HVAC System SelectionS

The Student Zone
HVAC System Selection

HVAC System Selection Team

This team will select the best HVAC system for the new two-story educational building in Singapore. This team should focus on the requirements of ASHRAE Standards 90, 15, 55, and 62 in determining the best system for the application. The systems might be all-air systems, air-and-water systems, all-water systems, unitary systems, heat pumps, or whatever system types the team deems most applicable. The team may use architectural plans developed by an architectural team at its campus or the prescriptive layout from ASHRAE. The ASHRAE plans include a site plan with utility rate information, a floor plan, building elevations, building sections, and reflected ceiling plans. The plans and elevations provide the quantity of materials, and the sections identify types of materials used in the construction of the building.

Click here to download the competition’s CADD drawings.

How are HVAC System Selection Entries Judged?

The evaluation of projects in this category will be based on the following criteria:

Anticipated Operating Cost (20%)
Estimated operating and maintenance costs. This should include demand charges and monthly distribution of energy usage by fuel type.
Environmental Impact (20%)
The impact of the mechanical system on the environment through the potential use of natural resources (land, energy, water, building materials, etc.) and pollution control (refrigerants, flue gases, global warming, etc.).
Comfort and Health (15%)
The success of the HVAC system selected in providing a comfortable and healthy interior environment.
Creativity (30%)
How creatively and successfully the design meets the project objectives.
Communication of Results (15%)
How well the team communicates its results.

All students regardless of their geographic location are encouraged to enter the competition. The judges recognize that some students may not have the experience necessary to accurately design a complete heating and cooling system. To ensure that students are not penalized for this inexperience, the scoring focuses more on the student’s approach and methodology then on actual results.

Revision Date: May 29, 2002

Maintained by:Education
Contact: jwaits@ashrae.org