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1)Case 1: Two chillers, two primary chilled water pumps, two secondary chilled
water pumps, two cooling water pumps, and two cooling towers were operational.
Case 2: One chiller, one primary chilled water pump, two secondary chilled water
pumps, two cooling water pumps, and two cooling towers were operational.
a) Differentiate between Case 1 and Case 2 operations based on power
consumption and the level of human thermal comfort.
b)Considering the chillers in hospitals equipped with VFD in the above-mentioned
scenario, predict the need of VFD In HVAC systems.
Answer:
a) Difference between Case 1 and Case 2:

●​ Power Consumption: Case 1 consumes more power due to the operation of

two chillers and more pumps. Case 2 consumes less power with only one chiller
and fewer pumps running.​

●​ Thermal Comfort: Case 1 provides better thermal comfort due to full-capacity

operation, while Case 2 may slightly reduce comfort under partial load.

b) Need for VFD in HVAC system:

VFDs are needed to adjust motor and pump speeds based on demand, reducing
energy use while maintaining required thermal comfort.Installation of VFD chillers is a
critical component for optimizing the performance of the HVAC system in a hospital
setting.Using VFD saves energy ,adapt to load changes ,extend equipment life,ensure
efficient cooling in hospitals.

2)

a) Identify the type of air-conditioning system used in the building mentioned in

the above scenario Also identify the type of air-conditioning system is suitable
for large buildings from the below options Justify your answer

1 Constant Air Volume (CAV) System

2 Variable Air Volume (VAV)

3 Centralized Chilled Water Systems

4 District Cooling System

b) If The air-conditioning system mentioned in the scenario replaced with direct
expansion system how the direct expansion system is differed from the system
mentioned in the scenario

Answer:

a) The air-conditioning system described in the scenario is a Variable Air Volumes

(VAV) system integrated with an Air Handling Unit (AHU). (1 Mark).For large buildings,
centralized chilled water systems (like the one in the scenario) are more suitable. (1
Mark)

Justification:​
​ Direct Expansion (DX) systems are typically less efficient for large-scale
operations because they are decentralized and involve individual units for each zone.
Centralized chilled water systems provide better efficiency, load management, and
control for larger spaces, making them more suitable for hospitals and similar buildings.
(1 Mark)

b) Replacing the current system with a DX system would:

●​ Increase energy consumption for large hospitals due to the large number of
DX units required
●​ Increase maintenance as multiple units need servicing instead of a centralized
plant

3)As per the scenario, if we observed 30°C in dry bulb temperature, then find the
other air properties. a) Find wet bulb temperature dew point if the relative
humidity is 100% and after the installing dehumidifier the relative humidity
changed 60% As per the scenario, if 30°C is observed in dry bulb temperature,
then find the other air properties

a) Find the wet bulb temperature and dew point when the relative humidity is
100%. %, and after installing the dehumidifier, when the relative humidity changes
to 60%

b) Find specific volume when relative humidity is 80% (4 Marks-[Ap/P. 3])

a)Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT):

●​ Before dehumidifier (RH = 100%) 30°C

●​ After dehumidifier (RH = 60%): ~25°C (2 Marks)
Dew Point Temperature (DPT):

●​ Before dehumidifier (RH = 100%): 30°C

●​ After dehumidifier (RH = 60%): ~21.5°C (1 Mark)

b)Specific Volume (RH = 80%): ~0.88 m³/kg (1 Mark)

4)

A)Whether the wet bulb temperature will vary when a dehumidifier is installed in the
scenario? Justify your answer
Yes, the wet bulb temperature will vary when a dehumidifier is installed.​
In typical dehumidification processes (such as refrigeration-based systems), both the
wet bulb temperature and dew point decrease because moisture is removed from the air
and the air is cooled. However, in chemical (adiabatic) dehumidification, the wet bulb
temperature remains constant while the dew point decreases.
B) How does the HVAC system respond if the indoor temperature rises above the set
point of 22°C during summer?
If the indoor temperature rises above the set point of 22°C during summer, the
HVAC system activates the cooling cycle. The compressor starts circulating refrigerant
through the evaporator coils to absorb heat from indoor air, lowering the temperature.
The cooled air is then circulated until the temperature returns to 22°C, maintaining
comfort.
C)Identify two energy-saving strategies for an HVAC system operating in a multi-story
office building from the below list with justification.
1) Smart Building Management System (BMS)
2) Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment
3) Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV)
4) Regular Maintenance and Alr Filter Cleaning
5) Proper Insulation and Sealing
1.​ Smart Building Management System (BMS)
●​ Justification: BMS uses sensors and automation to optimize HVAC
operation based on occupancy and real-time conditions, reducing energy
consumption by 20–50% through better control and predictive
maintenance.
2.​ Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment
●​ Justification: Modern, high-efficiency HVAC systems consume less energy
by adapting output to demand and improving heat exchange, leading to
significant cost and energy savings compared to older equipment.

3.Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV) – (1 Mark)

●​ Multi-story buildings have varying occupancy levels in different zones.DCV

ensures that heating and cooling are provided only where needed,
reducing unnecessary energy consumption. (1 Mark)

5)

A) The thermostat in the building is malfunctioning and reads 24°C when the
actual indoor temperature is 22°C. How would this affect the operation of the
HVAC system?

Answer:​
​ The thermostat incorrectly detects a higher temperature. It may signal the system
to continue cooling unnecessarily. This would lead to excessive energy
consumption and discomfort for occupants. (2 Marks)

B) Why is it important to maintain balanced airflow in the ducts for an HVAC

system, and what might happen if the airflow is restricted?
Answer:​
​ Balanced airflow ensures uniform temperature distribution and prevents
system overwork.Restricted airflow can lead to uneven heating or cooling,
reduced efficiency, and increased wear on the HVAC components.(2 Marks)

6)

a) In the above scenario, the static model and the adaptive model used, which of
the mentioned model suits better in naturally ventilated building? Justify your
answer.

​ The adaptive model suits better in naturally ventilated buildings. (1 mark)

Justification:

The adaptive model considers the occupants’ ability to adapt to changes in the thermal
environment (e.g., opening windows, adjusting clothing) and aligns well with naturally
ventilated spaces where such adaptations are common. (2 marks)

b) In the above scenario, whether the efficient temperature for human comfort in
the buildings depends on climatic and seasonal changes?

​ Yes, the efficient temperature for human comfort depends on climatic and
seasonal changes. (1 mark)

●​ Effective temperature in summer: Typically ranges from 24–27°C (1 mark)​

●​ Effective temperature in winter: Typically ranges from 20–24°C (1 mark)

These ranges depends on regional climatic conditions and the adaptability of

occupants.
7)

a) If a building automation system detects high humidity, what possible control

actions can be taken to maintain the comfort zone?

​ The system can activate dehumidifiers, increase ventilation, or adjust HVAC

settings to reduce moisture levels. (1 Mark)

b) In the above scenario, what might happen if radiant heat inside the building is
not controlled properly?

​ Uncontrolled radiant heat can lead to discomfort, overheating, or cold spots,

making it necessary to optimize insulation and heating distribution. (2 Marks)

c) Identify the reason why a person in the building with less clothing needs a low
optimum temperature than a person with heavy clothing.

​ A person with less clothing needs a lower optimum temperature than a person
with heavy clothing because clothing acts as an insulating layer. Less clothing allows
faster heat loss to the environment, requiring a lower temperature to maintain thermal
comfort, while heavy clothing retains more heat, necessitating a higher temperature to
prevent feeling too warm. (2 Marks)

8)

a) If a maternity hospital originally uses a standard metabolic rate of 1 MET for

pregnant women, but real survey data suggests a higher metabolic rate of 2.17
MET, how would you adjust the PMV to match the TSV?

Answer:​
The PMV should be recalculated using a metabolic rate of 2.17 MET, which will likely
result in a PMV value closer to the TSV (+0.97) reported in the survey. Adjustments in
temperature, humidity, or clothing insulation may also be needed to achieve thermal
comfort. (2 Marks)

b) How should maternity hospitals address the mismatch between standard PMV
calculations and actual TSV responses? Should they reconsider their thermal
comfort standards? Justify the answer.

Answer:​
Yes, maternity hospitals should reconsider their thermal comfort standards. The
mismatch indicates that standard PMV values do not accurately represent the
comfort of pregnant women. Hospitals should adopt updated metabolic rates and
real survey data to set more accurate and personalized thermal comfort conditions.
(2 Marks)

c) Why might the thermal comfort needs of pregnant women differ from standard
predictions, and how can hospitals accommodate these variations?

Answer:

Pregnant women may feel hotter because their bodies produce more heat and they are
more sensitive to temperature changes. Hospitals can help by allowing adjustable room
temperatures, using fans or air conditioners, and giving clothing options to stay
comfortable.