IAQ, ENERGY, AND COST IMPLICATIONS OF UNDERFLOOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

摘要

A recent comprehensive review of underfloor air distribution (UAD) systems literature and interviews with engineers (who have a significant number of completed projects using these systems) has shown that the use of UAD system results in measurable improvements in thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and user satisfaction. These systems support changing space layouts with continued levels of HVAC delivery, and provide high level of user control. Frequently, the UAD systems show first-cost savings over more conventional ceiling systems, churn-cost savings ranging from $10 - $50 per square meter per move, and savings of 5-35% in energy consumption. Finally, facility management costs are often reduced. In this paper, we discuss the findings from the above-mentioned review in the context of different UAD system approaches, comparing their performance to traditional ceiling-based systems. Specifically, we discuss the reasons for better air quality, reduction in peak and operational energy use, and lower first and life cycle costs of these systems.