Configuration
The Configuration pane is where you set up the HVAC equipment for each system. This includes central air handling units and zone terminal units.
Central Unit Configuration
Section titled “Central Unit Configuration”Unit Type
Section titled “Unit Type”Select the type of central equipment:
- Air Handling Unit (AHU) - Central station with coils and fan
- Rooftop Unit (RTU) - Packaged rooftop equipment
- Split System - Indoor air handler with outdoor condenser
- Make-Up Air Unit - 100% outdoor air systems
Cooling Configuration
Section titled “Cooling Configuration”Cooling Capacity
Section titled “Cooling Capacity”The total cooling capacity of the unit:
- Calculated from peak system load
- Includes safety factors
- Accounts for ventilation load
Supply Air Temperature
Section titled “Supply Air Temperature”The design temperature of air leaving the cooling coil:
- Typically 55°F (13°C) for dehumidification
- Higher temperatures reduce dehumidification
- Lower temperatures increase capacity
Coil Selection
Section titled “Coil Selection”Cooling coil parameters:
- Entering and leaving conditions
- Face velocity
- Rows and fin spacing
Heating Configuration
Section titled “Heating Configuration”Heating Type
Section titled “Heating Type”Select the heating source:
- Hot water coil
- Electric resistance
- Gas furnace
- Heat pump
Heating Capacity
Section titled “Heating Capacity”The total heating capacity:
- Calculated from peak heating load
- May include morning warm-up
- Accounts for infiltration and ventilation
Fan Configuration
Section titled “Fan Configuration”Supply Fan
Section titled “Supply Fan”Supply airflow and pressure:
- Design CFM based on peak load
- External static pressure
- Fan type and efficiency
Return Fan
Section titled “Return Fan”For systems with return fans:
- Return airflow
- Return static pressure
- Relief/exhaust coordination
Terminal Unit Configuration
Section titled “Terminal Unit Configuration”Terminal Type
Section titled “Terminal Type”Select the zone terminal equipment:
- VAV Box - Variable air volume with optional reheat
- Fan Coil Unit - Local fan with cooling/heating coil
- Constant Volume - Fixed airflow terminals
VAV Box Settings
Section titled “VAV Box Settings”Minimum Airflow
Section titled “Minimum Airflow”The lowest airflow setting:
- Percentage of peak airflow
- Or fixed CFM value
- Must meet ventilation requirements
Reheat
Section titled “Reheat”For heating in VAV systems:
- Hot water reheat
- Electric reheat
- Dual-duct heating
Sizing Method
Section titled “Sizing Method”How terminal units are sized:
- Peak zone load
- Minimum ventilation
- Maximum velocity limits
Outdoor Air Configuration
Section titled “Outdoor Air Configuration”Minimum Outdoor Air
Section titled “Minimum Outdoor Air”The required outdoor air for ventilation:
- Calculated per ASHRAE 62.1
- Sum of zone requirements
- Adjusted for system efficiency
Economizer
Section titled “Economizer”For free cooling with outdoor air:
- Dry-bulb economizer
- Enthalpy economizer
- Differential controls
Energy Recovery
Section titled “Energy Recovery”Heat or energy recovery from exhaust:
- Sensible heat recovery
- Enthalpy recovery
- Effectiveness and pressure drop
Control Strategy
Section titled “Control Strategy”Temperature Control
Section titled “Temperature Control”How the system maintains setpoint:
- Cooling/heating sequencing
- Reset schedules
- Economizer integration
Pressure Control
Section titled “Pressure Control”For VAV systems:
- Static pressure setpoint
- Pressure reset strategies
- Critical zone tracking
Verification
Section titled “Verification”After configuration, verify:
- Capacity meets peak loads
- Airflow is adequate for ventilation
- Pressure drop is within limits
- Equipment selections are realistic