The effect of typical buoyant flow elements and heat load combinations on room air temperature profile with displacement ventilation

Abstract Typically vertical temperature gradient is modelled to be linear over the room height. More advanced models consist of several nodes that allow different slopes for the temperature profile between the nodes. Validation and development of all those models have been based mainly on measurement using low ceiling height (below 3 m). Also, the previous studies have not covered typical flow elements that exist in office buildings. In this study, the performance of a displacement ventilation system is studied using 3.3 m and 5.1 m ceiling heights in a variety of load conditions. Typical buoyant flow elements and heat load combinations were measured in a simulated office room. The experimental study included room air temperature measurements at different heights and locations over the occupied zone in addition to surface measurement and supply and exhaust air temperature measurements. The measurement data was compared with current models. The results show that the major part of the vertical temperature gradient occurs already at low level. With some typical buoyant flow elements there is no benefit if the ceiling is lower or higher level. Also, measurements depict that modelled non-dimensional temperature profile using low ceiling height (about 3 m) is not valid for high ceiling applications (more than 4 m). Multi-node models works quite well with several buoyant flow elements. Still, the proposed multi-node models did not give good estimation of the vertical temperature gradient when warm window surface or heat gains at ceiling level were introduced in the room space.