Workflow of Duct Sizing Utility

A well-designed duct system meets two design objectives:

The first objective is to deliver the building's required airflow rate; the process of designing and selecting a fan and ductwork for this purpose is called duct sizing.
The second objective of an air distribution system is to minimize life-cycle cost, including initial installation costs (ducts, insulation, acoustic lining, fans, duct-mounted equipment) and operating costs (electrical and heating energy). The process of meeting this objective is called duct optimization.

The Duct Sizing utility undergoes following steps:

Load System
Number Sections/Components
Check System
Compute Data, Recalculate
Map Component Types to Fitting Database
Duct sizing table by Equal Friction method
Duct sizing - Summary of Fittings Per Section
Resize System - walk through actual resize / replace component

While an HVAC system is routed and loaded into this utility, with the selection of a starting component, calculations occur, and missing data is highlighted visually distinct. An interactive table populates a view of data complying ASHRAE standards, such as the table of "Total Pressure Loss by Section". This utility allows you to use the interface to "walk-through" the duct system and link components to a mix of detailed design data (such as ASHRAE Fitting number) or estimated data (Loss Coefficient ~ 0.0) and continues the full calculations. Editing in many fields is available to adjust specific data such as loss coefficients for fittings to refine the re-build process. Once promoted the system will rebuild based on the values and restrictions defined within the system grid of the Automated Duct Sizing tool. After the system is balanced and pressure losses are in acceptable range, you can write to model.