Silencer SPICE and All That's Nice

Noise control in HVAC duct systems often requires the use of duct silencers to achieve background sound criteria goals. The proper selection and application of silencers is paramount to achieving those goals without compromising the HVAC system design. A systems-based, not catalog-based, approach must be taken, and that process must consider five essential aspects of HVAC system design: available space for noise control, required acoustical performance, indoor air (or environmental) quality criteria, budget and cost restrictions, and maximum energy consumption goals. These five aspects can be represented by an acronym, SPICE, that stands for Space, Performance, IAQ/IEQ, Cost, and Energy. Examples of situations that highlight each of these aspects will be provided and solutions presented which incorporate typical engineered noise control silencer products and methods.