SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of the proposed project is to develop a comprehensive acceptance test procedure that determines whether air distribution systems in new buildings are installed properly and operating in an energy efficient manner. The approach is to measure critical energy, flow, pressure and temperature parameters and to compare these results with expected values from design calculations and engineering test data supplied by the design engineer. Measurement techniques will be assessed to maximize the accuracy of the procedures while making them affordable and as simple as possible to implement. The procedures are expected to provide empirical means for mechanical systems acceptance and to diagnose problems with design, equipment, and installation.

The proposed project will develop a comprehensive acceptance test procedure that determines whether air distribution systems in new buildings are installed properly and operating in an energy efficient manner. New methods for measuring airflow in ducts and for measuring the amount of outside air distributed to indoor spaces will also be developed, and are used as part of the procedure. The approach developed in Phase I is to measure critical airflow, static pressure, fan speed, temperature, and humidity parameters and to compare the measured values with design expectations and equipment manufacturer's test data supplied by the mechanical design engineer. Ranges of acceptable performance will be established along with criteria for accepting or rejecting the system. The procedures are expected to provide empirical means for mechanical systems acceptance and to diagnose problems with equipment, installation, and testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB).