Abstract
Despite the fact that UFAD(Under Floor Air Distribution) systems have many benefits and are being applied in the field in increasing numbers, there is a strong need for an improved fundamental understanding of several key performance features of these systems. This study numerically investigates the effect of supplied air temperature and supplied flow rate on the performance of UFAD, especially focused on thermal comfort. Also this study has compared UFAD with conventional overhead air distribution system. In contrast to the well-mixed room air conditions of the conventional overheat system, UFAD system produces an overall floor-to-ceiling airflow pattern that takes advantage of the natural buoyancy produced by heat sources in the occupied zone and more efficiently removes heat loads and contaminants from the space. Thermal comfort parameters were evaluated by CFD approach and then PMV was computed to detect the occupants' thermal sensation. Results show that radiative mean temperature plays crucial role on the evaluating PMV. Until now, the radiative temperature has been the missing link between CFD and thermal comfort, but the present study paves the way for overcoming this weakness.
