Constant air volume

Constant Air Volume (CAV) is a type of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
system. In a simple CAV system, the supply air flow rate is constant, but the supply air
temperature is varied to meet the thermal loads of a space.[1]

Most CAV systems are small, and serve a single thermal zone. However, variations such as CAV
with reheat, CAV multizone, and CAV primary-secondary systems can serve multiple zones and
larger buildings.

In mid to large size buildings, new central CAV systems are somewhat rare. Due to fan energy
savings potential, variable air volume systems are more common. However, in small buildings
and residences, CAV systems are often the system of choice due to simplicity, low cost, and
reliability. Such small CAV systems often have on/off control, rather than supply air temperature
modulation, to vary their heating or cooling capacities.

There are two types of CAV systems that are commonly in use to modify the supply air
temperature: the terminal reheat system and the mixed air system.

The terminal reheat system cools the air in the air handling unit down to the lowest possible
needed temperature within its zone of spaces. This supplies a comfortable quality to the space,
but wastes energy.

The mixed air system has two air streams, typically one for the coldest and one for the hottest
needed air temperature in the zone. The two air streams are strategically combined to offset the
space's load. The mixed air system option is not as proficient at controlling the humidity, yet it
does do well at controlling the temperature. (reference: Heating/Piping/Air Conditioning,
December 1993 p.53-57)

Variable air volume

Variable air volume (VAV) is a technique for controlling the capacity of a heating, ventilating,
and/or air-conditioning (HVAC) system. The simplest VAV system incorporates one supply duct
that, when in cooling mode, distributes approximately 55 °F (13 °C) supply air. Because the
supply air temperature, in this simplest of VAV systems, is constant, the air flow rate must vary
to meet the rising and falling heat gains or losses within the thermal zone served.

There are two primary advantages to VAV systems. The fan capacity control, especially with
modern electronic variable speed drives, reduces the energy consumed by fans which can be a
substantial part of the total cooling energy requirements of a building. Dehumidification is greater
with VAV systems than it is with constant volume system which modulate the discharge air
temperature to attain part load cooling capacity.

1
The air blower's flow rate is variable. For a single VAV air handler that serves multiple thermal
zones, the flow rate to each zone must be varied as well.

A VAV terminal unit[1], often called a VAV box, is the zone-level flow control device. It is
basically a quality, calibrated air damper with an automatic actuator. The VAV terminal unit is
connected to either a local or a central control system. Historically, pneumatic control was
commonplace, but electronic direct digital control systems are popular especially for mid-to-large
size applications. Hybrid control, for example having pneumatic actuators with digital data
collection, is popular as well.

Control of the system's fan capacity is critical in VAV systems. Without proper and rapid flow
rate control, the system's ductwork, or its sealing, can easily be damaged by overpressurization.
In the cooling mode of operation, as the temperature in the space is satisfied, a VAV box closes
to limit the flow of cool air into the space. As the temperature increases in the space, the box
opens to bring the temperature back down. The fan maintains a constant static pressure in the
discharge duct regardless of the position of the VAV box. Therefore, as the boxes close, the fan
slows down or restricts the amount of air going into the supply duct. As the boxes open, the fan
speeds up and allows more air flow into the duct, maintaining a constant static pressure.

While invented earlier, Tempmaster Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri is credited with
perfecting early VAV technology. The VAV flow control loop (actuator, flow control loop, and
differential pressure sensor) is the heart of the technology and several product innovations were
introduced by Kreuter Manufacturing Corp., now KMC Controls [1].