Glossary

A semiconductor photovoltaic (PV) device structure that layers an intrinsic semiconductor between a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor; this structure is most often used with amorphous silicon PV devices.

A semiconductor in which holes carry the current; produced by doping an intrinsic semiconductor with an electron acceptor impurity (e.g., boron in silicon).

A semiconductor photovoltaic device structure in which the junction is formed between a p-type layer and an n-type layer.

provided by a manufacturer or vendor in a substantially complete and operable condition.

(also known as self-contained unit), complete air-conditioning unit, including refrigeration compressor, cooling coils, fans, filters, automatic controls, etc., assembled into one casing.

a boiler that is shipped complete with heating equipment, mechanical draft equipment, and automatic controls; usually shipped in one or more sections. A packaged boiler includes factory-built boilers manufactured as a unit or system, disassembled for shipment, and reassembled at the site.

a self-contained unit including a fan and fan motor whose primary functions are (1) the conversion of the sensible heat of unsaturated air passing through the cabinet to latent heat by the process of evaporating recirculating or nonrecirculating water directly exposed to this air and (2) the movement of this air through the unit.

an indirect evaporative cooler with integrated or nonintegrated primary and secondary air passages and provided with both primary and secondary air moving devices. This device also includes the entire water distribution, collection, and recirculation system with pump and piping. This type may have provisions for installation of other heat and mass transfer devices, such as a direct evaporative cooler and auxiliary heating and cooling coils.

heat recovery devices that combine the exchanger with filters, fans, and controls.

a factory selected wall sleeve and separate unencased combination of heating and cooling components, assemblies, or sections. It may include heating capability by hot water, steam, or electricity and is intended for mounting through the wall to serve a single room or zone.

a PTAC capable of using the refrigerating system in a reverse cycle or heat pump mode to provide heat.

(1) cooling tower packing. See [[stuffing box]]. (2) stuffing around a shaft or valve stem to prevent fluid leakage.

The ratio of array area to actual land area or building envelope area for a system; or, the ratio of total solar cell area to the total module area, for a module.

production operation for slaughtering, dressing, and processing animals; also used in connection with processing vegetables and fish.

valve that does not use packing to seal against leaks around the stem (e.g., bellows valve).

found in large, direct-fired and small, indirect-fired machines that continuously remove the small amount of hydrogen gas that is produced by corrosion.

See photovoltaic (PV) panel.

refrigerated flat surface.

a petroleum lubricating oil fraction in which straight and/or branched-chain hydrocarbon structures predominate.

an inaccurate reading of a meter due to line of vision between the scale and the indicator being misaligned or angled.

A way of joining solar cells or photovoltaic modules by connecting positive leads together and negative leads together; such a configuration increases the current, but not the voltage.

terminal device that combines a true VAV box in parallel with a fan and optional heating coils. Fan operation is intermittent.

heat exchanger in which fluids flow approximately parallel to each other and in the same direction.

directional pattern of heat transfer fluids used in energy exchange equipment where the warmest fluid “A” indirectly contacts the coldest fluid “B” at the entering side of the exchanger.

the ratio of the net refrigeration effect to the adjusted net total capacity for the cooling coil. (Also see [[net refrigerating effect]] and [[adjusted net total capacity]].)

single number figure of merit expressing part-load efficiency for equipment on the basis of weighted operation at various partial-load capacities for the equipment; expressed in kilowatts per ton of refrigeration.

(1) partial pressure of component i for any (ideal or nonideal) gas mixture is the product of the mole fraction of the component, xi, and the mixture pressure, p. [ pi ≡ xi • p for any gas mixture]. (2) portion of total gas pressure of a mixture attributable to one component (Dalton’s law of gases).

a chlorofluorocarbon in which hydrogen atoms exists in the compound with chlorine and fluorine atoms. Partially halogenated chlorofluorocarbons are not expected to have high ozone depleting potential (ODP). Average atmospheric lifetime is about 2 years for HCFC 21 and 13 to 25 years for HCFC 22. Compare to [[halogenated chlorofluorocarbon]].

apparent maximum linear dimension of a particle in the plane of observation. Particulate state of matter in which solid or liquid substances exist in the form of aggregated molecules or particles. Airborne particulate matter is typically in the size range of 0.01 to 100 micrometers. See also [[atmospheric dust]], [[respirable particles]], and [[total suspended particulates]].

see [[fan types]].

parts per million by mass.

a fire wall on an interior lot line used or adapted for joint service between two buildings.

confined fluid transmits externally applied pressure uniformly in all directions without change in magnitude.

A chemical reaction that eliminates the detrimental effect of electrically reactive atoms on a solar cell's surface.

uses a pipe surrounded by a coil in order to form a radiator system. Passive chilled beams have no method for maintaining the humidity of a room and must be paired with a ventilation system in order to maintain latent heat gains.

(1) a combined appliance that does not use a water pump but relies on thermosiphon flow through the desuperheater and water heater; generally the desuperheater is mounted on the side of the water heater or at an elevation lower than the water heater. (2) a system where natural forces are utilized for HVAC purposes in lieu of mechanical/electrical/chemical sources.

tendency of a metal to become inactive in a given environment.

a person receiving medical, surgical, or psychiatric care in an inpatient or outpatient facility.

[[phase-change material]]

(1) [[pressure dependent]]; (2) [[pressure difference]]; (3) [[pressure drop]].

Plumbing and Drainage Institute

the maximum level of metered demand during a specified time period.

The maximum energy demand or load in a specified time period.

the maximum rate at which heat is added to storage (cooling discharged from storage).

the maximum number of standard drinks drawn under standard test conditions without the beverage exceeding 40°F (4.4°C) at a draw rate defined by the manufacturer within a given time limit.

Amperes produced by a photovoltaic module or array operating at the voltage of the I-V curve that will produce maximum power from the module.

Operating point of the I-V (current-voltage) curve for a solar cell or photovoltaic module where the product of the current value times the voltage value is a maximum.

See maximum power tracking.

The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 w/m2. For example, six peak sun hours means that the energy received during total daylight hours equals the energy that would have been received had the irradiance for six hours been 1,000 w/m2.

A unit used to rate the performance of solar cells, modules, or arrays; the maximum nominal output of a photovoltaic device, in watts (Wp) under standardized test conditions, usually 1,000 watts per square meter of sunlight with other conditions, such as temperature specified.

the total distance traveled by the vibrating part, from one extreme limit of travel to the other extreme limit of travel, usually expressed in terms of linear displacement.

dimensionless number used in calculation of heat and mass transfer, consisting of the mass velocity times a characteristic length and the specific heat at constant pressure, divided by the thermal conductivity. Symbol Pe, Pe, or NPe.

evolution or absorption of heat produced by an electric current passing across junctions of two suitable dissimilar metals, alloys, or semiconductors.

the ratio, fraction, or percentage of particles that pass through the air cleaner or filter, as measured downstream of the device.

criteria used to determine the adequacy of the penetration data.

volumetric outside airflow rate expressed as a percentage of total supply airflow rate.

fuel-burning condition in which all combustibles are consumed with no excess air so that only the theoretical amount of oxygen is used.

a theoretical airflow distribution pattern within a ventilated space where the supply air is instantaneously and uniformly mixed with the air in the space such that the concentration of all constituents in the air, and the age of air, are spatially uniform.

a halocarbon composed only of fluorine and carbon.

perforated ceiling panels used to distribute the air uniformly throughout the ceiling or a portion of the ceiling. Filter pads may be used to achieve a similar result.

see [[flow equalizer]].

manner in which an individual, a building, a system, or a component fulfills specified behavior.

used in most lithium bromide equipment to achieve design performance. The typical additive is one of the octyl alcohols.

a binding agreement between two parties prescribing the range and magnitude of achievement required of equipment, subsystems, or systems, which is provided by one party for the benefit and use of the other.

the ratio of capacity to power input at specified operating conditions. Using consistent units, the performance factor may be expressed in dimensionless form as a coefficient of performance (COP) or as the energy efficiency ratio (EER).

a calculation procedure that generates an index of merit for the performance of building designs that substantially exceed the energy efficiency levels required.

a series of numbers and letters consisting of the letters AM, AI, or AU and a two or three digit number. AM identifies an "as manufactured" test, that is, the laboratory hood is built and assembled by the manufacturer and testing is performed at the factory. The typical equipment remains in the hood and other activities in the laboratory continue. AI identifies an "as installed" test, that is, the laboratory hood is installed at the location of the customer. The hood is tested empty, but with the ventilation system in the installation balanced and the hood in its final location. AU identifies an "as used" test, that is, the tests are conducted after the hood has been installed and used by the chemist. An example of the series of numbers and letters is AM yyy where AM identifies an "as manufactured" test and yyy is the control level of tracer gas established by the test in ppm. A test rating of AU 0.5, for example, would indicate that the hood controls leakage into the laboratory to 0.5 ppm at the mannequin's sensing point with a tracer gas release rate of 4.0 Lpm (70 mL/s).

any space with at least one surface exposed to exterior loads.

properties of the chemical elements and their compounds are a periodic function of their atomic weights.

insulation composed of natural perlite ore, a glassy volcanic rock expanded by heat to form a cellular structure.

the capacity of the permanent bleed provision, expressed either as a percentage of the nominal capacity or in kW (Btu/h or tons) of refrigerating effect produced by the evaporation of that amount of refrigerant flow.

a valve that has a fixed flow passage incapable of being closed by action of the valve. Such a fixed orifice permits a flow through or in parallel with the main valve port.

time rate of water vapor transmission through unit area of flat material of unit thickness induced by unit vapor pressure difference between two specific surfaces, under specified temperature and humidity conditions. When permeability varies with psychrometric conditions, the spot or specific permeability defines the property at a specific condition. Note: permeability is a property of a material, but the permeability of a body that performs like a material may be used. Permeability is the arithmetic product of permeance and thickness.

a performance evaluation of water vapor transmission given a certain differential in partial pressures on either side of a material or membrane. An accepted unit of water vapor permeance is the perm, gr/(h·ft2·in. Hg) (kg/[m2·s·Pa]).

the time weighted average concentration (set by OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for a normal 8 hour work day and a 40 hour work week to which nearly all workers can be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect. Chemical manufacturers publish similar recommendations [e.g., acceptable exposure level (AEL), industrial exposure limit (IEL) or occupational exposure limit (OEL), depending on the company], generally for substances for which PEL has not been established.

range of a physical quantity which satisfies the different parameters for each of the categories of the specified environment.

spread of infectious disease from an infected individual to a susceptible person

(1) [[power factor]]. (2) [[projection factor]]

[[perfluorocarbon]]; a hydrocarbon composed only of fluorine and carbon.

Pipe Fabrication Institute

logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution. pH values below 7 are increasingly acidic; those above 7 are increasingly alkaline.

substance that undergoes changes of state while absorbing or rejecting thermal energy at constant temperature.

the perceived loudness of a complex sound that is equal to the sound pressure level of a 1000 hertz reference tone as judged by the average listener.

A chemical element used as a dopant in making n-type semiconductor layers.

An electric current induced by radiant energy.

A device for measuring light intensity that works by converting light falling on, or reach it, to electricity, and then measuring the current; used in photometers.

A type of photovoltaic device in which the electricity induced in the cell is used immediately within the cell to produce a chemical, such as hydrogen, which can then be withdrawn for use.

radiometer designed for measuring luminous intensity, luminous flux, or illumination.

A particle of light that acts as an individual unit of energy.

a system capable of generating a voltage as a result of exposure to visible or other radiation.

An interconnected system of PV modules that function as a single electricity-producing unit. The modules are assembled as a discrete structure, with common support or mounting. In smaller systems, an array can consist of a single module.

The smallest semiconductor element within a PV module to perform the immediate conversion of light into electrical energy (direct current voltage and current). Also called a solar cell.

The ratio of the electric power produced by a photovoltaic device to the power of the sunlight incident on the device.

A solid-state electrical device that converts light directly into direct current electricity of voltage-current characteristics that are a function of the characteristics of the light source and the materials in and design of the device. Solar photovoltaic devices are made of various semiconductor materials including silicon, cadmium sulfide, cadmium telluride, and gallium arsenide, and in single crystalline, multicrystalline, or amorphous forms.

The phenomenon that occurs when photons, the particles in a beam of light, knock electrons loose from the atoms they strike. When this property of light is combined with the properties of semiconductors, electrons flow in one direction across a junction, setting up a voltage. With the addition of circuitry, current will flow and electric power will be available.

The total of all PV strings of a PV power supply system, which are electrically interconnected.

The smallest environmentally protected, essentially planar assembly of solar cells and ancillary parts, such as interconnections, terminals, (and protective devices such as diodes) intended to generate direct current power under unconcentrated sunlight. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer (superstrate) or the back layer (substrate).

often used interchangeably with PV module (especially in one-module systems), but more accurately used to refer to a physically connected collection of modules (i.e., a laminate string of modules used to achieve a required voltage and current).

A complete set of components for converting sunlight into electricity by the photovoltaic process, including the array and balance of system components.

device that detects or measures electromagnetic radiation by generating a potential at a junction (barrier layer) between two types of material, on absorption of radiant energy. Also known as barrier layer cell, barrier layer photocell, boundary layer photocell, or photronic photocell.

A photovoltaic system that, in addition to converting sunlight into electricity, collects the residual heat energy and delivers both heat and electricity in usable form. Also called a total energy system or solar thermal system.

Pertaining to the direct conversion of light into electricity.

A method of depositing thin semiconductor photovoltaic films. With this method, physical processes, such as thermal evaporation or bombardment of ions, are used to deposit elemental semiconductor material on a substrate.

(1) [[pressure independent]]. (2) [[proportional control mode]] and [[integral control mode]]

[[product-integrated control (PIC)]]

actual load for heating the system following setback.

[[proportional control mode]] and [[integral control mode]] and [[derivative control]].

instrument for measuring pressure or compressibility.

two chilling plants, centrifugal and absorption, usually steam driven, using the same steam supply in sequence, with chilled water running counterflow to stream.

class of operation in which the ultimate load is controlled by auxiliary means.

volt ampere rating that is applied to electric devices intended to control an electromagnetic load other than an electric motor, such as a control coil or other solenoid.

a pressure relief valve in which the major relieving device is combined with and is controlled by a self-actuated auxiliary pressure relief valve.

small valve where the opening or closing directly influences a larger valve, as in a servo system.

a valve in which the solenoid functions to directly open and close a relatively small pilot flow port. Flow through the pilot port parallels the flow path of the main port. Starting or stopping flow through the pilot port creates a pressure imbalance on the main valve member, causing the main valve port to open or close.

expansion valve of a type used on large capacity systems (e.g., direct-expansion chillers) where the required capacity per valve is beyond the range of direct-acting valves; this type of valve is under the control of a direct acting valve.

parts used to join, adapt, or adjust other parts of the piping (e.g., flange, joint, manifold).

system to carry fluids. Piping includes pipes, flanges, boltings, gaskets, valves, fittings, pipe-supporting fixtures, structural attachments, and the pressure-containing parts of other components, such as expansion joints, strainers, filters, and devices that serve such purposes as mixing, separating, muffling, snubbing, distributing, metering, or controlling flow.

small bore tube inserted perpendicular to a flowing stream with its orifice facing the stream to measure total pressure. At present, the term is often used for a double-tube instrument from which the flow velocity can be calculated with one orifice facing the flowing stream to register total pressure and the other perpendicular to the stream to register static pressure.

formation of small depressions in a surface due to sand blasting, mechanical gouging, acid etching, or corrosion.

longitudinal folded joint used in rectangular sheet-metal duct construction. Pocket lock joint transverse joint used in rectangular sheet metal duct construction.

two dimensional graphic representation of the design, location, and dimensions of a project, or parts thereof, seen in a horizontal plane viewed from above.

uniform temperature of an enclosure where the radiance on one side of a small plane element is the same as in the nonuniform actual environment.

classification of maintenance department resources that are invested in prudently selected functions at specified intervals. All functions and resources attributed to this classification must be planned, budgeted, and scheduled. Planned maintenance embodies two concepts: preventive and corrective maintenance.

evaporator consisting of two plates containing channels for the circulation of refrigerant or a set of tubes connected to and between the two plates.

plate drilled or punched to receive a number of parallel tubes, with the purpose of increasing the heat transfer area.

contact freezer in which the refrigerated surface is a flat metal plate. Compare to [[double-contact freezer]].

fixed plates that separate and keep the hot and cold fluids separate. See also [[plate liquid cooler]].

heat exchanger made of thin plates so formed that liquid to be cooled flows through the passage between the plates and the cooling fluid flows through the alternate passages.

(1) air-cooled condenser consisting of plates between which are arranged channels for the circulation of refrigerant. (2) water-cooled condenser consisting of a coil through which the refrigerant circulates, arranged between two plates, with water circulating between coil and plates.

A metal plate, usually lead or lead compound, immersed in the electrolyte in a battery.

(also called plenum box and plenum chamber) (1) a compartment or chamber, to which one or more ducts are connected, that forms a part of the air-distribution system and that is not used for occupancy or storage. A plenum often is formed in part or in total by portions of the building. (2) an air compartment that is attached to, or is an integral part of, a forced-air furnace which is designed to either distribute the heated air after it leaves the heat exchanger in the case of a supply plenum or to collect air that enters the return inlet in the case of a return plenum. (3) component forming an interface between a ductwork and one or more air terminal devices; by virtue of its design or by the inclusion of accessories, it can also be used to equalize the pressure/velocity across the air terminal device.

fan assembly consisting of a single inlet impeller mounted perpendicular to airflow that pressurizes a plenum chamber in an air-distribution system. The impeller is typically an airfoil or backward-inclined design.

(1) (also known as piston flow), flow of solids suspended in liquid, characterized by slippage of the cylindrical mass and equal velocity in cross section. (2) flow regime where the flow is predominantly in one direction and any contaminants are swept along with the flow. (3) form of two-phase flow in which plugs of gas and liquid flow alternately in the pipe.

valve in which the fluid passage is a hole in a rotatable, tapered plug in the valve body.

A commercial, off-the-shelf photovoltaic system that is fully inclusive with little need for individual customization. The system can be installed without special training and using few tools. The homeowner plugs the system into a PV-ready circuit and an automatic PV discovery process initiates communication between the system and the utility. The system and grid are automatically configured for optimal operation.

(1) a device that is part of a system to deliver and drain away water and waste but is also configured to enable a particular use. (2) end-use equipment such as sinks, lavatories, toilets, showers, drinking fountains, etc.

[[part-load value]]

[[predicted mean vote (PMV)]]

equipment such as air compressors, air line dryers, compressed air filters, and indicating devices (pressure and temperature) to facilitate monitoring of control system activity.

device that converts a pneumatic value to an equivalent electric (volt, milliamp) value.

(1) control device that interfaces pneumatic to electric systems. (2) control device with a pneumatic input and an electric output.

control device that makes and/or breaks an electrical circuit based on the level of a pneumatic signal. The device has an adjustable setpoint and optional adjustable differential.

A plate for a battery in which active materials are held in a perforated metal pocket.

the relative position on the cooling unit characteristic curve corresponding to a particular airflow rate. It is controlled during a test by adjusting the position of the throttling device, by changing flow nozzles or auxiliary fan characteristics, or by any combination of these.

A high efficiency silicon photovoltaic concentrator cell that employs light trapping techniques and point-diffused contacts on the rear surface for current collection.

presence of undesired elements that are deleterious to the comfort, health, and welfare of persons or the environment (pollution includes elements such as noise, vibration, odors, and gases).

a synthetic ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide polymer normally initiated with an alcohol and sometimes capped.

a synthetic, saturated acyclic hydrocarbon lubricant prepared from alphaolefins.

See multicrystalline.

A material used to make photovoltaic cells, which consist of many crystals unlike single-crystal silicon.

A thin film made of multicrystalline material.

a characteristic of an aerosol for which the width of its number distribution shows a geometric standard deviation of δg > 1.5.

a synthetic ester lubricant prepared from a polyol and monocarboxylic acids. For refrigeration applications, polyol esters are prepared from neopentyl polyols that do not contain beta hydrogens.

graphical line representing a polytropic process.

compression of a fluid involving heat exchange with temperature change and temperature variation (not isothermal).

expansion of a fluid, involving heat exchange.

a process in which heat is being exchanged with the surroundings, represented by the equation pvn = constant (n is the polytropic exponent).

a synthetic lubricant prepared from vinyl ether monomers. The main chain of the molecule consists of carbon-to-carbon bonds, with ether-based side chains.

any structure, basin, or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, or recreational bathing. The term includes, but is not limited to, swimming pools, whirlpools, spas, and hot tubs.

valve composed of a mushroom-shaped circular head and integral stem.

the average tracer gas concentration at a position during a test.

the maximum 45 second rolling average of the tracer gas concentration observed during a series of sash movement tests at one ejector and mannequin position.

the design that permits the continued operation of the combustion blower in a power vented unit, power burner unit, or forced draft unit for a period of time after the main burner is shut off for the purpose of venting of residual flue gas in the heat exchanger and the venting system.

the time following a retrofit, during which savings are to be determined.

suitable for human consumption.

energy possessed by a system caused by the attractive forces existing between molecules or the elevation of the system.

the lowest temperature at which a lubricant will flow under prescribed conditions.

The amount of electrical energy available for doing work, measured in horsepower, Watts, or Btu per hour.

a modifying factor that adjusts the effective connected lighting power (CLP) of a space to account for the use of energy-conserving lighting-control devices.

a burner that supplies air for combustion at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure; a burner that depends on the draft induced by a fan incorporated in the furnace; a fan-powered burner that depends on the natural draft developed by a chimney for proper operation; a pulse-combustion burner.

The process of modifying the characteristics of electrical power (for e.g., inverting direct current to alternating current).

Electrical equipment, or power electronics, used to convert power from a photovoltaic array into a form suitable for subsequent use. A collective term for inverter, converter, battery charge regulator, and blocking diode.

The ratio of output power to input power of the inverter.

The ratio of the power available from a battery to its mass (W/kg) or volume (W/l).

a factor, equal to the cosine of the phase angle between current and voltage, by which the product of voltage and current is multiplied to convert volt amperes to power in watts.

a term used to refer to the power input to the shaft of open compressors; a term used to refer to the power input at the motor terminals for hermetic compressors, semihermetic compressors, or motor compressors; a term used to refer to refer to the power absorbed by all ancillaries that are necessary to sustain the operation of the compressor or condensing unit (e.g., oil pump, fan motors, controls components, and circulating pumps).

(also referred to as an up blast fan). A fan designed for curb mounting on a roof or, within size and design constraints, for wall mounting. Air enters the fan in a typical axial arrangement but discharges radially from the centrifugal impeller and turns 90 degrees to exit through the top of the fan. It may be listed under UL Standard 705, Standard for Power Ventilators, in accordance with UL Subject 762, “Outline of Investigation for Power Roof Ventilators for Restaurant Exhaust Applications.”

fan consisting of a centrifugal- or axial-type impeller with integral driver in a weather-resistant housing with base designed to fit (usually by means of a curb) over a wall or roof opening.

[[predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD)]]

[[parts per million]]

(1) dimensionless number used in calculation of forced and free convection, equal to the dynamic viscosity times the specific heat at constant pressure, divided by the thermal conductivity. (2) dimensionless number used in calculation of diffusion in flowing systems, equal to the kinematic viscosity divided by the molecular diffusivity. Symbol is Pr or Pr. Also known as Schmidt number 1 (Sc, Sc, or NSc1).

device to remove fine ash, tars, dusts, or smoke particles from flue gases or other gaseous streams; the device may employ mechanical, electrostatic, or chemical means, or a combination of these. See [[air cleaner]].

(1) closeness of agreement among repeated measurements of the same physical quantity by the same method under the same conditions and with the same instrument. (An instrument may be precise but not accurate.) (2) the statistical error of an instrument subjected to repeated measurements over a range of input values.

(1) a device for transferring heat from the incoming potable water to the spill. (2) cooler for removing sensible heat before shipping, storing, or processing. (3) device for cooling a fluid before it enters a system.

index that predicts the mean value of thermal sensation votes of a large group of persons, expressed on a seven-point scale.

index that predicts the percentage of a large group of people who are likely to feel thermally dissatisfied for the body as a whole (i.e., feel either too warm or too cold).

function of corrective maintenance. Statistically supported objective judgment is implied. Nondestructive testing, chemical analysis, vibration and noise monitoring, as well as visual inspection and logging are all classified under this function, providing that the item tested or inspected is part of the planned maintenance program.

heating coil installed upstream of cooling coil or at the front of an air-handling system to preheat air.

(1) heating a food product prior to a subsequent treatment. (2) in air conditioning, to heat the air ahead of other processes. (3) to heat the water prior to heating by the auxiliary thermal source.

an elaboration of the design intent that includes operating information developed during the construction documents design stage.

successive sets of readings compiled during continuous cooler operation with the objective of establishing a steady-state condition.

operating a burner blower prior to flame ignition to blow out possible leaked gas. See [[purge]].

in a turbocompressor, an assembly of adjustable guide vanes fitted to the inlet; the prerotary vane assembly's function is to orient the fluid so that the pressure/flow rate characteristics can be modified.

for energy compliance alternatives , a prescriptive design includes specified assumptions concerning shape, orientation, HVAC, and other system design features. The prescriptive design is compared with the proposed design using the annual energy cost method.

(1) force exerted per unit area. Note: the terms head and pressure often are used interchangeably; however, head is the height of a fluid column supported by fluid flow, while pressure is the normal force per unit area. For liquids, it is convenient to measure the head in terms of the flowing fluid. With a gas or air, however, it is customary to measure pressure on a column of liquid. (2) thermodynamically, the normal force exerted by a homogeneous liquid or gas, per unit of area, on the wall of the container.

device that responds directly or indirectly to deviation from a desired pressure by actuating a control or initiating a control sequence.

the flow rate through a flow control device varies in response to changes in system pressure.

difference between pressures measured at two points or levels in fluids or gases.

cut-out control reactive to the difference between two pressures.

(also known as spring-loaded check valve), automatic valve that opens in response to a pressure difference across the valve port. Commonly used in conjunction with a head-pressure control valve (backup valve) between discharge line and receiver inlet.

(1) difference in pressure between two points in a flow system, usually caused by frictional resistance to fluid flow in a conduit, filter, or other flow system. Compare to [[pressure loss]]. (2) loss in pressure, as from one end of a refrigerant line to the other, from friction, static, heat, etc.

allowing high- and low-side pressures to equalize or nearly equalize during idle periods by an unloading valve, by a vapor-lock liquid control, or by nearly equalizing inlet and discharge pressures on compressors to reduce starting torque load.

ratio between the suction pressure effect and the pressure due to an air velocity passing over an inlet or outlet.

hydrostatic height of fluid, equal to the fluid pressure divided by the density times the gravitational acceleration.

any device or portion of the equipment used to increase refrigerant pressure.

the flow rate through a flow control device is not affected by changes in system pressure.

maximum pressure difference at which the rated watertightness is assured under test conditions.

decrease in total pressure due to friction and turbulence. It is a measure of the mechanical energy lost by the flow per unit volume of the fluid.

factor for mechanical energy loss as a result of flow.

receiver device having inlet and outlet nonreturn valves and a float-operated mechanism, enabling a secondary medium (steam, compressed air, or inert gas) to pressurize the receiver body through a fill and discharge cycle actuated from the float mechanism.

(1) valve used to reduce a high supply pressure to a usable level. (2) valve that maintains a uniform pressure on its outlet side irrespective of pressure variation on its inlet side.

device to maintain controlled downstream fluid pressure with varying upstream pressure.

(1) a pressure-actuated (not temperature-actuated) valve or rupture member designed to automatically relieve excessive pressure. (2) means for relieving internal pressure and preventing explosive shattering of the housing. (3) valve or rupture member designed to relieve excessive pressure automatically.

see [[pressure relief device]].

regulating or safety device actuated by change in pressure.

automatic pressure and temperature sensitive device actuated by a predetermined internal pressure, temperature, or both and used to prevent or relieve excessive pressure or temperature within a tank.

(1) any refrigerant-containing receptacle in a refrigerating system. This does not include evaporators where each separate evaporator section does not exceed 0.5 ft3 (0.014 m3) of refrigerant-containing volume regardless of the maximum inside dimension. This also does not include evaporator coils, compressors, condenser coils, controls, headers, pumps, and piping. (2) container for fluids at a pressure different from atmospheric pressure (vacuum to high), capable of withstanding associated stresses.

relationship of pressure, volume, and temperature as fundamental, thermodynamic properties of a fluid in a single-phase region.

see [[pressure-independent control system]].

control system in which the airflow through the air terminal varies with system pressure.

control system in which the airflow through the air terminal is independent of system pressure. Also known as “pressure-compensated.”

a pressure-responsive electronic or mechanical control designed to automatically stop the operation of the pressure-imposing element at a predetermined pressure.

valve providing maintenance of designated pressure level within a system.

an air cooler designed for use with external elements that impose air resistance.

a type of smoke control system in which stair shafts are mechanically pressurized with outdoor air to keep smoke from contaminating them during a fire incident.

a refrigerant pressure-control system that prevents refrigerant loss and infiltration into idle low-pressure chillers and is also used to pressurize for leak testing without the use of noncondensables.

classification of resources allotted to ensure proper operation of a system or equipment under the maintenance program by providing for systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures either before they occur or before they develop into major defects. Durability, reliability, efficiency, and safety are the principal objectives.

(1) any air that is mixed with fuel at or in a burner prior to burning. (2) in a cleanroom, air that recirculates through the work space. (3) treated supply air that enters the space through any supply air device, such as air outlet or through any air supply terminal, such as a VAV unit or fan terminal unit. The air is not mixed with space air before entering the space.

air temperature of the primary airflow (e.g., supply airflow from an air-handling unit).

test procedure using an alternate method of installing a test unit, or an alternate test apparatus, that produces reproducibility and accuracy equivalent to the primary test method.

A battery whose initial capacity cannot be restored by charging.

working fluid of a refrigerating cycle (as opposed to secondary refrigerant).

(1) (direct surface), portion that is exposed to radiation from fire and transfers heat directly to the air being heated. (2) surface that is in direct contact with both the heat-absorbing and heat-emitting media.

the test from which ratings are calculated.

test procedure incorporating the preferred method of installing a test unit and the preferred test apparatus that produces the desired reproducibility and accuracy.

the fluid that flows through the solar collector.

contractor on a project having a contract directly with the owner.

engine, turbine, water wheel, or similar machine that drives an electric generator.

person or entity having a contract directly with the owner for professional services.

surface having the heating medium on one side and fluid (or extended surface) on the other.

the approach to and execution of a sequence of work operations to yield a repeatable and defined result.

(1) a sequence of events. (2) change in thermodynamic state that can be defined as any change in the properties of a system. Note: a process is described by specifying the initial and final equilibrium states, the path (if identifiable), and the interactions that take place across system boundaries during the process.

(1) closed-loop control as applied to processes or operations or both. Note: HVAC systems may be considered as processes. (2) control for automatic regulation of operations or processes or both.

energy consumed in support of a manufacturing, industrial, or commercial processes other than conditioning spaces and maintaining comfort and amenities for the occupants of a building.

the load on a building resulting from the consumption or release of process energy.

direct digital control (DDC) panel, factory mounted and connected, able to monitor, control, and diagnose the significant functions of the equipment of which it is a part. Compare to [[field-installed device (FID)]].

not field modifiable, nonvolatile (requires no batteries).

control system that provides for performing various operations in predetermined sequences related to time or other variables.

The net south-facing glazing area projected on a vertical plane.

the baseline energy use or demand applied to the post-retrofit period and conditions.

the ratio of the horizontal depth of the external shading projection divided by the sum of the height of the fenestration and the distance from the top of the fenestration to the bottom of the farthest point of the external shading projection in consistent units.

(1) fan in which the air enters and leaves the impeller in a direction substantially parallel to its axis. (2) propeller- or disc-type wheel within a mounting ring or plate and including driving mechanism supports for either belt drive or direct connection.

mode that requires offset from the desired setpoint to move the controlled device through its proportional band.

the annual energy cost calculated for a proposed design.

clear, colorless liquid used to depress the freezing point of water for use as a secondary coolant in HVAC&R systems. Note: inhibitors are required to control corrosion caused by glycol solutions.

[[pressure reducing valve]]. See also [[pressure relief valve]].

a permanent split-capacitor motor.

instrument for measuring relative humidities with wet- and dry-bulb thermometers. See [[hygrometer]].

temperature indicated by a wet-bulb sensing element when the sensor is covered with a water-saturated wick over which air is caused to flow, at approximately 4.5 m/s (900 ft/min), to reach an equilibrium temperature of water evaporating into air when the heat of vaporization is supplied by the sensible heat of the air. Psychrometer wet-bulb temperature is not a thermodynamic property.

relating to the measurement or determination of atmospheric conditions, particularly regarding moisture mixed with air.

graphical representation of the properties of moist air, usually including wet- and dry-bulb temperatures, specific and relative humidities, enthalpy, and density.

branch of physics concerned with the measurement or determination of atmospheric conditions, particularly the moisture in air.

[[packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)]]

designated spaces freely accessible to the public. These include parking areas, secured entrances and areas, entrance lobbies, reception and waiting areas, public toilets, snack bars, cafeterias, vending areas, gift shops and other retail locations, health education libraries and meeting rooms, chapels, and gardens.

statement of the assigned values of those performance characteristics, under standard rating conditions, by which a unit may be chosen to fit its application.

the unmet cooling load that accumulates during a period when cooling is not provided to the load and that must be met upon system start-up. Maximum pull-down load generally occurs on a Monday morning.

first operational check on a refrigerating installation to measure the time taken to pull the temperature down to the desired conditions while also measuring the temperatures, pressures, and associated data.

fluid flow phenomenon characterized by periodic (or pseudoperiodic) variation in velocity.

A type of power inverter that produce a high quality (nearly sinusoidal) voltage, at minimum current harmonics.

machine for imparting energy to a fluid, causing it to do work, drawing a fluid into itself through an entrance port, and forcing the fluid out through an exhaust port. Main types are air lift, centrifugal, diaphragm, positive displacement, reciprocating, and rotary. Pumps can be configured as individual (one motor, one impeller, one fluid stream) or combined (one motor, multiple impellers, multiple fluid streams).

impeller housings and impellers are always placed sufficiently below the expected pumping level to prevent cavitation at the peak production rate. For example, this pump should be placed at least 115 ft (30 m) below the casing top [pump setting depth = 115 ft (30 m)] to allow for adequate submergence at peak flow. The specific net positive suction head (NPSH) pressure required for a pump varies with each application and should be carefully considered in selecting the setting depth.

of refrigerant, withdrawal of all refrigerant from the low side of a system by pumping it to either the condenser or the liquid receiver.

(1) (also known as affinity laws for pumps), power varies directly with specific gravity or density changes of the fluid. (2) with constant impeller diameter and variable speed, flow of a constant gravity pump varies directly with the speed change, head varies as the square of the speed change, and power changes as the cube of the speed change. (3) with variable-impeller diameter and constant speed, flow varies directly with the diameter change, head varies as the square of the diameter change, and power varies as the cube of the diameter change.

the sum of the nominal power demand (nameplate horsepower) of motors of all pumps that are required to operate at design conditions to supply fluid from the heating or cooling source to all heat transfer devices (e.g., coils, heat exchanger) and return it to the source.

the quantity of refrigerant stored at some point in the refrigeration system for operational, service, or standby purposes.

level that exists under specific pumping conditions. Generally, this level is different for different pumping rates (higher pumping rates mean lower pumping levels).

costs for units of energy or power purchased at the building site. These costs may include energy costs as well as costs for power demand as determined by the adopting authority.

ice made by using water with less than 5 ppm of solids concentration.

a sound wave that is at a single frequency.

(1) removal of air from a hydronic system. (2) removal of noncondensable gases from a refrigeration system. (3) removal of unburned gases from a combustion chamber. (4) to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable.

(also known as purger), system used to recover refrigerant from purged mixture of gases and water.

required on lithium bromide absorption equipment to remove noncondensables (air), which leak into the machine, or hydrogen (a product of corrosion), which is produced during equipment operation. Even in small amounts, noncondensable gases can reduce chilling capacity and even lead to solution crystallization. Purge systems for larger sizes above 100 tons (359 kW) of refrigeration typically consist of these components: vapor pickup tube(s), noncondensable separation and storage tank(s), and vacuum pump or valving system.

a device to allow noncondensable gases to flow out of a system.

an automatic, semiautomatic, or hand-operated device that collects gases from the condenser or receiver, condenses the condensable refrigerant therefrom, and releases the remainder to the atmosphere.

See photovoltaic(s).

[[pressure volume temperature (PVT)]]

[[pumping water level (PWL)]]

radiometer used to measure solar radiation received from the whole hemisphere (two steradians). Note: the instrument is suitable for measurement of global or diffuse solar radiation.

a radiometer used for measuring the incoming atmospheric infrared radiation spectrums from approximately 4 µm to 100 µm on a black surface at ambient air temperature. The solar shortwave radiation is excluded from the energy measured.

radiometer used to measure the direct or beam solar irradiance incident on a surface normal to the sun’s rays.

instrument for measuring temperature, usually above the range of mercury thermometers.

a radiometer used to measure the total solar radiation incident upon a surface per unit time per unit area. This energy includes the direct radiation, the diffuse sky radiation, and the solar radiation reflected from the foreground.