Kenvlach,
You hit the nail on the head with the termite comment. The number of homes damaged around here each year due to termite infestation is staggering. Most homes are block/stucco. Even though the exterior does not represent a good meal, these critters always seem to find their way into...
I design systems on a regular basis that have heating minimums less than 50%. I also live in Florida. Our design standard is to set our minimums at our ventilation rates (for both heating and cooling) unless we are using electric heaters that require higher airflow. In that case, the electric...
I have used the Trane Trace 700 software program extensively for energy modeling. Once the data is input, the time it typically takes to run the model is minimal. Some huge models can require 5 or 10 minutes to run but that seems to be the exception. I would have to say that with a modern PC...
Adrian, ABS seems geared towards the commercial end of things. With that said, it still offers most of the duct, fittings, and fans typically found in more industrial applications. There is also an option to design your own parts, in 3-D, for your library. We are in the infancy stages of...
This is probably not helpful but in my opinion, it is hard to beat a good old fashioned VAV w/ reheat at box system in a school. I can have one room at 85 degrees in heat mode and the room next door at 65 degrees in cooling mode. It is typically cost effective and offers a tremendous level of...
Your ambient conditions sound alot like the summer conditions in Tampa. When we do oa pre-conditioning with a DX unit, we will try to first of all select a unit that is designed for this duty. A Trane Morganizer is a good example. This type of unit will typically have multiple compressors and...
Our company recently made a large investment in Autodesk ABS. This software does the sizing for you and will dynamically modify duct sizing when flow rates are changed on diffusers. It is a great tool and makes change management a little easier. Our entry level designers do not see the use in...
1969grad, Is your new home located in a humid climate. In Florida, vapor barriers are installed on the "hot" side of the wall section to prevent moisture from getting to the insulation. On most homes with wood construction, a product such as a Tyvek house wrap is applied to the exterior of...
It sounds like most of your assumptions are correct. I would assume that the VAV box CFM's are max and min. In heat mode with heat at the box, the box would actuate to it's min. position and modulate the control valve on the heating coil to maintain space temp at setpoint. The min setting on...
cme makes a valid point about specific applications. Our firm trys to follow ASHRAE 15 to the highest degree feasible. Sometimes it is just not reasonable to separate refrigerant from combustion. Many engineers would make the counter-argument that putting the integrity of the equipment...
Not knowing the geographic location this unit is to be installed in, keep in mind that your completely uninsulated space more than likely does not have a vapor barrier. With the possibility of large temp and vapor pressure differentials, the possibility of moisture problems are real.
