BUILDING SERVICES IV (6th Sem, B.

Arch)
SOLVED PAPER: BPUT 2009
1a

What do you understand by Degree of saturation?

Degree of saturation may be defined as the ratio of mass of water vapour in a unit mass of dry air to the mass of
water vapour in the same mass of dry air at saturation levels at the same temp.
1b
Write the Chemical Formulae of refrigerants R12 & R114
- CCl2F2
- C2Cl2F4
1c

What do you mean by air stratification? Why is it necessary?

Air stratification is the tendency of air to separate out in layers in conditioned spaces. Cold air being denser
occupies the lower spaces in the room while hot air rises up filling the ceiling spaces of the room. This results in
an improper mixing of air leading to formation of undesirable hot & cold pockets in the conditioned space. The
effects of air stratification can be overcome by suitably regulating the air velocity and locating the supply &
return air ducts to facilitate a better distribution of fresh air & quicker removal of warm air. It is undesirable in
cooling operations.
However, in scenarios involving heating of conditioned spaces, such as radiant under floor (hydronic) heating,
the layer of cold air in contact with the floor (steam heated) heats up & moves upwards towards the ceiling.
Cold air at the ceiling levels descends down to the floor levels where it is heated. This sets up a convection
current causing uniform heating throughout the conditioned space. This is an area where air stratification is
useful for uniformly heating the conditioned space.
1d

Define the term ERSHF.

ERSHF stands for Effective Room Sensible Heat Factor.

We know that, Atmospheric air is a mixture of dry air & water vapour. The heat content of enthalpy of air
entering the air conditioner may be split into two components namely, Sensible Heat (enthalpy of dry air) &
Latent Heat (enthalpy of moisture in dry air).
However, in addition to air & moisture, there are many other components in the conditioned space that add on to
the Sensible & Latent heat such as humans, pets, indoor plants, illumination devices, home appliances etc.
Therefore ERSHF may be defined as the ratio of the Effective Room Sensible Load (ERSH) to the Effective
Total Load (ERSH + ERLH).
Where ERSH is the sum of the room sensible heat load (due to occupants, heat infiltration through glass
windows, electrical appliances etc that contribute to sensible heat gain) & sensible heat of air entering the room.
ERLH (Effective Room Latent heat) is the sum of Latent heat load (due to occupants, potted plants etc. that
contribute to latent heat gain) & latent heat of air entering the room.
1e

What is the difference between sensible & latent heat gain?

Sensible heat gains/loads refer to objects or factors that cause an increase in the enthalpy of the room space
owing an increase in the DBT of air. These are brought on by factors such as heat from sunlight entering rooms
through glass windows, heat generated by electrical appliances, illumination devices, Humans, pets, outside air
infiltrating into the room through cracks, clearances in doors, windows etc.
Latent heat gains/ loads refer to objects or factors that cause an increase in enthalpy of the room due to an
increase in the Humidity level. These are brought on by factors such as respiration activity by animals (pets),
humans & indoor plants, indoor fountains, eqpts such as coke & coffee dispensers, outside air infiltrating into
the room through cracks, clearances in doors, windows etc.

1f

A Pr gauge mounted on an ac system reads 0.3 Bar & the atm pr is 103 KPa. Calculate the abs pr.
Relationship: Abs Pr = Atm Pr + Gauge Pr
Abs Pr = 103 KPa+ (0.3 x 100) KPa = 133 KPa

(Note: 1 atm = 760 mm of Hg = 1.01 Bar =100 KPa)

1g
60 kg/min of moist air is heated by steam condensing inside the tubes of a heating coil. The air enters at
5C DBT & exits at 24C DBT. The surface of the heating coil is 30.8C. Determine the air per minute that
bypasses the coil.
Given:
Td1=5C (air temp at entry)
Td2=24C (Exit air temp)
Td4=30.8C (Coil temp)
(Note: You dont need to refer to a Psychrometric chart to solve this problem)
Coil Factor or Bypass Factor (BPF) = Td4-Td2/Td4-Td1
BPF coil = 6.8/25.8 = 0.2635
Air entering the coil = 60 kg/min
Air Bypassing the coil = Total air entering/min X BPF = 60 X 0.2635 = 15.81 kg/min
1h

What is a forced draft fan? How is it different from an induced draft fan?

Blower (Forced draft fan): A centrifugal blower or forced draft fan (FD fan) is employed in the supply duct
system (supply plenums) for the purpose of introducing fresh air from the atmosphere/Conditioning Unit into
the the conditioned space. These are centrifugal fans that have a high rpm, high discharge & handle high air
pressures. Air enters the fan unit axially & leaves it tangentially as can be seen in the diagram.

Forced draft fans usually create a positive pressure (greater than atmospheric) inside the conditioned space.
Exhaust fan (Induced draft fan): An induced draft fan (ID fan) is an axial fan that sucks flue gases/stale air from
conditioned spaces by creating a stack effect. Axial fans operate at low rpm & generally used as exhausters.
Almost all induced draft fans create a negative pressure (less than atmospheric) in its viscinity in the conditioned
space side causing stale air to rush out of the return duct system. Air enters & exits the unit axially.

1i

Write down the advantages of Radiant Heating.

Radiant heating systems are based on the heat produced at the floor level or in panels used in walls or ceilings.
Radiant floor heating systems are highly prized for the comfort they provide and can be linked to solar hot water
systems, or to geothermal heat pumps, yielding a fully environmentally friendly solution. When steam is the
medium used, the system is referred to as Radiant Floor Hydronic Heating Type.
Radiant panels may also be wall & ceiling mounted which is a low cost alternative to the hydronic installation.
Radiant heating can be based on a wide variety of heating sources. It can use standard gas, electricity and other
traditional sources of energy; but it can also use environmental sources as solar water heaters and geothermal
heat pumps.
Because no energy is lost through ducts, radiant floor heating is a very energy efficient system, comparatively to
electric radiators or forced-air heating and other systems.
1j

What is panel control?

With ref to refrigeration & air con eqpt, the term Panel Control means:
Thermostat control system that enables a user to achieve differential heating levels (radiant wall
mounted/hydronic) in different zones of a residence.
Secondly, it also refers to the control panel system in an AC eqpt which enables one to control blower speeds,
design temperatures, air quality (ventillation).
2a
Quality of Wet Steam:
It is defined as the ratio of the mass of Dry steam to the mass of Wet steam under study.Dryness fraction can be
expressed as: = ws / (ww + ws)
Where = dryness fraction, ww = mass of water, ws = mass of steam
(ii) Degree of Superheat:
Superheat is the difference (in degrees of temperature) between a liquid's boiling point and the superheated
vapor's actual temperature.
2b. Ignore this problem. Its pure hydraulics & beyond your understanding now!

3a

What are the thermodynamic properties of refrigerants & how it varies with boiling temp?

A good refrigerant must possess thermodynamic properties such as:

- A low Boiling Point but a high Latent heat of Vapourisation. The Boiling Point must be as close as possible to
the Target Evaporator Temp. Too high a BP will cause a fall in the COP. Too low a BP will cause the refrigerant
to start evaporation even before it enters the evaporator thereby lowering the COP again.
- low specific heat.
- Operating pressures in the high pressure zones (condenser) & the low pressure zones (evaporator) must be as
close to atmospheric as possible.
- Moderate density in liquid form (evaporator) & a relatively high density in its gaseous form (condenser)
- a high critical temperature,
3b.
The question is a very simple one. You have been given a value of DBT & WBT. You are asked to write
down the values of RH & Enthalpy at the point.
Use the Psychrometric chart to plot the intersection between the given value of the DBT & WBT. The RH value
reads at 30% & Enthalpy is 50 KJ/Kd of dry air.
Thats it!
4a

Some of the physiological hazards brought on by hot climate are as follows:

Headache, nausea, dizziness & disorientation.

Dehydration owing to fluid loss leading to loss of essential body salts

Severe muscular cramps brought on by loss of body salts.

Weakness by heat exhaustion.
Profuse perspiration leading to skin inflammations, rashes etc.
Heat stroke & in extreme cases resulting in coma/death.
4b
The Air-conditioning Comfort Chart was developed following the collection of a very large sample of
data from people (for a wide range of age groups) who were subjected to a range of combinations of
temperature and humidity in an air-conditioned space to evaluate their degree of comfort. It indicates the range
of comfort conditions in winter and in summer when participants were wearing appropriate clothing for each
season. The chart also indicates the area where people are comfortable most of the time whether they are
wearing winter or summer clothing.
By setting air-conditioning system controls to maintain conditions within the appropriate range for winter (2024) or summer (23-26) conditions this will result in significant energy savings relative to the situation.
(DRAW THE COMFORT CHART AS EXPLAINED)
4c

With a neat sketch, explain Winter Air Conditioning.

1.
2.
3.

Draw the schematics of the Winter AC.

Explain the Principle & Construction as in your notes.
Draw the Psy chart to show & explain Coil Factor, SHF & ADP.

Winter Airconditioning is based on the principle of Heating & Humidification.

During winters, the atm temp falls below the range of comfort condition (< 22 C) & so does the Relative
humidity to values below 30%.
To maintain human comfort conditions of DBT 22 to 25 deg C & RH values in the range of 30 to 60 %, a winter
ac is employed. For Heating & Humidification Scenarios, it may be observed that the ADP (Td4) is always >
DPT of air at entry (Tdp1).
Draw the schematic sketch of the eqpt & the psychrometric chart illustrating Heating & humidification. (Ref to
the trg notes for diagrams & equations)
5. Ignore this Psy problem. Its complex & involves a sound knowlwdge of solar geometry & Sun Path diagram.

6a

What are the different types of air filters? Explain wet filters with a neat sketch.

There are a large number of technologies that are used to address the need for clean indoor air. Some of them
are:
- HEPA (High efficiency particulate arresters)
- Electronic Filters
- UV Filters
- Activated Carbon Filters
Wet Filter: A wet filter is an air cleaning apparatus including a sealed container adapted to hold a liquid, such as
water. A separator compartment is disposed within the container and has an open bottom extending into the
liquid within the container. The air to be cleaned enters the compartment within the container where water is
sprayed on the incoming air causing the solid particles therein to be wet and heavy and drop into the water there
below. The air in the separator compartment exits through a venturi scrubber having a nozzle for spraying this
air with liquid as it goes through the venturi opening, further wetting down any additional solid particles in the
air and causing them to drop into the water in the container as the air leaves the separator compartment. The air
in the compartment then flows above the liquid, around a baffle, through a pre-filter, through a high efficiency
particulate air filter and out through an exhaust fan as clean, breathable air.
(Draw the sketch as done in class)

6b

Explain Absorption Type Humidostat with a neat sketch.

A hygrometer or a humidostat is an instrument that is important in the measurement and control of humidity that
is found in the air. Hygrometers and humidostats can measure and control humidity in your room, in a
greenhouse and basically any place that you want them to. They may be used on their own or integrated with a
thermostat or with air conditioning equipment.
(Draw the sketch _ Ref to classnotes)
An absorption type humidostat has a conductivity probe with electrodes extending into two interconnected vials
containing lithium chloride solution. Moisture is absorbed by the solution from the humid ambient air whereby a
change of the volume of the solution results and the level of humidity can be determined. When used with an
air conditioner, for example, the humidistat cycles the unit on and off based on humidity rather than temperature
as provided with a regular thermostat.
7a Explain the Perimeter type & Extended Plenum type duct arrangement system with a neat sketch.
Perimeter Loop System
A perimeter loop system uses a perimeter duct fed from a central supply plenum using several feeder ducts. This
system is typically limited to houses built on slab in cold climates and is more difficult to design and install.

Extended Plenum System

An extended plenum system is essentially a trunk and branch system in which a large main supply trunk is
connected directly to the air handler or its supply plenum and serves as a supply plenum or an extension to the
supply plenum. Smaller branch ducts and runouts are connected to the trunk.
The trunk and branch system is adaptable to most houses, but it has more places where leaks can occur. It
provides air flows that are easily balanced and can be easily designed to be located inside the conditioned space
of the house.
In an extended plenum system the length of the trunk is usually limited to about 24 feet because otherwise the
velocity of the air in the trunk gets too low and air flow into branches and runouts close to the air handler
becomes poor. Therefore, with a centrally located air handler, this duct system can be installed in homes up to
approximately 50 feet long.

7b

Explain the Seated Bellow Type Thermostat with a neat sketch.

The Bellow type thermostat is a pressure actuated type thermostat that uses a bulb containing gas which
expands or contracts with variation in room temperature. This expands or contracts a bellow which, in turn,
opens or closes an electrical contact and the compressor operation is automatically controlled to maintain a
constant temperature. Thus, if the room air returned to the unit becomes cooler than the thermostat setting, the
gas in the bulb contracts, causing the bellows to contract. The electrical circuit opens and the compressor stops.

When the room air temperature goes above the thermostat setting, the gas in the bulb expands, the bellow
expands, the electrical contracts close and the compressor starts. In this way, the room air-conditioner maintains
the temperature desired. The room occupants need adjust the thermostat control to a new position when they
wish to change the desired, temperature.

Write short notes on: (Answer any four)

8a.
Mechanical Ventilation systems actively employ energy powered devices to induct fresh/conditioned
air into the living spaces & exhaust stale air to the atmosphere. They are made up of Supply & Return Duct
systems powered by electro-mechanical devices such as axial fans & centrifugal blowers.
Mech Vent systems are chiefly of two types:
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV)
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) are the most common solution in colder climates, where home heating is
essential. As stale (and warm) air is expelled by the system, the heat recovery core warms the incoming fresh
(and colder) air before it is distributed throughout the home, providing ventilation and controlling excess
humidity.
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) are the most common solution in warmer climates and high-humidity
environments (though they are also used in cold climates) where the control of humidity is crucial. Besides
recovering heat, ERV systems also recuperate the energy present in moisture. The ERV systems regulate the
amount of moisture coming into home or expelled from it.
8b.
Radiant Panel Heating
Radiant heating systems are based on the heat produced at the floor level or in panels used in walls and ceilings.
Radiant floor heating systems are highly prized for the comfort they provide and can be linked to solar hot water
systems, or to geothermal heat pumps, yielding a fully environmentally friendly solution.
There are two main types of radiant panel heating:

1- Hot water (hydronic) under floor heating: by far the most popular and in most cases the most competitive and
environmentally friendly solution of all radiant heating solutions.
2 - Radiant electric heating installed on floors/walls. Radiant heating may be obtained via wall and ceilingmounted panels, usually electrically heated. This system, though common, presents some drawbacks compared
to radiant floor heating.
8c.
Centrifugal Dust Collectors use cyclonic action to separate dust particles from the gas stream. In a
typical cyclonic collector, the dust gas stream enters at an angle and is spun rapidly. The centrifugal force
created by the circular flow throws the dust particles toward the wall of the collector. After striking the wall,
these particles fall into a hopper located underneath.
The most common types of centrifugal, or inertial, collectors in use today are:
Single-cyclone separators
Multiple-cyclone separators
Multiple cyclones are more efficient than single cyclones because they are longer and smaller in diameter.
8d.
A hair type humidostat uses human hair (or silk) in a calibrated canister that increases or decreases in
length with an increase or decrease in relative humidity. The change in length is translated into an electric
current by means of a micro-switch or a slide-wire potentiometer.
(Diag: Ref classnotes)
8e
Sensible & Latent Heat:
Atmospheric air is a mixture of dry air & water vapour. The heat content of enthalpy of air entering the air
conditioner may be split into tow components namely, Sensible Heat (enthalpy of dry air) & Latent Heat
(enthalpy of moisture in dry air).
SHF is the ratio of the Sensible heat of air to its total heat.

8f
Radiant Panel Heating:
Radiant heating is a technology for heating indoor areas. Radiant heating consists of "radiant energy" being
emitted from a heat source. Radiant heating heats a building through radiant heat energy using
conventional/unconventional methods.
Radiant heating systems can be divided into:
underfloor heating systems - electric or hydronic
wall heating systems
radiant ceiling (overhead) panels
overhead gas fired radiant heaters