S02 -- Decentralized Cooling and Heating (SI)

For most small to mid-sized installations, decentralized cooling and heating is usually preferable to a centralized system (see Chapter 3). Frequently classified as packaged unit systems (although many are far from being a single packaged unit), decentralized systems can be found in almost all classes of buildings. They are especially suitable for smaller projects with no central plant, where low initial cost and simplified installation are important. These systems are installed in office buildings, shopping centers, manufacturing plants, schools, health care facilities, hotels, motels, apartments, nursing homes, and other multiple-occupancy dwellings. They are also suited to air conditioning existing buildings with limited life or income potential. Applications also include facilities requiring specialized high performance levels, such as computer rooms and research laboratories. Although some of the equipment addressed here can be applied as a single unit, this chapter covers applying multiple units to form a complete heating and air-conditioning system for a building and the distribution associated with some of these systems. For guidance on HVAC system selection, see Chapter 1. System Characteristics Design Considerations Window-Mounted and Through-the-Wall Room HVAC Units Water-Source Heat Pump Systems Multiple-Unit Systems Residential and Light Commercial Split Systems Commercial Self-Contained (Floor-by-Floor) Systems Commercial Outdoor Packaged Systems Automatic Controls and Building Management Systems Maintenance Management Building System Commissioning