Author(s)

A. J. Geens, D. G. Snelson & H. Al-Madfai

Abstract

According to UK Building Regulations, Approved Document F, published in 2006, ventilation system effectiveness can range from zero (complete short circuiting) to infinity (perfect displacement/piston). The rate of supply of fresh air required to achieve a particular air quality is directly related to ventilation effectiveness; the greater the effectiveness, the less fresh air required. At a time of heightened awareness of the need for carbon reduction measures, this must be of interest to designers of ventilation systems. The volume of fresh air required impacts on energy use in two ways: firstly in terms of the electrical energy to move the volume of air through the building (fan power), and secondly in terms of energy to condition the air (heating or cooling). In the course of performance testing ventilation systems designed to control environmental tobacco smoke, the authors have examined the performance of a number of different techniques. This paper reports on some of the better techniques observed, which may prove useful in other applications, both in terms of improving the control of indoor air quality and also in reducing carbon impact in achieving that air quality. Keywords: fabric diffusers, ventilation, indoor air quality (IAQ), energy performance. 1 Introduction The impact of indoor air quality on energy performance is acknowledged in BS EN 15251 [1], Indoor environmental parameters for design and assessment of energy performance of buildings addressing indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighting and acoustics. This standard has been developed to harmonise an energy performance of buildings calculation methodology to meet the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. UK

Keywords

fabric diffusers, ventilation, indoor air quality (IAQ), energy performance