HVAC design guide for large owner maintained

multi-wing facility

5.1 Introduction

A. The primary objective of these standards is to achieve consistency in the

mechanical design. These guidelines are general and are supplemented by
the applicable codes, standards, and guides referenced in this manual.
B. As a minimum, all new and renovated construction will conform to the 2009
International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the 2009 International Plumbing
Code (IPC).
C. Additional standards listed in Appendix Section of this report can be
referenced if appropriate for a specific project. This will have to be
determined by designer on a project by project basis.
D. A design narrative with specific project criteria is to be developed so that
project design requirements can be available in a written format to all
reviewing parties. Commercial specifications along with detailed design
drawings are required to be incorporated in all final construction bid
packages. Final mechanical as-builts will be produced during the
construction phase.
E. New construction energy consumption shall be at least 30% less than
ASHRAE 90.1 2007 standards. Renovation project energy consumption shall
be at least 20% less than ASHRAE 90.1 2007 standards.
F. Endeavor to reduce energy consumption by 50% below ASHRAE 90.1 2007
standards if Life Cycle Cost justified.

5.5 Mechanical Equipment Selection – General

A. All energy consuming equipment shall be selected on minimum capacity,

physical size, configuration, special features AND the lowest Life Cycle Costs
B. A description of equipment is required to be indicated on the equipment list
drawings. The engineer is required to locate and describe one manufacture’s
model that meets design requirements. The following guidelines are required:
1. Indicate the manufacturer’s catalog number and performance information.
2. Provide additional specifications to describe complicated equipment.
3. Use performance data that will ensure a quality product and the lowest
Life Cycle Cost.
4. Key mechanical items numbers to the plans and details.
5. Manufacturer’s actual performance data is required for capacity
equipment.
 6. All equipment assemblies requiring line electrical power will have a local
disconnect provided by electrical contractor or manufacturer. Coordinate
with electrical engineer exact requirements per each piece of equipment.
5.6 VENTILATION:

 Ventilation systems shall include a 100% outside air capacity economizer.

 Variable volume, temperature and pressure ventilation systems are typically required
using pressure independent VAV boxes.
 Constant volume applications will incorporate pressure independent VAV boxes.
 Pressure independent VAV boxes will be used on exhaust side for spaces requiring
pressure control.
 Full time 100% outside air systems will require a minimum 50% heat recovery
package.

FANS & Air Handling Units (AHU):

 Fans will be selected and sized to minimize noise in order to minimize the need for
sound attenuation.
 In fan systems totaling 10 HP or more, capacity will be adjusted using Variable
Frequency Drives (VFD). Use OWNER standard VFD specifications and
instructions.
 Fan motors 1 HP and larger will be premium efficiency 1800 RPM unless a different
speed is approved by OWNER. Size motors so that they operate at about 80% load
at maximum anticipated airflow.
 If fan HP requirement is ≥10 HP for any single purpose, use multiple direct drive plug
fans in a wall type configuration (Huntair, Trane, Aaon or approved equal) rather than
one large fan.
 Packaged Roof Top AHUs will have a minimum R-13 insulation value.
 Note: Aaon manufactures AHUs and packaged units with variable speed
compressors, variable speed multiple fan walls and minimum R-13 insulation. All at
a similar price to competitors with conventional features.

AIR FILTERS:

 Owner has studied air filters and determined the lowest LCC product for each
application. An approved equal would produce an equal or lower LCC to the
specified filters.
 Size filter banks so that only 2’x 2’ and 1’x 2’ filters are used and air velocities should
be no greater than 4500 FPM.
 Use 4” deep MERV 8 high capacity filters in typical applications.
 Use 22” deep MERV 13 bag filters if needed to acquire LEED points.
 Areas requiring higher efficiency air filters shall use 4” deep MERV 8 high capacity
prefilters and 22” deep MERV 15 final filters. It is also acceptable to use 12” deep
rigid filters that provides the lowest total cost of ownership as determined by the
BetterBricks Air Filter Comparison Calculator.
 http://www.betterbricks.com/DetailPage.aspx?ID=943

HEAT EXCHANGE COILS:

 Heat exchange coils should be designed for 14 degree F cooling and 20 degree F
heating temperature differentials.

DUCTWORK
 Do not use more than 4 feet of flexible ductwork unless it is necessary in retrofit
applications.
 Do not expose fiberglass to the ventilation system air stream or to occupied space.
 Use full radius or splitter vane elbows only.
 Select duct velocities to meet N.C. requirements of each occupied space.
 Do not use opposed blade damper registers in occupied spaces. Locate balancing
dampers next to the connection to the main branch or terminal box to minimize noise
levels in occupied spaces. Insure that these dampers are accessible.
 For return and exhaust ductwork, select a pressure rating that will avoid damage to
ductwork in event of sudden smoke/fire damper closure during fan operation.
 Protect ductwork from overpressure due to the sudden closing of dampers. Provide
accessible, well-sealed pressure relief doors or panels that can be closed and
sealed with out special tools or new parts after they blow open.

DAMPERS:
 Construct damper blades of minimum 14 gauge galvanized steel and damper frames
of minimum 16 gauge galvanized steel. Provide opposed blade action with stainless
steel compressible jamb seals and extruded blade edge seals suitable for 0 degrees
F to 250 degrees F. Blades shall rotate on stainless steel sleeve bearings. Damper
blade lengths shall not exceed 60 inches. Leakage rate shall not exceed 5
CFM/square foot at 1-inch water gage and 9 CFM/square foot at 4 inches water
gage. Leakage and pressure ratings shall be based on AMCA Publication 500.
 Damper shafts shall have at least one flat facet at the point of connection to the
actuator.
 Provide a grooved scribe running parallel to the blades on the end of each damper
shaft.
 Outside, Return and Relief air dampers shall be independently driven and controlled.
 Large damper assemblies shall be made of individually driven sections that are
small enough to ensure reliable operation and uniform closure across the entire
damper assembly when operated by a single actuator.

HVAC ACTUATORS:
 Generally, actuators shall use 24 VAC power, analog control (or floating point control
with position feedback) and mount around a rotating shaft to modulate dampers and
valves.
 Provide actuators with at least 150% of the required device torque.
 Damper actuators shall be operated and controlled independently so that if one
damper segment or actuator becomes inoperable, the others remain operable.
 When adequate control air is available, use pneumatic actuators for large valves.
Two stacked electric actuators may be used with OWNER approval for large valves.
 Mount electric actuators horizontally to hot water valves.

ACTUATED VALVES:
 Modulating 2-way control valves shall be pressure independent.
 3-way valves shall not typically be used. A 2-way controlled bypass may be used to
maintain a minimum water flow.
 Pressure independent flow control valves will not generally need circuit setters or
dedicated strainers.
 Two-position valves shall be of a rotating type and may be ball, shoe or butterfly
depending on size and application.
 Valves 2.5” and smaller shall be stainless steel, brass or bronze.
 Valve stems shall have at least one flat facet at the point of connection to the
actuator.

CHILLERS:
 In general, variable speed chilled water systems will be used for cooling
applications.
 Lowest total cost of chiller ownership will be the primary criteria for purchase so
anticipated energy consumption will be used in conjunction with the installed cost
and anticipated O&M costs to determine the “best bid”.
 Typically, variable speed compressors will produce the lowest total cost of
ownership.
 OWNER will provide a chiller selection tool characterized for the specific needs of
the project. The mechanical designer will assist in creating a load profile for this
tool.
 Air Cooled chillers <200 tons will be considered if LCC justified.
 Hybrid systems using indirect evaporative cooling, direct evaporative cooling and/or
refrigerated cooling may be considered to reduce life cycle costs (LCC).
 Small DX units may be allowed for small process loads such as data centers or labs.
 If practical, cooling equipment should be provided in sizes and configurations so that
hot gas bypass is never needed.
 Reciprocating compressors are not allowed.

PUMPS:
 Generally, variable speed pumps will be selected for N+1 operation such that all but
one pump can operate at 60 HZ and produce 100% design flow. For example, three
chilled water pumps might be installed and sized so that two pumps must run at
100% speed in order to maintain design flow. Typically all three pumps will operate
in parallel at reduced speed to produce design flow. Pump selection and sequence
of operation must be optimized to minimize energy consumption.

MOTORS:
 All electric motors ≥ 1 HP shall be premium efficiency
5.9 HVAC Design Conditions

A. Unless otherwise specified by the design engineer, the following guidelines

are established HVAC design conditions at OWNER:
1. Outdoor summer conditions: 96°F dry bulb, 60°F wet bulb (Reference
ASHRAE weather data tables). These conditions are to be used when not
designing for a specific indoor humidity.
2. Outdoor summer conditions: 83°F dry bulb, 65°F wet bulb (Reference
ASHRAE weather data tables). These conditions are to be used when
designing for a specific indoor humidity and dehumidification or humidity
control is in the design criteria.
3. Outdoor winter conditions: 13°F dry bulb (Reference ASHRAE weather
data tables).
4. Pressurize all structures to minimize infiltration.
5. The minimum outside air required to provide ventilation for each zone is
determined by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007, Ventilation for Acceptable
Indoor Air Quality.
6. Design heating water system with 140°F maximum supply temperature
and a minimum 20°F drop. Use condensing boilers and control return
water temperature to range from 70°F to 120°F.
7. Design chilled water systems with a minimum of 40°F and maximum of
45°F and a 10°F drop.
8. Indoor office design conditions per owner energy policy:
a. Occupied cooling = 78°F. Never set below 76°F.
b. Occupied heating = 68°F
c. Unoccupied cooling = 85°F
d. Unoccupied heating = 55°F

5.10 Evaporative Air Conditioning Design

A. Evaporative cooling is the primary cooling application for warehouses, shops

not requiring close temperature controls, non-residential kitchens, and
makeup air ventilation units. Evaporative cooling can also be considered as a
source of cooling for offices and labs. The following are established
guidelines for evaporative cooling:
1. Operating efficiency for adiabatic cooling equipment is a minimum of 70
percent.
2. Base the system installed capacity on the condition space peak cooling
load and not an arbitrary air change air flow rate
 3. State adiabatic cooler specifications in terms of air capacity, the air
entering dry and wet bulb temperatures and leaving dry bulb temperature.
4. Indirect Evaporative coolers may be used for office and lab applications in
order to meet energy efficiency requirements. These units must be
installed in similar fashion to refrigerant units with return and exhaust air.
5. When evaporative coolers are installed as supplemental cooling in an air
handling unit, it is required to be installed downstream from the chilled
water coil and controlled to operate as a first stage of cooling whenever
the outside air dew point is below the highest allowable space dew point.
6. Consider air duct design, location of coolers, and reliefs of the higher rate
air supply (for two speed configuration) to ensure a satisfactory operating
system.
7. Specify drip pad coolers on small installations.
8. Specify high efficiency rigid media coolers with stainless steel water
sumps on medium and large size systems.
9. For energy conservation, specify the lightest color available from the
manufacturer for exterior finish coat of cabinet.
10. Specify two speed or variable speed motors.
11. Provide and detail a bleed, overflow and drain on the piping diagram for
each piece of evaporative equipment. Set the bleed amount for 1 gallon
per 1000 CFM. Discharge the bleed line to the sanitary sewer.
12. Detail a system for thoroughly draining supply water piping subject to
freezing.
13. Include a slide damper in the design of small evaporative units.

5.11 Refrigerated Air Conditioning Systems

A. The following are established guidelines for refrigeration systems:

1. Design refrigeration systems to meet the requirements of the international
mechanical code (IMC).
2. Design refrigeration systems to meet the requirements of ASHRAE
Standard 90.1-2007, energy standard for buildings except low rise
residential buildings.
3. Whenever possible include 100% OA economizers in HVAC system.
4. Specify air conditioning and refrigeration institute certified water coils.
Size coils for 450 feet per minute maximum face velocity.
5. Choose refrigerants to comply with the minimum coefficient of
performance ratings as listed in ASHRAE 90.1.
 6. When a refrigeration machinery room is required design the room to meet
the requirements of the UMC.
7. Install air vents on all high points on chilled water lines.
8. Minimizing LCC may require water cooling towers but it may be cost
effective to use air cooled condensers for chillers smaller than 200 tons.
Consider Smardt air cooled chillers.
9. Specify hail guards for all exposed condenser coils.
10. Select air cooled condensers for a 105°F entering air temperature and
consider water spray systems to help meet energy efficiency
requirements.
11. Small condensers at grade level should be mounted on concrete pad or
rails at least 6 inches above grade.

5.12 Exhaust System Design

B. The design guidelines for typical exhaust systems include the following:
1. Establish exhaust requirements per ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007.
2. Exhaust toilet rooms, darkrooms, battery rooms and any other areas that
contain noxious, harmful, or objectionable fumes.
3. Areas being exhausted are required to be balanced so a slight negative
pressure exists.
4. Exhaust refrigeration machinery rooms to meet the requirements of the
UMC.
5. Use sight proof and non-adjustable louvers.
6. Use special exhaust grilles and door louvers in darkrooms to prevent
passage of light.

5.13 Local Exhaust Ventilation

A. Clearly define the source of all exhaust air and provide clean tempered air
into the space to replace exhaust air.
B. Design hoods and calculate exhaust requirements based on similar
applications found in the ACGIH, American conference of governmental
industrial hygienists industrial ventilation manual.
C. Local exhaust ventilation systems are to be installed per manufacturer’s
requirements and guidelines set in ACGIH.
D. Coordinate layout requirements of fume hoods with architect. Locate fume
hood faces 10 feet or more from the closest air supply or exhaust point but
not along normal traffic routes. A fume hood should not be located where the
room air currents are greater than 50 feet per minute.
 E. Fume hood full open air face velocity settings can be between 80 and 100
feet per minute. Generally, a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is
satisfactory if the quality of supply air distribution is adequate. OWNER may
accept 50 FPM face velocities based upon agreement with the users and
designers. Regulated carcinogens and radiological hoods require higher face
velocities.
F. Install fume hoods with an airflow indicator: a vanometer, differential pressure
gauge or variable air volume control system.
G. Exhaust systems handling particles require minimum transport velocities be
maintained throughout the system.
H. Exhaust systems handling vapors or gases duct velocities of 2000-3000 feet
per minute usually result in a good balance.
I. Calculate exhaust requirements for closed type glove boxes for 50 CFM per
box.
J. Exhaust vacuum pump-oil mist to the outside or to the building exhaust
system.
K. HEPA systems used in radiological applications are to be installed per
manufacturer’s recommendations.

5.14 Exhaust Fans

A. The design guidelines for typical exhaust fans include the following:
1. Roof exhausters for general room exhaust are required to be aluminum,
roof mounted, curb type, centrifugal, integral weather cover, bird screen,
back-draft damper, electrical disconnect.
2. Exhaust fans that serve acid, corrosive or fume hoods are required to be
utility and epoxy coated. Design fumes at an exit velocity of 3000 feet per
minute. Extend exhaust stacks at least 10 feet above roof level or air
intakes that are within 50 feet. Do not install weather cap on stacks that
discharge hazardous chemicals.
3. Coordinate design of exhaust stacks with structural and electrical to
ensure proper stack support and lightning protection.

5.15 Ductwork Design

A. The design guidelines for duct design include the following:

1. Design supply ductwork using equal friction or static regain method.
2. Design return air and exhaust duct on approximately 0.05 inches of water
column loss per 100 feet of duct. Ensure the proper air quantities will be
returned from even the most remote opening.
 3. Coordinate ductwork layout with the architect to minimize penetrations
through firewalls and smoke barriers. At these penetrations, fire or
fire/smoke dampers with access doors are required.
4. Duct work is required to be constructed and installed in accordance with
UMC or SMACNA, sheet metal and air conditioning contractors’ national
association.
5. Consider the requirement for a return air fan when the return duct
resistance exceeds 0.25 inches of water.
6. Provide means of balancing system. Consider dampers, flow measuring
stations, temperature and pressure test connections, gauges and flow
sensors.
7. Draw duct work to scale. Thoroughly dimension the duct on the drawings.
Clearly show register size, equipment list number, cubic feet per minute,
and pressure drop. Show all turning vanes in elbows, transitions, duct
liners, and air proportioning vanes.
8. Diffuser size and cubic feet per minute are required to be shown on plan
drawings for each type and size of diffuser. A diffuser or return air device
with no volume control may be referred to as a grille. Install balancing
dampers at trunk, not in room.
9. Ductwork will require to be constructed and installed accordingly to the
following pressure classifications:
a. From the fan to the VAV box: 4” w.g. positive
b. Downstream of the VAV box: 1” w.g. positive
c. Return air: 1” w.g. positive or negative
d. Lab exhaust: 4” w.g. negative
e. Restroom and general exhaust: 2” w.g. negative

10. For pressures less than negative 4” w.c., greater than positive 10” w.c. and
highly corrosive duct refer to SMACNA Round Industrial Duct Construction
Standards of SMACNA Rectangular Duct Construction Standards.
11. Fire and Smoke dampers are to be specified for dynamic closure to shut
off against airflow at a minimum of 2375 feet per minute and 4 inches of
water.

5.16 Equipment on Roof

A. It is preferred to locate air intakes and exhausts on roof and orient them to
minimize adverse wind effects. All outside air intakes are to be at least 10
feet from flues, sewer vents, and exhausts.
B. Provide roof curbs for packaged units and fans.
 C. Set up items not suitable for curb mounting at 18 inches above roof surface
on angle iron stand or MIRO support so re-roofing can be done under them.
It may also be acceptable to have unions installed in piping assemblies for
temporary removal of piping when re-roofing occurs.
D. Provide maintenance pads around packaged roof top equipment or larger
equipment requiring periodic maintenance.
E. Whenever mechanical equipment is roof mounted, call out permanent and
secured access ladders leading to the roof.
F. Provide at least a 6 foot clearance between roof mounted equipment and the
edge of roof, or provide suitable rail guards.
G. Provide structural engineer information concerning size, weight, and dynamic
loadings associated with roof mounted equipment.

5.17 Controls

A. OWNER uses a XXXXXX Energy Management and Control System (EMCS)

incorporating Direct Digital Control (DDC), energy management, and
equipment monitoring and control of HVAC systems in buildings. This system
is required to be included in the design of all facilities greater than 10,000
square feet unless otherwise specified by OWNER. The following minimum
requirements are required to be in the bid document set:
1. Where Digital Direct Controls are to be included in project, provide edited
owner’s specification 15950, DDC Building Control System.
2. Provide sequence of controls for all HVAC equipment.
3. Provide emergency shut down for all HVAC with fresh air intakes on all
renovated or new construction projects.
B. CONTROL:
4. All stated setpoints to be operator adjustable.
5. Provide an airflow and temperature monitoring station downstream of
supply air filters, upstream of return or exhaust fan(s) and one or more in
the outside airflow as necessary to accurately measure minimum airflow.
In 100% outside air systems only supply and exhaust measurements are
needed.
6. In constant volume ventilation systems, control fan speed to maintain a
desired CFM setpoint that is 98% of the total CFM that would be naturally
maintained if the terminal boxes were determining total CFM. Use
pressure independent VAV boxes for CV applications.
7. In VAV systems, monitor damper position in remote VAV supply boxes and
control fan speed so that only one VAV box is fully open.
8. Use VAV return air terminal boxes as necessary to insure proper
pressurization control.
 9. Modulate outside air dampers to maintain a desired supply air temperature
or to maintain the minimum required outside air quantity when outside
temperature > return air temperature.
10. The return air damper will remain open until the outside air dampers reach
90% open. Modulate return air dampers from 100% open to fully closed
as the outside air dampers modulate from 90% open to fully open.
11. Modulate relief/exhaust fan speed to maintain building static pressure at
approximately 0.02”
12. Leave relief/exhaust air dampers fully open when fan speed modulation is
able to maintain pressure control.
13. Fire alarm system control shall override all HVAC control functions as
required.

5.19 Sound Control

A. Establish design goals according to good engineering practice and ASHRAE

Guide.
B. Minimize noise transmission throughout the structure.
C. Select fans and equipment that are inherently quiet enough to meet ASHRAE
noise criteria curves for that occupancy without the requirement for additional
sound attenuation devices.
D. Select diffusers and grilles with sufficiently low velocity to provide a noise
level that meets the ASHRAE noise criteria curve for that occupancy.

5.24 Plumbing Design Conditions

A. OWNER water pressures range from 60 to 110 pounds per square inch
gauge (psig).
B. Natural gas main pressure is 20 psig.
C. Flush valves require a minimum of 25 psig residual pressure. All other
fixtures require a minimum of 15 psig residual pressure.
D. Water velocities in domestic system are required to be designed so velocities
do not exceed 10 feet per second.
E. At a minimum natural gas, liquid propane gas, roof drain leaders and
domestic water piping sized per UPC or other approved engineered method.
F. Hot water to lavatories and sinks design to receive 110 ̊F.
G. Commercial Kitchen Hand Sinks and Dishwashers designed to receive 140 ̊F.
5.25 Mechanical and Plumbing Calculations Required

A. Calculations are required to be submitted as part of the Design Analysis and

include the following:
1. Design Narrative.
2. HVAC Energy calculations via Elite or Trane Software.
3. Pump sizing.
4. Fan sizing.
5. Heat or cooling generated equipment sizing.
6. Domestic hot water heater sizing.
7. Fixture unit count sizing for large domestic plumbing systems.
8. Estimate capacity of fire water supply and domestic water supply.
9. Additional calculations as required in support of equipment listed on
mechanical equipment schedule