Variable air volume

A VAV box is the unit that controls the flow of air. The single duct terminal configuration is the simplest, where a VAV box is connected to a single supply air duct that delivers treated air from an air-handling unit (AHU) to the space the box is serving. A CAV box can only operate between a constant, maximum value, or an “off” state. It is common for VAV boxes to include a form of reheat, either electric or hydronic heating coils. == Multiple-zone systems ==

The air blower's flow rate is variable. For a single VAV air handler that serves multiple thermal zones, the flow rate to each zone must be varied as well. A VAV terminal unit, often called a VAV box, is the zone-level flow control device. It is basically a calibrated air damper with an automatic actuator. The VAV terminal unit is connected to either a local or a central control system. Historically, pneumatic control was commonplace, but electronic direct digital control systems are popular especially for mid- to large-size applications. Hybrid control, for example having pneumatic actuators with digital data collection, is popular as well. A common commercial application is shown in the diagram. This VAV system consists of a VAV box, ductwork, and four air terminals. == Fan control for a pressure-independent system ==

Control of the system's fan capacity is critical in VAV systems. Without proper and rapid flow rate control, the system's ductwork, or its sealing, can easily be damaged by overpressurization. In the cooling mode of operation, as the temperature in the space is satisfied, a VAV box closes to limit the flow of cool air into the space. As the temperature increases in the space, the box opens to bring the temperature back down. The fan maintains a constant static pressure in the discharge duct regardless of the position of the VAV box. Therefore, as the box closes, the fan slows down or restricts the amount of air going into the supply duct. As the box opens, the fan speeds up and allows more air flow into the duct, maintaining a constant static pressure. One of the challenges for VAV systems is providing adequate temperature control for multiple zones with different environmental conditions, such as an office on the glass perimeter of a building vs. an interior office down the hall. Dual duct systems provide cool air in one duct and warm air in a second duct to provide an appropriate temperature of mixed supply air for any zone. An extra duct, however, is cumbersome and expensive. Reheating the air from a single duct, using electric or hot water heating, is often a more cost-effective solution. == Reheat applications - Controls and energy issues ==

Traditional VAV reheat systems use minimum airflow rates of 30% to 50% the design airflow. These airflow minimums are selected to avoid the risk of under-ventilation and thermal comfort issues. However, published research supporting the efficacy of this approach is scarce. Systems operating at lower minimum airflow ranges (10% to 20% of design airflow) stand to use less fan and reheat coil energy relative to a traditional system, and recent research has shown that thermal comfort and adequate ventilation can still be attained at these lower minimums. VAV reheat systems using the higher minimum airflow typically employ a conventional "single maximum" control sequence. Under this control sequence, a single cooling maximum airflow setpoint is selected for design cooling conditions. The cooling airflow is gradually lowered to the minimum airflow setpoint, where it remains as the space temperature lowers beyond the cooling temperature setpoint. When the heating setpoint is reached, the electric or hydronic heating coil is activated and gradually provides more heat until the maximum heating capacity is reached at the design heating temperature. Research has shown that using a different, "dual maximum" control sequence can save substantial amounts of energy relative to the conventional "single maximum" control sequence. This is accomplished due to the "dual maximum" sequence’s use of lower minimum airflow rates. ==References==