%
40
The Goal of an Air Diffusion 60
GRILLES A ND D I FFUSE R S
%
30
An understanding of the principles of room air distribution Feeling of
40 coolness
helps in the selection, design, control and operation of air
systems. The real evaluation of air distribution in a
%
20
space, however, must answer the question: Are the 20 Feeling
occupants comfortable?
of warmth
%
10
In general, a person is thermally comfortable when body 0
heat loss equals heat production without being conscious -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
of any changes in the bodys temperature regulating
Local Air Temp. minus Ambient Temp.
mechanisms. The human body heat loss to the environment (TX - TA)
can occur through the following:
• Radiation • Convection
• Conduction • Evaporation Figure 1. Comfort Chart - Neck Region
0
Comfort Limits Set by ASHRAE Handbook, -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
ASHRAE Standard 55 and ISO Standard 7730 Local Air Temp. minus Ambient Temp.
For many years, it has been shown that individual comfort (TX - TA)
is maintained through the change in seasons when the
following conditions are maintained in the occupied zone of
a space: Figure 2. Comfort Chart - Ankle Region
Comfort: A Function of Room Air Velocity Generally, the acceptable level of comfort for a space is
considered to be at the point where 20% or less of the room
Some interesting relationships exist between room air
motion and the feeling of occupant comfort. Figure 1
occupants may object to the room conditions. This would
indicate that the given condition is acceptable to 80% of
B7
shows the effect of air motion on comfort. The charts show
the occupants.
that the feeling of comfort is a function of the local room air
velocity, local temperature and ambient temperature.
Table 1. Effect of Velocity and Temperature on Comfort ADPI (Air Diffusion Performance Index) was derived by
Nevins and Ward. The percentage of all local points in an
Local Velocity Percentage occupied space where - 3< Ø <+ 2 with the velocity less
Temperature °F (tX - tC) than 70 fpm results in a single comfort index for the space.
fpm Objecting
80 75 0 20%
60 74 -1 20% ∅ = -3F ∅ = +2F
40 73 -2 20%
15 71 -4 20% 100
60 75 0 10%
Neck region
40 75 0 5% 80
30 75 0 Neutral
%
40
15 75 3 Warm
60
If 20% objections or 80% acceptance at the same velocities
%
30
6°F).
20 Feeling
Table 1 shows the relationship between local velocities and of warmth
%
10
The lower portion of Table 1 shows the effect on comfort of Figure 3. Comfort Chart with ADPI Parallelogram
room air velocity with local temperature remaining constant
at 75°F. For example, with a local velocity of 30 fpm and a
In the parallelogram in (Figure 3), the left line is Ø = - 3,
local temperature at 75°F, the comfort reaction is neutral.
the right line is Ø = + 2 and the top line is 70 fpm.
Increasing the velocity to 60 fpm results in the objective
increasing to 10%. This phenomenon of feeling can be
The parallelogram in (Figure 3) shows these limits and all
illustrated by using a ceiling fan. A person can be cooled
their points are within the overall 80% acceptance. This
without decreasing the actual temperature by turning on a
method of obtaining a single point comfort rating can be
ceiling fan. The fan, in effect, increases the local air velocity
used to rate a system in the ield. It will also be covered
and increases the feeling of coolness. It is shown that a
more thoroughly in the outlet selections section, and the
velocity change of 15 fpm produces approximately the same
ADPI section page B30. It is also expected that there is a
effect on comfort as a 1°F temperature change. The dotted
strong correlation between ADPI and ventilation air mixing,
lines in (Figures 1, 2 and 3) show the division between
or Air Change Effectiveness, and this issue is expected to be
the feeling or perception of heating and cooling.
included in the upcoming revision to ASHRAE Standard 62
on indoor air quality.
0.5
% RH
Flow restrictions increase the space sound levels. When 1. Select type of diffuser (Reviewing the Classiication
making a selection at a given cfm and adding a damper, a of Supply Outlets section on page B18 will help
device with a low total pressure will have a higher actual
increase in NC as compared to a device with a higher total
determine the best device).
2. For diffusers, check Table 5 on page B18 to
B9
pressure. The sound level increases above the cataloged NC determine if the air quantity is less than the maximum.
rating due to the pressure increases from dampers or other 3. When selecting a side wall grille, check coniguration
High
Not all applications result in “overblow” in a conined Sidewall
40
space as shown in (Figure 8). In some cases the throw
Round
terminates with the airstream dropping into the occupied Ceiling
space. This is due to the buoyancy effect between the 20
Diffusers
= 20 BTUH/Sq.Ft
.
airstream and space air and/or external forces. Drop must
= 40 BTUH/Sq.Ft
.
then be considered as shown in (Figures 10 through 15,
pages B14 - B17) for side wall outlets and Table 5, page
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
B18 for ceiling diffusers. Many examples of jet performance
mapping are shown throughout this engineering section. T50/L
Mapping Procedures
Recommended T50/L range for PAS: 0.9-1.8 L Characteristic length from diffuser to module line.
L* Distance between units plus 2 ft. down for overlapping
T50 Isothermal throw to terminal velocity of 50 fpm. airstream.
Select diffuser size within these ranges. L** Distance to ceiling and to far wall.
Zone
I II III IV
In the second zone, the jet begins to mix with room air.
Induction of room air also causes the jet to expand. Linear
outlets typically have a long second zone and long throws.
TY
PIC
AL
Zone LIN
EA
I R
Zone
II
Decreasing
150 fpm
100 fpm
Vx/Vo
Zone
III
50 fpm
o
Zone
IV
X/ A Increasing
The fourth zone is the zone with relatively low velocities. Room Air Induction Rate for an Outlet
The performance in zone four is a function of the cfm. The
The amount of room air induced into a primary air jet can
performance is independent of the outlet size.
be approximated using the equation shown below:
Equation 6: Fourth zone velocity
Equation 7: Room air induction equation
Vx Ao 2
o p Qx Vx
o p
= K4 Induction ratio = = C
Vo X
Qo Vo
Equation 6A: Fourth zone throw
Q ½ Qo = supply cfm
X = o p K4 Qx = cfm at distance x distance from outlet
Vx Vo = discharge velocity
Vx = velocity at distance x from outlet
Figure 7 above shows a non-dimensional plot of the
C = entrainment coeficient, 1.4 for ininite
variables in the zones of an expanding jet for a grille
slots and 2.0 for round free axial jets
(shaded area). The mathematical relationship between
the centerline velocity and the distance to this velocity
is indicated for each zone. These relationships for all
outlets are obtained by the methods outlined in ASHRAE
Standard 70. Average constants are included in the ASHRAE
Handbook [2] for Zone III for a number of different types
of outlets. Throw for each outlet type can be predicted by
equations 3 through 6. Catalog throw data is generated by
obtaining the constants for an outlet type and calculating
the throw using the zone equations. The area for Ao and Vo
must be the same for the relationships to be valid.
Isothermal
50 60 80 100 120 150 200 300 B13
25
9'
30
T50 fpm
20 15 10 5 0
24'
24'
20 15 10 5 0
T150 fpm
T150 fpm
T50 fpm
T100 fpm
T100
fpm 9'
each distance are used in (Figure 7). For a complete series differential, a modiication of a similar method proposed
of different size outlets, (Figure 7) is a dimensionless plot by Koestel, taking into account the buoyancy effect, was
of Vx /Vo vs. x /√Ao. used. As a result, Titus built an elaborate database on jet
characteristics from all diffusers and grilles as shown in
When the curves of (Figure 7) are established for a (Figures 10 through 15, pages B15 - B17).
complete series, the throw values are included in the
Titus performance tables for terminal velocities of 150, The most signiicant results are shown in these igures with
100, and 50 fpm. These catalog data can then be used to side wall grilles in many applications, locations, and blade
map velocities. A uniform distribution of the three catalog conigurations. These charts show the relationship of cfm,
velocities across the ceiling are shown in (Figures 8 and jet velocity, throw and drop with a 20°F differential between
9, page B13) for 150 cfm. In general, the T50 location for a the supply air and the space air temperatures. Each circle on
free jet with 20B DT cooling will be approximately the same these curves represents the 50 fpm terminal velocity from
distance from the outlet as the T100 isothermal jet. the same size outlet under these conigurations handling
300 cfm with a jet velocity of 600 fpm. Each intercept of
Figures 8 and 9 also show that for 300 cfm, the three cfm and velocity indicates the same grille size which can be
values overblow to the opposite wall. These values are determined from the tables in Sections K, L and M. From
approximately the total distance to the wall and down the (Figure 10), the 50 fpm cooling throw and drop for a 300
wall. In both the 150 and 300 cfm conditions the 50 fpm fpm jet at 150 cfm are 12 ft. throw and 4.5 ft. drop below
isothermal envelope (isovel) is near the ceiling and wall. the ceiling. For 300 cfm and 300 fpm, the throw is 13 ft. and
Higher velocities occur only near the wall with the 300 cfm. the drop is 6 ft. below the ceiling. The characteristics with
Velocities in the rest of the room are below 50 fpm. 300 cfm in this room size in (Figures 12 and 13) are very
similar during cooling and isothermal conditions. The drop
Two outlets handling the same opposing airlow values during cooling with 150 cfm results in low temperatures and
would result in airlow in the space like that shown for one velocities 50 fpm and above in the middle of the room.
jet at the wall. The 150 fpm throw would exist at the same
position whether heating or cooling. With overblow, as with In (Figures 14 and 15), the throw is reduced due to the
300 cfm, drop would not be the same as the 150 cfm. The 45° spread of the jet and drop is reduced.
higher airlow is also an example of “Rolling the Room,”
(Figure 35, page B29).
Exhaust and Return Grille Pressure
For all exhaust and return grilles, the Negative Static
Isothermal Jet Theory for All Outlets Pressure shown in the return performance data charts is a
Although the information so far has dealt with grille or wall conservative value which can be used for design purposes.
outlets, the same principles included in (Figure 7) apply For actual pressure drop, subtract the velocity pressure from
equally well for all types of outlets: ceiling diffusers with the reported pressure value.
air patterns on the ceiling, ceiling slots, and upward and
downward projection of air. Slots and linear outlets usually
show a large second zone characteristic, which results in
longer throws as indicated by the dotted line in (Figure 7).
Testing using isothermal air is repeatable. Therefore,
isothermal diffuser testing has been the basis for throw
determination in all standards since the original ADC Test
Code 1062. These include 1062 thru 1062 R4, ISO, and the
latest ASHRAE Standard 70.
Throw and Drop from Side Wall The relationship of cfm, velocity, drop, and throw is based
on delection angle and ceiling effect. The igures below
Outlets in Free Space
The following igures show the effect of buoyancy on drop
represent 50 fpm terminal velocities and can be used to
estimate throw and drop for ceiling diffusers. The dots
B15
and throw for cooling jets. The charts are based on side on the igures (or the same intercept of cfm and velocity)
wall outlets. represent a single outlet using varying conigurations.
0 1000 fpm
cfm JET VE
100 LOCIT Y
200
0
5 40 700
Drop, Ft.
0
60 500
800
0
100
10
30
0
0
fp
150
m
cfm
JE
00
20
T
15
VE
LO
CI
TY
20
0 10 20 30 40 50
Throw, Ft.
Figure 10. Throw and Drop for Outlet 2-4 feet Below Ceiling, 20 Degrees Vertical Deflection, 0 Degrees Spread
5 400
Drop, Ft.
0
60 500
800
0
100
10
30
0
0
150
fp
cfm
m
00
JE
15 20
T
VE
LO
CI
TY
20
0 10 20 30 40 50
Throw, Ft.
Figure 11. Throw and Drop for Outlets Mounted Without Ceiling, 20 Degree Vertical Deflection, 0 Degree Spread
1. Throw and drop values are based on 50 fpm 5. Delection settings and resulting patterns are shown on
terminal velocity. Page B22.
2. Data are based on tests with 20°F cooling temperature 6. Shaded areas to right of each chart indicate noise level
differential in space with no boundary wall. above 30 NC.
3. Data are based on Models 271 and 272 (AeroBlade 7. Velocities shown are outlet discharge Jet Velocity. To
Grille). calculate Vo, divide the lowrate by the effective area.
4. The small circle in the white area of each chart shows
comparative performances of one size grille at 300 cfm
and 600 fpm outlet velocity.
0
1500
100 cfm fpm J
ET VE
LO CITY
200 1000
5 400
Drop, Ft.
600 700
800
30
500
0f
10 1000
pm
1500
JE
T
2000 cfm
VE
15
LO
CI
TY
20
0 10 20 30 40 50
Throw, Ft.
Figure 12. Throw and Drop for Outlet 1 Foot Below Ceiling 0 Degree Deflection, 0 Degree Spread
0
100 cfm 150
0 fp
m J
200 ET
5 VEL
OCI
Drop, Ft.
TY
400 1000
600 700
30
10 800
0f
pm
1000
500
JE
1500
T
15
VE
LO
fm
2000 c
CI
TY
20
0 10 20 30 40 50
Throw, Ft.
Figure 13. Throw and Drop for Outlet Without Ceiling, 0 Degree Deflection, 0 Degree Spread
1. Throw and drop values are based on 50 fpm 5. Delection settings and resulting patterns are shown on
terminal velocity. Page B22.
2. Data are based on tests with 20°F cooling temperature 6. Shaded areas to right of each chart indicate noise level
differential in space with no boundary wall. above 30 NC.
3. Data are based on Models 271 and 272 (Aeroblade 7. Velocities shown are outlet discharge Jet Velocity. To
Grille). calculate Vo, divide the lowrate by the effective area.
4. The small circle in the white area of each chart shows
comparative performances of one size grille at 300 cfm
and 600 fpm outlet velocity.
B17
TYPICAL 100 fpm ENVELOPE
m 500
JE
T
VE 2000 cfm
LO
10 CI
TY
15
0 10 20 30 40 50
Throw, Ft.
Figure 14. Throw and Drop for Outlet 1-1/2 Feet Below Ceiling, 0 Degree Vertical, 45 Degree Spread
0 100 150
0 fp
200 0 m J
40 ET
600 VEL
800 OCI
30
TY
5 1000
0
fm
2000 c
JE
T
VE
10
LO
C
IT
Y
15
0 10 20 30 40 50
Throw, Ft.
Figure 15. Throw and Drop for Outlet 2 to 4 Feet Below Ceiling, 0 Degree Vertical, 45 Degree Spread
1. Throw and drop values are based on 50 fpm 5. Delection settings and resulting patterns
terminal velocity. are shown on Page B22.
2. Data are based on tests with 20°F cooling temperature 6. Shaded areas to right of each chart indicate noise level
differential in space with no boundary wall. above 30 NC.
3. Data are based on Models 271 and 272 (Aeroblade 7. Velocities shown are outlet discharge Jet Velocity. To
Grille). calculate Vo, divide the lowrate by the effective area.
4. The small circle in the white area of each chart shows
comparative performances of one size grille at 300 cfm
and 600 fpm outlet velocity.
Other Diffusers With Cooling Results from air distribution studies show that the
temperature gradient and size of the stratiication zone were
B18 In (Figures 10 through 15, pages B15-B17) the drop is
primarily a function of the cfm. Therefore, to obtain a small
decreased by a decreased temperature differential and an
increase in airlow rate or supply velocity. These conditions
drop, a small air quantity is necessary. For all outlets with
tend to reduce the buoyancy effects, and also result in an
horizontal airlow along the ceiling, the drop can be related
increased and more uniform room air motion.
to the air quantity and the ceiling height as shown in Table
GRILLES A ND D I FFUSE R S
COOLING HEATING
B19
Outlet
STEP 2
Total air
Stratification
STEP 3
Natural convection
currents and
stratification zone
Stratification
Stratification
STEP 4
Return intake
Stratification
Intake Intake
9' Ceiling
Stratification
6'
4'
Stratification
Intake STEP 5 Intake
Room air
6'
4'
Height
Average Room Vertical Temperatures
Temperature Setpoint Stratification
- 0 + - 0 +
Temperature, °F Temperature, °F
Air has a tendency to scrub surfaces. A near perfect and total air. The most uniform air motion is between the
situation can be envisioned where the total air covers all total air and stratiication layer. The lowest air motion is in
B20 of the walls and ceiling in a thin ilm. The occupied space
would then be completely enclosed within an envelope of
the stratiication zone.
Since the total air within a conined space is affected by the space temperature distribution. Where the air motion is
factors other than outlet conditions, it is not subject to a uniform (between the total air and the stratiication layer),
complete analytical treatment. However, air characteristics the temperatures are approximately equal and uniform (as
for cooling and heating within a free space can be indicated by the almost vertical portion of the gradient). As
estimated. the stratiication layer is crossed, the temperatures in the
neutral zone vary considerably. Gradients in the stratiication
Step 3 - Natural Convection Currents zones show that the air is stratiied in layers of increasing
Natural convection currents are created by a buoyancy temperatures with an increase in space height.
effect caused by the difference in temperature between the
room air and the air in contact with a warm or cold surface. Since the stratiication zone depends primarily on natural
The air in contact with a warm surface will rise and the air currents, it also must depend on the magnitude of the
in contact with a cold surface will fall. Convection currents heating or cooling load, space construction and volume,
are caused not only by the windows and walls, but also by the area of exposure, or the load (in the case of internal
internal loads such as people, lights, machines, etc. In most loading). The complete relationship is not fully understood,
cases, natural convection currents will not only affect room but many tests conducted in residences indicate that
air motion, but also play a major role in the comfort of a the gradient changes with indoor-outdoor temperature
space. At todays lower supply air rates, natural convection difference and from house to house. Consequently, the
may be the predominant variable in determining actual room magnitudes of the temperature variations between levels
air motion levels in the occupied zone. will be smaller in mild climates than in severe climates, in
spaces having exposed walls with greater resistance to heat
Results of tests have shown ankle level temperatures during low, and with minimum internal loads. With no loading,
heating may be 5°F below room temperature and that temperature gradient curves would be vertical, indicating
velocities ranged from 15 to 30 fpm. (Figure 2) indicated that all of the air temperatures in the conditioned space
that about 10% of the occupants would object to these were equal to the control temperature.
conditions.
Classiication of Supply Outlets
Stratiication layers as shown in (Figure 16) actually exist
Horizontal Air Projection Below Ceiling
in many tests. A similar situation often occurs in practice as
identiied by a region where a layer of smoke will “hang” for Figures 17 and 18 show two outlets in this group that
some time. Whether a stratiication layer actually exists is provide the most important characteristics.
not important, but the concept of a stratiication layer and
stratiication zone leads to a better understanding of air Figure 17 shows a spreading jet from a high side wall grille
distribution. projecting air horizontally near the ceiling in a
restricted space.
It should be noted that natural convection currents form a
mixing zone between the stratiication layer and the ceiling Previous cooling curves in (Figures 10 through 15,
during cooling and between the stratiication layer and the pages B15-B17), showed different conigurations and
loor during heating. outlet locations with and without a ceiling and no far wall
restriction.
Step 4 - Return Intake
Additional data on grille patterns are shown in Grille
The return intake affects only the air motion within its Performance Tables.
immediate vicinity. Even natural convection currents possess
enough energy to overcome the draw of the intake. This
does not mean that the return location is not important, but
only that it has little effect on the room air motion. Other
return intake considerations will be discussed later.
Stratification
B21
Plan View
Setpoint
- 0 +
Section A-A
Temperature, °F
HEATING
Setpoint
Stratification
High side wall Stratification
A
Section A-A - 0 +
Temperature, °F
Total air will follow the wall down to loor level if its be excessive unless total air extends part way into the room
projection is suficiently long. During heating, this will at the loor. The two airstreams project into and down the
result in a smaller stratiication zone and lower temperature exposed corners.
differentials in the occupied zone. Room air motion will not
Plan View
Setpoint
- 0 +
Section A-A
Temperature, °F
HEATING
Outlet
Setpoint
A Stratification Stratification
Plan Ceiling
Section A-A - 0 +
Temperature,° F
Greater spread of this pattern results in more uniform space The slight overlap of the total air in the space helps
temperatures during cooling than with those obtained with generate very uniform temperatures. The inluence of
the two-jet pattern shown previously. the natural currents on the total air reduces horizontal
and overlap projection at the window during cooling and
The uniform temperatures from a circular pattern indicate increases overlap projection during heating.
that this pattern is most eficient for cooling in spaces such
as open ofice areas.
PLAN VIEWS
GRILLES A ND D I FFUSE R S
CEILING
DIFFUSERS
ELEVATION VIEWS
PLAN VIEWS
SIDE WALL
GRILLES
ELEVATION VIEWS
PLAN VIEWS
LINEAR TBD
WITH SPREAD
ELEVATION VIEWS
Figure 19. Some Specific Airflow Characteristics at High and Low Airflow Rates
Horizontal, Circular and Cross Flow Patterns This action reduces dumping and ensures that cool air
remains near the ceiling, resulting in uniform temperatures
With ceiling diffusers, we must consider the different airlow
throughout the space.
patterns than with side wall outlets. Ceiling diffusers, except
for linear diffusers, typically exhibit low in one of two
Cross low patterns with longer throw and individual side
patterns: circular or cross low. The diagrams in (Figure
jets react in a manner similar to side wall jets. Near the
19) show the main differences between circular and
end of the throw, cross low patterns will continue in the
crosslow patterns.
same direction away from the diffuser. The drop can also be
dependent only on the airlow from each diffuser side. Both
In general, a circular pattern has a shorter throw than a
patterns are usually centered in equal spaces in large open
cross low pattern. The vertical diagram shows that during
areas. The longer throw of cross patterns can be used with
cooling the circular pattern has a tendency to curl back from
greater change in airlow during VAV. A crosslow pattern
the end of the throw toward the diffuser.
has greater induction than a circular pattern.
Comparing the plan views of the circular and cross low The 0° delection grille is a pattern followed by all single
ceiling diffusers, the circular pattern has a much shorter nonspreading patterns.
throw than the cross low for a given low rate. The
elevation views indicate that the circular supply jet at the The horizontal projection from diffusers and grilles has
B23
end of its trajectory has a tendency to return to the diffuser been used extensively in commercial applications. Perimeter
being reinduced into the primary air. On the other hand, heating may need special treatment over the conventional
For constant volume applications, select diffusers so that the T50/ L values are close to the
midpoint of the recommended range for the speciic outlet. This will result in maximum
comfort for the occupants in the space. Mapping the throw for the space will indicate the
constant airlow characteristics.
Guidelines for selecting outlets with variable air volume systems are included in the
ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook (2001), Chapter 32, and include:
2. Outlets should be chosen for relatively small quantities of air. This has the effect
of limiting the variation in throw to a minimum with the variation in low rate
from the outlet. In modular arrangements, this requirement may not increase
the number of outlets required.
3. Consistent with satisfactory sound levels, the minimum outlet velocity which
should occur with the minimum airlow should be approximately 500 fpm
to maintain mixing at the diffuser. At maximum low, the diffuser should be
selected as loud as possible. This maximizes mixing at all points, and may help
satisfy occupants where at high load (and high lows) when the space will be at
its warmest, there is air coming into the space.
4. The maximum T50/ L or slightly higher can be used for VAV outlet selection for
maximum airlow. Except for maximum load conditions, the VAV airlow will
be less than the maximum. The optimum ADPI comfort can then generally be
maintained with airlow rates from maximum to less than 70% of maximum.
Test results indicate that long throw outlets will result in higher air movement in a space.
Slight adjustments in the temperature control would affect the occupants more than the
airlow change in the variable air volume system. The results indicate that problems are
more likely to exist at high airlow rates. A simple rule to follow: Select the combination of
outlets and maximum airlow rate to avoid high air velocities in the occupied space. Lower
airlow rates will be acceptable. High air velocities occur when the total air enters the
occupied zone. ASHRAE Research has shown that properly selected ceiling diffusers can
provide an ADPI of 100% in open ofice areas over a broad range of loads and airlows,
and provide Air Change Effectiveness rates of 100% at the same time.
Figure 20. Horizontal Discharge from Outlets or Near the Ceiling Applications Guidelines
Setpoint
circular pattern, as in (Figure 18, on page B21), or a fully
GRILLES A ND D I FFUSE R S
fpm
70
50
45
45
35
35
120
90
80
B25
40 30
0
free jet (not entrained along a surface) 200 60
40 30 100 70
fpm 55 35
can be estimated by utilizing (Figure 25 90
ITY 1600
Diffuser Applications
on Exposed Ducts Figure 24. Downward Vertical Projection
A good horizontal circular pattern, when
located below the ceiling, will irst project upward toward
the ceiling. This action is caused by a low pressure region
being formed above the diffuser, allowing the higher 50 fpm
pressure in the room to push the air up. It is also possible
for these diffusers to adjust the air pattern so that air can
come down in an intermediate vertical projection, rather
than the full vertical projection as obtained from the ceiling
location.
Horizontal Projection at Floor Level: system will use larger air quantities at low temperature
differentials and low discharge velocities. These applications
Displacement Ventilation
B26 Figure 27 matches the actual deinition given for
can be used under seats in theaters, around walls to
form a ring of air around a space with people, or internal
displacement ventilation. Deined as a low velocity, low loads forming the rising plume up to the ceiling returns. It
temperature differential air distribution across the loor level, should be remembered that temperatures and velocities
GRILLES A ND D I FFUSE R S
displacement ventilation utilizes natural convection currents will be relatively low and uniform in occupied zones. This
within the space to cause air to rise and form a neutral zone distribution system has been used extensively in Europe
above a stratiication level. The stratiication level usually and is being promoted on the basis of the reduced energy
occurs at a level where the room load and air loading match. consumption realized by the availability of economizer in
that climate. With displacement ventilation, the percentage
Figure 28 shows heating and cooling from a spreading of outside air may be reduced while meeting ASHRAE
horizontal projection at loor level. This performance Standard 62s requirements.
compares to previous outlet types and locations with
heating and cooling loads. Statements accompanying Figure Note: Vertical jet floor diffusers, discussed later, which
28 were made in the 1950s and considered the heating produce well mixed air in the occupied zone rather than
and cooling conditions of the time. Today, a displacement displacement flow, do not qualify for this credit.
Setpoint
Upper zone
Stratification
Lower zone
Supply
0
Heat/contaminant source Temperature ,°F
Stratification Stratification
Setpoint
- 0 +
Temperature, °F
A
Section A-A
HEATING
Setpoint
Vertical Upward Projection from opposite wall. The room temperature above the stratiication
layer is relatively constant, but higher than desired. (Figure
Floor, Low Side Wall and Sill
Figure 29 shows conditions where the air is projected from
30) is similar, except the natural convection currents from
the work stations are causing a similar condition during
B27
the loor with a spreading jet. Natural convection currents cooling. During heating the natural currents oppose and
and the buoyancy effect of the low velocity region of the may stop the projection and satisfy the space reducing the
Stratification Stratification
Setpoint
- 0 +
Section A-A Temperature, °F
HEATING
Setpoint
A Floor diffuser
Stratification Stratification
Side View - +
Section A-A 0
Temperature, °F
Figure 29. Spreading Upward Projection of Primary Air in the Stagnant Zone, Relatively Large Temperature Variations Occur
Stratification Stratification
Side View
Setpoint
COOLING
Stratification
- 0 +
Temperature, °F
HEATING
Setpoint
Stratification Stratification
- 0 +
Temperature, °F
Figure 30. Upward Projection in a Work Figure 31. Nonspreading Upward Projection
Station
Titus 2008 - 2009 Product Catalog | www.titus-hvac.com
ENGINEERING GUIDELINES
B Engineering Guidelines | Grilles and Diffusers
Supply Outlet Classiications (continued)
controlling the jet velocities and jet patterns. The vertical T 50 Heating
jet should be projected upwards to a terminal velocity of
over 150 fpm above the occupied zone. For example, if a
vertical throw is only 6 ft. to a terminal velocity of 150 fpm,
stratiication will occur above that level.
Underloor diffuser applications are being introduced into Figure 32. Heating with Outlet Located Near
access loor facilities. These are primarily cooling and Perimeter Wall
ventilation applications, and the jets are seldom attached to
a surface as shown in (Figures 29 and 30, page B27).
Instead, the diffuser is designed to have rapid induction
and have throws which seldom exceed 5 or 6 ft. The
temperature differential is usually less than 20°F between
the occupied zone and discharge used with a ceiling
application. The return air temperature near the ceiling T 150
is 5°F or more, warmer than the room, and the resultant
supply-exhaust Dt is again 20°F. When selected properly,
loor diffusers directed upward as a free jet can result in
well-mixed, uniform temperature zones from the loor to 6
ft. high, with a stratiied region above. T 50
T 50 Cooling
Underloor air distribution is being proposed as a better
way to satisfy indoor air quality and comfort. Work stations
and task distribution can be considered also in this
category. Clean ventilation air is distributed to the occupied
spaces and contaminated air can be exhausted from the
stratiication zone overhead. The rules for proper ventilation Figure 33. Cooling with Outlet Located Near
and air diffusion are being investigated at this time to Perimeter Wall
determine optimum conigurations.
Especially bad conditions are shown for overhead heating.
ASHRAE has sponsored several tests with loor based Because this is a major concern, emphasis is placed on
diffusers used in this manner, and again, high levels of air ceiling distribution in this section.
distribution, comfort and Air Change Effectiveness (ACE)
were observed. Several main approaches have been utilized for the ceiling
heating and cooling distribution.
Note: The observed ACE from these tests was the same
as properly designed ceiling systems, near a level of 1.0, or Winter cold air down drafts still exist at the perimeter and
100% mixing. may affect persons or equipment. For example, sills tend
to delect cold air and project cold air horizontally into the
room at that level. The cold air continues on to the loor
Perimeter Applications level, and the warm air turns back up toward the ceiling.
In perimeter applications, concerns focus mainly on heating. This action increases as the sill width increases. As the sill
However, it is also well understood that the air conditioning height increases so does the height of the stratiication layer.
system must handle both heating and cooling. The heating Generally, 50% airlow to the window and 50% to the room
concern is shown dramatically as the previous diagrams of is recommended. However, some adjustments to the low
the various classiications of outlets are reviewed. The loor are beneicial, so adjustable diffusers are preferred.
level and low level distribution classiication diagrams show
that both heating and cooling the perimeter can be handled When a 1 to 2 ft. sofit is above the window area, the
best from these locations. Economic reasons, however, favor method during heating with an outlet back from the sofit
heating and cooling from overhead. cannot be used. The air spreads in the sofit and turns up at
the bottom of the sofit to return to the outlet. High levels
Each heating diagram shows low loor level temperatures of stratiication then occur. With a sofit, vertical projection
with neutral zones of varying sizes from the loor up to some from below the window must be used.
higher level.
A COOLING B HEATING
B29
T150
T150 Side View
T50
Plan View
1.0 –.1 –.9 –1.5.5 1.9 .1 –.4 –.6 –.8 –.3 .9 1.6
1.3 A
A 31 63 5842762731
25 64 6656623130 X X X
.1 .1 • .1 0.0 8.6
• .6 .3
.7 .5 –.2 0.0 1.3 1.1 1.0 •
B B
36 25 2825272025 39 32 2521242436
•
1234567 1234567
X
–.3 –.8 X –.8 –.9 X –.8 X –.3 .4 –.7 –.7 –.7 X –1.1 –.5 X .4 2
F F
30 303030303030 37 4546 50 565440
1234567 1234567
2.5' Height 4" Height
ADPI Can be Obtained by Measurement Figure 37 shows isodrafts (lines of constant draft
temperature) created by data taken from tests conducted
or Through Prediction
The ASHRAE Standard 113 Method of Testing for room
using the ASHRAE Standard 113. This igure shows lines of
constant draft temperature, or Isodrafts. In this case, nearly
B31
air distribution outlines the method for determining a all points within six feet of the loor have draft temperatures
repeatable air speed/temperature traverse for any space. between the -3 and +2 limits required for comfort (with the
The standard speciies measurement accuracy as well as
1.0 - 2.0
96
0.0 - 1.0
-1.0 - 0.0
87
-2.0 - -1.0
-3.0 - -2.0
78
-4.0 - -3.0
66
57
38
27
16
Distance
from
Floor
6
6' right 5' right 4' right 3' right 2' right 1' right Center 1' left 2' left 3' left 4' left 5' left 6' left
Distance From Diffuser
jet data.
40
The parallelogram shown earlier in (Figure 3, page B7),
represents the Air Diffusion Performance Index. ADPI can 20
be related to isothermal low of 50 fpm (T50). The Kansas 1.3 2.0
State tests developed a range of ADPI curves for a number 0
of grille types. An example of these is shown in (Figure 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
38). The characteristic length (L) in conjunction with T50
demonstrates expected ADPI relationships for a number of T50/L
Titus outlets, as shown earlier on (Figure 5, page B9).
Figure 38. ADPI vs. T50/L for High Side Wall Grilles (from
Kansas State University tests)
• The maximum ADPI is nearly the same for all This graph only shows the curves for loads of 20 and
diffusers at a given load. 40 Btuh/sq. ft. because they represent the outlet selections
• A reasonable range of T50/L is shown for all with one cfm/sq. ft. and two cfm/sq. ft. with the common
diffuser types. design temperature differential of 20°F. T50/L ranges for
maximum ADPI are given for Titus outlets in Table 6.
Table 6. Throw Values for Various Titus Outlets. Recommended T50/L Range for PAS: .1-1-8
Ceiling Diffusers Slot Light Diffusers ML,
Throw Ratio at Side Wall, TBD, LL1, LL3 Sill Grilles, Trollers
PAS*, TMR, TMRA, All Types (3)
Terminal Velocity Grilles PSS, TDC, 250 LTT, LPT (2)
TMS Flowbar**
5000
50 33 25 17 13 10 7 5 3 2 2
5000
28 42 5.8 8.4 11.214
4 6 8 12 16 20
21 28
30 40
42 56
60 80
84
120 B33
4000
fpm
fpm
4000
40 pm
m
f
0
0
3000
40 0 fp
3000
X50
V
O
0
ty
30
ty
i
Outlet Velocity V
oc
ci
2000
Outlet Jet Velocity V
el
2000
lo
0
Ve
20
10
m
al
1500 fp
in
0
al
rm
20
50
in
Te
1500
rm
fp VX
0
Te
50
30
1000
10
VX
1000 800 C=
800 600 2 1.4
500 100 70
600 VO
00 fm
tO 80 56
00
m
= .8
80 0 c
40
500 20
cf
00
60 42
,0
10
20
15
t O5
40 28
00
0
60
F Below or Above Ambient
10 30 21
0
50
cf
8
00
o
10
20 14
40
rQ
6
Ai
C=
y
30
ar
20
im
1.4 2.0
Pr
4
Diameter of Total Air, Ft.
81 100 10 7
15
60 100
10
3 65 80
40
4
49 60
2
10
20
2
1
32 40
2
6
.
Ft
24 30
5
0.
5
a
re
tx
1.0 16 20
tA
le
QX V
ut =C O
O
QO VX
.5 8 10
Figure 39. Temperature Differential and Short Circuiting Figure 40. Induction Ratio, Total Air and Total
Air Diameter
Industrial Applications
The primary concern in the design and application of Thermal Standards for Industrial Work Areas
equipment for the industrial environment is to maintain In the industrial environment the simple thermal comfort
eficiency, health and safety rather than comfort. Industrial standards are not practical. The design engineer should
ventilation is the control of heat released from process make a complete analysis of the heat problem. The analysis
equipment to which the usual comfort cooling methods will include a study of heat stress level, physical itness of
cannot be applied economically. the worker, heat exposure periods, etc.
Industrial environments are distinguished as being hot-dry A detailed discussion of thermal standards for the industrial
or warm-moist. In a hot-dry environment the only heat environment can be found in ASHRAE Fundamentals
produced is sensible and radiant. An exposed worker will Handbook and ASHRAE Applications Handbook. When
experience an increase in the heat load. Because the load designing an industrial heating, cooling or ventilating
is sensible, the heat loss of the occupant through sweating system, it is recommended that the above material be
and the rate of cooling by evaporation is not reduced. Hot reviewed. As an overview, the following is a summary of
furnaces, forges, metal extruding, rolling mills and glass some of the problems and solutions the designer should
forming machines are examples of some consider when addressing industrial applications.
hot-dry environments.
Where there are hot objects such as furnaces, molten 3. Air Direction: The air should be directed to the front
material, or hot ingots, the major heat load is in the form of and torso of the body. The tolerance of people to air
B34 radiant heat. Radiant heat can be reduced by lowering the
surface temperatures of the hot objects by insulation, water
motion, temperature and humidity varies with the
season and person. Therefore, allowances should be
cooling or shielding. made so that the direction and velocity of the air can be
readily adjusted.
GRILLES A ND D I FFUSE R S
Deflection Deflection
0 45 22 1/2
400 200 3 2 0
300 150 2 4 0
GENERAL VENTILATION: Selections should be made in the
3rd and 4th zones.
200 SPOT COOLING: Selections should be made in the 2nd or 100 1 6 0
3rd zones. A selection in the 3rd zone will provide maximum 3rd Zone
protection. 75 120
100 3 & 4 50 80
.0
0.0
80
4th Zone
.0
10
40 64
60
.0
50
.0
30 48
40
2.3 ft 2
.0
50 1 & 2 25 40
30
2nd Zone
Throw, Ft.
.0
20 32
20
.0
15
.0
15 24
10
8.0
20
6.0
5.0
20 10 16
0
4.
0
3.
15 7.5 12
0
2.
1.5
10 5 8
1.0
Throw, Ft.
.8
.6
Ft 2
.
4
.1
.5
3
c =
.4
A
5
.3
2.5 4
.2
1 2
.1
.15
100 fpm
100000
80000
50 fpm 60000
10 20 30 40 50 60 80 100 200 300 400 500 600 800 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000 10000 20000 30000 40000
• cfm/outlet - from the throw and 4th zone intercept • Grille Size - Any grille up to the maximum size can
vertically down to the terminal velocity in (Figure be used. Figure 42 is then used to size the grille,
41, page B35) determines the max cfm/outlet based on sound and pressure requirements. Based
(12,000 cfm in this case). on this, a 55 ft. 2 unit is seen to keep NC levels <
• Grille Size - Any grille up to the maximum size can 30. This results in the inal selection (Pt = 0.039,
be used. Figure 42 is then used to size the grille, 2 grilles).
based on sound and pressure requirements. Based
on this, a 7 ft. 2 unit is seen to keep NC levels <
60. This results in the inal selection (Pt = 0.40,
5 grilles).
0
0.
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
• Grille Core Area - Example 4: The intercept of the
10
80
60
50
40
30
20
throw and 2nd/3rd zone lines in (Figure 41, page 100,
.0
15
B35) determines the maximum size the grille can 80,
60,
.0
10
0
8.
40,
About Figures 41 and 42: w
ro
0
Th
6.
Pressure: All pressures are in inches of water. 30,
0
5.
Throw: Throw turning lines are shown for terminal velocities
0
4.
of 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 fpm. 20,
4
0
3.
Sound: The NC values are based on a room absorption 15,
Flow Rate, cfm (in thousands)
0
For delection setting of 45° increase the sound levels by 7
2.
10,
NC. Corrections for multiple outlets are shown in the Grille
AC (ft.2)
5
performance tables.
1.
8,
4,
0° setting. The total pressure should be taken as that shown
for a 22.5° setting.
70
3, 1
General applications: For general applications, selections
60
3rd zones, since the induction of the room air into the main 30
airstream is at a minimum in these zones.
40
1,
Velocity, fpm 500 600 800 1,000 1,500 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000
Pv .016 .022 .040 .063 .141 .25 .56 1.0 1.6
0° Pt .019 .027 .049 .076 .172 .30 .68 1.2 1.9
45° Pt .033 .047 .083 .130 .294 .52 1.17 2.1 3.25
Pressure Measurements
0.15 Arrangement II
B37
The outlet total pressure (TPN) in inches of water as 0.10
0.8
given in the Selection Tables, is the sum of the static and
.8
1.5
1.5
0.07
1.0
ahead of the outlet. The velocity pressure is the pressure
u
V
N
1.0
V
corresponding to the duct velocity. The outlet static pressure 0.06
then equals the total pressure minus the velocity pressure, 0.05
and it is actually measured at the above duct position per
ASHRAE Standard 70-2006. 0.04
When an equalizing grid (EG) is placed at the take-off and Diffuser Neck Velocity (VN) fpm
followed by an AG-75 damper, the pressure difference
in (Figure 43a) will be between the values given for
Arrangements I and II.
VU VU
Arrangement I shows a typical damper installation. SPU SPU
Arrangement II shows an extractor at the duct take-off, AG 45, 65,
no damper. or EG
AG-75
TPN & VN Diffuser Total Pressure TPN & VN
Airlow Measurements
Airlow factors, obtained with the same test setup used
for outlet pressures, as well as procedures for ield testing
Titus grilles and diffusers, may be provided by your Titus Arrangment I Arrangment II
representative.
Factors can be developed for a number of common Figures 43a and 43b. Inlet Effects
anemometers and hoods. Since the factors have been
developed for a minimum number of velocity readings, the Ducts for Linear Diffusers
method and positions given for taking these readings should
be checked carefully for each outlet type. End fed linear diffusers with inactive sections may be utilized
in the air distribution design. A take-off from a main duct
trunk may be attached to the linear plenum at an inactive
Velocity Distribution from Linear Diffusers section. The air will then be split to supply two active
When a linear diffuser receives its air supply from one end lengths on either side of the inactive length.
only, the ratio of the area of the slot to the area of the
duct is important. The airstream will leave at angles which Expansion and Contraction of
depend on this ratio, as given below:
Aluminum Linear Grilles
Table 8. Airstream Discharge Angle
The expansion and contraction of the aluminum linear
grilles due to temperature differences are shown in (Figure
Ratio of Slot Area/Duct Area 0.4 0.75 1 1.5
44, page B38). For most normal applications, the slight
Angle of Discharge 15B 25B 35B 40B clearance which occurs when linear grilles are butted
together is suficient to take care of the expansion and
A discharge angle of 0° along the whole face will be assured contraction of the diffusers. The alignment strips furnished
by including a set of Titus straightening blades behind the with the diffusers make it easy to allow this slight clearance
face vanes or bars. and still maintain alignment.
2 1/2 80
B38 70
CHANGE OF LENGTH IN INCHES
TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL
TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL
1/4 80 2
60
70
GRILLES A ND D I FFUSE R S
3/16 60 50
1 1/2
50 40
1/8 40 1
30
30
20
1/16 20 1/2
10 10
0 0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 1 6 18 20 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
LENGTH OF GRILLE IN FEET LENGTH OF GRILLE IN FEET
Installation Acoustics
Installation Issues 1. The minimum add for an ideal (gentile 90°) lexible duct
There are several installation issues which must be connection = 1 NC.
considered when installing different types of air outlets and 2. The worst case add, with a kinked inlet connection
inlets. These are both acoustical and structural. Additional (Figure 46, page B39) = 7 - 9 NC.
acoustical guidance can be found in the separate section 3. Air distribution pattern can be greatly affected.
on acoustics. 4. A 90° bend and lex adds 0.07 - 0.1 in. Ps., @700 fpm
inlet velocity.
Structural Issues 5. Results were not the same for all diffuser types.
When very large units are selected, suficient structural
support must be provided to prevent sagging or distortion Multiple Diffusers
of the unit. For example, for a 96 x 96 return air grille, When a number of similar diffusers are located in a single
if high airfows are required, the pressure may cause some space, an observer (within 10) may hear more than one
distortion of the face. In another example, larger ceiling diffuser, and the apparent noise level will increase. As a rule,
diffusers should have secondary support, such as restraining doubling the number of equal noise sources adds 3 NC.
cables to prevent injury in case the unit is dislodged from
the ceiling. For Example:
1. Two diffusers adds 3 NC.
Installation Effects 2. Four diffusers, equidistant from the observer,
Catalog data is based on ASHRAE Standard 70-2006, which adds 6 NC.
requires several diameters of straight duct at the approach 3. Eight diffusers, equidistant (unlikely), adds 9 NC.
to the diffuser. Field installations seldom, if ever, allow these
ideal conditions.
Balancing Dampers
Direct Duct Connections A wide open damper can add 3 NC, 10% pressure drop,
depending on the type of damper and diffuser. When
When a diffuser is connected directly to a duct, the duct
adjusted to less than full open (otherwise why have one
velocity can create unwanted effects in the diffuser. Regions
installed?), the NC add will depend on ratio of catalog to
with localized high velocities (Figure 45, page B39) can
actual total pressure drop across the diffuser
create higher than predicted noise levels, as much as
Table 2, page B9.
12 NC higher than catalog levels.
Combining Effects
Flexible Duct Connections
If we combine all the above effects, we can see that:
A number of tests have been conducted to evaluate the
1. Typical 90° lex inlet will probably add 5 NC.
effects of lexible duct inlets. The effect of lexible ducts
at the inlet to diffusers include increased pressure drop, 2. In the middle of four diffusers with equal low rates,
increased sound levels, and nonuniform air distribution add 6 NC.
from the unit. The tests showed that the effect of different 3. If the total pressure in the supply duct is 150% of the
inlet conigurations varied for different types of diffusers. In diffusers required total pressure, add 4-5 NC.
general, however:
Guidelines B39
• Use equalizing grids on direct diffuser connections.
• Locate balancing dampers at branch take-off.
Figure 45. Equalizing Grid Effects (from ASHRAE Standards Handbook; Atlanta, GA)
AIRFLOW AIRFLOW
D D D
8 2
Figure 46. Flexible Duct Inlet Effects (from ASHRAE Standards Handbook; Atlanta, GA)