Design Guide for Energy

Efficiency in
Air-conditioning
Installation

Objective
Building Services Branch
The primary purpose of this Design Guide is to gather
Architectural Services Department and present factual materials in such a manner that
project officers, both professional and technical, could
obtain a common reference of the various criteria and
principles involved in energy efficiency in
air-conditioning installation in building projects
undertaken by the Building Services Branch of the
Architectural Services Department. It is also the aim
for this Guide to be used as a checklist during the
design process.

Disclaimer

This Guide is solely compiled for design of energy efficiency in

air-conditioning installation carried out for or on behalf of the
Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) in Government
buildings of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR). Whilst the ArchSD endeavours to ensure the
accuracy of the contents in this Guide, no expressed or implied
warranty is given on the accuracy of any of its contents and
there are no representations either expressed or implied, as to
the suitability of the said information and data for any
particular purpose. It is hereby stated expressly that the
department does not approve, recommend, endorse or certify
the use of any of the information and technologies contained in
or in connection with this Guide.

There are no representations, either expressed or implied, as to

the suitability of this Guideline for purposes other than that
stated above. Users who choose to adopt this Guide for their
works are responsible for making their own assessments and
judgement of all information contained here. The ArchSD
does not accept any liability and responsibility for any special,
indirect or consequential loss or damages whatsoever arising
out of or in connection with the use of this technical Guideline
or reliance placed on it.

The ArchSD reserves the right to omit, edit or update the Guide
at any time in its absolute discretion without any prior notice.
 Table of Contents

1. General

2. Design Objectives

3. Statutory Requirements and/or Other Guidelines

4. Design Considerations

4.1 System Load Calculation

4.2 Air Distribution Ductwork Limit

4.3 Air Distribution System Fan Power

4.4 Chiller Plant Selection and Air-conditioning Equipment Efficiency

4.5 Pumping System Variable Flow

4.6 Friction Loss of Water Piping system

4.7 System Control

4.8 Thermal Insulation

4.9 Energy Metering

4.10 High Efficiency Electric Motor

4.11 Central Control & Monitoring System

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Design Guide for Energy Efficiency in A/C Installation Author: GBSSG
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1. General

This design guide provides general guidelines, reference and requirements in the design for energy
efficiency of air-conditioning installation in building projects.

This design guide should not be regarded as exhaustive. The designers are recommended to
incorporate into the building design the latest appropriate requirements and technology for energy
efficiency.

2. Design Objectives

This design guide provides general guidelines, reference and requirements in achieving
energy-efficient air-conditioning design.

In general, certain specified government buildings should be designed with an aim to outperform
the Building Energy Code issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)
by certain percentages as promulgated by the relevant authorities from time to time (ref. at the
time of writing: para. 7(b)(i) of Development Bureau Technical Circular No. 5/2009 or
Environment Bureau Circular Memorandum No. 2/2009).

3. Statutory Requirements and/or Other Guidelines

In respect of energy efficiency, the design should comply with the latest edition of the following
documents and their latest updates issued subsequently from time to time, if any, as a minimum.
As the Government plays an exemplary role in promoting energy efficiency, the designers are
encouraged to adopt some design standards better than the statutory standards as far as possible.

The following list of documents should however not be regarded as exhaustive. The designers
are recommended to also follow other similar documents in relation to energy efficiency issued by
the relevant authorities from time to time, if any.

(a) Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance, Cap 610 (enforced by EMSD)

(b) Building Energy Code (BEC) issued by EMSD

(c) Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 16/2005
“Adoption of Energy Efficient Features and Renewable Energy Technologies in Government
Projects and Installations”
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 (d) Development Bureau Technical Circular No. 5/2009 or Environment Bureau Circular
Memorandum No. 2/2009 “Green Government Buildings”

(e) ArchSD Operational Instruction No. 04/2009 “Green Government Buildings”

(f) BSB Circular No. 14 of 2008 “Guidelines on Metering Facilities for Energy and Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Monitoring/Audit Purpose”

(g) BSB Environmental Targets promulgated via BSB Circular yearly

(h) Various General Specifications and Proforma Specifications issued by ArchSD

4. Design Considerations

The air-conditioning system maintains a comfortable and healthy indoor environment by

responding to the loads imposed by building envelop design and occupant activities. Proper
design of the control schemes for the system that heat and cool the interior spaces, provide
appropriate fresh air for the occupants and remove contaminants from the building will ensure that
the air-conditioning system operation minimizes building energy consumption. As
air-conditioning installation is a major energy consumer, various cost effective and energy
efficiency saving design and equipment should be specified in the building projects wherever
applicable.

This design guide briefs some major energy efficiency design of air-conditioning installations.
The requirements for energy efficient design of air-conditioning installations are for the purposes
of:
(a) encouraging proper sizing of air-conditioning equipment and systems by setting design
conditions and imposing load estimation procedures;
(b) reducing air side distribution losses through imposing limits on air distribution system fan
motor power, ductwork leakage, duct friction loss, enhancing fan efficiency and conditions
warranting separate distribution systems;
(c) reducing water side distribution losses through imposing limits on pipe friction loss,
enhancing pump efficiency and conditions warranting variable flow;
(d) reducing energy consumption in chillers and unitary air-conditioners through minimum
allowable coefficients of performance;
(e) reducing heat losses in pipework, ductwork and AHU casing through minimum allowable
thickness on insulation thereto; and
(f) reducing the use of energy through efficient controls and monitoring facilities for energy
consumption.
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Design Guide for Energy Efficiency in A/C Installation Author: GBSSG
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 Various design considerations on energy efficient design of air-conditioning installations are
described below.

4.1 System Load Calculation

A good energy efficient design will provide proper sizing of air-conditioning equipment and
systems by setting appropriate design conditions and imposing load estimation procedures.
The designers should determine the appropriate design conditions, such as temperature and
humidity requirements, for all spaces in the buildings. Design with suitable environment
comfort for specific project can enhance energy efficiency.

Separate Air Distribution system for Process Zone:

The designers should group spaces having similar space conditioning requirements into one
zone, and then separate the air-conditioning systems into zones based on these expected loads.
When identifying air-conditioning system zones, the following should be considered:
 separate systems serving office areas from those serving special areas, such as wards,
laboratory or process areas;
 separate areas with relatively constant and weather-independent loads (e.g. interior offices)
from perimeter spaces; and
 separate areas with special temperature or humidity requirements (e.g. computer rooms)
from those areas that required comfort heating and cooling.

Then, the air-conditioning system load should be calculated carefully using computer
simulation software/tools with design proven application. It is difficult to accurately
estimate the system loads using “rules of thumb”.

A thorough analysis of the peak load often leads to design solutions that further decrease
building energy consumption. For example, a peak load analysis may show the largest
cooling loads occurring late afternoon because of solar gains through west-facing windows.
To change the glass characteristics (to those that reduce the amount of solar gains entering a
space) of these windows will help reduce the cooling load. To shade the windows from the
outside with an architectural screen could be another solution. A further solution is to reduce
the glazing area on the west building façade. The designers should co-ordinate with the
Project Architect to work out an appropriate solution.

4.2 Air Distribution Ductwork Limit

At least 25% in area of ductwork designed to operate at static pressure exceeding 750 Pa

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 should be leakage-tested in accordance with DW143 and should meet the corresponding
maximum allowable air leakage limit given in the BEC.

4.3 Air Distribution System Fan Power

The system fan motor power required for a constant air volume (CAV) air distribution system
and a variable air volume (VAV) air distribution system for a conditioned space should not
exceed the corresponding limits in terms of W per litre per second (L/s) of supply system air
flow given in the BEC.

4.4 Chiller Plant Selection and Air-conditioning Equipment Efficiency

After determining the peak cooling load, the respective block cooling load should be
determined and added an appropriate percentage to this block cooling load to cater for
resilience/reliability design, plant capacity de-ratings and building load growths. With this
loading, the optimum central chiller plant configuration could be determined.

The minimum coefficient of performance for chillers and unitary air-conditioners should
comply with the A/C General Specificiation.

A study commissioned by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)

showed that the District Cooling Scheme and Cooling Tower Scheme are more efficient than
conventional air-cooled system as much as 35% and 20% respectively. Water-cooled
refrigeration plants should be adopted whenever situations permit, if its cooling capacity
exceeds 350kW (100 RT). On the other hand, district cooling system (DCS), if available,
should be adopted as the first priority to optimize the plant efficiency and capital investment
cost.

Part Load Performance:

To achieve higher system efficiency, the designers should predict the actual operating
conditions of chiller and select accordingly for appropriate chiller capacities and combination.
Most chillers operate at part load conditions for a majority of the time and rarely operate at
full load. Therefore, part load performance of chiller plant is very important and chillers
should be selected with a high Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) so that they operate
efficiently under full and part load conditions.

The IPLV is a performance characteristic developed by the Air-conditioning, Heating and

Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The IPLV is calculated using the efficiency of the equipment
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 while operating at capacities of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%. For the purpose of chiller
equipment, the operational conditions are shown in Table 3 of AHRI Standard 550/590-2003
using the following equation:

IPLV = 0.01A +0.42B + 0.45C + 0.12D (The IPLV obtained from this formula refers to the
conditions specified in the standard. The IPLV will be different if the equipment operates
under the conditions in Hong Kong. The designer may compare the published IPLVs of
different chillers provided by the manufactures.)
Where A is the COP or EER @ 100% Load
B is the COP or EER @ 75% Load
C is the COP or EER @50% Load
D is the COP or EER @ 25% Load

Chillers equipped with oil-free type centrifugal compressors can deliver higher IPLV
efficiencies than conventional oil-lubricated centrifugal, reciprocating, scroll or screw
compressors. This type of compressor uses oil-free magnetic bearings and variable speed
drives to deliver higher IPLV. The Oil-free centrifugal compressor design provides
high-efficient operation mainly because of the VSD and the reduced frictional loss of
magnetic bearings also help. The VSD also enhances the efficiency of the compressor and
reduces the power input to the compressor. The operating speed range of the VSD is from
18,000 to 48,000 RPM. The designers should note that the capital cost of oil-free chillers is
much higher than conventional chillers and, as a result, sufficient cost should be allowed in
the cost estimation.

Moreover, chillers with variable frequency drive device also provide high IPLV in a cheaper
cost when comparing to oil-free chillers. Improved compressor part-load COP can be
achieved by installing a VSD on the compressor and the VSD allows the compressor to run at
lower speed under part-load conditions.

4.5 Pumping System Variable Flow

A good energy efficiency design will reduce water side distribution losses through imposing
limits on pipe friction loss and conditions warrant variable flow. Properly engineered
distribution system design, good specifications and proper installation result in system that
efficiently delivers heated and cooled water from the point where it is generated to the point
where it is utilised. The two most common and efficient types of water distribution systems
within a building are primary-secondary and all-primary pumping systems.

For primary-secondary pumping system, separate pumps serve the primary circuit (central
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 plant) and the secondary circuit (distribution system to terminal units) whereas for
all-primary pumping systems, the same pumps serve both the central plant and the distribution
system supplying the terminal units. The primary-secondary systems provide energy-saving
opportunities through variable flow (only pumps the water actually needed to meet the
required loads) and elevates the return-water temperature. The cost of variable speed drives
(VSD) had decreased significantly in recent years, resulting in an extremely cost-effective
approach to reducing wasted pumping energy. Two-way valves cost less to buy and install
than three-way valves. The all-primary pumping system is to install a bypass pipe in the
system. The primary-secondary pumping systems category is more energy efficient than the
all-primary pumping system and the designers should adopt the primary-secondary pumping
systems as far as practicable.

4.6 Friction Loss of Water Piping system

Water piping should be sized for frictional loss not exceeding a certain Pa/m and/or water
flow velocity not exceeding a certain m/s as given in the BEC.

4.7 System Control

Appropriate temperature, humidity and zone control devices should be designed in

accordance to the BEC. Also, the following system control should be adopted as
appropriate.

a) Fresh Air Supply:

Ventilation is the use of outdoor air for controlling containment concentration by dilution
of sweeping the contaminants from their source. Ventilation air requirements often vary
between zones and the designers should make reference to the recommended fresh air
rates of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, which specifies the minimum fresh air rates,
and other measures intended to provide indoor air quality that is acceptable to human
occupants, for estimating the minimum ventilation rates for the design of air-conditioning
system. If fresh air is provided excessively, energy will be wasted.

b) Demand Control:
Demand control ventilation aims to reduce fresh air flow to the minimum needed for the
actual zone occupancy. It can greatly reduce the heating and cooling required for
treating fresh air. Carbon dioxide sensors are useful indicator of the concentration of
human bio-effluents and work well for regulating fresh air supply rates. Multiple sensors
can be used to ensure proper ventilation in densely occupied spaces. As a general rule,
place one sensor for the return air stream of the air handling unit (AHU) and one sensor
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 for each densely occupied space to ensure proper ventilation per minimum requirements
and provide opportunities for increasing energy savings.

Appropriate demand control devices should be adopted in the air distribution system for
energy saving. This should include temperature sensors to control the operation of
ventilation system and A/C system, carbon monoxide sensors to control the ventilation
rates (such as two-speed fan system or on-off control) of car park ventilation system,
occupancy sensors to control the toilet exhaust system or A/C units, etc.

c) Off-hours Control and Occupancy Control:

Off-hours control should be provided with device to reduce energy use in the cooling or
heating mode of operation through control setback or equipment shutdown during periods
of no occupancy. Occupancy sensors may be provided to switch off the A/C units or
terminals in standalone areas such as meeting rooms when it is not occupied.

4.8 Thermal Insulation

A good energy efficiency design will reduce heat losses in pipework, ductwork and AHU
casing through insulation. All chilled water pipes, condensate drain pipes, low pressure hot
water pipes, refrigerant pipes, ductworks and AHU casings should be insulated with a
minimum insulation thickness in accordance with the BEC.

4.9 Energy Metering

In new buildings, energy metering verifies that sustainable design and operational goals are
met or detect when the buildings are not performing as designed. Energy metering also
helps identify opportunities for improving performance in existing buildings. Energy
metering alone cannot save energy; however, regularly collecting and recording data and
capturing unexplained changes can be a tool for assessing and identifying performance
problems.

Sufficient metering facilities should be provided in various distribution branches and major
equipment to cater for energy and greenhouse gas emissions survey, audit and monitoring
purpose. The metering facilities may be connected to Central Control & Monitoring System
(CCMS) to enable remote monitoring and automatic data logging. The designers should
refer to the BEC and BSB Circular No. 14 of 2008 on “Guidelines on Metering Facilities for
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monitoring/Audit Purpose”, whichever is more
stringent, for the detailed requirements.

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Design Guide for Energy Efficiency in A/C Installation Author: GBSSG
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 4.10 High Efficiency Electric Motor

Please refer to the Design Guide for Energy Efficiency in Electrical Installation for the
requirements on minimum allowable motor efficiency and high efficiency electric motors.

4.11 Central Control & Monitoring System (CCMS)

A good energy efficiency design will reduce the energy consumption through accurate and
efficient controls and monitoring facilities. CCMS can control and operate building
services systems. A good CCMS design takes the advantage of advanced control strategies
to meet the building’s original sustainable design intent. Proper testing and commissioning
of the CCMS is essential. After commissioning, the building operator should keep the
building continuously to perform sustainably by adjusting the CCMS to accommodate
changes in occupant requests and building functions.

A CCMS is an integrated network of sensors, controllers, actuators and software. CCMS

can improve the overall management and performance of building significantly. For example,
the program can be designed to start and stop different equipment automatically according to
a pre-determined schedule. In a more sophisticated building management system, the CCMS
can perform interactive calculations to determine the most efficient operating conditions by
taking into account cooling plant layout, the number of series and parallel chillers etc.
CCMS saves energy by:
- optimizing the equipment start and stop times (e.g. turning fans off during unoccupied
hours)
- operating the equipment at the minimum capacity necessary (e.g. running the fans in a
VAV system at the minimum speed needed)
- limiting peak electric demand

Free air cooling mode:

Free cooling operation mode should be considered to design for serving areas required 100%
fresh air with 24-hour operation such as isolation wards and laboratory in order to save
energy during winter period. The free air cooling system will be operated at automatic mode
under the CCMS control. There are times from November to March during the year when
additional outdoor air will result in a cooling effect to balance internal loads from light,
people and equipment. The designers should be aware of the sizing of free cooling air duct
and air handling units.

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Design Guide for Energy Efficiency in A/C Installation Author: GBSSG
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