Effects of air supply terminal devices on the performance of variable refrigerant flow integrated stratum ventilation system: An experimental study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2022
Abstract
A variable refrigerant flow integrated stratum ventilation (VRF-SV) system was proposed as an energy efficient substitute for conventional central cooling systems for buildings. The novel system provided conditioned air to enclosed spaces with high indoor air quality and thermal comfort. This study investigated the effects of different types of ASTDs on the performance of the VRF-SV hybrid system. The performance was experimentally evaluated with five air terminal types, including bar grille, double deflection grille, jet slot, perforated and drum louver diffusers. The evaluation was carried out using standard indices: temperature and velocity distribution, airflow pattern, effective draft temperature (EDT), air distribution performance index (ADPI), thermal sensation vote and comfort feedback survey. The results indicated that the ASTD type had a significant impact on airflow pattern. Furthermore, the bar grille diffuser provided the occupants with greater thermal comfort and acceptable indoor environment. Almost all the EDT values determined in the breathing zone in the case with bar grille diffuser found under the satisfactory range, i.e., -1.2 < K < 1.2. Based on these values, the ADPI for bar grille diffuser was calculated as 92.8%. Thus, the bar grille diffuser is recommended to be installed with the VRF-SV hybrid system in buildings.
Keywords
VRF-SV hybrid system, Air supply terminal device (ASTD), Air diffusion performance index (ADPI), Airflow pattern, Thermal comfort
Divisions
mechanical
Funders
University of Malaya Partnership Grant [RK005-2020],GPF [GPF004A-2018],IIRG Grant [IIRG014-2019A],Jouf University [DSR-2021-02-03108]
Publication Title
Energies
Volume
15
Issue
4
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher Location
ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND