Experimental study of perforated suspended ceilings as diffuse ventilation air inlets

An experimental study is reported in this paper for a diffuse ceiling ventilation concept. The analyses were carried out with two different porous surfaces mounted in a suspended ceiling: perforated tiles of aluminium and of gypsum. Ventilation air was supplied above the suspended ceiling effectively creating a plenum for air distribution. The experiments were carried out in a climatic chamber and documented an air change efficiency equal to fully mixed conditions with a pressure drop of 0.5–1.5 Pa and with no evidence of thermal discomfort. The magnitude of the pressure drop was enough to sustain the pressure of the plenum and ensure uni-directional airflow through the ceiling. Consequently only reverse flow of insignificant magnitude was observed which has a positive impact on the hygiene of the plenum. Furthermore, the measurements documented that the ceiling acts as a radiant cooling surface which increases the potential and applicability of the concept. Risk of thermal discomfort was not disclosed but the study did show evidence of large fluctuating air movements which could stem from transient behaviour creating sensations of draught to the occupants.

► The ventilation performance of two perforated ventilation ceiling types is studied.
► Ventilation effectiveness, thermal comfort and pressure drop are measured.
► The performance equals conventional mixing ventilation.
► Reverse flow risk is measured and hygiene of plenum is discussed.
► The radiant cooling potential is assessed.