Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning: Design, Analysis and Control Systems

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning is a technology that is concerned with indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its objective is to provide comfort and high indoor air quality. The technology develops on the principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer. Ventilation involves exchanging air in any space in order to control temperature as well as remove odors, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, etc. It can be achieved mechanically by using an air handler, mechanical exhausts or ceiling fans, or naturally using operable windows, louvers or trickle vents. In central heating, water, steam or air is heated using a boiler, furnace or heat pump, and the resultant heat is transferred by the processes of convection, radiation or conduction to the living spaces in a house or building. Air conditioning and refrigeration involves cooling and humidity control through the removal of heat using heat transfer processes. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts about the technology of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Such selected concepts that redefine the understanding of the crucial aspects of this technology including its design, analysis and control systems have been presented herein. It will serve as a valuable reference guide for architects, interior designers, professionals and students involved in this area of study.