NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012

PART-A
1. Describe the significance of thermodynamics and its
application.
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics concerned with heat
and temperature and their relation to energy and work
including pressure, density etc. in a substance.
Thermodynamics focuses on how heat transfer is related to
various energy changes within a physical system. The laws of
thermodynamics dictate the specifics for the movement of heat
and work.
Zeroth law of Thermodynamics. :
It's about thermal equilibrium. When two objects or systems
are in thermal equilibrium with each other, the heat energy
flowing from the first object to the second is the same as that
flowing from the second object to the first. Hence they are at
the same temperature.
First Law of Thermodynamics states : Energy can't be created
or destroyed, but can be converted from one form to another.
The total amount of energy and matter in the Universe remains
constant
Second law of thermodynamics states : Not all energy can be
used. It states that as the disorder in the universe increases,
the energy is transformed into less usable forms. Thus, the
efficiency of any process will always be less than 100%. Cooling
systems are constructed to operate base on the second law of
Thermodynamics.
Third law of thermodynamics states : At absolute zero there is
NO energy, and therefore the atoms in a crystal do not move at

all. If they are not moving, there is no tendency towards

disorder. At all other temperatures, atoms are still vibrating.

2. Explain about the function of Air handling units. Already

dealt earlier.
3. State different air conditioning systems for small
buildings.
Broadly the airconditioning system for small building can be
grouped as Unitary or Semi-Central.
Unitary System : These basically light duty systems meant to cool
limited spaces not exceeding 400 sq.ft of a single zone. They can
be either Window Airconditioners or Split Airconditioners. Further
in split AC we have many versions like High Wall, Cassette,
Vertical, Concealed etc to suit the application. Both have limited
air distribution facility and hence using multiple units for larger
areas is not the correct choice.
Semi Central : For fairly large areas to cool more than 400-500
sq.ft we can consider Semi-Central systems. They can be either
floor mounted packaged air-conditioners or ceiling suspended
ductable split ACs. They units produce cold air and unlike the
unitary ( which throws the cold air ), these units actually distribute
the air through ducting and grilles / diffusers.

WINDOW AC

SPLIT
AC

PACKAGED UNIT

DUCTABLE SPLIT UNIT

4. Explain the function of chilled water plant. Already dealt

earlier.
5. Describe the design issues to be addressed in
horizontal distribution systems.
The horizontal distribution system for mechanical and electrical
services in a large building should be planned simultaneously with
the structural frame and the interior finish systems, because the
three are strongly interrelated. The floorto-floor height of a
building is determined in part by the vertical dimension needed at

each story for horizontal runs of ductwork and piping. The

selection of finish ceiling, partition, and floor systems is often
based in part on their ability to contain the necessary electrical
and mechanical services and to adjust to future changes in these
services. All these strategies involve close cooperation among the
architect and the structural and mechanical engineers.
6. State the choices of cooling systems for large buildings.
Already dealt earlier.

PART-B
7. (a). Describe in detail about Basic refrigeration
principles and its application.

Principles of Refrigeration :
Liquids absorb heat when changed from liquid to gas
Gases give off heat when changed from gas to liquid.

For an air conditioning system to operate with economy, the

refrigerant must be used repeatedly. For this reason, all air
conditioners use the same cycle of compression, condensation,
expansion, and evaporation in a closed circuit. The same
refrigerant is used to move the heat from one area, to cool this
area, and to expel this heat in another area.
The refrigerant comes into the compressor as a low-pressure lowtemp gas, it is compressed and then moves out of the
compressor as a high-pressure high -temp gas.
The gas then flows to the condenser. Here the gas condenses to a
liquid, and gives off its heat to the outside air. There is only
change of phase and no change in pressure or temp.
The liquid then moves to the expansion valve under high pressure
high-temp. This valve restricts the flow of the fluid, and lowers its
pressure and temp as it leaves the expansion valve.
The low-pressure low temp liquid then moves to the evaporator,
where heat from the inside air is absorbed and changes it from a
liquid to a gas. There is only change of phase and no change in
pressure or temp.
The refrigerant moves to the compressor where the entire cycle is
repeated.
Note that the four-part cycle is divided at the center into a high
side and a low side. This refers to the pressures of the refrigerant
in each side of the system
(Or)
(b). Elaborate in detail the significance of refrigerants
control devices and functions.
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES - TXV is the most widely used
refrigerant flow control device. This valve controls the refrigerant

flow into the evaporator. It is called thermostatic because they are

responsive to the temperature of the refrigerant which again
depends on the demand for cooling.
When there is an increase in the demand for cooling in the
evaporator the pressure increases. This is sensed by the TXV
which automatically opens the
the valve to let more refrigerant into the evaporator. The reverse
happens when there is a drop in demand.
Once the refrigerant from the compressor gets enters the
expansion valve ,the high pressure and high temp liquid runs into
a constriction that doesn't allow the refrigerant to pass through
easily. As a result, when the liquid does get through to the other
side which is expanded, it finds itself in a much lower pressure.
When the pressure drops like this, so does the temperature. Now
this cold liquid cools the air and thus we get air-conditioned air.

THERMOSTATIC
EXPANSION VALVE

8. (a). Explain the design criteria for selecting the air

conditioning systems for buildings with energy
conservation measures.
The following steps have to be undertaken :
Proper heat load calculations will have to be prepared so that
correct capacity of the system can be arrived at. Whenever
we select an air-conditioner based on the heat load
calculations we have to ensure that the capacity as well as
the air quantity required as per the heatload is matching
with the equipment being selected.
In the heatload itself we can find ways and means to reduce
the heat ingress like selecting heat resistant glass, insulation
for walls and roof, fresh air quantity as per ASHRAE
standards, LED hights, fenestrations etc.
Based on the study of the application involved we have to
select the correct type of system i.e whether Unitary, SemiCentral or Central.
After the system is selected we have to incorporate
materials, systems and controls to ensure that less energy is
utilized. Some of them are :

Unitary systems :
Star Rating : Out of 5 / 3 / 2 star select the 5 star. Between 5
and 2 star there is 30 % saving. Still better is to go in for
Inverter based air-conditioner which assures additional 25 %
power saving. This is because the inverter changes the
speed of the compressor and ensures that only the exact
cooling required is produced by the compressor.
Semi-Central :

 Consider Energy efficient scroll compressors. Also go in for

multiple compressors wherein the compressor is cut-off in
case of part load operations.
Go for Energy efficient motors.
Go for high performance units wherein the indoor and
outdoor unit copper coil is sized 40 % more. This additional
area ensures that more heat is rejected ( condenser ) and
more heat is absorbed ( evaporator ) leading to less strain on
the compressor and saving 20 % energy.
Central :
Consider going in for Screw chillers which are more energy
efficient than others.
While comparing the chillers , select the chiller based on its
efficiency at part load conditions and not in the full load
conditions because full load happens only 1 % in a year.
Ensure that the ancillary equipments like pumps, cooling
tower, blowers etc also respond to the part load conditions.
Use Variable Frequency drives for this purpose.
Materials and Equipments :
Whenever a motor is involved go in for Variable Frequency
Drives VFD.
Go for microprocessor controls instead of manual controls
which ensure immediate response to part load conditions.
Go for Building Management System BMS.
For air-distribution go for factory made ducting than site
fabricated ducting.
Ensure design is based on low pressure drop in piping and
ducting system.
Consider latest insulation materials like elastomeric in place
of fiberglass / expanded polystyrene.
Go for pre-insulated pipes in place of site insulation.
Go for double skin AHU in place of single skin AHU.

 Go for
direct drive plug fans in place of belt driven
centrifugal fans.
Go for VAV Variable Air Volume systems to control air in
smaller rooms which are part of a bigger office.
Go for Energy Recovery Ventilator ERV for maintaining IAQ
as per standard and still recovering 70 % energy.
(Or)
(b). Explain the requirement for chiller plant and its
supporting components of design.
CHILLER PLANT
In a chilled water system the chiller plant chills water. Then the
water is pumped to the cooling coil in the Air Handling Unit AHU.
The chilled water then cools the air. This is an indirect system of
cooling.
Water can be easily pumped for long distances without any loss.
In case of multistoried buildings or multiple buildings a chilled
water system with a single air-conditioning plant, it is possible to
air-condition the entire building with multiple air handling units
and fan coil units. This also gives flexibility of usage.
Capacities available are from 10 to 1500 TR in single machine,
multiple units can be used for larger installations. And available in
air cooled and water cooled versions with Scroll, Screw and
Centrifugal type Compressors.
Advantages are these types of machines can handle easily system
diversities thus reducing the total installed capacities like in
hotels, offices and multi storied buildings. They have a better
response to part loads offering better control, very rugged
systems, better humidity control as compared to packaged and
split units.

Disadvantages are slightly longer lead times, extensive site

work,costlier than DX systems, packaged / split units especially
for small jobs. Also needs trained manpower to operate.
While designing a total system based on chiller, care has to be
taken to ensure that related equipments like pumping system,
piping system, air handling units, air distribution system, control
systems etc are properly designed.
This ensures that the entire system consumes less energy.
9. (a). Elaborate in detail the process of horizontal
distribution of services large buildings.
The horizontal distribution system for mechanical and
electrical services in a large building should be planned
simultaneously with the structural frame and the interior finish
systems, because the three are strongly interrelated. The floortofloor height of a building is determined in part by the vertical
dimension needed at each story for horizontal runs of ductwork
and piping. The selection of finish ceiling, partition, and floor
systems is often based in part on their ability to contain the
necessary electrical and mechanical services and to adjust to
future changes in these services. All these strategies involve close
cooperation among the architect and the structural and
mechanical engineers.
Sometimes the major runs of ductwork, piping and wiring
can be grouped in the ceiling area above the central corridor of
each floor of a building, leaving the ceilings of the surrounding
rooms essentially clean. This works especially well in hotels,
dormitories, and apartment buildings that rely on above ceiling
all-water system. A low corridor ceiling is readily accepted in
exchange for high, unobstructed space in the occupied rooms,

where the structure may be left exposed as the finish ceiling,

saving cost and floor-to-floor height.
In broad expanses of floor space, particularly where all
electrical and communications services must be available at any
point in the area, an entire horizontal layer of space is reserved
on each story for mechanical and electrical equipment.
Above a suspended ceiling, all services can be taken like :
Fire Sprinkers
Electrical wiring
Communication
Data

and

Plumbing
HVAC piping
HVAC ducts ( supply air, return
air, fresh air and exhaust air )

(Or)
(b). Describe the process of selection and adopting the
type of choice cooling systems.
UNITARY SYSTEM :
When to use :
If room size does not exceed 400 sq.ft.
If used only for light work like residences , small office rooms
etc.
When not to use :
If requirement is heavy duty
Dont use multiple units for areas above 500 sq.ft.
When standards need to be followed
SEMI CENTRAL :
When to use :
If requirement does not exceed 4000 sq.ft.

 If used only for light commercial applications like offices,

showrooms etc.
Single zone areas.
Fresh air can be handled.
When not to use :
If requirement is high sensible or high latent load.
Multizone areas.
CENTRAL PLANT DX :
When to use :
If requirement exceeds 4000 sq.ft.
For heavy duty offices, showrooms, industries etc.
Single zone areas.
When not to use :
Multizone areas.
When copper pipe length is more than 50 feet.
CHILLER :
When to use :
If requirement does exceeds 2000 sq.m.
If used for heavy duty commercial and industrial applications
like IT Parks, Star Hotels, Hospitals, Major offices, Major
showrooms, Industries, non-standard application etc.
Multizone Zone areas.
If plant has to be located far way from usage
When not to use :

 If requirement is highly variable and may go down to less

than 40 %.