Carrier Engineering Newsletter Volume 6, Issue 2

Evaluating Variable Air Volume (VAV) Packaged Rooftop

Systems for Use in High Performance Environments

New codes and energy regulations have changed the standard for packaged rooftop unit construction.
Packaged rooftop innovation over the last several years has made a huge impact on the overall efficiency
of these systems and has introduced a shift in design for high-performance small commercial buildings.
Owners and occupants of these buildings demand energy conservation and exceptional comfort conditions.
High performance buildings that are smaller in size and/or consist of one level often sacrifice energy
efficiency and comfort. One significant innovation is the use of Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems in
smaller rooftop units to meet today’s aggressive energy strategies and provide a high level of comfort.
This newsletter provides an in-depth look at five HVAC systems designed for high performance environments,
followed by examples from a prototype office building configured to simulate conditions in four different
climate zones.

Why are packaged rooftop units

so popular?
A packaged rooftop unit (RTU) is one of the most important
pieces of HVAC equipment for providing thermal comfort to
an environment that is changing daily as well as yearly. In
addition, the RTU must be applied across all climate zones
and many different building types. The RTU provides what the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) refers to as
a “Simple HVAC System.” The RTU system delivers heating,
cooling, and required space ventilation to various zones from
one single source.

Why VAV?
HVAC systems deliver thermal comfort to an environment as
it changes daily as well as over the course of the year. If BTU
efficiency is to be achieved through modulating the HVAC
system,maintaining specified set points is not enough. Efficiency
is also affected by control response and turndown efficiency.
Using a zone to link spaces with similar thermal requirements,
then linking multiple zones to an HVAC system network,
allows water or air delivery temperatures to be efficiently
customized for each zone. The overall efficiency of the
HVAC system can be further increased by turndown from
full-load source capacity to lesser part-load amounts.Using
these strategies with a VAV system helps to provide improved
thermal environmental control per ASHRAE 55 and better
energy strategies per IECC 2015.

© Carrier Corporation 2018 www.carrier.com/commercial

Originally when RTUs were introduced to the industry, the additional energy savings. The comfort and energy saving
packaged rooftop unit was provided with a single space benefits to upgrade from a single zone system to a VAV
thermostat for a single zone. The obvious drawback to this system traditionally outweigh the small additional first costs.
type of control system is that RTUs don’t serve single zones,
they typically serve multiple zones. On a single zone system,
the only space that would receive comfort from the HVAC
Quantifying Energy Requirements
system was the one that contained the thermostat. Any Constructing a zone’s thermal comfort quantity
additional zones served by the RTU didn’t have their own Start by looking at the three basic pillars—Ventilation, Building
space temperature sensor and their comfort was based Envelope, and Internal Loads. These three pillars require
on the conditions of an external space. In addition, the thermal conditioning based upon the zone-required temperature
packaged rooftop unit often had minimal stages of cooling set point, indoor air quantity, and occupant activities.
and heating capacity and operated at constant airflow. In
this scenario, even the space that contained the thermostat For example, consider an office building that has the
experienced times where the conditions were uncomfortable following typical spaces:
as the equipment cycled on and off. Furthermore, the on
EXTERIOR WALL OFFICES ZONE-1
and off cycling of the cooling system causes the humidity
levels in the space to rise and fall, adding to the discomfort. INTERNAL OFFICES ZONE-2
An upgrade to the single zone packaged rooftop unit was
CONFERENCE ROOM ZONE-3
the implementation of a VAV system. Similar to a single
zone system, a VAV RTU system has supply air distribution COPIER ROOM ZONE-4
ductwork, and air distribution in the space. Instead of a motor
starter, a variable speed drive has been added to the supply SERVER ROOM ZONE-5
air fan. Instead of one space sensor there are multiple space
BATHROOM ZONE-6
temperature sensors serving multiple zones. For each zone
there is an associated control damper (known as a VAV box). The first step is to evaluate the amount of cooling load required
The zone damper, serving its individual spaces, modulates at peak design cooling conditions. With this information you
open or closed based on the input from the space temperature can determine the maximum size of the HVAC equipment,
sensor. As the zone dampers open and close the static and then if necessary downsize it by applying diversity factors.
pressure in the supply ductwork changes. A static pressure Look at the minimum design of thermal requirements as
sensor detects these changes and sends a signal to the well as the transition between seasons, to see how the zone
VFD on the supply fan to change its speed/airflow higher requirements associated to the thermal quantity modulate
or lower. The VAV system has an upgraded control system, over dynamic ambient conditions. This will provide insight on
but it would still be considered a simple HVAC system. The what needs to be monitored by the modulation. It will also
supply air from the rooftop unit is maintained at a constant provide the minimum and maximum airflow that will
temperature, in the approximate 55 to 60ºF range. If a space be required to select a VAV box.
requires cooling it accepts this cool air. If a space requires
less cooling, or heating, the first step is for the VAV box A VAV system is a powerful tool for balancing indoor air
to reduce the airflow; if additional heating is required an quality and energy reduction. It matches the reduction of cfm
auxiliary heating device is staged on. With VAV systems, provided by a central supply, relating to reduced rpms that
each individual space almost never experiences situations capture the power reduction from the fundamental Ideal Fan
where its space temperature can’t be satisfied. In addition, Law 3. Using the same duct static pressure sensor as a
a VAV system provides better thermal comfort than a single Variable Volume and Temperature (VVT) system, a VAV
zone system because of the additional stages of airflow, system modulates the variable frequency drive applied to
heating and cooling. the central supply fan(s).
With a VAV system, the RTU can maintain thermal comfort in Building on the foundation of the above objective by the
multiple zones with diverse conditions while reducing energy evolution of the packaged rooftop unit and its rich rooted
consumption. Simultaneous heating and cooling is available. history in thermal quality and efficiency, we now look to the
Varying the volume of airflow to a particular zone to maintain a enacting of code requirements supporting progress. A deeper
changing thermal requirement allows for reduced fan energy dive into efficiency code requirements will enhance rooftop
at the source. In addition, turning down stages of heating unit system capability to deliver airflow at the most efficient
and cooling capacity in the rooftop unit also reduces energy thermal delta T and kwh/cfm.
consumption and maintains thermal comfort across all of the Moving from ASHRAE 90.1 Standards to enacting those
zones in any condition. references to code is where the International Energy Efficiency
In summary, VAV systems are an essential upgrade when Code (IEEC) becomes important. Most states use the
implemented in high performance environments because IECC 2009 version or later as an Efficiency Code, beyond
of the additional thermal comfort they provide as well as individual local developed codes, as well as ASHRAE 90.1

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Standards. It is this common combined code that develops Another important aspect of the IECC is Economizer Fault,
two pathways: equipment efficiency stated by ASHRAE 90.1, Detection, Diagnostic protection, in section C403.2.4.7.
and an HVAC system approach to energy strategies. This section emphasizes that even with the proper energy
strategies for an HVAC system, particularly associated with
IECC 2012 System Efficiency
a VAV system, proper maintenance is required to ensure
In section C403.2.10.1 of IECC 2012, Variable Speed Drive
the energy reduction through the life expectancy. It is critical
requirements need to be implemented onto a supply fan for
to have proper sustainability like the mandated Economizer
a simple or complex HVAC system when that fan is greater
Fault and Diagnostic with a VAV System based on Proper
than 5 HP. The supply fan is not associated to an equipment
Duty Cycle. Cooling and heating stages must be based on
type such as Air Handling Unit, Fan Coil Unit, or Packaged
actual real-time MAT, without false loading or over-ventilating
Rooftop Unit; instead the fan efficiency has been moved
which could hamper IAQ based on relative humidity ranges.
to its own referenced efficiency table C403.2.10.1(1).
Furthermore, this applies to a signal zone1 application, which
enacts transition to the code efficiency implementation in Summary of Five HVAC Systems
IECC 2015 for multiple zones. These systems were selected for the evaluation because
Another IECC 2012 system energy strategy was economizer they were considered to be the most common choice for
requirements based on climate zone.2 By defining the this type of small, single-story, high performance building. In
requirement around climate zones, the previously untapped addition, they offer similarities as well as major differences
ambient condition can be used to help condition the internal that should be carefully considered when choosing an
spaces. This also provides a platform for looking at VAV appropriate HVAC system. There isn’t one type of HVAC
system discharge air temperatures to be changed from static system that satisfies all requirements and scenarios; for
design day conditions to dynamic interaction of BTU makeup. this application other HVAC systems could be applied.
IECC 2015 System Efficiency System 1 Single Zone Gas RTU with Economizer
IECC 2015 continued the progression of emphasizing
energy reduction for HVAC systems with the VAV system System 2 VAV, Gas Preheat RTU with Economizer;
based on an air system serving multiple zones, therefore VAV Boxes with HW Reheat Coils,
directly affecting all HVAC systems based on multiple zones. Condensing Boiler
Most mid-tier efficiency Packaged RTUs with a VVT system System 3 VAV, Electric Preheat RTU Units with
can meet the requirements with a two-speed variable Economizer. VAV Boxes with Electric
speed drive.3 Reheat Coils
A further emphasis on saving energy from a BTU associated System 4 Air-Cooled, Heat Recovery, VRF Systems
reduction of what modulates from worst case (static) to every with Independent DOAS
day aspects (dynamic) is Demand Controlled Ventilation.
Section C403.2.6.1 requires DCV for areas that service an System 5 Boiler/Tower WSHP System with
area greater than 500 ft2 or more than 25 people / 1,000 ft2. Independent DOAS
This reinforces two things about ventilation: the high percentage 1Signal Zone is defined by an area experiencing the same building environment
of BTUs associated to quantity of the entire heating/cooling and usage/schedule.
capacity, and how incremental reduction will reduce fan 2Climate Zone reference table is C403.3.1(1).
energy as much as thermal source. 3A two-speed drive is synonymous with Stage Air Volume in coordination of
staging on heating and cooling capacities.

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Table 1 shows a comparison of the five systems that lowest. There is a short explanation in the notes section to
highlights some of the main concerns of owners, designers, clarify certain rankings. Once again, there are many items
occupants, installing contractors, and maintenance to consider when evaluating different HVAC systems for
personnel. Each of the considerations was ranked on a different buildings and the results can be very different from
scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest and one being the the previous project.

Table 1: HVAC Systems Comparison Chart

SYSTEM 1 – SYSTEMS 2 and 3 – SYSTEM 4 – SYSTEM 5 –

CONSIDERATION CV RTU VAV RTU VRF + DOAS WSHP + DOAS
I. OCCUPANT COMFORT
TEMPERATURE COMFORT
HUMIDITY COMFORT
(see note 9) (see note 9)
SIMULTANEOUS HEATING AND COOLING
SPACE ZONING
(see note 4)
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
REDUCTION IN OBJECTIONAB LE
NOISE (see note 8)

II. COSTS
INSTALLATION COSTS (FIRST COSTS) $ $$$ $$$$ $$$$
(see note 4) (see note 5) (see note 6)
OPERATING COSTS $$$ $$$$ $$$$ $$$$
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE COSTS $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$
III. OTHER
EASE OF START UP AND OPERATION
EASE OF MAINTENANCE
EASE OF FUTURE REPLACEMENT
FLEXIBILITY OF INSTALLATION
(see note 7)

Each of
Notes theObservations:
and considerations were ranked on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest and one being the lowest.
1. Other HVAC systems that could be considered for this application: a) fewer, larger VAV rooftop units, b) fewer, larger commercial split systems with VAV control,
or c) numerous, small residential split systems.
2. A DOAS system for System 4 or 5 can vary greatly in nature. Some options for its design could be: a) providing untreated outside air directly connected to the
terminal equipment, or b) a simple energy recovery device with only fans, or c) a high end heating/cooling system tied into the VRF or WSHP system. There are
also many intermediate offerings between these simple/inexpensive or complex/expensive systems.
3. Life cycle costs are an important factor but were not considered in this evaluation. In addition, such a detailed analysis is not normally performed on this type
of small project with simple HVAC systems and with relatively short design and construction periods.
4. The most common system provided is single zone RTU.
5. Because of the higher first cost of VRF systems, often the number of fan coils and zones on a VRF system is reduced when compared to a VAV system.
6. For the application in this newsletter (approximately 80-120 tons) typically a WSHP system would have the highest first costs.
7. VRF systems have the greatest amount of flexibility due to the different types of FCUs available as well as the flexibility on selection a location for the condensing units.
8. Indoor sound quality is probably equal for Systems 1 through 4, but the VRF system has the quietest sound levels due to its condensing unit.
9. Packaged RTUs can add dehumidification control to their system for enhanced humidity control.

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The chart does not give weighting factors to every DOAS system for VRF and WSHP systems can have
possible item because each HVAC system has unique enhanced filtration, but the terminal equipment at the zone
strengths and weaknesses that can be matched to the level for these two systems is limited in the amount of
individual requirements of the building construction, owner filtration that can be provided.
preferences, location, etc. Lowest first cost is often the
Simple, traditional HVAC system
most critical factor when selecting an HVAC system, but
The main equipment component of a VAV rooftop system
low first cost frequently results in insufficient occupancy
is the packaged rooftop unit. This piece of equipment is
comfort, higher energy costs, and higher maintenance
a tried and true pillar of an HVAC system, one that has
costs. In this evaluation, System 2 and 3 (VAV RTU) and
been around for many years and is familiar throughout the
System 4 (VRF with DOAS) are slowly making inroads
industry. The installation, operational, and maintenance
in the industry when compared to System 1 (CV RTU).
requirements of the RTU have not changed much from its
Designers and owners are the driving factor for this
initial introduction many years ago. VAV boxes are simple
increase in usage because they want to provide additional
to install and operate, and they require little maintenance.
comfort to occupants. The ability to provide simultaneous
The use of a ductwork system and the overall control
heating and cooling to an entire building is an easy solution
system are likewise similar and consistent in installation
for minimizing occupant complaints. Furthermore, the
operation and maintenance requirements.
ever-increasing code requirement for energy reduction
along with increasing indoor air quality standards is Commissioning
straining the ability of the CV RTU to be a viable system A VAV rooftop system doesn’t require special training
in the future. Surveying the industry, it seems most or extensive time to perform check/test/start-up as well
designers and owners at this time are leaning towards as commissioning. Today’s VAV control systems for the
providing System 4 (VRF with DOAS) as an upgrade to rooftop unit and VAV boxes are factory-installed and
System 1 (CV RTU). It seems that System 2 and 3 (VAV are typically plug and play with auto-discovery and
RTU) is being overlooked as an upgrade for CV RTU pre-determined control algorithms.
systems. In a broad evaluation, when VAV RTU is compared
to VRF with DOAS, VAV RTU is often lower in first cost, Service, maintenance
equal or better in energy usage, and easier to install and With a VAV rooftop system, work (including filter
maintain. Other benefits of a VAV rooftop system for small, replacements) takes place outside of the occupied area
high performance buildings are described below. and does not disrupt the occupants. In addition, the
system is simple enough that a larger base of available
Additional dehumidification control service technicians would be qualified to work on it.
Because WSHPs are open to the atmosphere, these
A dehumidification control system is available as a factory- systems would have the highest maintenance costs.
engineered and installed option on packaged rooftop
units. In applications where buildings or zones are subject Equipment life expectancy
to higher than normal latent cooling load conditions, The life expectancy of any HVAC system is highly
the addition of a dehumidification system could provide dependent on the quantity and quality of service and
additional space comfort for the occupants. When the maintenance. Ductwork systems traditionally have a
outside air or the zone contains higher than acceptable longer life expectancy versus piping systems. Systems
levels of moisture, a humidity sensor would trigger the that operate their compressors in an on-off fashion
operation of either: typically have shorter life spans. Systems that operate
their compressors in heating and cooling typically have
• latent cooling operation or shorter life spans versus cooling only systems.
• neutral air operation in the rooftop unit Ease of future replacement
This dehumidification system is an inexpensive option Replacing a rooftop unit requires integration with the
that doesn’t require any special field modifications and existing support system as well as the control system.
has been available in constant volume units for years. Replacing a component in a VRF system requires
integration with the existing refrigerant piping system
Improved indoor air quality
as well as the control system. Replacement of WSHPs
Packaged rooftop units have the ability to incorporate
is simple; they traditionally include isolation valves and
higher levels of filtration versus the tradition MERV 8 rating.
hose kits on the piping connections.
In addition, IAQ would be improved during economizer
operation because of the increased amounts of outside Comfort
air brought into the building. Further improvements to IAQ A VAV rooftop system can provide simultaneous heating
could be realized with the implementation of a demand and cooling operation similar to a VRF and WSHP system.
control ventilation (DCV) system with the use of CO2 Because it contains multiple space sensors, additional
sensors. In addition, a DCV system would save additional capacity stages, and VAV boxes, it provides better temperature
energy by preventing over-ventilation of the spaces. The and humidity control than a single zone system. Additional

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comfort can be provided by the simple addition of a Source EUI accounts for the inefficiency of generating
dehumidification system. A supply air temperature and transmitting electricity. Source EUI is more meaningful
and static pressure reset system would also enhance to someone concerned about global warming since it is
the building’s comfort by providing more stable a true measure of environmental impact. Source EUI
operating conditions. increases the EUI for electricity by a factor of about
3 since average electricity generation and transmission
First costs
efficiency is about 28%.
System 1 (CV RTU) rates 5 stars since contractors and
technicians are familiar with the system requirements, Low energy costs
and the equipment cost of the rooftop equipment is lower VAV rooftop units are traditionally competitive with other
when compared to the equipment in a VRF system and HVAC systems across many different building types, building
the DOAS unit. VAV rooftop units are traditionally very applications, and locations when comparing energy costs.
competitive with other HVAC systems across many Operating costs for rooftop units are traditionally lowest
different building types, applications, and locations when an airside economizer can be effectively utilized.
when comparing first costs. In addition, operating costs of a rooftop unit are greatly
enhanced when there is a larger percentage of heating
Sound
hours and gas is the preferred utility (instead of electric
Because the compressors are located inside the building
heating). Furthermore for VAV rooftop systems, during
on WSHP systems, objectionable noise can sometimes
operation at part load conditions a supply air temperature
be a problem. VAV rooftop units are traditionally quiet
reset and static pressure reset system must be provided
and are located away from the occupancy spaces.
to satisfy energy codes. Although these two additional
Global Warming energy saving measures traditionally are overlooked, they
The EUI (energy use intensity) for the entire building are easy to implement; the control devices are already
is shown on Figure 2 bar charts in the energy analysis included in the base system and the programming logic
section of this newsletter. The cities chosen were Houston, is already included in the controller. These two control
Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The EUI value is sequences save additional fan energy as well as cooling/
represented in kbtu/sq ft per year of total building energy heating energy. VRF and WSHPs also have low operating
consumption; it also includes lights and plug load energy costs based on their ability to transfer energy between zones,
consumption. As you will see, VAV rooftop system have but not having an economizer system is a disadvantage.
competitive EUI values when compared to other high
performance systems. Please note that electricity can
be generated at the site or the source (power plant).

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Energy Simulation
An energy simulation was performed for the five different HVAC systems across four different climate zones. Below is
a brief description of the general features for all models as well as additional details of each of the five systems.

HVAC Systems:
General Features of All System Models:
• 75°F/70°F occupied thermostat setpoints
• 80°F/65°F unoccupied cycle setpoints
• ASHRAE 90.1 office operating schedule
• Ventilation ASHRAE 62.1-2013 ventilation rate procedure (effectiveness, people diversity, critical space included)
• Utility Rates State average prices compiled by US Energy Information Admin (EIA)

System 1 Single Zone Gas RTU Units

• Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago comply with IECC-15. Philadelphia complies with IECC-09.
• 10 units one per thermal block
• Stage air volume operation: 2 speed cooling, 1 speed heating
• Outside air: Integrated enthalpy economizer
• Gas heat
• RTU compressor and outdoor fan from product selections
• 57°F design supply air temp to building

System 2 VAV RTU Units Gas Preheat-HW Reheat Coils, Condensing Boiler
• Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago comply with IECC-15. Philadelphia complies with IECC-09.
• 2 units each serving 2 perimeter thermal blocks
• 2 units each serving 3 interior thermal blocks
• Outside air: Integrated enthalpy economizer
• Gas heat in rooftop unit
• RTU compressor and outdoor fan from product selections
• 55°F discharge air temp
• Variable air volume operation: Forward curved fan with VFD
• 30% min VAV box position
• 95% efficiency natural gas HW condensing boiler for reheat coils

System 3 VAV RTU Units ELEC Preheat and Box ELEC Reheat Coils
• Same as System 2 but electric resistance heat throughout

System 4 Air-Cooled, Heat Recovery, VRF Systems with Independent DOAS

• Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago comply with IECC-15. Philadelphia complies with IECC-09.
• 2 separate air-cooled heat recovery VRF systems 5 thermal blocks each
• Each VRF fan coils served by DOAS
• Outside air: DOAS, 60% ERV, gas heat, electric cooling
• Electric supplemental heat if required
• VRF ODU variable speed rotary compression
• ODU and outdoor fan kW from product selections
• 57°F design supply air temp indoor terminal units
• VRF fan coil: Low static 0.3 in. TSP cassette type non-ducted
• VRF system has 140 feet indoor/outdoor separation, 15 feet vertical

System 5 WSHP System with Independent DOAS

• Closed loop, reverse return piping system, water source heat pump system
• Outside air: DOAS, 60% ERV, gas heat, electric cooling
• Heat adder, gas boiler, 95% efficiency
• Heat rejector, cooling tower, 0.05 kw/ton VFD fan
• Loop range 68°F to 86°F high, pump 30 ft wg, 3 gpm/ton
• WSHP energy efficiency = ASHRAE 90.1-2013 compliant
• 57°F design supply air temp indoor terminal units
• Water source heat pumps: Medium static 0.6 in. TSP, horizontal type, ducted

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Building Type
The building used for the simulation was patterned after a Prototype Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
office building. See Figure 1.

Figure 1: Modified DOE Benchmark Building – Medium Office V3

North Perimeter 5200 sq ft

8.4 Ton Load
280 ft

Core Cube 11,800 sq ft Core Cube 11,800 sq ft

15 Ton Load 15 Ton Load

East Perimeter 3300 sq ft

West Perimeter 3300 sq ft
7.6 Ton Load

7 Ton Load
185 ft
Core Cmp 3,600 sq ft Core Cmp 3,600 sq ft
7.5 Ton Load 7.5 Ton Load

Core Food 2,000 sq ft Core Food 2,000 sq ft

7.4 Ton Load 7.4 Ton Load

South Perimeter 5200 sq ft

8.8 Ton Load

Grand Total Area = 51,800 sq ft Total for building is ~ 90 tons

Building Features:
• Rectangular shape; 1.5 aspect ratio; overall dimensions 280 X 185; single story (PNNL was 3 story)
• 33% window to wall ratio all 4 sides; window depth 4.29 ft
• 10 thermal block zones: 4 perimeter, 6 interior (this modification was made to accommodate more zones)
• Perimeter zone depth 20 ft
• Ventilation per ASHRAE 62.1-2013 of 5 cfm/pp, 0.06 cfm/sq ft
• Occupancy 200 sq ft /person office work using an office occupancy schedule (normal office hours)
• Overhead lighting 1.1 W/sq ft; Office lights/electric schedule and 0.98 W/sq ft for open office area
• Electrical equipment 0.75 W/sq ft; Office lights/electric schedule
• Building envelope walls/roof/window assembly ASHRAE 90.1-2013 compliant based on climate zone
• All HVAC systems ceiling supply ceiling return

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 Figure 2: System Comparison by Zone

HOUSTON OFFICE BLDG (Climate Zone 2A) LOS ANGELES OFFICE BLDG (Climate Zone 3B)
$30,000 $30,000

$25,000 $25,000

$20,000 $20,000

$15,000 Pumps-HR $15,000 Pumps-HR

Heang Heang

$10,000 Cooling $10,000 Cooling

Fans Fans

$5,000 $5,000

$0 $0
1. SAV RTU 2. VAV RTU 3. VAV RTU 4. VRF 5. WSHP Loop 1. SAV RTU 2. VAV RTU 3. VAV RTU 4. VRF 5. WSHP Loop
EUI=102.2 GAS HW RH ELEC RH w Heat Recovery w DOAS EUI=79.2 GAS HW RH ELEC RH w Heat Recovery w DOAS
EUI=103.9 EUI=114.3 w DOAS Clg/Htg + ERV EUI=83.1 EUI=86.0 w DOAS Clg/Htg + ERV
Clg/Htg + ERV EUI=110.9 Clg/Htg + ERV EUI=94.1
EUI=103.3 EUI=92.6

PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA OFFICE
OFFICE BLDG
BLDG (Climate Zone 4A)
(Climate Zone 4A)
CHICAGO OFFICE BLDG (Climate Zone 5A)
$30,000 $30,000
$30,000

$25,000 $25,000
$25,000

$20,000 $20,000
$20,000

$15,000 Pumps-HR $15,000

$15,000 Pumps-HR Pumps-HR
Heang
Heang Hea‹ng
$10,000 Cooling
$10,000 Cooling $10,000 Cooling
Fans
Fans Fans

$5,000
$5,000 $5,000

$0
$0 $0
1. SAV RTU 2. VAV RTU 3. VAV RTU 4. VRF 5. WSHP Loop
1.EUI=93.7
SAV RTU 2. VAV 1. SAV RTU 2. VAV RTU 3. VAV RTU 4. VRF 5. WSHP Loop
GAS HWRTU
RH 3.ELEC
VAV RH
RTU 4. Recovery
w Heat VRF 5. WSHP
w DOASLoop
EUI=96.3 GAS HW RH ELEC RH w Heat Recovery w DOAS
EUI=93.7 GAS HW RH
EUI=94.2 ELEC RH
EUI=121.8 w Heat Recovery Clg/Htg
w DOAS w DOAS
+ ERV
EUI=94.2 EUI=121.8 w DOAS Clg/Htg + ERV EUI=95.7 EUI=136.1 w DOAS Clg/Htg + ERV
Clg/Htg + ERV EUI=104.3 Clg/Htg + ERV EUI=107.3
Clg/Htg + ERV
EUI=102.3 EUI=104.3
EUI=104.3
EUI=102.3

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Analysis
Houston, Climate Zone #2 — Heavy cooling climate with some heating
• Cooling costs reduced slightly (5%) by economizer
• Heating costs minimal
• Reasonable utility costs: electric—8.5 cents/kwh; gas rate—$6.95/MCF
Observations: During long cooling season, System 1-3 (rooftops) benefit from airside economizer and VFD equipped
supply fans (SAV = 1, VAV = 2 and 3). System 3 is the same as System 2 except electric reheat coils result in higher costs
than a gas boiler. System 4 (VRF) benefits from the VFD (inverter) equipped compression but the fans on the DOAS and
VRF fan coils are detriments. In addition, efficiency of System #4 is penalized by not having an economizer. System 5
(WSHP + DOAS) is penalized by constant speed compressors and constant volume fans. In addition, there is no economizer
on WSHP. The loop pump energy is small portion but the pumps operate whenever cooling or heating is required.

Los Angeles, Climate Zone #3 — Temperate climate suited for economizer

• Cooling costs reduced over 30%
• Heating costs minimal
• High electric rate—15.73 cents/kwh; gas rate—$8.04/MCF
Observations: RTU Systems 1-3 minimize electric usage (cooling with economizer and VFD on fans). Not enough heating
required for RTU System 3 electric reheat makes it uncompetitive. High electric rates impact VRF and WSHP systems
(they are being penalized because they don’t have economizer, and when they don’t have VFDs).

Philadelphia, Climate Zone #4 — Northern cooling and heating climate

• Cooling costs minimized by economizer
• Using electricity for heating (versus gas) results in much higher operating costs
• Reasonable utility costs: electric—9.6 cents/kwh; gas—$9.32/MCF
Observations: RTU Systems 1-2 minimize cooling (economizer), and heating (gas) costs. Electric reheat of System 3 is
uncompetitive due to large number of heating hours. VRF and WSHP very competitive due to heat recovery and reverse
cycle heat pump feature and reasonable utility costs.

Chicago, Climate Zone #5 — Northern cooling and heating climate

• Cooling costs minimized by economizer
• Heating costs benefit from low natural gas rate
• Electric rate—9 cents/kwh; gas rate—$7.29/MCF
Observations: Chicago has similar results to Philadelphia. Since the gas rate is even lower, the RTU Systems 1-2 are
lowest operating cost.

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Energy Analysis Overall Summary required. This is especially true even if electric rates are high
such as in California. In colder climates, gas heat is more
For this sample office building, HVAC systems that incorporate commonly used; the additional energy costs associated with
natural gas for heating, integrated airside economizer for the use of electric heat would probably not justify its lower
cooling, and VFDs to minimize fan energy during part load first cost.
operation deliver attractive operating costs consistently
across all four climate zone locations. Systems that utilize refrigerant or water loop heat recovery
and reverse cycle inverter heat pump technology (VRF) are
For this application, the energy usage of 2 speed and attractive alternatives but not necessarily in all four climate
variable speed fans was comparable. However, these type zone locations. The use of a DOAS and ERV to minimize
of fan systems save energy when compared to constant the ventilation load further increases the efficiency and helps
speed fan systems. offset the lack of an airside economizer.
Systems that utilize electric resistance heat can also be an
attractive alternative in locations where minimal heating is

CONCLUSION
For HVAC systems in high performance buildings, small other high tier HVAC systems. These systems also satisfy
VAV rooftop units provide an attractive solution. Owners of owners requirements for ease of operation, commissioning
high performance buildings demand top of the line HVAC and ongoing maintenance. As demonstrated in this newsletter,
systems that provide individual occupant comfort at low small, gas heat, VAV rooftop units can provide slightly
operating costs. Small VAV rooftop systems traditionally lower energy costs while still satisfying the requirement
offer competitive or lower first costs when compared to for simultaneous heating and cooling.

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