Chapter 2 - Introduction to HVAC systems

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the HVAC systems. It begins with an introduction to a graphical representation of air-conditioning processes called the psychrometric chart. Next, an air conditioning system is introduced followed by a discussion about how it can be adapted to serve many spaces. It is broad in scope and introduces the content and value of other, more in depth, ASHRAE Self-Study Courses. It understands and describes the major concepts of the psychrometric chart. The main issues to be considered when designing a system are defined. The chapter names the four major system types and explains their differences. The main factors to be considered in a matrix selection process are also described. It discusses how the seven main air-conditioning processes are described graphically in the psychrometric chart. It also details how these processes are combined to form an air-conditioning system. The readers get to know about the range of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, and the process of making system choices.. The chapter ends with a brief introduction to the idea of using a factor matrix to help choose an air-conditioning system.