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Experimental Evaluation of a Downsized Residential Air Distribution System: Comfort and Ventilation Effectiveness

Journal Article · · ASHRAE Transactions: 2007 Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California
OSTI ID:983404

Good air mixing not only improves thermal comfort Human thermal comfort is the state of mind that expresses satisfaction with the surrounding environment, according to ASHRAE Standard 55. Achieving thermal comfort for most occupants of buildings or other enclosures is a goal of HVAC design engineers. but also enhances ventilation effectiveness by inducing uniform supply-air diffusion. In general, the performance of an air distribution system in terms of comfort and ventilation effectiveness is influenced by the supply air temperature, velocity, and flow rate, all of which are in part dictated by the HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) In the home or small office with a handful of computers, HVAC is more for human comfort than the machines. In large datacenters, a humidity-free room with a steady, cool temperature is essential for the trouble-free system as well as the thermal load attributes. Any potential deficiencies associated with these design variables can be further exacerbated by an improper proximity of the supply and return outlets with respect to the thermal and geometrical characteristics of the indoor space. For high-performance houses, the factors influencing air distribution performance take on an even greater significance because of a reduced supply-air design flow rate resulting from downsized HVAC systems.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
983404
Journal Information:
ASHRAE Transactions: 2007 Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California, Journal Name: ASHRAE Transactions: 2007 Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California Journal Issue: 2, 2007 Vol. 113; ISSN 0001-2505; ISSN ASHTAG
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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