Revisions to the majority of chapters in a new 2016 ASHRAE Handbook include major updates related to thermal storage and district heating and cooling.

The ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Systems and Equipment discusses various systems and the equipment, components or assemblies they comprise. It also describes features and differences to help system designers and operators in selecting and using equipment.

“Nearly 90 percent of the chapters have undergone revision since the 2012 volume was published,” said Forrest Yount, volume chair. “That means there is a lot of new material for users to become familiar with. Many chapters have incorporated the results of recent research projects funded by ASHRAE.”

Two major updates to note are: Chapter 12, District Heating and Cooling, which has new content from ASHRAE research project RP-1267 (the new District Heating Guide and District Cooling Guide), and Chapter 51, Thermal Storage, which has new content on grid reliability, renewable power integration, heat storage, emergency cooling, water treatment and commissioning.

Here are a few other key updates:

• Chapter 19, Duct Construction, extensive revisions on system leakage and air dispersion systems Chapter 33, Furnaces, updates for current technology and efficiency requirements
• Chapter 49, Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps, new information on U.S. regional appliance efficiency standards.
• Chapter 20, Room Air Distribution Equipment, has updates for current technology, with new information on specialized components and air curtains.
• Chapter 21, Fans, has new sections on series fan operation and field performance testing plus added content on fan and motor efficiency grades and parallel multiple-fan operation.

The volume is being published in a bound print volume and in electronic format on a CD-ROM.