MIL-HDBK-1003/3
APPENDIX C
DESIGN DO's AND DON'Ts FOR VAV SYSTEMS
C-1.00
Introduction
C-1.01
Scope and Criteria. This appendix is intended for use
by qualified engineers who are responsible for preparation and
review of plans and specifications for construction of VAV, HVAC,
and dehumidifying systems. It complements the requirements of
NAVFACENGCOM and DOD manuals and instructions for the
construction of HVAC systems. The designer is reminded that
normal construction and maintenance problems encountered with all
types of HVAC systems are not covered here, but should be fully
considered in the design.
C-1.02
Excellent Facilities. The objective of HVAC system
design is to provide excellent places to work and live for Navy
and Marine Corps personnel. The goal is not only to minimize the
life cycle cost of the facilities, but also to maximize the
performance of the people who use the facilities. VAV systems
offer enhanced comfort by allowing economical flexibility in
zoning, better temperature control, better passive humidity
control at part load, and greater energy efficiency.
C-1.03
Importance of Design. Navy VAV systems often do not
perform as the designer intends. An investigation of the causes
of failure shows that considerable improvement in the success of
VAV can be achieved by special attention to good design
practices. This appendix is intended to provide feedback to
alert the designer to recognize those areas where careful
attention can prevent deficiencies commonly found in Navy VAV
systems.
a) VAV systems incur problems for the same basic
reasons that other types of air conditioning systems do. They
are either improperly designed, constructed, or operated and
maintained.
b) Deficiencies in design often result from both
technical and practical aspects of the design. Improper
practical decisions often occur in the following areas: (1) lack
of consideration of the constructability of the design,
(2) failure to appreciate the importance of designing systems
that can be operated and maintained, and (3) failure to
communicate in sufficient detail the design intent and thus
leaving too many decisions to the contractor.
c) Deficiencies in construction, inspection, and
acceptance occur primarily in three areas: (1) the system may
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