Introduction
This final chapter covers some special heating, cooling and ventilation applications. We start with radiant heating and cooling, an idea that was partially introduced when we discussed radiant floors in Chapter 8.
From radiant heating and cooling we move on to thermal storage. Thermal storage is a method of reducing the need for large equipment and reducing energy expenses. Thermal storage is achieved by having the heating or cooling equipment operate during low load periods, to charge a thermal storage system for later peak-load use. Under certain circumstances, storage of heating or cool- ing capacity can reduce both installation costs and operating expenses.
From thermal storage systems, we move on to consider the ground as a vast heat source or sink. Following these three sections, we continue with sections dealing with ventilation. The first ventilation topic is a detailed discussion of the issues dealing with operable, ‘occupant controlled’, windows and the HVAC systems serving these spaces. When occupants are in control of opening and closing windows, there is a largely uncontrolled movement of air in a space. In comparison, following this discussion, we examine the issues of air distribution in rooms that don’t have operable windows.
We will discuss various standard ways of delivering air to rooms and their relative merits and popularity. Then, we will take a brief look at separate dedicated outside air units that are particularly valuable in dealing with locations where there is high humidity and substantial outdoor air requirements.
Then it is time to wrap-up with some suggestions for your future.