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What is Terminal Mockup
Testing?
Energistics
is a pioneer of terminal unit mockup testing. Mockup testing measures
the sound emitted by the ducts, terminal units and/or the diffusers
of an HVAC unit. Acoustical consultants use mockup testing when the
same unit is going to be installed in building numerous times. The
test results indicate whether or not the equipment will perform as
designed. Manufacturers use mockup testing in order to document the
performance of their equipment, which can then be used in catalogues
or advertisements.
How is Terminal Mockup Testing
Conducted?
To conduct a terminal
mockup test, a room is constructed according to the architect's or
manufacturer's design specifications. Using these specifications,
the exact design of the space in which the terminal equipment will
eventually be installed can be replicated. This replication is so
exact that even the lighting fixtures are identical to those that
will eventually be in the building.
With the specified construction in place, for any given project,
we generally run several test specimens in order to see how that
affects the noise level. We often use different sized units, and
sometimes add or remove added-on components. In addition to interchanging
the equipment, we also change the plenum size.
Case Study
We conducted one such
test for a major manufacturer of air conditioning equipment. We constructed
the test room according to specifications, including paint on the
wall and carpeting. We ran six different tests in which different
elements, such as the size of the inlet, the size of the blower,
the power of the fan, and the location of the duct were changed.
The elements which remained constant were the type of blower, the
gauge of the galvanized steel for the ductwork, and the fact that
each was equipped with a return air boot. In the final analysis,
we were able to determine that three of the units could run at their
maximum set point and meet the specifications regardless of their
construction. The last three units exhibited differences due to construction
and set points had to be modified to meet specifications.
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Reverberation
Testing
Mockup
Room Testing
Curtainwall/Diffuser
Room Testing
AHU
Mockup Room Testing
Miscellaneous
Testing |
