Simplicity
Displacement ventilation systems are a preferred air distribution method for school applications. Indoor air quality, silent operation, architectural options and thermal comfort are all important design considerations for schools.
But if you’re unfamiliar with specifying or designing with displacement ventilation, another important consideration is understanding the layout and HVAC system needs as compared to a traditional mixing system.
If you need additional support with your displacement design, Price is happy to help. Contact us at [email protected] or call 1-204-654-5613 Option 7.
These images compare a classroom with DV products from one of our middle school projects with a version of the same image with revealed ducting.
EFFECTIVENESS
Proving the point
In 2022, we investigated how displacement ventilation systems and traditional HVAC systems differ in how they manage particle distribution in a space. At the Price Research Center North (PRCN), we installed a particle generator that produces particle sizes ranging from 0.3 μm (bacteria and smoke) to 10 μm (dust, mold and pollen) and measured the average particle count at seated height for three occupants (43 in.).
When we introduced a displacement ventilation system, the average particle count showed a 64% reduction compared to a traditional system.
Why does this matter? Fewer particles over time means less exposure to airborne pollutants of a similar size. This is a priority for decision-makers and designers who want to create safer environments in schools and other occupied spaces.
Read the study entitled Reducing Airborne Particulates Using Displacement Ventilation, which was featured in the December 2022 edition of ASHRAE Journal for more information.
Air Change Effectiveness in the Breathing Zone
This chart shows the effectiveness of a displacement ventilation system at reducing particles in the air as compared to a traditional (mixed) ventilation system.
Air Quality vs Air Distribution
The series of charts below show that air change effectiveness (ACE) between displacement and mixed ventilation systems matches the industry standard while the air distribution effectiveness (Ez air quality) is much better for occupants in a displacement system.