Constant air volume (CAV) is a method for climate control systems in buildings that supplies a steady level of air flow at two different temperatures, and maintains a standard air pressure throughout the system. Since it is one of the ways that a standard heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is built, the actual function of the machinery can vary based on the needs of the building. The alternative to a constant air volume system is a variable air volume (VAV) system. While both are used in building design, each has a few unique advantages over the other.
Portable Air Conditioning Heating Units in Savannah – Sets of Duct-work.
The main challenge in using a constant air volume system is that it usually requires two sets of duct-work throughout a building — one for heated air and one for cooled air. These air supplies are provided by either individual air handling units, or one central unit known as a constant air volume box, that can switch back and forth between heating and cooling of the air that it pumps into the duct-work.
Air Conditioning Heating Units in Savannah – Individual Rooms or Businesses
Individual rooms or businesses in an office building then control the room temperature by regulating the mix of hot and cold air that is allowed into the room. This gives a constant air volume system the advantage over its alternative in that room temperatures can be changed more rapidly than they can with a VAV system.
Trane Heating and Air Conditioning Units in Savannah – Variable Air Volume Systems.
Variable air volume systems tend to be much more complex than their constant air volume counterparts because they must employ temperature controls and manipulate the actual volume of air that is pumped into each room. Dampers and fans with variable speeds are built into the duct-work to facilitate this, and system controls automatically cycle them open and closed, or on and off, as needed.
