Best practice suggests using a cross-connect air temperature setpoint for that unit.

When in air-
arrangement in a situation where, after the design side economizer each unit operates independently.
documents have reached a “point of no return” When one unit goes down, the twin unit begins
completeness, the owner requests “some means of to automatically ramp up to its maximum capacity
backup cooling to certain areas”. There is likely no to try and meet the supply duct static pressure set-
opportunity to redesign mechanical rooms or even point. As in the cross-connected scenario, there are
make substantial changes to the AHUs due to being deeper operational issues to resolve:
different sizes and serving different areas. Cross- • Because one unit is now serving a larger area,
connecting provides the capability to direct a lim- there may be a need to prioritize the areas served.
ited amount of air to prioritized areas. A graphical This may require some combination of additional
interface on the BAS makes it quick and easy for control dampers, closing selected smoke dampers
the facility staff to select which areas to prioritize. or commanding terminal boxes to close or reduce
There may also be situations in which an owner air flow.
needs to add cross-connection capability to existing

‘
AHUs. While this is feasible, be aware of the nuanc-
es and details noted above that must be anticipated A graphical interface on the BAS makes
for successful implementation.
it quick and easy for the facility staff to
Twinned air handling units

’
A simpler, more straightforward arrangement is select which areas to prioritize.
to closely align two units in parallel. The units are
equally sized and serve the same areas. The units • As with cross-connected units, a big question
are close enough to share common return and dis- to consider is what happens to the exhaust fans in
charge plenums (see Figure 2). both areas. Do they fully stop? Fans serving hazard-
Generally, the two units “operate as one.” The ous areas, such as isolation rooms, must continue
supply fans in both units modulate to maintain the to operate. Maintaining correct air flow presents a

Insights
same duct static pressure setpoint. A different twist challenge. In full unit shutdown of one unit, there
u
of this arrangement is that the return fans modu- will be a loss of control of building pressure due to
csemag.com
late to maintain a negative static pressure setpoint half the minimum outside air (OA) being cut off
in the common return plenum. This was done to from the system essentially. This is alleviated with Air handling insights
accommodate real life conditions; ideally, each the use of the airflow measuring station on the uSome building types,
return fan would track the supply fans minus the minimum OA duct from the DOAS. The BAS can such as large corporate
exhaust/outside air differential. open the operating unit OA damper more to meet data centers, have the
budget and mechanical
However, the tolerances of air flow measurement the air flow demand of both units if needed. This room space to provide
at two supply fans results in return fans operating is the advantage of using a DOAS or outside air fan total backup or spare air
handling units. However,
at different setpoints, with the unintended conse- when using twinned units. other occupancies such
quence of the two return fans fighting each other to • Unlike the cross-connected layout, one of two as hospitals, some types
pull enough return air to meet airflow setpoint. By units in a twinned arrangement would not be able of labs and industrial
facilities need some
controlling all fans to a common static pressure set- to go to 100% outside air in an emergency venti- amount of spare capacity
point in the return plenum, this single setpoint is a lation scenario — both units would need to oper- but usually do not have
simple operating target. ate at 100% fresh air because they share a common the budget or building area
to accommodate a full
One nuance is that the use of a dedicated out- return plenum. “spare” air handling unit.
door air system (DOAS) or, at minimum, an out- uA cost-effective solution
side air fan, helps maintain correct airflow when How will the owner benefit? is to connect air handling
units so that, in the
using return plenum pressure to control return fan While the original and primary purpose of con- event one unit is down
speed; changes in wind direction or atmospheric nected AHUs was to find a cost-effective way to for maintenance, some
pressure don’t have an effect on air flow from the provide some level of cooling in the event of an reduced level of both air
movement and cooling
outside air intake to the mixing plenum. Each unit’s AHU going out of service, owner feedback has and dehumidification is
cooling coil modulates to maintain the discharge focused on the increased efficiency of maintenance. still available.

consulting-Specifying engineer— www.csemag.com January/February 2024

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