Indoor Air Quality
Tate's Building Technology Platform® provides better IAQ by delivering conditioned air where it does the most good – at the floor-level breathing zone, not above people’s heads. So, the conditioned air doesn’t mix with odors, particles and pollutants that collect near the ceiling.
Mechanical & HVAC Design Goes Underfloor
Green Building Focus
Benefits of the UFAD system used in this project include an increased number of temperature control zones using adjustable swirl diffusers per cubicle or private office, UFAD systems are much quieter than overhead VAV systems which can be an issue in open office environments, improved ventilation effectiveness since supply air is introduced at low level, and improved IAQ since only the first 4 ft of the occupied zone is completely mixed and room air is allowed to stratify above.
Green Building Focus
Benefits of the UFAD system used in this project include an increased number of temperature control zones using adjustable swirl diffusers per cubicle or private office, UFAD systems are much quieter than overhead VAV systems which can be an issue in open office environments, improved ventilation effectiveness since supply air is introduced at low level, and improved IAQ since only the first 4 ft of the occupied zone is completely mixed and room air is allowed to stratify above.
SAS Canada Celebrates Five Years in LEED-Certified Headquarters
Digital Journal, December 2010
Ultra efficient air filtering ensures the highest levels of air quality. The SAS building uses underfloor air distribution, which saves considerable energy and adds enhanced comfort and air quality to the occupied spaces. Certified as LEED Silver in 2008, the headquarters continues to generate public recognition for its leadership in corporate sustainability practices.
Digital Journal, December 2010
Ultra efficient air filtering ensures the highest levels of air quality. The SAS building uses underfloor air distribution, which saves considerable energy and adds enhanced comfort and air quality to the occupied spaces. Certified as LEED Silver in 2008, the headquarters continues to generate public recognition for its leadership in corporate sustainability practices.
A Higher Standard: The Christman Building
ED+C, June 2010
In addition to delivering anticipated utility savings of 25 percent, the underfloor air distribution system is providing 200 to 300 percent more ventilation to the breathing zone than required by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. The system creates a better work environment for building occupants. The air is pressurized under the floor, delivered to people where they're sitting, and then passed overhead to return air ducts in the ceiling. "As a result, the energy-efficient system makes for a healthier environment in which occupants have the ability to adjust the temperature within their workspaces for greater comfort," says Jeff Fedewa, project manager at The Christman Company.
Air Distribution Effectiveness with Stratified Air Distribution Systems
Kisup Lee, Student member, Zheng Jiang, PhD, Qingyan Chen, PhD, ASHRAE Fellow ASHRAE
Paper based on findings resulting from ASHRAE Research Project RP-1373.
The parameter study had 102 cases that formed a database. The new recommended value of zone air distribution effectiveness(Ez), with the Low-Height-Throw Under-Floor Air Distribution (L-UFAD) systems is 1.05 ~ 1.35 for offices and classrooms, 1.2 ~ 1.6 for restaurants and retail shops, and 1.6 ~ 2.0 for workshops and auditoriums. The Ez for the Traditional Displacement Ventilation (TDV) system is close to that for the L-UFAD system.
ED+C, June 2010
In addition to delivering anticipated utility savings of 25 percent, the underfloor air distribution system is providing 200 to 300 percent more ventilation to the breathing zone than required by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. The system creates a better work environment for building occupants. The air is pressurized under the floor, delivered to people where they're sitting, and then passed overhead to return air ducts in the ceiling. "As a result, the energy-efficient system makes for a healthier environment in which occupants have the ability to adjust the temperature within their workspaces for greater comfort," says Jeff Fedewa, project manager at The Christman Company.
Air Distribution Effectiveness with Stratified Air Distribution Systems
Kisup Lee, Student member, Zheng Jiang, PhD, Qingyan Chen, PhD, ASHRAE Fellow ASHRAE
Paper based on findings resulting from ASHRAE Research Project RP-1373.
The parameter study had 102 cases that formed a database. The new recommended value of zone air distribution effectiveness(Ez), with the Low-Height-Throw Under-Floor Air Distribution (L-UFAD) systems is 1.05 ~ 1.35 for offices and classrooms, 1.2 ~ 1.6 for restaurants and retail shops, and 1.6 ~ 2.0 for workshops and auditoriums. The Ez for the Traditional Displacement Ventilation (TDV) system is close to that for the L-UFAD system.
Comparison of Underfloor Vs. Overhead Air Distribution Systems in an Office Building
H. Fukao, Dr. Eng., M. Ichihara, M. Oguro, S. Tanabe, Ph.D. Member ASHRAE, 4498 - ASHRAE Transactions: Research
The overhead system tended to circulate more dust. The laser scanning particle counter indicated the value for underfloor systems to be 1 million particles per cubic foot (35 million particles per cubic meter) for 1µft (0.3mm) or higher, while the values for overhead systems were 3.5-4.5 million particles per cubic foot (123 to 158 million particles per cubic meter). The likely reason for the lower particle values for underfloor systems is that in underfloor systems, air coming from the outlets does not mix as much with the room air and does not spread contaminants throughout the rooms.
H. Fukao, Dr. Eng., M. Ichihara, M. Oguro, S. Tanabe, Ph.D. Member ASHRAE, 4498 - ASHRAE Transactions: Research
The overhead system tended to circulate more dust. The laser scanning particle counter indicated the value for underfloor systems to be 1 million particles per cubic foot (35 million particles per cubic meter) for 1µft (0.3mm) or higher, while the values for overhead systems were 3.5-4.5 million particles per cubic foot (123 to 158 million particles per cubic meter). The likely reason for the lower particle values for underfloor systems is that in underfloor systems, air coming from the outlets does not mix as much with the room air and does not spread contaminants throughout the rooms.
Analysis and Testing of Methods to Determine Indoor Air Quality and Air Change Effectiveness
Andreas Jung and Manfred Zeller, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technical University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany, 1994
Using floor twist diffusers and displacement systems significantly increases the supply of fresh air within the breathing zone of the occupants. Air-exchange indices are approximately 20 to 80% higher than for an ideally mixed system. The efficiency of a displacement system strongly depends on the arrangement of the heat sources within the room, the thermal proportion of the walls and the local flow characteristics around the occupants. Therefore, this system is much more sensitive to changes in any of the mentioned parameters in comparison to turbulent/mixing air distribution systems. In the case of proper arrangement and (adiabatic) operating mode, no significant differences in terms of local and global air change effectiveness could be found between displacement ventilation and UFAD systems.
Andreas Jung and Manfred Zeller, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technical University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany, 1994
Using floor twist diffusers and displacement systems significantly increases the supply of fresh air within the breathing zone of the occupants. Air-exchange indices are approximately 20 to 80% higher than for an ideally mixed system. The efficiency of a displacement system strongly depends on the arrangement of the heat sources within the room, the thermal proportion of the walls and the local flow characteristics around the occupants. Therefore, this system is much more sensitive to changes in any of the mentioned parameters in comparison to turbulent/mixing air distribution systems. In the case of proper arrangement and (adiabatic) operating mode, no significant differences in terms of local and global air change effectiveness could be found between displacement ventilation and UFAD systems.
California Department of Education
High Performance Buildings, Fall 2009
The California Department of Education Headquarters, built in 2002, raised the bar for sustainable building practices in California. It is the first state office building to incorporate an underfloor air-distribution system and is the state's first design-build office building. Sustainable practices used during construction are now part of the state's green building manual. The building has achieved and EPA Energy Star rating of 98 and scored above the benchmark in both air quality and person comfort in post occupancy surveys.
High Performance Buildings, Fall 2009
The California Department of Education Headquarters, built in 2002, raised the bar for sustainable building practices in California. It is the first state office building to incorporate an underfloor air-distribution system and is the state's first design-build office building. Sustainable practices used during construction are now part of the state's green building manual. The building has achieved and EPA Energy Star rating of 98 and scored above the benchmark in both air quality and person comfort in post occupancy surveys.
Visual Tour of a LEED Gold Office Building
Property Owner: Bick Group
CSE, April 2009
An underfloor air distribution system uses constant volume diffusers and underfloor VAVs.....The system takes advantage of air's natural tendency to rise as it warms. Air distributed from beneath the floor is introduced at a lower velocity and higher temperature than overhead systems. A benefit of supply air introduced into the space this way is that it improves IAQ, as natural convection moves warmer, stagnant air out of the occupied zone and toward the ceiling returns.
Property Owner: Bick Group
CSE, April 2009
An underfloor air distribution system uses constant volume diffusers and underfloor VAVs.....The system takes advantage of air's natural tendency to rise as it warms. Air distributed from beneath the floor is introduced at a lower velocity and higher temperature than overhead systems. A benefit of supply air introduced into the space this way is that it improves IAQ, as natural convection moves warmer, stagnant air out of the occupied zone and toward the ceiling returns.
The Mutual Building – Christman Company Headquarters
Whole Building Design Guide, April 2009
UFAD system provides 200-300% more ventilation to the breathing zone, substantially exceeds minimum IAQ requirements.
Whole Building Design Guide, April 2009
UFAD system provides 200-300% more ventilation to the breathing zone, substantially exceeds minimum IAQ requirements.
Going for LEED Platinum, Great River Energy
CSI, April 2008
Underfloor displacement ventilation provides a 30% increase in fresh air within the breathing zone and the air quality is higher, while still using energy 45% - 50% below the Minnesota Energy Code.
CSI, April 2008
Underfloor displacement ventilation provides a 30% increase in fresh air within the breathing zone and the air quality is higher, while still using energy 45% - 50% below the Minnesota Energy Code.
Pointing Out the Potential Advantages in UAD
The News, June 2008
"In overhead VAV applications, mixing disperses contaminants throughout the space. In UAD applications, contaminants “collect” near the ceiling outside of the breathing zone, so occupants breathe “cleaner” air."
The News, June 2008
"In overhead VAV applications, mixing disperses contaminants throughout the space. In UAD applications, contaminants “collect” near the ceiling outside of the breathing zone, so occupants breathe “cleaner” air."
2007 Green Building Survey
Developer: CBRE
www.greensourceproducts.com 2007
"When asked what are the most important factors when choosing green buildings to buy or lease, corporate users most frequently cite energy efficiency (81%) followed by water savings (53%) and indoor environmental quality (50%)."
Developer: CBRE
www.greensourceproducts.com 2007
"When asked what are the most important factors when choosing green buildings to buy or lease, corporate users most frequently cite energy efficiency (81%) followed by water savings (53%) and indoor environmental quality (50%)."
Arquitectonica Takes a Fresh Approach to New Headquarters for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Architect Magazine, November 2007
"A raised floor throughout the building houses all of the cabling and power, plus serves as a pressurized air-filled cavity for the HVAC system. .... Air quality is improved because the return air is located at the ceiling, so rising air doesn't mix with the supply air."
Architect Magazine, November 2007
"A raised floor throughout the building houses all of the cabling and power, plus serves as a pressurized air-filled cavity for the HVAC system. .... Air quality is improved because the return air is located at the ceiling, so rising air doesn't mix with the supply air."
Aging Like A Fine Wine
Eco-Structure, March 2007
"Marking a major milestone in California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Green Building Initiative (www.green.ca.gov), the California Department of Education Building has become the first pre-existing, state-owned U.S. office building to achieve USGBC’s LEED Platinum rating for Existing Buildings."
Eco-Structure, March 2007
"Marking a major milestone in California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Green Building Initiative (www.green.ca.gov), the California Department of Education Building has become the first pre-existing, state-owned U.S. office building to achieve USGBC’s LEED Platinum rating for Existing Buildings."
Good Sense: Underfloor air distribution is gaining popularity in today's built environment
Consulting-Specifying Engineer, January 2007
"While raised floors are not a new concept, the move to the digital environment is making UFAD an increasingly popular concept."
Consulting-Specifying Engineer, January 2007
"While raised floors are not a new concept, the move to the digital environment is making UFAD an increasingly popular concept."
Studies Relate IAQ and Productivity
Building Operating Management, November 2006
"A growing number of buildings are being designed to use less energy, provide better indoor air quality and focus on the building’s performance as it relates to the occupant’s experience. One hurdle is the perception that high-performance facilities come with a cost premium but produce results limited only to environmental stewardship. In reality, just the opposite is often the case."
Building Operating Management, November 2006
"A growing number of buildings are being designed to use less energy, provide better indoor air quality and focus on the building’s performance as it relates to the occupant’s experience. One hurdle is the perception that high-performance facilities come with a cost premium but produce results limited only to environmental stewardship. In reality, just the opposite is often the case."
Design and Construction Consideration for Underfloor Air Distribution Systems
www.BetterBricks.com
"The rapid evolution of modern office technology coupled with high churn or occupant turnover rates has resulted in an increasing use of underfloor air distribution systems."
www.BetterBricks.com
"The rapid evolution of modern office technology coupled with high churn or occupant turnover rates has resulted in an increasing use of underfloor air distribution systems."
Case Study: Ventilation Effectiveness in UFAD & Displacement Ventilation 1.3MB PDF
Technical University of Aachen, Germany
CBE translation, April 2006
This case study gives an analysis and testing of methods to determine Indoor Air Quality and air-exchange effectiveness of underfloor air distribution and displacement ventilation.
Technical University of Aachen, Germany
CBE translation, April 2006
This case study gives an analysis and testing of methods to determine Indoor Air Quality and air-exchange effectiveness of underfloor air distribution and displacement ventilation.
Building Green Always Made Sense....Now Its Beginning To Pay Off
San Francisco Chronicle, September 11, 2005
"Hobstetter points to the KMD-designed and recently completed San Luis Obispo County Government Center, which, he says, is 35 percent more efficient than a conventional building. The center has a raised floor design, similar to a computer room, that allows the concrete floors and ceilings to cool off at night, then keep the interior cooler during the day."
San Francisco Chronicle, September 11, 2005
"Hobstetter points to the KMD-designed and recently completed San Luis Obispo County Government Center, which, he says, is 35 percent more efficient than a conventional building. The center has a raised floor design, similar to a computer room, that allows the concrete floors and ceilings to cool off at night, then keep the interior cooler during the day."
Underfloor Air Distribution & Access Floors 297KB PDF
Energy Design Resources, Design Brief
"Underfloor air distribution systems can be very energy-efficient, even at increased flow rates. Although underfloor systems generally operate at higher flow rates than conventional overhead systems, they typically consume less energy than a conventional overhead system due to a number of factors."
Energy Design Resources, Design Brief
"Underfloor air distribution systems can be very energy-efficient, even at increased flow rates. Although underfloor systems generally operate at higher flow rates than conventional overhead systems, they typically consume less energy than a conventional overhead system due to a number of factors."
William McDonough, Heidi Schwartz
Today's Facility Manager, Article, June 2003,
"Our use of raised floors on a large scale is a real serious idea. We're seeing raised flooring as the standard in Silicon Valley. It allows us to use nighttime air, so everybody has fresh air. It's a marvelous thing."
Today's Facility Manager, Article, June 2003,
"Our use of raised floors on a large scale is a real serious idea. We're seeing raised flooring as the standard in Silicon Valley. It allows us to use nighttime air, so everybody has fresh air. It's a marvelous thing."
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