Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
June 6, 2005
By
Basic Systems 6
Other Systems 36
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
To amplify and verify the mechanical engineering acoustical simulations, the services of
Mark Schaffer, P.E., were engaged. He is one of the nations leading authorities on the
sound and vibration effects of air conditioning equipment, and was chair of the ASHRAE
committee on HVAC sound and vibration. His findings are an integral part of the
conclusions of this report.
Five Basic Systems are described in the report. The first two are unitary systems which are
in common use in Southern California. The next three all involve a central energy plant.
Two of these are currently in use in some LAUSD schools. The last system, Ceiling Radiant
Heating and Cooling Panels, is relatively new and not currently in common use in California.
In addition, a brief analysis of several other systems was included in the study.
ii
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
unsightly. And it works only for the top-floor classroom. Also, it is significantly more costly
to construct. (A separate report will be prepared on this installation.)
Other Factors
Apart from basic system selection and design, HVAC systems sometimes produce
excessive classroom noise levels because of oversights or errors in design or construction.
Some of these are:
Over estimating in design the duct static pressures (SP). Because the fan noise is
proportional to the static pressure, if the fan SP is higher than needed, the installer is
likely to choke the system by closing the manual volume dampers (and sometimes the
opposed blade dampers at the diffusers and registers) rather than the longer and correct
process of adjusting the fan speed by replacing the fan drive sheaves. The result:
significantly increased noise.
Improper air balance can also cause the situation described above, even when the
system is properly designed.
High air-flow velocities in the ducts and through the diffusers and grills a definite noise
increase. It is often caused by reducing duct sizes to fit into space that is inadequate.
Insufficient duct length between the diffusers and grills that is, they are located too
close to the fan, not permitting some attenuation of the fan noise.
Locating the manual volume dampers and control dampers too close to the diffuser and
grill outlets.
Insufficient sound insulation for equipment rooms or between the rooftop units and the
ceiling space below.
Insufficient vibration isolation of major equipment.
Structures that are not strong and stiff enough to absorb or dampen the equipment
vibrations, even when vibration isolators are provided.
Locating large equipment too close to classrooms.
These have been addressed in the Districts design guidelines, as well as being part of
sound engineering practice.
New Developments
Even as this study has progressed, manufacturers have introduced new and improved
units. Both Carrier and Trane now have new packaged rooftop HVAC units with substantial
improvements in both acoustical performance and energy efficiency.
iii
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
The new Carrier Centurion unit may be able to reduce classroom background sound levels
from 46 dBA to 38 dBA although this has not been verified. A comparable unit, the Trane
XL1600, seems to have similar capability.
Full acoustical data on these units, though, has so far not been available. They also appear
to have a significant cost increase. One of these was used in the special classroom
described above.
Recommendations
The following Standard Design Measures for HVAC Sound Attenuation should be
incorporated in all new systems designs:
2. Provide proper duct connections at diffusers and registers as indicated in Figure 0.1
of this report.
3. Provide a minimum 5-0 of flexible duct at all air inlets and outlets.
5. Size ducts per velocities recommended by project acoustical consultants, but not to
exceed in Systems 1, 2 and 3, 850 feet per minute for main ducts and 450 feet per
minute for branch ducts.
7. Provide ducted returns with the air inlet registers at a minimum 15-0 from the main
duct risers in Systems 1, 2 and 3 and as recommended by project acoustical
consultants in Systems 4 and 5.
8. Provide vibration isolators for all rotating or reciprocating HVAC equipment including
packaged units, fans and compressors.
9. Provide sound barriers and acoustic sealant at the inside of the curb and duct roof
penetrations, and beneath the unit (similar to in Figure 1.2).
iv
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
10. Provide duct lining and duct silencers (as required by the project acoustical
consultant) for the larger fans, air handling units and larger packaged units (generally
larger than 6 Tons) serving areas such as multi-purpose rooms and gymnasiums.
11. Do not locate duct sound attenuators inside the building above (the ceiling of)
occupied spaces where the breakout noise will increase indoor sound levels above
acceptable limits.
12. Do not provide duct lining for the classroom packaged units and fan coil units of less
than 5 Tons capacity unless directed by the project acoustical consultant for unique
conditions.
13. Do not over estimate the fan static pressures or system capacities.
14. Specify the allowable sound levels for all HVAC equipment. Select fans for optimum
sound levels. The specified sound levels shall be rated in accordance with the
current industry standards. (Standards by ARI - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute; AMCA Air Movement and Control Association, etc.) as published in the
Codes and Standards Chapter of the current ASHRAE (American Society of Heating
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) Handbook on HVAC Systems and
Equipment.
15. Provide flexible connectors for ducts at fan connections and pipes at all pumps and
air handling equipment connections.
18. Ensure that the Architects provide sufficient space for the proper installation,
performance and service of ductwork and equipment.
Detailed requirements that include the above measures are already part of the LAUSD
design guidelines and guide specifications. These guidelines and guide specifications
related to HVAC Acoustics are included in the later part of this report as reference. The
designers should make themselves familiar with the latest LAUSD design guidelines and
specifications before starting a new project.
vi
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
vii
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
viii
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
HVAC SYSTEMS ACOUSTICAL, COST & ENERGY STUDY
Introduction
For this study and evaluation, five basic systems for air conditioning school classrooms
were selected. Four of these systems are currently used extensively throughout California.
The last system, ceiling radiant heating and cooling panels, is relatively new and is not
commonly used in California. The acoustical performance relative to classroom
background noise of each system was evaluated, in conjunction with different optional
attenuation measures. Also evaluated were capital cost and energy efficiency.
Basic Systems Description
Following is a brief description of each of the five basic systems. These are described in
much greater detail in the drawings and narrative for each system in the following pages.
Condenser unit is installed on the roof directly above a classroom (or in some
other remote location) and serving one classroom each. Fan-coil unit is located
above the ceiling in the classroom, mounted on vibration isolator hangers. Ducts
are the same as System 1, except there is also an outside-air opening in the wall
and duct to the unit.
Fan-coil unit, serving one classroom, provided with hot and chilled water from a
remote central plant with air- or water-cooled chillers and gas-fired hot water
boilers. Fan-coil unit is located above the ceiling in the classroom, mounted on
vibration isolator hangers. Ducts are the same as System 2. (There is no local
condenser unit, and noise from the piped water system is negligible.)
1
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
4. Remote Air Handling Unit (AHU) System
Remote air-handling unit (rooftop or equipment room), serving several
classrooms and provided with hot and chilled water from a remote central plant
with air- or water-cooled chillers and gas-fired hot water boilers. Each classroom
is provided with a variable-air-volume zone control terminal. AHU has built-in
sound attenuators for both supply and return fans. The fans are mounted on
vibration isolators internal to the unit, and are also optimized for both energy
efficiency and sound. If not installed in an equipment room, the unit is typically
installed above a corridor adjacent to student toilets so that the roof penetrations
for the supply and return air ducts are separated from the classroom with
significant lengths of ductwork. The variable air volume terminal is located above
the classroom ceiling and serves four diffusers. The return air is ducted through
two registers.
5. Ceiling Radiant Heating and Cooling Panel System
Ceiling -mounted panels are provided with hot and chilled water from a remote
central plant with air- or water-cooled chillers and gas-fired hot water boilers.
Classrooms have a dedicated outdoor-air ventilation system with pre-treated air,
cooled and dehumidified or heated as demand requires, provided from a
remotely located air-handling unit with built-in sound attenuators. The fan is
mounted on vibration isolators internal to the unit, and is also optimized for both
energy efficiency and sound. The AHU is installed similarly to System 4. The
supply air is distributed through only two ceiling diffusers, due to the lower
volume of air for ventilation only.
Standard Design Measures for HVAC Sound Attenuation
The following conditions and sound attenuation measures have been assumed for the
analyses of this report, and apply to all five basic systems.
5. Ducts sized per velocities recommended by project acoustical consultants, but not to
exceed in Systems 1, 2 and 3, 850 feet per minute for main ducts and 450 feet per
minute for branch ducts.
2
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
6. Turning vanes at all rectangular elbows.
7. Ducted returns with the air inlet registers at a minimum 15-0 from the main duct
risers in Systems 1, 2 and 3 and as recommended by project acoustical consultants
in Systems 4 and 5.
9. Sound barrier and acoustic sealant at the inside of the curb and duct roof
penetrations, and beneath the unit (similar to Figure 1.2).
10. The effects of items 8 and 9 above cannot be calculated with the TAP program, but
in previous projects, a difference of about 3 dBA was measured between rooftop
units mounted on curbs without vibration isolators with unsealed roof penetrations
and rooftop units mounted on isolator curbs with sealed penetrations.
The above attenuation measures and some others are indicated in Figures 0.1 and 1.2
following in the report.
3
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Air Inlet / Outlet Connection Details - Figure 0.1
4
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Step-4: Add gypsum-board duct enclosures from the roof penetrations of
supply and return ducts extending to enclose the first duct elbow (to
reduce fan or air sound leakage or breakout noise into the ceiling
cavity).
The significant effects of each of the above measures on sound levels, energy use, and
other building components were simulated using the TAP Acoustical Analysis and Trace
700 Energy Analysis Program. Findings from the analysis include:
Of these, it was found through the TAP acoustical analysis of Systems 1, 2 and 3
that the acoustical improvement measures of Step 1 duct lining, and Step 2 duct
silencers, offered insignificant improvements in the background sound levels. This is
due to the fact that Systems 1, 2 and 3 have individual supply fans that discharge
directly into main ducts located above the classroom ceiling and the breakout portion
of the fan noise through the duct walls dominates over the airborne noise. For larger
packaged units, (6 Tons and above) installed with the main ducts outside of the
building, duct lining and duct silencers are still effective. Duct silencers and internal
lining are proven to be effective in Systems 4 and 5. The air handling units used in
the analysis for Systems 4 and 5 are provided with integral duct silencers and 2
acoustical lining constrained with perforated steel sheets at the fan sections.
In Step 3 increasing duct thickness, only the increase in duct-wall thickness to 18
gage offered significant sound-level improvement for Systems 1 and 3 and
insignificant improvement for System 2. This is discussed with numerical results later
in the report. This finding has not been substantiated through actual installation and
measurement.
The enclosure of Step 4 is not subject to the TAP analysis, but has been measured
to demonstrate improved acoustical performance for System 1.
The provision of vibration isolators for the rooftop unit and a sound barrier between
the unit and the ceiling space for System 1 also offer significant improvements, but
cannot be analyzed with the TAP program. Comparative field measurements in other
buildings indicate that these can reduce the background sound level by
approximately 3 dBA.
After preliminary calculations and analysis, the five Basic Systems were analyzed further by
the acoustical consultant Mark Schaffer, using the sound-attenuation measures described
for System 1 for ducts, diffusers, dampers, air velocity, and structural attenuation.
5
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
BASIC SYSTEMS
6
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM 1:
Roof Top Packaged Air Conditioning with Gas Heating
This system is preferred by most districts and is LAUSDs system of choice for smaller
schools with multiple single or two story buildings that are less than 50,000 square feet
each. A dedicated HVAC unit is provided for each classroom. The HVAC unit is typically
installed directly on top of the classroom it serves, to avoid combination smoke / fire
damper in the ducts. For two story buildings, two units are typically installed on the roof of
the second floor classroom. The ducts for the first floor classroom are routed above the
7
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
ceiling of the second floor classroom from the HVAC unit to a shaft that goes into the space
above the first floor ceiling.
The majority of the units are 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow rate is 1,600 CFM of which
1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors through gravity relief openings.
The typical basic design of this system for LAUSD consists of a rooftop packaged air
conditioning unit mounted on a factory curb with vibration isolators and minimal ductwork
serving two to four supply diffusers and one to two return registers.
The measured background sound levels for installed systems of this type typically range
between 42 and 49 dBA, depending on attenuation methods adopted, the type of
construction of the building, and the quality of the design and installation. Measurements
for a Type V, wood-frame building is usually higher than for a steel and concrete building.
The lowest sound levels for this system were measured at a new high school building with
steel frames where some sound attenuation measures were incorporated into the design
and the quality of the construction and air balance was more controlled. These measures
have already been adopted into the LAUSD design guidelines.
The standard sound attenuation measures for this system are indicated in Figure 1.2.
8
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Typical Section of Down Discharge Rooftop A/C Unit
Figure-1.2
The Trane Acoustical Program (TAP) Version-2 is used to estimate the classroom sound
levels of each system type using sound data from two different manufacturers and the
standard design measures for sound attenuation.
The cost of each system with the standard design measures for sound attenuation is
estimated using the Means Cost Estimating program with manufacturer provided
equipment cost.
Additional attenuation measures are then added to the standard system singly and in
combinations to evaluate the attenuation of each arrangement.
9
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
The following measures are found to have little or no effect on improving the acoustical
performance of Roof Top Packaged Units of the 3, 4 and 5 Ton sizes that are typically used
for classrooms (in the down discharge configuration).
3. Duct enclosures near the duct roof penetrations installed in conjunction with 1 lining
4. Installing duct silencers on both the supply and return near the duct roof
penetrations at the cost of $ 1,450.00 for each classroom (i.e. about a 12% increase
in overall HVAC cost). Also, duct silencers are effective only when the self-
generated noise could be minimized by using silencers with thick (20 gage
minimum) sheet steel casings or providing enclosures around the silencers that will
add more cost.
According to the TAP analysis, the most effective measure for improving acoustical
performance is to use 18-gage ductwork for the rectangular main ducts. The overall
increase in cost is about 20%. The theoretical attenuation is significant, but it has not been
verified through field tests. The results are tabulated for easy comparison on the next page.
10
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Cost Benefit Analysis of Roof Top Gas/Electric Unit System
Attenuation Cost Vs Sound Level
11
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Energy Efficiency
We estimated the following annual energy usage for a typical 960 square foot classroom
with Trace 700 using typical school operating schedules:
Maintenance
Reliability
Very reliable. Also, the breakdown of one unit will not affect the entire school.
12
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
After-hours operation
Easy to operate after hours and also very energy efficient as individual units can be started
from the thermostat through a preprogrammed by-pass timer and the activation of a central
plant is not necessary.
Individual units can be stopped through a special preprogrammed switch provided on the
thermostat. The thermostats for unitary equipment in the current LAUSD guide
specifications is provided with a 0 - 6 hours after hours override button. Holding down the
override button for 5 seconds will deactivate the unit. This feature is included to avoid
costly and unreliable proximity switches that will automatically deactivate the unit when the
windows are opened.
Environmental impact
Cooling: The current refrigerant, R22 will be phased out in 2020. Units with
environmentally friendly (non-CFC/HCFC) refrigerants are available from a few
manufacturers but they are not recommended as yet because the refrigerants are reported
to be unstable mixtures and the required lubricants are so extremely hygroscopic that extra
drying of the entire system is required before charging. We should wait until industry
standards are more stable.
Heating: Low NOx burners are provided with units sold in California.
13
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM 2:
Split System Heat Pumps
This system is used for the lower floors of a classroom building of three stories or more and
for modernization projects. A dedicated system is provided for each classroom.
The majority of the units are 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow rate is 1,600 CFM of
which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors through gravity relief
openings or an exhaust system.
The typical basic design of this system consists of an outdoor section that consists of a
scroll compressor, an air cooled condenser and a condenser fan and an indoor section that
14
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
is a fan coil unit with a DX coil. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers and two
return registers is provided. Outdoor air is typically obtained through wall louvers or a
dedicated outdoor air system.
The outdoor section of the system is typically installed on the roof on a vibration isolator
frame in new construction as indicated in Figure 2.2. On grade installation is preferred for
modernization of single story to save the expense of the vibration isolators and roof
structural upgrades. The indoor section is typically suspended above the ceiling of the
classroom from hangers provided with vibration isolators as indicated in Figure 2.3.
15
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Typical Suspended Fan Coil Mounting Above Ceiling
Figure-2.3
Sound attenuation measures similar to the rooftop unit in the preceding section were taken
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork.
The measured background sound level for this system with 1 of duct lining throughout in a
Type 1 steel frame building is about 43 dBA.
The sound level estimates with TAP for various additional sound attenuation measures and
their associated costs are tabulated on the next page.
16
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Cost Benefit Analysis of Split System Heat Pump Unit
Attenuation Cost Vs Sound Level
17
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Energy Efficiency
We estimated the following annual energy usage for a typical 960 square foot classroom
with Trace 700 using typical school operating schedules:
100% outdoor air economizers: Can be provided for individual systems but usually are
omitted due to space limitations and higher cost. 100%
outdoor air economizer systems cannot be provided with
dedicated outdoor air systems.
18
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Maintenance
Level of Difficulty: Low but not as convenient as the rooftop units as the
service person has to enter the classroom and lift up the
ceiling tiles to service the indoor unit. Secondary drain
pans, evaporator freeze stats and high condensate level
shut-off switches are necessary to prevent ceiling
damage from condensate overflow.
Reliability
This system is quite reliable. The breakdown of one unit will not affect the entire school but
the refrigerant lines are usually hidden in permanent construction and are difficult to
access. When they leak, it is as difficult as repairing a water pipe leak between building
studs.
When a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is provided the breakdown of
these added system components could affect an entire building and renders the systems
less reliable
After-hours Operation
If a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is not provided, this system is easy
to operate after hours and also energy efficient as individual units can be started from a
programmable thermostat through a preprogrammed by-pass timer and the activation of a
central plant is not necessary. An energy management system is not required.
Additional controls are necessary when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust
system is provided. Also, air moving energy is wasted if only a few fan coils units among
the many served by the system are necessary to operate.
Individual units can be stopped through a special preprogrammed switch provided on the
thermostat. The thermostats for unitary equipment in the current LAUSD guide
specifications are provided with a 0 - 6 hours after hours override button. Holding down the
override button for 5 seconds will deactivate the unit. This feature is included to avoid
costly and unreliable proximity switches that will automatically deactivate the unit when the
windows are opened.
Some energy waste occurs when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is
provided.
19
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Environmental Impact
Cooling: The current refrigerant, R-22 will be phased out in 2020. Units with
environmentally friendly (non-CFC/HCFC) refrigerants are available at present from a few
manufacturers but they are not recommended as yet because the refrigerants are reported
to be unstable mixtures and the required lubricants are so extremely hygroscopic that extra
drying of the entire system is required before charging. We should wait until industry
standards are more stable.
20
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM 3:
Four Pipe Fan Coil Units with Remote Central Plant
Typical Four Pipe Fan Coil Unit with Remote Central Plant Air Distribution System
Figure-3.1
This is an older system that preceded reliable packaged equipment, and is still used
extensively for larger buildings. A fan coil is provided for each classroom and is typically
suspended above the ceiling of the classroom from hangers provided with vibration
isolators as indicated in Figure 2.3. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers and two
return registers is provided. Outdoor air is typically obtained through wall louvers or a
dedicated outdoor air system. Each fan coil unit is provided with a chilled water coil for
cooling and a hot water coil for heating. Chilled water and hot water is pumped to the fan
coil from a remote central plant that is provided with air or water cooled chillers and gas
fired hot water boilers.
21
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
The majority of the classroom fan coil units are about 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow
rate is 1,600 CFM of which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors
through gravity relief openings or through an exhaust system.
Sound attenuation measures similar to the rooftop unit in the preceding section were taken
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork.
The measured background sound level for this system in a Type 1 steel frame building is
about 46 dBA.
The sound level estimates with TAP for various additional sound attenuation measures and
their associated costs are tabulated on the next page.
22
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Cost Benefit Analysis of 4 Pipe Fan Coil Unit System
Attenuation Cost Vs Sound Level
23
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Energy Efficiency
We estimated the following annual energy usage for a typical 960 square foot classroom
with Trace 700 using typical school operating schedules:
100% outdoor air economizers: Can be provided for individual systems but usually are
omitted due to space limitations and higher cost. 100%
outdoor air economizer systems cannot be provided with
dedicated outdoor air systems.
24
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Maintenance
Level of Difficulty: Higher as the service person has to enter the classroom
and lift up the ceiling tiles to service the fan coil unit.
Secondary drain pans and high condensate level
shut-off switches are necessary to prevent ceiling
damage from condensate overflow.
The breakdown of one chiller or boiler can affect the entire school especially in smaller
schools where there is no redundancy and only one chiller or boiler is provided.
When a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is provided the breakdown of
these system components could affect an entire building and renders the systems less
reliable.
After-hours Operation
Additional controls are necessary when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust
system is provided. Also, considerable energy is wasted if only a few fan coils units among
the many served by the system are necessary to operate as the dedicated outdoor air fan,
Central exhaust fan a chiller or boiler and related circulating pumps are necessary to be in
operation, especially in smaller schools where a small dedicated chiller for after hours
operation is not provided.
Individual units can be stopped through a special preprogrammed switch provided on the
thermostat. The thermostats for unitary equipment in the current LAUSD guide
specifications are provided with a 0 - 6 hours after hours override button. Holding down the
override button for 5 seconds will deactivate the unit. This feature is included to avoid
costly and unreliable proximity switches that will automatically deactivate the unit when the
windows are opened.
Some energy waste occurs when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is
provided.
25
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Environmental Impact
Heating: Boilers are required by code to be provided with best available technology to
comply with the Air Quality Management District Low Pollutant Emission
Standards.
26
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM 4:
Central Air Handling Units with Remote Central Plant
Typical Central Air Handling Unit with Remote Central Plant Air Distribution System
Figure-4.1
27
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
This is an older system that preceded reliable packaged equipment, and is still used
extensively for larger buildings. A central air handling unit is provided on the roof or inside
an air handling unit room preferably one unit for each floor of the building. A variable air
volume (VAV) terminal is provided for each classroom and is typically suspended above the
ceiling of the classroom. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers is provided
downstream of the VAV terminal. The space above the ceiling is traditionally used as a
return air plenum but due to CHPS indoor air quality requirements and the need to prevent
high space air pressure fluctuations to maintain ADA door closer forces, ducted return air
systems are used for current LAUSD projects.
Each air handling unit is provided with a chilled water coil for cooling and a hot water coil
for heating. Chilled water and hot water is pumped to the fan coil from a remote central
plant that is provided with air or water cooled chillers and gas fired hot water boilers.
The majority of the classroom VAV terminals are about 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow
rate is 1,600 CFM of which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors
through the return or relief fans at the air handling unit.
This system is not as effective in controlling space humidity as systems with individual
cooling coils. Also, the outdoor air to each room will also be reduced with VAV modulation
unless special controls are provided to maintain a constant outdoor air flow rate at the cost
of $ 3,000.00 for the smallest system.
Sound attenuation measures similar to the rooftop unit in the preceding section were taken
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork. The air handling units are provided
with computer selected fans optimized for sound and internal vibration isolators. Duct
silencers are provided on the roof or in the air handling unit room at both supply and return
air main ducts. Custom air handling units with quieter fans, cabinets with higher sound
absorption and built-in duct silencers are also available at substantial additional cost.
The calculated background sound level for this system with a custom rooftop air handler
with 5 feet long duct silencers in the supply and 3 feet long duct silencers in a Type 1 steel
frame building is about 44dBA with the VAV terminal inside the classroom at the classroom
closest to the air handler which is located on the roof above the corridor. The sound level
is reduced to 37 dBA for the classroom farthest from the air handler with the VAV terminal
located in the corridor.
The sound level estimates with TAP for various additional sound attenuation measures and
their associated costs are tabulated on the next page.
28
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Central Air Handling Unit System
Cost and Acoustical Performance
System Cost
Equipment Corridor Classroom (per classroom)
NC dBA NC dBA
Temtrol ITF-RDHRE43 AHU 46 44 31 37 $19,135.00
Energy Labs AHU 31 37 31 37 $20,135.00
29
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Energy Efficiency
We estimated the following annual energy usage for a typical 960 square foot classroom
with Trace 700 using typical school operating schedules:
Indoor air circulation rate: 10 air changes per hour or more at full load if duct space
is available. A classroom with a VAV system will receive
only about 4 or 5 air changes of re-circulated air during
part load and heating. The outdoor air to each room will
also be reduced unless special controls are provided to
maintain a constant outdoor air flow rate. Air filter
manufacturers recommend higher air changes to limit
indoor particle counts. The coil leaving temperature
could be reset higher to satisfy the zone with the highest
cooling demand at the sacrifice of air moving energy
savings from VAV and also reheat for humidity controls
during periods of high humidity.
30
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Maintenance
Reliability
The breakdown of one chiller or boiler can affect the entire school especially in smaller
schools where there is no redundancy and only one chiller or boiler is provided.
The breakdown of one air handler could affect an entire floor or building.
After-hours Operation
Considerable energy is wasted if only a few rooms among the many served by the system
are necessary to operate as the central air handler, exhaust fan, a chiller or boiler and
related circulating pumps are necessary to be in operation.
Environmental Impact
Heating: Boilers are required by code to be provided with best available technology to
comply with the Air Quality Management District Low Pollutant Emission
Standards.
31
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM 5:
Radiant Panels with Remote Central Plant
Typical Radiant Panels with Remote Central Plant Air Distribution System
Figure-5.1
32
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
This system is a relatively new type of system in the United States though it has been
extensively used in Europe and Canada. This system is very quiet and energy efficient due
to drastically reduced air movement since air moving energy is the major component of
HVAC energy use. However, the design and installation of this system, requires a much
higher level of expertise and cost.
A central air handling unit is provided on the roof or inside an air handling unit room
preferably one unit for each floor of the building to provide de-humidified outdoor air to each
classroom. Radiant panels integrated with the ceiling are provided for each classroom to
provide heating and cooling. Minimal ductwork for two outdoor air diffusers is provided for
each classroom. All the supply air to the room is relieved through gravity to outdoors or is
exhausted through a central exhaust fan system. The space above the ceiling can be used
as a relief or exhaust air plenum but the need to prevent high space air pressure
fluctuations to maintain ADA door closer forces may necessitate ducted exhaust air
systems for larger buildings with fan assisted relief.
Each dedicated outdoor air unit is provided with a chilled water coil for cooling and a hot
water coil for heating. Chilled water and hot water is pumped to the air handling unit from a
remote central plant that is provided with air or water cooled chillers and gas fired hot water
boilers.
The radiant panels are also provided with chilled water and hot water from a remote central
plant.
Sound attenuation measures similar to the rooftop unit in the preceding section were taken
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork. Duct silencers are provided on the
roof or in the air handling unit rooms at both supply and return air main ducts. The air
handling units are provided with computer selected fans optimized for sound and internal
vibration isolators. Duct silencers are provided on the roof or in the air handling unit room at
both supply and return air main ducts. Custom air handling units with quieter fans, cabinets
with higher sound absorption and built-in duct silencers are also available at substantial
additional cost.
The background sound level for this system with a custom rooftop air handler with 5 feet
long duct silencers in the supply and 3 feet long duct silencers in the return in a Type 1
steel frame building is expected to be about 37dBA at the classroom closest to the air
handler which is located on the roof above the corridor.
33
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Energy Efficiency
We estimated the following annual energy usage for a typical 960 square foot classroom
with Trace 700 using typical school operating schedules:
Indoor air circulation rate: 100% outdoor air (No return) but 3 to 4 air changes per
hour only. Air filter manufacturers recommend higher air
changes to limit indoor particle counts. Interior zones of
office buildings with VAV systems normally receive less
than 4 air changes of re-circulated air. A classroom with
a VAV system will receive only about 4 or 5 air changes
of re-circulated air during part load and heating. 4 air
changes of 100% outdoor air should be sufficient.
Maintenance
34
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Reliability
The breakdown of one chiller or boiler can affect the entire school especially in smaller
schools where there is no redundancy and only one chiller or boiler is provided.
The breakdown of one dedicated outdoor air handler or central exhaust fan could affect an
entire floor or building.
Condensation problems could occur with control system failure or operator error.
After-hours Operation
Considerable energy is wasted if only a few rooms among the many served by the system
are necessary to operate as the central dedicated outdoor air handler, central exhaust fan,
a chiller or boiler and related circulating pumps are necessary to be in operation.
Individual zone heating and cooling valves to the room radiant panels can be closed from a
programmable thermostat through a preprogrammed switch. The thermostats for unitary
equipment in the current LAUSD guide specifications are provided with a 0 - 6 hours after
hours override button. Holding down the override button for 5 seconds will deactivate the
unit. This feature is included to avoid costly and unreliable proximity switches that will
automatically deactivate the unit when the windows are opened. A similar method could be
applied to a VAV system through the Energy Management System.
When outdoor humidity is high, condensation problems could occur with control system
failure or operator error.
Environmental Impact
Heating: Boilers are required by code to be provided with best available technology to
comply with the Air Quality Management District Low Pollutant Emission
Standards.
35
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
OTHER SYSTEMS
36
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM A:
Water Source Heat Pumps
Water source heat pump systems are considered hybrid systems, where a common water
loop for condensing or heat exchange is provided from a central source for a building or a
campus, while primary cold or heat generators may be distributed.
A water source heat pump is provided for each classroom and is typically suspended above
the ceiling of the classroom from hangers provided with vibration isolators as indicated in
Figure 6.1. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers and two return registers is
provided. Outdoor air is typically obtained through wall louvers or a dedicated outdoor air
system. The water source heat pumps are provided with a common water loop for
condensing or heat exchange pumped from a campus wide central condenser water
system. A minimum of two independent cooling towers, two boilers, and associated
37
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
accessories must be provided for a campus wide central condenser water system for
redundancy.
Positive means for fresh air make-up and sufficient means of relief to maintain door
opening and closing pressures that comply with California Building Code accessibility
requirements must be provided for classroom units.
The majority of the classroom units are about 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow rate is
1,600 CFM of which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors through
gravity relief openings or through an exhaust system.
Sound attenuation measures similar to the rooftop unit in the preceding section were taken
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork.
The measured background sound level for this system exceeds 50 dBA for most
installations when measured per current ANSI standard methods.
38
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Energy Efficiency
We estimated the following annual energy usage for a typical 960 square foot classroom
with Trace 700 using typical school operating schedules:
2. Coefficient of Performance
100% outdoor air economizers: Can be provided for individual systems but usually are
omitted due to space limitations and higher cost. 100%
outdoor air economizer systems cannot be provided with
dedicated outdoor air systems.
Maintenance
39
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Level of Difficulty: Higher as the service person has to enter the classroom
and lift up the ceiling tiles to service the unit. Secondary
drain pans, and high condensate level shut-off switches
are necessary to prevent ceiling damage from
condensate overflow.
Reliability
The breakdown of one cooling tower or boiler can affect the entire school especially in
smaller schools where there is no redundancy and only one tower or boiler is provided.
When a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is provided the breakdown of
these system components could affect an entire building and renders the systems less
reliable.
After-hours Operation
Additional controls are necessary when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust
system is provided. Also, considerable energy is wasted if only a few fan coils units among
the many served by the system are necessary to operate as the dedicated outdoor air fan,
central exhaust fan, a tower or boiler and related circulating pumps are necessary to be in
operation.
40
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Interface with Operable Windows
Individual units can be stopped through a special preprogrammed switch provided on the
thermostat. The thermostats for unitary equipment in the current LAUSD guide
specifications are provided with a 0 - 6 hours after hours override button. Holding down the
override button for 5 seconds will deactivate the unit. This feature is included to avoid
costly and unreliable proximity switches that will automatically deactivate the unit when the
windows are opened.
Some energy waste occurs when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is
provided.
Environmental Impact
Heating: Boilers are required by code to be provided with best available technology to
comply with the Air Quality Management District Low Pollutant Emission
Standards.
41
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM: B
42
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Section for Typical Wall Mounted Heat Pump Unit
Fig 7.2
43
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Wall mounted packaged heat pumps are the lowest cost and least invasive (least disruptive
to existing Architecture to install) for modernization projects. They are also very
inexpensive to operate. These advantages are offset by the significantly higher sound
levels. Within ten feet of the unit, these systems produce at best a sound level of 50 dBA,
and closer to the unit the levels reach 55 and 60 dBA in most cases. Because there is
usually no ductwork exterior to the units (though the above drawings indicate a ducted
supply air installation with no ductwork on the return), no opportunity to attenuate the units
externally exists. The only option is to improve the design of these units to make them
quieter. The following items should be considered for unit improvement:
1. Make indoor air supply fans quieter by using bigger fans operating at a lower speed.
2. Make condenser fans quieter by using centrifugal fans or specially designed quieter
propeller fans in lieu of the noisy propeller fans that are currently used.
7. Make the unit cabinet quieter by using a double wall cabinet of thicker gauge sheet
metal with gaskets at all joints and thicker insulation.
The locations of these units also have a substantial impact on the classroom sound level.
The typical location on a classroom wall in a modernization project is at a window that is
adjacent to or between existing windows that are usually of 1/8 glass as indicated in Figure
7.1. These windows offer very little sound attenuation and the radiated noise from the unit
entering through the windows, contributes significantly to the classroom sound level. The
manufacturers recommended installation as indicated in Figure 7.2 suggests that these
units are intended for installation against a solid wall.
44
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
SYSTEM C:
Duct Free Systems
45
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Typical Ceiling Suspended System
Fig 8.2
46
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Typical Console Unit System
Fig 8.3
47
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Typical in Ceiling Cassette System
Fig 8.4
48
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
The above systems are variations of split-system heat pumps that were studied as System
2 in an earlier section, with ductless indoor units. They are less invasive (least disruptive to
existing Architecture to install) than rooftops or conventional split systems for modernization
projects. They are also relatively less expensive as installation of ductwork is not required.
They are also quite energy efficient and match those of the split system heat pumps. They
are available in three typical configurations:
High Wall as indicated in figure 8.1. The indoor sound pressure level measured 1 meter
away from the indoor unit of this system is about 48.3 dBA at low speed for a 2 ton Unit.
Indoor sections of high wall systems are only available up to 2 Tons capacity. Two indoor
units will be required for a typical LAUSD classroom thus increasing the indoor sound level
to about 51 dBA.
Ceiling suspended (valance) as indicated in figure 8.2. The indoor sound pressure level
measured 1 meter away from the indoor unit of this system is about 58.0 dBA at medium
speed for a 4 ton Unit. This unit is not available in low speed.
Console as indicated in figure 8.3. The indoor sound pressure level measured 1 meter
away from the indoor unit of this system is about 40.0 dBA at low speed for a 2 1/2 ton Unit.
Indoor sections of console systems are only available up to 2 Tons capacity. Two indoor
units will be required for a typical LAUSD classroom thus increasing the indoor sound level
to about 43 dBA.
A Ceiling Cassette System is shown in figure 8.4. The indoor sound pressure level
measured 1 meter away from the indoor unit of this system is about 45.6 dBA at medium
speed for a 4 ton Unit. This unit is not available in low speed.
Some severe limitations exist with these systems. Indoor sections of high wall systems
are only available up to 2 Tons capacity and console systems up to 2 Tons capacity.
Therefore, two indoor units would be required for a typical LAUSD classroom. These
systems are also only available with low-efficiency; cleanable air filters (filters that are
required to be periodically cleaned). The current LAUSD standard is minimum 30%
efficiency, low-pressure drop, pleated, disposable air filters, which are more effective and
less costly to maintain.
Outdoor air ventilation is not readily available through the unit with high wall,
console and ceiling suspended systems. Classrooms are required by code to be
provided with 20 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air per student. This limitation
alone precludes three configurations of this type of system from classroom
applications in new construction. For modernization projects, these units may be
used in conjunction with a dedicated outdoor-air ventilation system after careful
analysis. However, the cost and invasiveness of the dedicated outside air system
may render the systems impractical.
49
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
These systems cannot provide a 100% outdoor-air economizer cycle. The maintenance
cost is higher and the level of difficulty to service is also considerably higher. The indoor
sections have to be practically totally dissembled for service. After-hour operation and
interface with operable windows is relatively easy and is similar to split-system heat pumps.
Environmental impact is similar to split-system heat pumps.
50
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
ACOUSTICAL REQUIREMENTS OF
LAUSD DESIGN GUIDELINES
51
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
ACOUSTICAL REQUIREMENTS
of LAUSD DESIGN GUIDELINES
General
Requirements in the LAUSD Design Guidelines that relate to the acoustic and noise
aspects of HVAC systems are contained in the Guide Specifications that specify
equipment, installation measures and testing methods, and in the School Design Guide
that present design criteria for the AE firms. Following are excerpts from those documents
illustrating the measures related to HVAC acoustics that the District requires.
These include all of the noise mitigation measures included in this study and report, with
the exception of the increase in duct wall thickness to 18 gage. Actual field testing of this
measure is recommended prior to its adoption as a standard.
E. Verification: The Test and Balance Agency shall recheck ten percent
(minimum ten) of the measurements listed in the report. The locations shall
be selected by the IOR/OAR. The recheck will be witnessed by the IOR/OAR.
If twenty percent of the measurements that are retested differ from the report
and are also out of the specified range, an additional ten percent will be
tested. If twenty percent fall outside the specified range, the report will be
considered invalid and all test and balance work shall be repeated.
52
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Section 01450 Test and Balance, Article 3.06 Q and R:
53
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
3) The airflow rates at each branch duct shall be adjusted
as the second step with air with all volume dampers and
other flow rate control devices fully open.
4) The airflow rates at each air inlet and outlet shall be
adjusted as the final step. The volume damper in the
branch duct shall be used for balancing. Opposed blade
dampers at air inlets and outlets where provided shall
only be used for fine adjustments and shall not be closed
beyond 60% open or when the dampers start to generate
audible noise.
54
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
C. Sound reference levels, formulae and coefficients shall be according to
ASHRAE handbook, Current Systems Volume; Chapter: Sound and Vibration
Control.
D. Determine compliance with the Contract Documents as follows:
1. Where sound pressure levels are specified as noise criteria or room
criteria in Section 15070: Sound, Vibration and Seismic Control.
a. Reduce background noise as much as possible by shutting off
unrelated audible equipment.
b. Measure octave band sound pressure levels with specified
equipment "off".
c. Measure octave band sound pressure levels with specified
equipment "on".
d. Use difference in corresponding readings to determine sound
pressure due to equipment.
DIFF.: 0 1 2 3 4 5 9-10 or More
FACTOR: 10 7 4 3 2 1 0
Sound pressure level, due to equipment, equals sound pressure level
with equipment "on" minus factor.
e. Plot octave bands of sound pressure level due to equipment for
typical rooms, on a graph, which also shows, noise criteria (NC)
curves.
2. When sound power levels are specified:
a. Perform steps in Section 3.20, D, 1.a. through 1.d.
b. For indoor equipment: Determine room attenuating effect; i.e.,
difference between sound power level and sound pressure level.
Determine sound power level will be sum of sound pressure level
due to equipment, plus room attenuating effect.
c. For outdoor equipment: Use directivity factor and distance from
noise source to determine distance factor, i.e., difference
between sound power level and sound pressure level. Measured
sound power level will be sum of sound pressure level due to
equipment, plus distance factor.
3. Where sound pressure levels are specified in terms of dBA, measure
sound levels using the "A" scale of meter. Single value readings will be
used instead of octave band analysis.
55
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
E. Where measured sound levels exceed specified level, Contractor shall take all
remedial action and necessary sound tests shall be repeated.
F. Measure and record sound levels in decibels at each diffuser, grille or register
in occupied areas. Sound levels shall be measured approximately 5'-0" above
floor on a line approximately 45 degrees to center of opening, on the "A" and
"C" scales of a General Radio Company sound level meter, or similar
instrument.
E. G. Report shall also include ambient sound levels of rooms in which above
openings are located, taken without air-handling equipment operating. A
report shall also be made of any noise caused by mechanical vibration.
Entire Section
Section 15700 Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Equipment, Article 2.02
A (1. c and d):
56
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
1. Quality Assurance:
c. Unit outdoor sound levels shall also be rated in accordance with
ARI sound standards 270 and 370.
d. Unit indoor sound levels shall also be rated in accordance with
ARI sound standards 260.
E. Galvanized steel ducts gage thickness and permissible joints and seams of
concealed ductwork shall conform to requirements in HVAC Duct Construction
Standards of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National
Association (SMACNA) and the California Mechanical Code (CMC) unless
noted otherwise on the drawings. The more stringent requirements shall
prevail. Galvanized steel ducts gage thickness and permissible joints and
seams of exposed ductwork shall conform to requirements in Table 2,
Minimum Metal Gages, of this section. When more stringent requirements are
noted on the drawings the most stringent requirement shall prevail.
57
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
5. Flexible duct shall be non-metallic, insulated for conditioned air supply
and return. The flexible ducts shall be factory fabricated with exterior
reinforced laminated vapor barrier, 1-1/2 inch thick fiber glass insulation
(K=0.25 @ 75 degrees F.), encapsulated zinc-coated spring steel wire
helix and impervious, smooth, non-perforated interior vinyl liner and
factory fabricated steel connection collars. For the composite assembly,
including insulation and vapor barrier, comply with NFPA Standard 90 A
or 90 B and tested in accordance with UL Standard, UL-181. Non-
insulated metallic ducts shall be provided for exhaust only.
A. General:
1. Grilles, registers, diffusers and appurtenances shall conform to
requirements specified herein and shall be of type and sizes as
specified and indicated on Drawings. Performance shall be in
accordance with Air Diffusion Council Test Code 1602R2 including
airflow velocity, pressure, temperature, and sound measurements.
2. Sponge neoprene, rubber, vinyl or felt border gaskets shall be provided
for surface-mounted registers, grilles or diffusers.
3. The noise generating characteristics of all specified grilles, registers,
and diffusers shall be tested to, and comply with, all requirements of this
specification. Representative samples shall be subjected to tests in
accordance with applicable standards and procedures in order to
demonstrate such compliance. A special test for this project is not
required if the manufacturer has previous certified test results that can
be made applicable to this project. Maximum Sound Levels of diffusers,
grilles and registers shall be as follows:
58
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Administrative office area: NC 30
Classrooms: NC 20
Libraries and other noise sensitive areas: NC 25
Gymnasiums, cafeterias, lockers areas: NC 30
F. Construct and install ducts to be completely free from vibration under operating
conditions.
59
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
3.10 FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS
A. At points where sheet metal connections are installed to fans or air handling
units, or where ducts of dissimilar metals are connected, a flexible connection
of commercial grade, Duralon by Duro-Dyne Corporation, or equal, non-
combustible material shall be installed and securely fastened by zinc-coated
steel clinch-type bands or a flange type connection. Inlet and outlet openings
shall be axially in-line, maximum deviation of centerline shall be less than 5
percent of diameter or shortest dimension of a rectangular inlet of fan or air
handling unit, with system at rest. Duct end of connection shall be seismically
restrained if more than 4 feet from last support.
3.12 DAMPERS
A. Manually operated dampers, gravity dampers, fire dampers, and motor
operated dampers shall be furnished and installed as specified and indicated.
Upon completion of installation, dampers shall be checked, lubricated, and
adjusted so that they operate freely, without binding. Dampers shall be of
standard commercial manufacture, complete with damper frame. Where
painting is required, they shall be shop finished unless otherwise noted.
1. Provide and install manual volume dampers per current SMACNA
standards to allow balancing per current AABC, NEBB or TABB
Procedures and Standards whether indicated on the drawings or not.
2. Balancing dampers shall be installed in main supply ducts from fan
discharge plenums, where 2 or more ducts are connected to each
plenum, although such balancing dampers may not be indicated. Each
zone shall be provided with a manual volume damper. Sheet metal
screws shall be installed through handles and into ducts to lock damper
in place after test and balance.
3. Each Supply, return, and exhaust branch shall be provided with manual
volume dampers.
4. Do not provide opposed blade dampers at air inlets and outlets.
5. Each supply, return, and exhaust inlet or outlet shall be provided with a
manual volume damper. This damper shall be a minimum of 5 feet
upstream of the air outlet/inlets. An acoustic flexible duct should be
provided between the outlet/inlet and the damper for concealed ducts.
60
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
6. Dampers installed in accessible locations shall be provided with locking
and indicating quadrants. Ventlock, Duro-Dyne, or equal.
7. Dampers installed in ductwork in furred ceiling spaces or in roof spaces
with less than 30 inches of clearance below beams, joists, or other
construction, and where access panels are not provided shall be
furnished with damper rods extended below ceiling and terminated with
a concealed damper regulation. Ventlock, Young, or equal.
8. Dampers not identified as splitter, extractor, or butterfly dampers shall
be of multi-louver type arranged for opposed blade operation. Damper
shall be same dimension as adjoining duct and be tight closing. Blades
shall not be greater than 9 inches. Dampers shall be not less than 18
gage steel.
9. Motor operated dampers shall be furnished by temperature control
manufacturer as part of temperature control equipment and shall
conform to requirements of Section 15900: HVAC Instrumentation and
Controls.
10. Dampers shall be provided with accessible operating mechanisms.
Where operators are exposed in finished portions of building, operators
shall be chromium-plated with exposed edges rounded. Splitter dampers
are not permitted unless specified and reviewed by the Architect.
12. Access panels shall be installed for access at each dampers operating
mechanism.
61
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Acoustical Measures in the School Design Guide
Book 3 Technical Criteria, Section 3.6 HVAC SYSTEMS, Article C, HVAC System
Selection, 1. Criteria 14, page 5:
1. Criteria
Book 3 Technical Criteria, Section 3.6 HVAC SYSTEMS, Article E, Air Distribution,
page 11-12:
E Air Distribution
Ventilation and Outside Air
a. Provide outside air to each room through the HVAC system in
compliance with current CEC Standards and ASHRAE
recommendations. .
b. Clearly indicate outside-air provisions and flow rates for each HVAC
unit, and relief provisions to balance the fresh outside air make-up and
to relieve exhaust air in all operating cycles.
c. Fresh Air Intakes:
1. Locate fresh air intakes to prevent contamination from kitchen
exhaust, garage exhaust, or any process exhaust by locating
the intakes on the upstream (prevailing wind) side of exhaust
openings, as distant as possible.
2. Limit intake velocity to 750 FPM through net free louver area at
100 percent fresh air quantities to keep noise, pressure drop
and rain carryover to a minimum.
Ducts:
a. Comply with current code and SMACNA Guidelines for duct
construction. Thicker metal gages for ducts and hanger straps, as
specified in the Guide Specifications, must be used for exposed
ductwork and other special considerations.
b. Size ductwork for conditioned air on equal-friction method based on
0.08" WC per 100 feet with a high velocity limit of 1,000 FPM above
occupied areas and 1,500 FPM inside shafts, or as directed otherwise
by the Project Acoustical Consultant. Changes in sizes at every
62
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
branch or every interval are not warranted economically unless branch
represents a substantial percentage.
c. Size return-air and exhaust air ducts on equal-friction method based
on 0.08" WC per 100 feet with a high velocity limit of 1,000 FPM
above occupied areas and 1,500 FPM inside shafts or as directed
otherwise by the Project Acoustical Consultant..
d. Allowable air velocities for ducts above acoustically sensitive areas
shall be determined by an Acoustical Engineer.
e. Duct the return air. Ceiling plenum return is not allowed as a means to
improve indoor air quality.
f. Sound attenuators or lined ducts should be installed on inlet and outlet
side of fans, and between fans and ducts, to prevent fan noise
entering rooms through the duct system. Do not locate duct sound
attenuators inside the building above (the ceiling of) occupied spaces
where the breakout noise will increase indoor sound levels above
acceptable limits.
Fans
1. Select fans to minimize noise and to meet noise level criteria in
occupied spaces.
2. Commissioning Measures
1. Air Balance: Systems must be balanced for both the regular
and economizer modes.
Most unitary systems are specified with a safety factor in the static pressure.
The Contractor must be required by the specifications to replace the drive
sheaves and slow the fan down to achieve the required air balance and
prevent energy waste and noise. If this is not done, the air flow is left higher
creating higher static pressure and noise levels.
Cooling Towers:
a. Size cooling towers for 120% to 150% of required capacity, to
guarantee full capacity from chiller at any wet bulb conditions and to
allow for fouling of tower.
b. Provide a bleed-off system and a chemical feeder to prevent mineral
build-up and to maintain water quality.
c. Provide for make-up water to replace evaporation and bleed.
Locate cooling towers to avoid unsightly conditions and so that noise
generated by fan will not be objectionable in adjoining buildings. Provide
louvered screens, masonry walls, or planting for concealment.
63
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Book 3 Technical Criteria, Section 3.6 HVAC SYSTEMS, Article I, Sound and
Vibration Control, page 22:
64
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
b. Fans:
1. Fan-noise in occupied spaces is typically caused by poorly
constructed roof fans, roof fans operating at too great a tip
speed, fan noise traveling through air intake louvers and then
into adjoining spaces, and fan noise traveling to occupied
spaces through inadequately treated return systems. Fan noise
also comes from rooms without sound-attenuating walls or from
roof-top units with inadequate sealing of roof openings and duct
chases.
2. Locate fan and equipment rooms away from classrooms and
other noise-sensitive spaces.
3. Make fan and equipment room walls of dense material, poured
concrete or concrete block with all voids filled where feasible
or sound-attenuating walls of studs and gypsum board.
4. Provide details to assure adequate sealing of duct penetrations
through roof or mechanical equipment room walls.
5. At roof fans exhausting from ceiling plenums over occupied
areas, provide a sound attenuator installed at fan inlet.
65
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Pipe, Conduit and Duct Connections to HVAC Equipment
a. Pipe, duct and electrical conduit connections to HVAC equipment with
rotating or reciprocating components shall be provided with flexible
connectors.
b. Provide spring, neoprene or rubber in shear type hangers as required
for pipes and ducts near connections to HVAC equipment that are
located near or serve acoustically sensitive spaces as directed by an
acoustical engineer.
66
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Different Perspectives
Two articles published in 2004 HVAC trade magazines stating two very different points of
view are also attached. An acoustical engineer thinks that the ANSI S12.6 is impractical
but a duct lining manufacturer strongly supports the standard.
67
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
68
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
69
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
ACOUSTICAL ENGINEERS
REPORT & CALCULATIONS
70
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
Schaffer Acoustics Inc
869 Via de La Paz, Suite A
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
tel 310-459-6463
fax 310-459-1406
mark@schaffer-acoustics.com
James:
At your request, and with your assistance, Schaffer Acoustics Inc performed acoustical
calculations for several classroom HVAC system alternatives. This report summarizes the
calculation results for the following HVAC system designs:
System 2A Carrier FB4B DX split system fan coil unit in classroom ceiling plenum
System 2B Trane Odyssey DX split system fan coil unit in classroom ceiling plenum
System 3A Carrier 42BH 4-pipe fan coil unit in the classroom ceiling plenum
System 3B Trane BCHC 4-pipe fan coil unit in the classroom ceiling plenum
System 4A Remote central station air handling unit (Energy Labs custom unit) with a
1600 CFM VAV terminal unit in the classroom ceiling plenum
All calculations assumed a 960 sq. ft. classroom with an acoustical tile ceiling at 9 feet
above the floor.
CRITERIA
LAUSD HVAC Acoustical Study Schaffer Acoustics Inc
January 31, 2005 Consulting, Testing & Design
Page 2 of 6
The LAUSD currently uses a maximum sound level limit of 45 dBA for classrooms that are
served by ducted HVAC systems. The sound levels in many LAUSD classrooms are less
than the 45 dBA limit. This report analyzes the 5 basic systems to determine their
classroom sound levels, and to determine the most cost-effective sound attenuation
measures for reducing the classroom levels.
Comparing various systems A-weighted sound levels work best where the systems sound
energy is mostly above 250 hertz. However, since the highest sound levels from most
HVAC systems are usually at frequencies of 250 hertz or less, a rating system that considers
the octave bands with center frequencies from 63 to 4000 hertz is more useful for
estimating the acceptability of HVAC system designs. The 1957 Noise Criteria (NC) rating
system was the first popular system that looked at octave band sound levels, and it is still
the most popular among acoustical professionals; and we recommend using it for assessing
classroom system designs. Newer rating systems are being tested, and will be
recommended in the future if they prove to be more reliable than the NC system. For now,
we recommend that the classroom NC ratings not exceed the NC-35 curve, which is
equivalent to about 44 dBA, only 1 dBA less than LAUSDs current 45 dBA sound level limit.
We will notify the district in the future when cost-effective attenuation measures are
available.
As you will see from the calculation results summarized herein, there is not a direct
correlation between a sound spectrums dBA and NC values. In most cases the dBA value is
higher, but a spectrum that has a low frequency octave band that is especially out of balance
with the other octave bands can create the rare situation in which the NC value is higher.
One feature of a well-balanced spectrum is that its dBA value is 5 to 9 points higher than its
NC rating.
All of the calculations were done using Version 2.3 of the Trane Acoustics Program, which is
based on the algorithms published in the 1991 ASHRAE special publication titled
Algorithms for HVAC Acoustics. In some cases we used our field experience to modify a
calculation parameter to obtain a more reliable calculation result. We assumed the
following for all calculations:
1. The supply and return air sheet metal duct gauges were assumed to be the lowest
cost alternative per the SMACNA Duct Design Guide 26 gauge for Systems 1, 2 & 3;
24 gauge for the trunk ducts in Systems 4 & 5.
2. The systems delivered 1600 CFM to the classroom, except for the System 5, which
used radiant ceiling panels. This system needed only about 640 CFM per classroom.
4. All connections to ceiling grilles and diffusers were made with a 5 length of Casco
Silent-Flex II acoustical flex duct. Several other flex duct manufacturers make a
similar product that uses a spunbond nylon inner liner.
5. All grilles and diffusers are selected for a catalog Noise Criteria rating of NC-25 or
less.
6. All system components that are remote from the classroom (e.g., central plant for the
4-pipe systems and condensing units for the split systems) are installed and treated
so that they create insignificant sound exposures in the classrooms.
7. All equipment was mounted on the proper vibration isolators so that structure-borne
sound due transmission was not significant.
The attached Figures 1 through 8 compare the calculated classroom octave band sound level
spectra for each system alternative with the NC-35 octave band Noise Criteria curve, which
has an equivalent A-weighted sound level of 44 dBA.
Systems 1, 2 & 3 are similar in that each systems prime air mover is very close to the
classroom being served and their ductwork layouts are similar. We have, therefore,
summarized the calculation results for these systems in Table 1 below. The table refers to
the attached Figures 1 through 6, which show the octave band spectra associated with each
calculation.
Table 1 includes NC and dBA results for both 26 and 18 gauge ductwork. We included both
duct gauges because our initial calculations using 26 gauge sheet metal ductwork showed
that the acoustical ratings were controlled by excessive breakout sound at the lowest
LAUSD HVAC Acoustical Study Schaffer Acoustics Inc
January 31, 2005 Consulting, Testing & Design
Page 4 of 6
octave bands, and our experience has shown that increasing a ducts thickness (decreasing
its gauge number) is the most economical way to reduce breakout noise.
The table above shows that the school districts 45 dBA limit is exceeded for all of the
tabulated systems, except the Carrier FB4B split system, if 26 gauge ducts are used. The
table also shows that increasing the ductwall thickness to 18 gauge brings all of the systems
into compliance with the 45 dBA limit.
More noteworthy is the fact that none of the calculation results, except for the Carrier FB4B
split system, complies with our suggested NC-35 limit; a close review of Figures 1 through 6
shows that the excesses are comprised of residual 63 and 125 hertz band noise, even with
the 18 gauge ductwork. Controlling this residual low frequency noise will require one or
more of the following mitigation alternatives:
1. Require that the equipment sound power level (LW) values not exceed certain values
(each type of equipment would have its own set of LW value limits).
Re the rooftop units (System Type #1) - We considered rooftop equipment from
manufacturers other than Carrier and Trane, but we did not carry out a complete
system analysis with them because the alternative manufacturers provided
estimated acoustical performance rather than measured performance. All of the
calculation results in this report are based on measured equipment performance in
accordance with ARI Standard 260-2001, which is the only test standard that is
accepted for determining the acoustical performance of air handling units, fan coil
units and other ducted air-moving equipment.
Figures 7 & 8 show the octave band sound spectra for central station variable air volume
systems that use Energy Labs and Temtrol air handling units, respectively. The solid curve
in each figure shows the acoustical spectrum in the corridor directly beneath the AHUs
large trunk ducts; the acoustical phenomenon here is called duct breakout noise. The dot-
dashed curve in each figure is the classroom spectrum due to the in-duct noise that is
generated by the AHU, the terminal unit and the diffusers & grilles. Table 2 below
summarizes the NC and dBA results for these units.
The calculation results in Table 2 show that the classroom sound level with either system
will be much lower than the LAUSD 45 dBA limit, and will even approach the ANSI S12.60
limit of 35 dBA. The classroom noise exposures for both systems are identical because the
classroom sound levels are controlled not by the AHU, but by the low pressure air
distribution system that serves the room, and this part of the system is identical for the two
AHU alternatives that were analyzed. The corridor sound exposures for the Temtrol AHU
are higher than those for the Energy Labs AHU because the Energy Labs unit had internal
sound traps, which were not included in the Temtrol unit. However, the NC-46 and 44 dBA
noise exposures are not considered excessive for a corridor, so thickened duct gauges are
not needed for the supply and return air trunk ducts above the corridor.
System 5, which uses reduced airflow to each classroom along with radiant cooling panels,
will have classroom noise exposures that are very close to the NC-31 and 37 dBA values for
the 2 central station systems in Table 2 above if the relevant system design assumptions are
followed; that is, the diffusers and grilles are selected for a maximum catalog noise rating of
NC-25 and are connected to their ducts with 5 long sections of a flexible duct that uses a
spunbond nylon inner liner. The corridor noise ratings will fall midway between the ratings
for the 2 units tabulated in Table 2, even without the internal sound traps, so further
mitigation of this noise is not needed for the example of the Temtrol ITF-RDH17 air
handling unit.
General Comments
The calculation results in this report suggest that the systems with remote central station
air handling units will yield the quietest classroom sound levels. This is confirmed by our
field experience, as well. The results in Table 1 indicate that all of the systems that use a
single fan-based unit for each classroom will meet the school districts 45 dBA sound level
limit if 18 gauge supply and return trunk ducts are used.
Re our comment on measured versus estimated factory noise data all of the major
equipment manufacturers are continually improving their product lines, so the school
district can expect to see quieter equipment in the near future. Weve also just learned that
York has recently begun running acoustical tests on their Sunline rooftop product and will
be submitting measured sound power level data for consideration by the district in the very
near future.
Summary
No matter what type of system is used to condition classroom air, the following design steps
are important for controlling the classroom noise exposure:
1. Install 4-pipe and DX fan coil units in the ceiling plenums over corridors, work
areas, or other non-sensitive rooms. Do not install them over classrooms.
LAUSD HVAC Acoustical Study Schaffer Acoustics Inc
January 31, 2005 Consulting, Testing & Design
Page 6 of 6
2. Select the air-moving equipment for the lowest possible set of discharge and inlet
sound power levels, as measured per the latest revisions of ARI Standard 260. Do
not accept sound data obtained from any other test standard or estimation method.
It is beyond the scope of this report to present specific sound power level limits
because they will be different for each type of unit selection and installation, but a
general rule of thumb is that larger fans at lower RPM rates are quieter than smaller
fans at higher rotation speeds. Also, a unit whose fan is mounted on spring isolators
inside of the cabinet will produce less noise than a unit whose fan is either directly
bolted to the cabinet or installed with neoprene grommets or bushings.
3. Use 18 gauge sheet metal for all rectangular ducts that run directly over classrooms.
A thinner duct gauge is OK for circular ducts.
4. Select classroom diffusers and grilles for a catalog sound rating of NC-25 or less.
5. Use a 5-foot long section of Casco SilentFlex II or Toro-Aire Toroflex flex ductwork
to connect each diffuser and grille to its sheet metal ductwork.
6. Install all diffuser and grille balancing dampers at the metal/flex interface, not at the
connection of the flex duct to the diffuser or grille collar.
At your request we will provide the summary and detailed calculations sheets that we used
to develop the octave band spectra that are shown in Figures 1 through 8.
Yours truly,
Schaffer Acoustics Inc
Mark E. Schaffer, P. E.
President
MES:bh
Encl.