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Design Methodology and Economic Evaluation of Central-Fan-Integrated Supply Ventilation Systems

Residential ventilation systems can be categorized as supply, exhaust, or balanced systems. This effort focused on establishing a design methodology for central-fan-integrated supply ventilation systems. Air flow measurements were taken for 7.6 m lengths of 12.7 cm through 22.9 cm diameter flexible ducts, with a 15.2 cm wall-cap, at duct pressures of -10 Pa to -120 Pa. Using these measurements and field experience, a five-step method was developed as a guide for sizing and installing the ventilation system. An economic evaluation was made by conducting hourly computer simulations to determine the impact on heating, cooling, and fan energy use for four U.S. climates. An effective ventilation system can be achieved using a filtered duct from out doors to the return side of a central air distribution fan with a specialized fan control that automatically cycles the fan if the fan has been inactive for a period of time.

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