Energy-efficient Technology of Air Distribution in Air Conditioning

Thermal comfort and energy savings are the important aspects of air distribution in a conditioned space. In conventional methods of air distribution, the supply air is used to provide a uniformly mixed thermal environment in the room. The conditioned air is supplied from the ceiling through ducts and the air is returned back from the ceiling itself. An alternative to this arrangement is the supply of air from floor-based diffusers and the returning air is extracted through the ceiling. In this arrangement the air is required to be supplied at the same or slightly less temperature than the temperature required for the comfort within the occupied space. The supply air mixes with the room air and produces a non-uniform thermal environment in the room. A two-layered stratification is thus produced and energy can be saved by conditioning of the occupied space only.

The objective of this paper is to present the concept of this air induction technology. The turbulent plume and fountain theory is used for the conceptual model. By this method, energy can be saved in addition to increased human comfort.