Presents the results of ASHRAE research project RP-642, which assembled, developed and verified a knowledge base for the selection of heating, ventilating and air conditioning system types for small office buildings (less than 20,000 ft2) in two climatic regions - cold and hot/humid. The work includes the selection of the primary energy conversion and distribution system types. A prototype knowledge-based system (KBS) was developed to demonstrate the use of this knowledge base. 1) Focuses on the knowledge acquisition part of the project, 2) Focuses on issues related to programming the KBS.

KEYWORDS: Selecting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, offices, expert systems, computer programs, research, USA