning
systems - Cooling load calculation - various heat sources - Design of air conditioning systems
- AHU, Duct design - air distribution systems - draft - throw - entrainment ratio – spread -
location of air outlets - location of return air openings - general consideration in air duct
design and layout - noise and noise control. Determination of duct size using equal friction
(constant pressure loss) method.
Sustainable design approaches - Materials and systems for insulation, energy efficient
techniques regarding HVAC systems. Awareness of VRF system design, diversity factor in
HVAC, district cooling system Heating systems- modern sustainable solutions like heat pumps.

Exercise: Documentation and case studies of small scale and large-scale buildings, reading
drawings, understanding notations, legends, symbols, and sizes.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

INTRODUCTION TO VARIOUS BUILDING SERVICES & THEIR
SIGNIFICANCE
 A structure that has a roof and walls and stands permanently at a place can be termed
as a BUILDING and the primary function of the building is to provide shelter to the
occupants.
 Building function cannot be limited to only PROVIDING SHELTER.
 BUILDING SERVICES are what that make the building coming to life - thus making the
building work.

BUILDING SERVICES include:

• Energy supply – gas, electricity and renewable sources

• Heating and air-conditioning

• Water supply, drainage and plumbing

• Natural and artificial lighting and building facades

• Vertical transportation systems

• Ventilation and refrigeration

• Communication lines, telephone lines and IT networks

• Security, alarm systems, fire detection and protection

• BMS and automation

CLASSIFICATION OF SERVICES
Mechanical Systems

 HVAC (Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning)/

ACMV (Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation)
 Site utilities – Water supply, drainage, sanitary
 disposal, gas supply
 Plumbing – Water distribution, water treatment,
 Sanitary facilities, etc.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

  Fire protection – Water supply, standpipe, fire and smoke detection, annunciation,
etc.
 Special systems

Electrical Systems
 Electrical power–Normal, standby, and emergency power supply and
distribution
 Lighting–Interior, exterior, and emergency lighting
 Auxiliary–Telephone, data, audio/video, sound, security systems, etc.
 Special systems

Building Operation Systems Building

o Transportation – Elevators, escalators, moving

o Walkways / travellators, etc.
o Processing – Products, food service, etc.
o Automation – Environmental controls, Management, etc.
o CONDITIONING
o Special systems

1. HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR- CONDITIONING

 Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning is the technology of indoor and vehicular

environmental comfort.
 Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
 HVAC system design is a sub discipline of mechanical engineering, based on the
principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
 “Refrigeration” is sometimes added to the field's abbreviation, as HVAC&R or HVACR
or “ventilation” is dropped, as in HACR.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

1.1 Role and Purpose of HVAC systems in everyday use

 Temperature Control: HVAC systems regulate indoor temperature, ensuring comfort

in various weather conditions by providing heating in cold weather and cooling in hot
weather.
 Humidity Regulation: HVAC systems maintain optimal humidity levels indoors,
preventing excessive moisture build up or dryness, which can lead to discomfort, mold
growth, and damage to furnishings.
 Air Filtration: HVAC systems filter out dust, pollen, allergens, and other airborne
particles, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory problems
and allergies.
 Ventilation: HVAC systems provide fresh outdoor air circulation indoors, removing
stale air and odours while replenishing oxygen levels, which is essential for
maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
 Airflow Management: HVAC systems distribute conditioned air evenly throughout
buildings, ensuring consistent temperatures in all areas and minimizing hot or cold
spots.
 Energy Efficiency: HVAC systems can be designed with energy-efficient components
and controls to optimize energy usage, reduce utility bills, and minimize
environmental impact.
 Comfort Enhancement: HVAC systems contribute to overall comfort by maintaining
consistent temperatures, controlling humidity levels, and providing adequate
ventilation, creating a pleasant indoor environment for occupants.
 Health and Safety: HVAC systems help control indoor pollutants, such as volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide, safeguarding occupants' health and
ensuring a safe living and working environment.
 Equipment Protection: HVAC systems regulate indoor conditions to protect sensitive
equipment, such as electronics, artwork, and archival materials, from damage due to
temperature fluctuations, humidity, and airborne contaminants.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

  Compliance: HVAC systems are designed and operated to comply with building codes,
regulations, and standards related to indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and
environmental sustainability.
 Overall, HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining comfortable, healthy, and safe
indoor environments for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings,
contributing to occupants' well-being and productivity.

1.2 Need for architects to study HVAC system

 Integration into Design: Architects need to understand HVAC systems to seamlessly

integrate them into building designs, ensuring optimal functionality without
compromising aesthetics.
 Space Planning: Knowledge of HVAC systems helps architects allocate space within
buildings for equipment, ductwork, and ventilation pathways, ensuring efficient use
of space while maintaining design coherence.
 Energy Efficiency: Architects can design buildings with energy-efficient features and
layouts that work synergistically with HVAC systems, reducing energy consumption
and operational costs over time.
 Indoor Air Quality: Understanding HVAC systems allows architects to design buildings
that promote good indoor air quality by incorporating proper ventilation, filtration,
and humidity control measures.
 Occupant Comfort: Architects can create spaces that prioritize occupant comfort by
designing HVAC systems that provide even temperature distribution, adequate
ventilation, and minimal noise levels.
 Sustainability: Knowledge of HVAC systems enables architects to design
environmentally sustainable buildings by incorporating renewable energy sources,
such as solar panels or geothermal systems, and implementing green building
practices.
 Regulatory Compliance: Architects must comply with building codes and regulations
related to HVAC systems, including ventilation requirements, energy efficiency
standards, and environmental regulations.
 Cost Management: Architects who understand HVAC systems can design buildings
with cost-effective HVAC solutions that balance upfront construction costs with long-
term operational savings.
 Overall, studying HVAC systems empowers architects to create buildings that are not
only visually appealing but also functional, comfortable, sustainable, and compliant
with regulatory standards.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 HEATING:
Heaters are appliances whose purpose is to generate heat (i.e. warmth) for the building. This
can be done via central heating. Such a system contains a boiler, furnace, or heat pump to
heat water, steam, or air in a central location such as a furnace room in a home, or a
mechanical room in a large building. The heat can be transferred by convection, conduction,
or radiation. Space heaters are used to heat single rooms and only consist of a single unit.

VENTILATION:

Ventilation is the process of changing or replacing air in any space to control temperature or
remove any combination of moisture, odours, smoke, heat,
dust, airborne bacteria, or carbon dioxide, and to replenish oxygen.
Ventilation often refers to the intentional delivery of the outside air to the building indoor
space. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in
buildings. Methods for ventilating a building may be divided into mechanical/forced and
natural types.

AIR-CONDITITIOING:

An air conditioning system, or a standalone air conditioner, provides cooling and/or humidity
control for all or part of a building. Air conditioned buildings often have sealed windows,
because open windows would work against the system intended to maintain constant indoor
air conditions. Outside, fresh air is generally drawn into the system by a vent into a mix air
chamber for mixing with the space return air.
Then the mixture air enters an indoor or outdoor heat exchanger section where the air is to
be cooled down, then be guided to the space creating positive air pressure. Air conditioning
and refrigeration are provided through the removal of heat. Heat can be removed through
radiation, convection, or conduction.

REFRIGERATION:

The term refrigeration means cooling a space, substance or system to lower and/or maintain
its temperature below the ambient one.
In other words, refrigeration is artificial cooling (human-made). Energy in the form of heat is
removed from a low-temperature reservoir and transferred to a high-temperature reservoir.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 2. The scope and impact of Mechanical systems

2.1 Impact on space planning

 Space Allocation: Mechanical services require designated spaces within a building for
equipment such as air handling units, boilers, chillers, water heaters, electrical panels,
and fire suppression systems. Space planning must allocate sufficient room for these
components while considering their accessibility for maintenance and repairs.

 Occupant Comfort and Well-being: Mechanical services play a crucial role in

maintaining indoor environmental quality, including temperature control, ventilation,
lighting, and acoustic comfort. Space planning must optimize the placement and
configuration of mechanical systems to ensure optimal comfort and well-being for
building occupants.
 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Efficient HVAC systems can contribute to
sustainable building practices by reducing energy consumption. Space planning may
involve designing layouts that maximize natural ventilation and daylighting to reduce
reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.

2.2 Impact on Architectural Design

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

  Spatial Organization: Mechanical systems often require dedicated spaces within a
building for equipment rooms, mechanical shafts, and service corridors. These spaces
must be strategically integrated into the architectural design to ensure efficient
operation, maintenance access, and aesthetic harmony with the overall layout.

 Building Form and Massing: The design and placement of mechanical equipment,
such as HVAC units, ductwork, and exhaust vents, can affect the building's form and
massing. Architects must consider the visual impact of these elements on the
building's exterior appearance and silhouette, balancing functional requirements with
design aesthetics.

 Material Selection and Finishes: Mechanical services may impact material selection
and finishes within interior spaces. Architects must specify materials and finishes that
are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion, condensation, and fire hazards
in areas adjacent to mechanical equipment and utility rooms.

 Daylighting and Views: Mechanical systems can affect natural daylighting and views
within a building by occupying space that could otherwise be used for windows,
skylights, or atria. Architects must design the building to maximize access to daylight
and views while accommodating the spatial requirements of mechanical services.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 2.3 Impact on High-rise Buildings

 Vertical Transportation: High-rise buildings require efficient vertical transportation

systems, including elevators and escalators, to transport occupants, goods, and
materials throughout the building. Mechanical systems must be designed to
accommodate the spatial, structural, and energy requirements of vertical
transportation, while optimizing circulation and minimizing wait times for occupants.
 Plumbing and Drainage Systems: High-rise buildings require specialized plumbing and
drainage systems to supply potable water, dispose of wastewater, and manage
stormwater runoff. Mechanical engineers must design plumbing systems that can
accommodate the vertical distribution of water and sewage throughout the building,
while minimizing pressure losses, leakage risks, and environmental impacts.

 High-rise buildings present challenges for HVAC system design due to factors such as
varying floor heights, complex building geometries, and occupant density.

2.4 Impact on construction cost

 Equipment Costs: The purchase and installation of mechanical equipment such as

HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, fire protection systems, and electrical components
represent a substantial portion of construction expenses. The type, size, capacity, and
efficiency of mechanical equipment can vary widely, influencing overall project costs.
 Material Costs: Mechanical services require various materials such as piping,
ductwork, insulation, wiring, and controls, which contribute to construction expenses.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 The selection of materials affects both upfront procurement costs and long-term
maintenance expenses, with options ranging from standard to high-performance and
from affordable to premium.
 Labor Costs: The installation, assembly, and commissioning of mechanical systems
entail labor costs for skilled tradespeople such as HVAC technicians, plumbers,
electricians, and fire protection specialists. Labor rates vary by region, market
conditions, union contracts, and project complexity, affecting overall construction
budgets.

2.5 Impact on the Global environment.

 Energy Consumption: Mechanical services, particularly HVAC systems, consume vast

amounts of energy for heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting in buildings. The
majority of this energy comes from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which
release greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change.

 Water Consumption: Mechanical services, including cooling towers and plumbing

systems, consume water for equipment operation, maintenance, and occupant use.
 Waste Generation: The construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings
generate waste materials such as packaging, debris, and obsolete equipment.

 Refrigerants and Ozone Depletion: HVAC systems use refrigerants, which are potent
greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances. Older refrigerants such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have been phased

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 out due to their harmful environmental effects, but their replacements, such as
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), still contribute to climate change.

3. PRINCIPLES OF HEAT TRANSFER – CONDUCTION, CONVECTION,

RADIATION

 To heat and cool your house efficiently, it is important to know how heat transfers to
and from objects.
 Understanding how heat is transferred from the outdoors into your home and from
your home to your body is important for understanding the challenge of keeping your
house cool.
 Understanding the processes that help keep your body cool is important for
understanding cooling strategies for your home.
 In the simplest of terms, the discipline of heat transfer is concerned with only two
things: temperature and the flow of heat .
 Temperature represents the amount of thermal energy available, whereas heat flow
represents the movement of thermal energy from place to place.

 Heat loss or gain can occur through an element of the building envelope (wall, floor,
or roof/ceiling) by three primary mechanisms:

• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 Heat Transfer Mechanism

THERMAL RESISTANCE (R-Value)

o R-Value, the traditional measure of an insulation’s effectiveness and this measures
only one of these six heat transfer mechanisms. (conduction)

o The R-value refers to the ability of insulation material to resist heat flow.

o Insulation with higher R-value is better for thermal performance. However, it does

not mean higher thickness.

3.1 Conduction:

 Conduction is the transfer of heat within an object or between two objects in contact.
For heat to conduct from one object to another, they must be in contact, thus break
the contact and conduction ends.

 Conduction can be inhibited by insulating materials which have a high thermal

resistance and so help reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside.
See Insulation for more information.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

Examples

Touching a hot pan: When you touch a hot pan, heat is conducted from the pan to
your hand. The metal of the pan transfers heat to your skin through direct contact.

In build structures, Conduction primarily occurs through:

 Walls
 Roofs
 Floors

To reduce heat transfer by conduction in construction, various design strategies and

construction methods are used.

Porotherm bricks rat trap bond filler slab

The heat transfer by conduction is governed by Fourier’s Law:

It states that the rate of heat transfer is proportional to the negative temperature
gradient and the area perpendicular to the heat flow, and inversely proportional to the
material's thickness .

3.2 Convection

 Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or

gases).

 Natural convection occurs when the flow of a liquid or gas is primarily due to
density differences within the fluid due to heating or cooling of that fluid. Forced
convection occurs when the flow of liquid or gas is primarily due to pressure
differences.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

Examples

 Boiling water: When water is heated in a pot on a stove, the hot water near the
bottom of the pot becomes less dense and rises. Cooler water from the surface moves
downwards to replace it, creating a circular motion of fluid known as convection
currents. This movement helps distribute heat evenly throughout the water, leading
to boiling.

 Ocean currents: Ocean currents are driven by convection, among other factors. Warm
water near the equator becomes less dense and rises, while cooler water from higher
latitudes sinks and moves towards the equator. This creates a continuous circulation
of water around the globe, influencing climate patterns and marine life.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 3.3 Radiation
 Radiation is the transfer of heat from one object to another by means of electro-
magnetic waves. Radiative heat transfer does not require that either objects be in
contact or that a fluid flow between those objects. Radiative heat transfer occurs in
the void of space.
o That’s how the sun warms us.
o People in a room at 72 °F (22.2 °C) air temperature may feel
uncomfortably cold if the walls and ceiling are at 50 °F (10 °C).
Conversely, they may feel uncomfortably warm if the walls are 85
°F (29.4 °C).

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

  All bodies which are hotter than 0°K emit thermal radiation. They also absorb thermal
radiation emitted by their surroundings. The difference in the total amount
of radiation emitted and absorbed by a body at any given moment may result in a
net heat transfer which will produce a change in the temperature of that body.

4. Law of thermodynamics

 Thermodynamics, science of the relationship between heat, work, temperature,

and energy.
 In broad terms, thermodynamics deals with the transfer of energy from one place to
another and from one form to another.

The zeroth law of thermodynamics

 The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are in thermodynamic
equilibrium with a third system, the two original systems are in thermal equilibrium
with each other.

 Basically, if system A is in thermal equilibrium with system C and system B is also in

thermal equilibrium with system C, system A and system B are in thermal equilibrium
with each other.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 Application:
o Thermometers: The Zeroth Law forms the basis for the operation of
thermometers. By bringing a thermometer into contact with a reference
substance (e.g., mercury or alcohol) and the substance whose temperature is
to be measured, thermal equilibrium is established. The thermometer then
provides a reading based on the expansion or contraction of the reference
substance, indicating the temperature of the object being measured.

o Climate Control: In climate control systems such as air conditioning and

heating systems, the Zeroth Law is crucial. These systems operate by
maintaining thermal equilibrium between the indoor environment and a
desired temperature setting. Sensors detect the temperature in the room, and
the system adjusts heating or cooling mechanisms to achieve and maintain the
desired thermal equilibrium.

First Law of Thermodynamics (Law of Conservation of Energy):

 The First Law of Thermodynamics, also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy.
This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated
system. It can only change forms. In other words, the total energy of an
isolated system remains constant over time.

 Mathematically, it's often expressed as ΔU = Q - W, where ΔU is the change in

internal energy, Q is the heat added to the system, and W is the work done by
the system.

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA

 Second law of thermodynamics

States that it is impossible to transfer heat from a colder body to a hotter body without
the addition of external work. Essentially, the second law implies that natural
processes tend to increase the entropy (disorder) of the universe and that there are
limitations to the efficiency of heat engines.

The third law of thermodynamics

The third law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a system approaches a
constant value as the temperature approaches absolute zero. The entropy of a system
at absolute zero is typically zero

BUILDING SERVICES III (HVAC & MECHANICAL SERVICES EKC COA