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What Is a Single-Duct System?

Posted by Price Industries on June 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Price Industries

A Legacy Elevated for Comfort and Efficiency

A single-duct system is an HVAC configuration that divides a commercial building into multiple zones, each with its own temperature control. This enhances occupant comfort, ensures the zones are provided with the correct volume of outdoor air for ventilation and allows the total building to operate efficiently.

Diagram of an office showing a single-duct configuration
Single-duct systems divide commercial buildings into several zones, providing both efficiency and comfort

This system uses a central air handler to condition and circulate air throughout a building. Each zone in the building contains a single-duct unit that regulates the volume of air to meet the needs of the space. In many cases, the single duct is equipped with a hydronic or electric-resistance reheat coil to heat the central air, improving comfort within the zone.

A central air handler connected to three single-duct terminal units
This configuration uses a central air handler to condition and circulate air to different zones, each with its own single-duct unit

Single-duct units measure and control air volumes with three components: a differential airflow sensor, a controller and a damper. The differential airflow sensor measures the pressure created by airflow moving through the ductwork and transmits it through tubing to the unit’s controller. Using that pressure, the controller calculates the air volume in real time.

The controller is also connected to a damper that opens and closes to change the air volume and to a thermostat that knows the zone’s real-time temperature and desired temperature set point. With all these inputs, the controller can modify the air volume to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

A single-duct terminal unit with the controller visible
A single-duct terminal unit, shown here with its controller visible

Single-duct units come in a variety of configurations for different applications:

  • Standard single-duct units (SDV) for general single-duct applications
  • Low-profile units (SDVLP) for constrained spaces with less than 12.5 inches of clearance
  • Quiet units (SDVQ) with baffled silencers for sound-critical applications or zones that are positioned close to the air handler
  • Exhaust units (SDE and SDEQ) for applications where air must be actively drawn from the zone and ducted out of the building

Price Industries is the North American leader in single-duct manufacturing, design and sales. Backed by our corporate commitment to innovation, we are excited to announce the upcoming release of a variety of new single-duct product options that will continue to affirm our position as the terminal unit manufacturer of preference – truly a legacy elevated.

To keep up to date with the latest additions to our product line, visit our website or email us at airmovement@priceindustries.com.

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Topics: Terminals, Controls, HVAC Fundamentals, HVAC, Engineering, Design Engineering, Tech Tip

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