what to consider for good hvac design for building

[a1rc0n]

Could anyone provide some information on what to consider for a good hvac design for building.I will certainly appreciate any information you will share.
Thanks.

 

[MintJulep]

Comfort, efficiency, indoor air quality.

 

[msquared48]

Try not to compromise the structure of the building.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[willard3]

Comfort, efficiency and maintainability.
With comfort comes IAQ.

 

[pipesnpumps]

I think that technical capability of the design is of great importance in achieving the goals mentioned above.

Anyone can input data for load calcs. Most can do so properly and design something that works. Very few can achieve a truly skilled design with measurable energy savings, low life cycle cost, with high comfort, and maintainability..

The lazy or unqualified designers for example, might just use DX rooftops with gas heat and have the equipment vendor do most of the work for them. Then they falsify their energy savings calcs by jacking with infiltration, schedules, or baseline equipment, and get credit for energy savings on paper but that never in real life due to their falsifications in the modeling..



Real world knowledge doesn't fall out of the sky on a parachute, but rather is gained in small increments during moments of panic or curiosity.

 

[mauricestoker]

First recommendation is to always design within budget. Some customers have big dreams and small wallets.

 

[MechEngNCPE]

Always do static pressure calcs.

 

[cry22]

Think of it as it is your money; your building and you're living or working in the place for years, then try to get the best out of your money.

Don't forget, think of it as YOU are the maintenance guy, and YOU're the accountant paying the bills.

There is also a new term in the industry - "RIGHT-SIZING" that's worth keeping in mind.

Prepare a control system and sequence of operation early in the design - Because if you can CONTROL IT, YOU CAN DESIGN IT. Sometimes, you can down-size substantially with controls (DCV, CO2 sesnosors, occupancy sensors, diversity factors in load calcs when applicable, etc)

Be a team player, i.e. educate the architect early on to get the proper space (without exageration, remember, it's your money), explain and volunteer different ways to the architect. Most anymosity between Architects and Engineers comes from lack of understanding of each other's trade.

as pipesnpumps said above - be responsible, don't rely on others (vendors) to design or chose a system for you.

You got the last one correct - Ask questions, Talk to your Peers - as you just did.

 

[imok2]

Design considerations for your perusal

http://www.hvacfun.com/f-ac-design.htm