HUMAN RESPONSE STUDIES OF DESK-MOUNTED PERSONALISED VENTILATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH UNDERFLOOR AIR CONDITIONING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the efficacy of personalized ventilation in conjunction with Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) system in a hot and humid climate. A well simulated office is used to conduct a comparison of a conventional UFAD system with a personalized ventilated (PV) UFAD system. The study focuses on human response towards PV-UFAD system which operates with a relatively warm supply air temperature of 26°C. The potential for improving occupants’ thermal comfort and energy saving with PV combined with UFAD system was explored. The hypothesis was that cold draught at feet can be reduced when relatively warm air is supplied by UFAD system. In addition, uncomfortable sensation such as “warm head” can be reduced by using PV system. It will provide cool and fresh air at the facial level, improving indoor air quality. In order to test this hypothesis, a study with human subjects was conducted in the field environment chamber served by PV-UFAD system. The human responses to PV-UFAD system were analyzed using questionnaire surveys to collect the results at various room air and PV air temperature combinations. The analysis of the results revealed there was improved acceptability of perceived air quality and improved thermal sensation with PV-UFAD in comparison with the reference case of only UFAD or mixing ventilation with ceiling supply diffuser.