Room air distribution

Room air distribution is characterizing how air is introduced to, flows through, and is removed from spaces. HVAC airflow in spaces generally can be classified by two different types: mixing (or dilution) and displacement. Mixing systems generally supply air such that the supply air mixes with the room air so that the mixed air is at the room design temperature and humidity. In cooling mode, the cool supply air, typically around 55 °F (13 °C) (saturated) at design conditions, exits an outlet at high velocity. The high-velocity supply air stream causes turbulence causing the room air to mix with the supply air. Because the entire room is near-fully mixed, temperature variations are small while the contaminant concentration is fairly uniform throughout the entire room. Diffusers are normally used as the air outlets to create the high-velocity supply air stream. Most often, the air outlets and inlets are placed in the ceiling. Supply diffusers in the ceiling are fed by fan coil units in the ceiling void or by air handling units in a remote plant room. The fan coil or handling unit takes in return air from the ceiling void and mix this with fresh air and cool, or heat it, as required to achieve the room design conditions. This arrangement is known as 'conventional room air distribution'. Group A1: In or near the ceiling that discharge air horizontally Group A2: Discharging horizontally that are not influenced by an adjacent surface Group B: In or near the floor that discharge air vertically in a linear jet Group C: In or near the floor that discharge air vertically in a spreading jet Group D: In or near the floor that discharge air horizontally Group E: Project supply air vertically downward Displacement ventilation Displacement ventilation systems supply air directly to the occupied zone. The air is supplied at low velocities to cause minimal induction and mixing. This system is used for ventilation and cooling of large high spaces, such as auditorium and atria, where energy may be saved if only the occupied zone is treated rather than trying to control the conditions in the entire space.