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Airflow Fluctuation from Linear Diffusers in an Office Building: The Thermal Comfort Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Marek Borowski

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland)

  • Rafał Łuczak

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland)

  • Joanna Halibart

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland)

  • Klaudia Zwolińska

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland)

  • Michał Karch

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland)

Abstract

In buildings, the HVAC systems are responsible for a major part of the energy consumption. Incorrect design or selection of the system and improper installation, operation, and maintenance of the systems’ elements may result in increased energy consumption. It is worth remembering that the main aim of the appropriate system is to maintain the high quality of the indoor environment. Appropriate selection of the HVAC solution ensures both thermal and quality parameters of the air, independently of the internal and external heat loads. The microclimate of a room is affected not only by air temperature, humidity, and purity, but also by air velocity in the occupied zone. The proper air velocity distribution prevents discomfort, particularly at workstations. Based on the measurements in the office building, an analysis of velocity profiles of air supplying two different types of linear diffusers was carried out. The analysis was made based on the results of measurements performed with thermoanemometers in the actual facility. During the study, temperature of the supply air was lower that the air in the room. Analysis was focused on the airflow fluctuation and its impact on the users’ comfort. This is an obvious topic but extremely rarely mentioned in publications related to air diffusers. The results show the importance of air fluctuation and its influence on the users’ comfort. During the measurements, the instantaneous air velocity for one of the analyzed types of the diffuser was up to 0.34 m/s, while the average value from the period of 240 s for the same measuring point was relatively low: it was 0.19 m/s. Only including the airflow variability over time allowed for choosing the type of diffuser, which ensures the comfort of users. The measurements carried out for two linear diffusers showed differences in the operation of these diffusers. The velocity in the occupied zone was much higher for one type (0.36 m/s, 3.00 m from diffusers) than for another one (0.22 m/s, 5.00 m from diffusers). The improper selection of the diffuser’s type and its location may increase the risk of the draft in the occupied zone.

Suggested Citation

  • Marek Borowski & Rafał Łuczak & Joanna Halibart & Klaudia Zwolińska & Michał Karch, 2021. "Airflow Fluctuation from Linear Diffusers in an Office Building: The Thermal Comfort Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:16:p:4808-:d:610011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maria Hurnik & Jan Kaczmarczyk & Zbigniew Popiolek, 2021. "Study of Radial Wall Jets from Ceiling Diffusers at Variable Air Volume," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, January.
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    4. Yu, Tao & Heiselberg, Per & Lei, Bo & Zhang, Chen & Pomianowski, Michal & Jensen, Rasmus, 2016. "Experimental study on the dynamic performance of a novel system combining natural ventilation with diffuse ceiling inlet and TABS," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 218-229.
    5. Sun-Hye Mun & Younghoon Kwak & Yeonjung Kim & Jung-Ho Huh, 2019. "A Comprehensive Thermal Comfort Analysis of the Cooling Effect of the Stand Fan Using Questionnaires and a Thermal Manikin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-18, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marek Borowski & Klaudia Zwolińska & Marcin Czerwiński, 2022. "An Experimental Study of Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality—A Case Study of a Hotel Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Ahmet Bircan Atmaca & Gülay Zorer Gedik & Andreas Wagner, 2021. "Determination of Optimum Envelope of Religious Buildings in Terms of Thermal Comfort and Energy Consumption: Mosque Cases," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-17, October.

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