For those of us still using ceiling diffusers: What types (if any) have been accepted by the reviewers as having "adequate control"? My project has enough in place to meet the # per occupant, they have directional control as well as an opposed blade damper. Do I have a prayer of passing?
thanks
MIke
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Lauren Sparandara
Sustainability ManagerGoogle
LEEDuser Expert
997 thumbs up
August 30, 2010 - 7:12 pm
Hi Mike,
I think, technically speaking, you'd comply. You must be able to control at least one of the following: air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed and humidity. In this case you're controlling air speed.
Make sure to document the specifications of the diffusers and give examples of air speeds and reduced air speeds acheiveable.
How does one actually reach up and control a ceiling diffuser?
Lauren
James Del Monaco
Sustainability Director, PEP2S Engineering, Inc.
64 thumbs up
August 30, 2010 - 7:44 pm
Under NCv2.2, Thermafusers were an acceptable type of diffuser which achieved this credit. However, what you mention on your project only provides directional control and OBDs, which I do not believe would comply. The intent of the credit is to provide controllability to the occupants. The diffusers you have in place would not necessarily provide controllability to the occupants. The OBDs are used for minor tweaks during balancing of the system and are not accessible once the diffusers are installed and covered. The directional control does not allow the user to control any of the following: air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed or humidity, which are the requirements for controllability. Based on these two items, I do not believe you would be able to meet the requirements of this credit. You do have the quantity of diffusers, the problem is that the diffuser type selected does not meet the controllability requirements.
Lauren Sparandara
Sustainability ManagerGoogle
LEEDuser Expert
997 thumbs up
August 30, 2010 - 7:47 pm
That was my initial thought also but isn't he technically providing air speed control?
James Del Monaco
Sustainability Director, PEP2S Engineering, Inc.
64 thumbs up
August 30, 2010 - 8:02 pm
He is providing air speed control, but not at the occupant level which is what counts. Unless he shows some way that the occupant will have that control, then I do not believe the project would comply with the requirements.
Lauren Sparandara
Sustainability ManagerGoogle
LEEDuser Expert
997 thumbs up
August 31, 2010 - 3:16 pm
I agree. You'd need to clarify how the occupants have control over ceiling diffusers. "Overhead" controls are noted throughout the Reference Guide under EQc6.2.