Classification of Air Conditioning Systems

Classification of Air Conditioning Systems

1. All Water Systems

   • Advantages
     • Individuals room control is possible and at the same time the system offers all the benefits of a large central system.
       • The temperature of hot water required for space heating is small, so it is possible to use solar or waste heat for winter heating.
   • Disadvantages
     • Requires higher maintenance compared to all air systems
       • Draining of condensate water can be messy and may also create health problem.
   • Applications
     • All water systems using fan coil units are most suitable in buildings requiring individual room control

2. Unitary Refrigerant Based Systems

   • Room Air Conditoners
   • Packages Type Conditioners
     • Water Cooled Packaged Unit.
       • Air Cooled Packaged Unit.
   • Applications
     • Suit for existing building with a limitation available floor space.
       • Uses the refrigeration system as the primary heating source (heat pump).
   • Advantages
     • Individual room control is simple and inexpensive.
       • Initial cost is normally low
   • Disadvantages
     • Limited ventilation capabilities.
       • Equipment life is relatively short.

3. All Air Systems

   • All air systems can be classified into:
     • 1. Single duct, constant volume, single zone system.
       • 2. Single duct, constant volume, multi single zone system.
         • 3. Single duct, variable volume (VAV) system.
           • 4. Dual duct, constant volume system.
             • 5. Dual duct, variable volume (VAV) system.
   • Advantages
     • Effective room air distribution and ventilation is possible under widely varying load conditions.
       • All air systems present great opportunities for energy conservation.
   • Disadvantages
     • Since systems are quite large in size, require separate spaces like AHU room.
       • Difficult to install in existing buildings, as large space is required in false ceiling to lay the ducts.
   • Applications
     • Precision HVAC applications.
       • Theater, Auditorium, Functional halls, Retail stores.

4. Air-Water Systems

   • Applications
     • Mainly used in exterior buildings with large sensible loads
       • Suitable for office buildings, hospitals, schools, hotels, apartments and many other.
   • Advantages
     • Positive ventilation can be ensured under all conditions.
       • Services of indoor units is relatively simpler compared to all water systems.
   • Disadvantages
     • These systems are limited perimeter to zones.
       • Initial cost could be high compared to all air systems.

5. Based on the fluid media used in the thermal distribution system.

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