BY AMANDA E.

McKEW

h v a c r
designer tips
TM

Acoustical issues
DRAWING CHECKLIST: Locate rotating and/or reciprocating
equipment away from critical areas.
YES N/A Equipment located on roof or floor above may
Equipment designation on drawing. require vibration isolation.
Equipment scheduled and specified in construction Consider flexible connections between rotating
documents. and/or reciprocating equipment pipes that are
Structural data (weights for housekeeping pad with connected to equipment.
inertia pads) coordinated with structural engineer. Use flexible duct connections at fan inlet and
Reference to applicable details indicated on drawing. outlet.
Duct distribution designate sound attenuators on Consider acoustical barriers associated with
drawing. outside equipment. Coordinate with architect.
Sound attenuators scheduled and specified in construc- Consult acoustical engineer for noise-sensitive
tion documents. area requirements.
Consider harmonic noise when locating
variable-speed devices.
DESIGN CHECKLIST:
YES N/A VALUE ENGINEERING TIPS:
Identify sound sources associated with the hvac system.
Minimize flow resistance and turbulence in duct design. YES N/A
Try to accommodate straightest line of airflow through System selection analysis based on ASHRAE
ductwork (to minimize pressure drop). Applications Handbook, 1999 (Chapter 46).
Locate sound attenuators in duct distribution per Concrete inertia pad probably not needed
manufacturers recommendations regarding proper when located slab on grade.
upstream/downstream distances. Balance rotating and reciprocating equipment.
Locate diffusers, registers, or grilles downstream as far as
possible from elbows and branch take-offs.
Locate individual branch duct volume dampers as far If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions
upstream as possible from diffuser, register, or grille. regarding this designer checklist, contact Amanda
Specify branch duct volume dampers in lieu of opposed McKew at amckew@hvac.vanderweil.com.
blade dampers with diffusers.
Size diffusers, registers, and grilles based on sound
criteria, as well as cfm capacity. (Rule of thumb: Do not
exceed 500 fpm at the neck.)
Use turning vanes in square elbows if a long radius
elbow is not possible.
Select fans for minimum sound power, as well as for fan
curve performance.
Use hospital grade sound attenuators when necessary.
Locate duct silencers (when required) as duct enters
and/or leaves equipment room at the equipment room
wall to prevent break out noise.
Select duct silencers that provide minimum additional
fan static pressure drop while satisfying sound reduction
requirements.

44 Engineered Systems January 2000