TABLE OF CONTENTS Cold-air distribution systems supply air for space conditioning at reduced temperatures compared to current typical air distribution designs. These systems, sometimes referred to as low-temperature air distribution systems, typically supply air between 40 F and 50 F (4 C and 10 C). This is in contrast to most "conventional" air distribution designs, which utilize supply air at nominal temperatures between 50 F (10 C) and 59 F (15 C).
The use of cold-air distribution technology can result in lower mechanical system costs, reduced energy consumption, and improved comfort. This design guide provides designers and building owners with the basic information needed to design, install, and operate successful cold-air distribution systems. The design guide is intended to be a practical how-to manual for design practitioners. It provides comprehensive coverage of cold-air distribution design considerations, including evaluation techniques, detailed design information, construction requirements, and design examples. It can also function as an entry point into the literature for those seeking more detailed information on specific aspects of cold-air distribution design. The guide does not cover standard heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) design procedures in depth, but it does provide appropriate references for those readers who desire more information on these topics.
Cold-air distribution is not a new technique, even though its implementation involves some changes from today's "standard" design practice. Supply air temperatures of 40 F (4 C) and less have long been used in industrial applications for humidity control. Many residential and small commercial buildings were retrofitted for air conditioning in the 1950s with 48 F (9 C) supply air, 3.5-in.
