The ApacheHVAC System Parameters dialog provides an extensive user interface for Prototype Systems. This interface supports setting pre-defined options, viewing and editing numerous parameters for HVAC system and zone components. It offers by zone-by-zone and spreadsheet-like tabular editing views for all zones on a system within ApacheHVAC. Essential inputs, options, autosized values, and derived parameters are close at hand. Flexibility for customization of prototype systems is enhanced by coupling components to the interface through selectable ‘system parameter links’.
The System Parameters user interface replaces all functions of the Loads Data spreadsheets, and significantly improved upon what was possible with the spreadsheets. Many settings previously assumed in the Loads Data spreadsheet formulae are now explicit and readily selectable checkbox options in the dialog. New options, such as airflow autosizing based on zone latent loads as well as sensible loads, are also offered. Ventilation calculations and related user inputs significantly expand upon previous offerings with respect to Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV), ASHRAE standard 62.1 Appendix A ventilation calculations, ASHRAE standard 170 for Healthcare, and options for partial transfer vs. 100% transfer air or 100% primary air as makeup for exhaust, as needing in laboratories and similar spaces with complex ventilation and exhaust requirements. There is also enhanced autosizing for systems combining standard VAV zones with zones served by parallel fan-powered boxes, and for DOAS systems using fan-coil units and active beams.
The ApacheHVAC System Parameters interface is the first phase of Integrated System Management (ISM). Subsequent releases will build upon this, firstly with capabilities related to HVAC zones, plenums, design day parameters, and loads reporting, and later with deeper coupling of ApacheHVAC to Space Data and then with productivity enhancements for more rapidly setting up and sizing common ApacheHVAC systems. ISM will ultimately consolidate and clarify the path from Thermal Templates and Space Data to ApacheHVAC so that users can more readily tell which input parameters will be used in ApacheHVAC, how these are related, and how to edit the relevant parameters with meaningful effect on the HVAC system. This will be done while enhancing rather than constraining the detailed technical capabilities and flexibility for customization that make ApacheHVAC an uncommonly powerful and practical HVAC modeling tool.
