Comparison of the performance of different mixing ventilation configurations in particle removal from indoor spaces

Abstract

Re-suspended particles from indoor sufaces present a real threat to occupants. The ventilation system plays a primordial role in enhancing the indoor air quality. A CFD model was developed to compare particle removal effectiveness of variable mixed air distribution configurations. A parametric study was performed to assess the effect of two main factors affecting the airflow pattern: the relative inlet/outlet location and suction velocity. It was found that the mixing ventilation configuration with floor outlets located at middle of the walls presented the best performance due to the creation of a suction effect covering the majority of the floor area leading to high removal effectiveness. Furthermore, increasing the suction velocity strengthened the suction effect resulting in better particle removal by the escape of a larger number of particles generated at floor level. © 2019, European Association for the Development of Renewable Energy, Environment and Power Quality (EA4EPQ). All rights reserved.