On-line airflow pattern measurement in ventilated buildings

Comfort, productivity and quality of life of living beings are strongly influenced by the physical properties of their microenvironment. To guarantee an optimal microenvironment, the supply and distribution of fresh air must be controlled. Therefore, on-line airflow pattern measurement and control are crucial elements. A new concept of an airflow pattern sensor, based on the measurement of the temperature distribution at air inlet, was tested and validated in two test installations at different scale. The sensor allowed a prediction of the airflow pattern centreline with a maximum deviation of 0.22 m at 1.5 m from inlet and a deviation of 0.53 m at 3.5 m from inlet. Integrating this sensor in climate control equipment will improve the distribution of fresh air within the ventilated space.