Duct design for HVAC systems involves four main types: trunk and branch, radial, spider, and perimeter loop. All designs revolve around the furnace unit, with size varying based on building size. The trunk and branch method is common, while radial and spider methods are efficient for smaller buildings. The perimeter loop is less common.
Duct design is a key part of moving hot or cold air through a building. There are mainly four main types of ductwork that distribute and draw air in a ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The trunk and branch method, the radial method, the spider method and the perimeter ring perform this task in different ways and usually correspond to a particular type of building.
All duct design revolves around the furnace unit. Air conditioning, while its unit is located outside a building, also passes through this unit to incorporate the same ductwork. A furnace is normally located in the basement of a house or building and its size depends on the building. Homes often have an oven the size of a refrigerator, but large buildings may have multiple ovens that can take up an entire room. Regardless of size, all ductwork revolves around this point in a building because it is the source of all the air that is vented.
The trunk and branch method of duct design is one of the most common. Normally, this type of duct installation consists of two large main ducts exiting the furnace in opposite directions, flowing directly underneath the center of a building, much like a tree trunk. Several smaller branch-like ducts branch off from this main duct. These smaller branches lead to individual rooms and provide heating and air conditioning.
Another popular method of duct design is the radial configuration. In this formation, several branches of pipes start directly from the furnace and reach each room individually. This method works for smaller homes and buildings, but can be inefficient for larger buildings due to the amount of ductwork required.
The spider style of duct design is similar to the radial configuration, but slightly more efficient. In this configuration, some main ducts branch off from the furnace, but once these ducts approach the premises, they branch off in several directions to reach the appropriate vent. The configuration often resembles the legs of a spider.
The perimeter loop is probably used less by HVAC duct professionals. This configuration takes the use of the radial method of individual ducts leading to each room but adds an additional element. Each individual duct is connected around the perimeter of the building by further ducts, creating a loop that passes excess hot or cold air to the next vent.
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