Method of Selecting and Sizing HVAC Systems for the Architectural Profession

Abstract

This study is concerned with developing a method of selecting and sizing HVAC systems during the early phases of the architectural design process. The method is in the form of a design tool usuable by architects for early design decisions. The process involves using inital design program data to arrive at possible HVAC systems that may be incorporated into an architectural project. The approximate space allocations for HVAC equipment can then be derived from such selections as well as the magnitude of the heating and cooling loads. A discussion of the architectural design process is included in order to gain an understanding of how this design tool may be applied. Two diverse architectural project types are used to exemplify which is included in Appendix C of this thesis.