The role of fabric diffusers in delivering indoor air quality and enhancing energy performance

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. © 2010 WIT Press.