UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

BUILDING SERVICES
CIVE 3218(5)

LECTURE NOTES 4

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Naresh Sewdin

24 August 2013
Lecture Notes 4 Building Services

1. Scope

The scope of this section is to provide you with the basic principles for designing
mechanical ventilation systems. It is applicable for ventilation services inside dwellings,
commercial, institutional and industrial buildings.

2. Introduction

Ventilation provides fresh air for breathing, to dilute and exhaust pollutants and odours
and often to exhaust heat gains. The design of ventilation services is governed by
reference to the Building Regulations-Approved Document F, British Standards BS 5925
and CIBSE Guides B. It is also essential to comply with Local Authorities requirements
(e.g. Health and Safety Act, etc).

3. Definitions

The following definitions relevant to ventilation systems in buildings are provided as

follows:

 Habitable room: Any room used for dwelling purposes and not solely a kitchen,
utility room, bathroom or sanitary accommodation.
 Ventilation opening: A means of ventilation permanent or variable (open or closed)
providing access to external air e.g. door, window, louvre or PSV.
 PSV: Passive stack ventilation in a system of vertical ducting from room ceilings to
roof outlets providing ventilation by stack effect.

4. Ventilation systems

4.1 Purpose of ventilation systems

In designing any ventilation system, it is necessary to understand the functions required

of it which are as follows:
1. To provide adequate indoor air quality by removing and/or diluting pollutants or
odours from occupied spaces.
2. To provide natural cooling during the occupied period.
3. To exhaust heat from localised sources or areas.
4. To prevent condensation within the building fabric.

Appropriate ventilation systems should be energy efficient and effective in relation to

health and comfort. Excessive ventilation incurs energy penalties and insufficient
ventilation leads to poor internal air quality.

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4.2 Types of ventilation systems

The types of ventilation systems are categories as follows:

1. Natural ventilation
2. Mechanical ventilation
3. Mixed mode systems (i.e. a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation)

i) Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation may be defined as ventilation that relies on moving air through
a building under the natural forces of wind and buoyancy. As these motivating
influences are variable, it is almost impossible to maintain consistent flow rates
and thereby ensure that optimum ventilation is achieved at all times.

Stack effect is an application of convected air currents. Cool air is encouraged to

enter a building at low level. Here it is warmed by the occupancy lighting,
machinery and or occupants. A column of warm air rises within the building to
discharge through vents or openings at high level.

Figure 4.1

PSV is energy efficient and environmentally friendly with no running costs. It

works by combining stack effect with air movement and wind passing over the
roof.

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Natural ventilation is generally inadequate if the internal heat gains rise above
40W/m2. Mechanical ventilation will then be required.

ii) Mechanical ventilation

Mechanical ventilation may be defined as the movement of air through a building
using fan power (mechanical means). These systems vary in complexity from a
single wall mounted fan to ducted air distribution from and to centrally located
fans with possible addition of filtration, acoustic attenuation, heating, cooling,
humidification and heat recovery equipment.

The main roles for mechanical ventilation are:

1. To provide adequate background fresh air ventilation or compensate for
natural means when they are inadequate for occupant well being.
2. To deal with polluted environment by allowing filtration in harsh external
and internal environments.

The three systems of mechanical ventilation are:

a) Extraction system
In extraction system of ventilation, fan power is applied to exhaust air
from within a room or building to outside. Fresh air enters through
available gaps and purpose made openings. This type of system is
commonly used for removal of hot or polluted air from kitchens, toilets
and bathrooms.

Figure 4.2

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b) Supply system
A supply system is the direct opposite of the extraction method. In a
supply system, the air is delivered by a fan to the occupied space and
allowed to exhaust through purpose made openings (outlets). With suitable
ducting systems, the supply air can be distributed throughout the building
to give uniform ventilation or to match individual air flow rates to those
areas requiring different ventilation levels.

c) Combination of extract and supply system

The fullest control of ventilation is achieved using both supply and
extraction fans. Uniform distribution of fresh air can then be ensured.
Fresh air can be introduced where it is required and its distribution
throughout the occupied space can be governed by a positive flow between
supply inlets and exhaust outlets.

Figure 4.3

iii) Mixed mode systems

Mixed mode systems may be defined as the strategic combination of natural and
mechanical ventilation and/or cooling systems.

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4.3 Choice between natural and mechanical ventilation

The basic factors that affect the choice between natural and mechanical ventilation are:
1. Quantity of air required (Ventilation flow rates)
2. Quality of air required (Heated, cooled or filtered air)
3. Consistency of control required (Constant or variable flow control)
4. Isolation required from external environment (Noise, contaminants, etc)

5 Ducted ventilation distribution systems

5.1 Purpose of ducted ventilation systems

The purpose of duct systems is to convey air to and from spaces within buildings and
provide occupants with :
1. Ventilation air
2. Thermal comfort
3. Humidity control
4. Air filtration
5. Removal of contaminants

5.2 Classification of ductwork systems

Ductwork systems for ventilation and air conditioning can be classified into low,
medium and high pressure systems as illustrated in the table below.

System Classification Design Static Pressure (Pa) Maximum Air

Max Positive Max Negative Velocity (m/s)
Low Pressure (Class A) 500 500 10
Medium Pressure (Class B) 1000 750 20
High Pressure (Class C) 2000 750 40

Table 4.1

Ducting is generally available in rectangular, circular or flat oval sections. Ductwork less
than 0.0225 m2 cross sectional area will be more economical if made in circular section
(around 160 mm diameter).

 Rectangular ducts
1. Most common for low pressure system.
2. Can be easily adapted to fit into available space
3. Branch connections are made easily.
4. Should not be the first choice for high pressure systems.

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 Circular ducts
1. Easier to install for main runs of ductworks.
2. Preferable for high pressure systems due to its high inherent stiffness.

 Flat oval ducting

1. Alternative to circular principally where there is a limitation on one of the
dimensions in the space available for duct run.
2. Combines the advantages of circular and rectangular ducting.

5.3 Duct materials and applications

The duct materials used for ducted ventilation systems are provided in the table below.

Material Applications Advantages Limitations

Galvanised steel Most air handling High strength, Weight, corrosion
systems rigidity, durability, resistant for
availability, non- corrosive products or
porous and temperature >200oC.
workability
Aluminium Moisture laden air Weight, resistance Strength, cost
(Salt free), louvers to corrosion due to difficult to weld,
or special exhausts moisture high thermal
expansion
Stainless steel Kitchen exhaust, High corrosion Labour, costs, work
moisture laden air, resistance and high ability and
fire exhaust polish possible availability
Copper Ductwork exposed Can be soldered, Cost, electrolysis and
to outside chemical durable and resist stains due to thermal
attack corrosion expansion
Resin bonded fibre Chemical exhaust Corrosion resistance Cost, weight,
and underground and easily modified chemical and
ducts physical properties
PVC Exhaust systems and Corrosion resistance Cost, fabrication and
underground ducts weight easily thermal shock
modified
Polyester Food and other Cost, weight, ease Not-rigid, unsuitable
process industries, and speed of for fire ductwork,
warehousing, etc. installation, low damage during
noise. removal/replacement

Table 4.2

Flexible ducts are generally used for final connections to terminal units, grilles and
diffusers. Flexible duct should be kept as short as possible because it produces about 8
times the pressure drop for an equivalent smooth galvanised steel ductwork.

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Flexible ducts are made from the following materials:

1. Metal (Stainless steel, aluminium)
2. Fabric (PVC/Polyester laminate)
3. Textile

6 Principles of design

6.1 Duct sizing design method

Duct sizing and pressure loss calculations are normally carried out to quantify ductwork
dimensions and to provide data for specifying the fan desired. The simple design
methods for duct sizing are as follows:
1) Velocity method
2) Constant pressure drop (or equal friction loss) method
3) Static regain method

i) Velocity method
This method is based on selection of duct velocities by the designer using limiting
noise reduction and/or pressure drop. In a typical system, the velocity at the fan
connection is chosen and this is progressive reduced in the duct run from the fan
to the terminals. This is used on simple layouts or sections of the system.

ii) Constant pressure drop (or equal friction loss) method

The basis for this method is to select a constant pressure loss per unit length for
the duct runs and then to size the ducts at this rate using CIBSE Guide B3 chart
provided in this lecture note. In order to calculate the total pressure drop, the
branch having the maximum system resistance (index path) is the basis.

For low pressure systems, typical values used for constant pressure drop rate are
0.8 – 1.2 Pa/m with duct velocities less than 10 m/s.

iii) Static regain method

The basis principle of static regain method is to design the duct run so that
increases in static pressure (air pressure regain in the duct due to reduction in
velocity) at each branch of air terminals just offset the friction loss in the
succeeding section of the duct. The static pressure is then the same before each
terminal and at each branch. The disadvantage if this method over equal friction
loss method is that the size of the static region method increases, thus increasing
the costs.

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6.2 Air leakage

Leakage from ducted air, distribution systems is an important consideration in the design
and operation of ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Leakage from sheet metal ducts occurs at the seams and joints and is therefore
proportional to the surface area of the ductwork in the system.

The designer should make allowance in the fan selection for some air leakage so that the
completed installation can meet its intended purpose. The table below provides the
recommendation margins to be considered for design purposes.

Margin Value of margin for stated class of system

Low Medium High
Pressure Pressure Pressure
Volume flow rate margin +10% +5% +5%
System total pressure
+20% +15% +15%
loss margin

Table 4.3

7 Ventilation system calculations procedure

The calculation procedures for an extraction system are as follows:

1. Determination of toilet extraction rate
2. Calculation of volume extraction rates in toilets and kitchens
3. Selection of extract diffusers
4. Calculation of duct sizes and friction losses along the index path
5. Calculation of pressure loss due to fittings
6. Determination of pressure loss due to exhaust valve
7. Calculation of net pressure loss
8. Selection of central extractor fan

7.1 Determination of toilet extraction rate

From HVAC Engineers Handbook, 10th edition,

Extraction rates in general toilets > 5 ach (air changes per hour)
Selected extraction rate in the toilets = 6 ach

Extraction rate in the kitchens = 10 ach

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7.2 Calculation of volume extraction rates in toilets and kitchens

a) Calculation of area of toilets and/or kitchens

The area of the toilets and/or kitchens is calculated from dimensions obtained in the
architectural drawings as specified in detailed calculation of toilet extraction for each
part of the building.

b) Calculation of volume of toilets and/or kitchens

Volume of toilet = Area of toilet x height of toilet
From architectural drawing sections, the height of all the toilets can be
determined. In absence of any information, assume the height to be 3 m.

c) Calculation of volume extraction rate in toilets and/or kitchens

From Plumbing Engineering Services Design Guide,

Volume extraction rate = volume of toilets/kitchens x toilet/kitchen extraction rate

3600

7.3 Selection of extract diffusers

The extract diffuser is selected based on the required volume extraction rate and its
corresponding lowest pressure drop. The type of the extract diffuser together with its
volume extraction rate and pressure drop are specified and annexed in the detailed
calculations.

7.4 Calculation of duct sizes and friction losses along the index path

a) Selection of velocities in ducts

From CIBSE Guide B3, Table 3.1, the recommended velocities for ducts, in general
for low pressure ductwork systems for a typical office building are tabulated as
follows

Types of ducts Velocity, m/s

Main ducts 6.0
Branch ducts 5.5
Run outs 3.0
Table 4.4

b) Determination of the index path

The index path is chosen to the highest resistance path. The index path is indicated
on the index path drawing annexed as specified in detailed calculation of toilet
and/or kitchen extraction for each part of the building.

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c) Calculation of duct size for one path along the index path
From HVAC Engineers Handbook,

Q = AV

where Q is the volume flowrate in m3/s

A is the cross sectional area of the duct in m2
V is the velocity of the air in m/s

Considering one path along the index path, the area of the duct is calculated with
known values of volume flow rate (refer to section 7.3) and known values of velocity
of the air (refer to Table 4.4).

For a circular duct, Area, A = πd2/4

where d is the circular diameter of the duct.

Hence, the circular diameter (d) of the duct is calculated using the following
equation:
Circular diameter, d = √4A/π

d) Calculation of friction loss for one path along the index path
From HVAC Engineers Handbook, the rectangular duct equivalent to the nearest
circular duct is selected bearing in mind the dimension of the maximum duct
dimensions available.

The friction loss per m of duct run is determined by considering both the nearest
circular equivalent duct diameter and the velocity of air in the duct.

For flexible ducts, the pressure drop is chosen to be 8 times the pressure drop for a
rigid duct.

e) Calculation of duct sizes in all the toilets and kitchens

The calculation procedure mentioned in section 7.4 (c) is repeated to calculate the
duct size for each of the paths identified in all the toilets and/or kitchens and the
results are tabulated for each part of the building.

f) Calculation of friction losses along the index path

The calculation procedure mentioned in section 7.4 (d) is repeated to calculate the
friction loss for each of the paths along the index path and the results are tabulated
for each part of the building.

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7.5 Calculation of pressure loss due to fittings

From HVAC Engineers Handbook,

Pressure loss due to fittings, P = (k V2 )

2

where P is the coefficient of resistance for fitting

 is the density of air (kg/m3)
V is the velocity of air (m/s)

a) Pressure loss due to branches

The velocity is determined from Table 4.4.
From HVAC Engineers Handbook, the value of k for flow to branch is 0.3.
The number of branches is identified from architectural drawings as specified in the
detailed calculations for each part of the building.

Pressure loss due to branches = no of branches x (0.3 V2 )

2

b) Pressure loss due to bends

The velocity is determined from Table 4.4.
From HVAC Engineers Handbook, the value of k for flow to bends is 0.5.
The number of bends is identified from architectural drawings as specified in the
detailed calculations for each part of the building.

Pressure loss due to bends = no of bends x (0.5 V2 )

2

c) Pressure loss due to entry from room fittings

The velocity is determined from Table 4.4.
From HVAC Engineers Handbook, the value of k for flow to entry from room
fittings is 0.5.
The number of entry from room fittings is identified from architectural drawings as
specified in the detailed calculations for each part of the building.

Pressure loss due to entry from room fittings = no of entries x (0.5 V2 )

2

d) Pressure loss due to fittings

Pressure loss due to fittings = Pressure loss due to branches +
Pressure loss due to bends +
Pressure loss due to entry from room fittings

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7.6 Determination of pressure loss due to exhaust valve

From technical specification of exhaust valve, the pressure drop of the selected extract
diffuser(s) along the index path is determined.

Pressure loss due to exhaust valve = Sum of pressure drop of selected diffuser(s) along
the index path.

7.7 Calculation of pressure loss due to net pressure loss

a) Total pressure loss

Total pressure loss = Pressure loss due to friction + Pressure loss due to
fittings + Pressure loss due to exhaust valve

b) Net pressure loss

From Table 4.3, the recommended values of margin are stated as follows:

For a low pressure system,

Combined system total pressure loss margin = 20 %

Allowance for margin on volume flow rate = 10 %

Net pressure loss = 1.2 x Total pressure loss

Net volume flowrate = 1.1 x Total volume flowrate

7.8 Selection of extractor fan

From technical specifications of fans, the extractor fan is selected based on the required
volume extraction rate and its corresponding lowest pressure drop. The type of the
extract fan together with its volume extraction rate and pressure drop are specified and
annexed in the detailed calculations.

8. Sample Question

One toilet 6m wide by 5m deep and one kitchen 4m wide by 5m deep are located on each
floor of a 2 storey building. Assume the height of each room to be 3m. Determine the
duct size of the main duct and branch ducts together with the rating of the fan required to
make the ventilation system operational.

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ANNEX – 1

Duct sizing chart

Figure 4.4

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ANNEX – 2

Pressure drop chart

Figure 4.5

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