VAV
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Engineering
| Stands for | Variable air volume |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
VAV stands for Variable air volume, an engineering abbreviation.
HVAC system design that conditions air to a constant temperature and varies the quantity delivered to each zone using motorized dampers in terminal boxes. VAV systems save fan energy compared with constant-volume designs and are standard in modern office buildings.
Example: Each conference room has its own VAV box controlled by a wall thermostat.
Usage notes
VAV systems became widespread in the 1960s and 1970s, especially after the energy crises. Terminal units may include reheat coils for perimeter zones. Variable-frequency drives on the supply fans adjust total airflow as the boxes open and close.
Related abbreviations
More engineering abbreviations
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- AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
- AHU – Air handling unit
- ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- ASTM – ASTM International
- BIM – Building information modeling
- BOM – Bill of materials
- CAD – Computer-aided design
- CAE – Computer-aided engineering
- CAM – Computer-aided manufacturing
- CFD – Computational fluid dynamics
- CNC – Computer numerical control