Removal of contaminants released from room surfaces by displacement and mixing ventilation: modeling and validation

This paper presents the experimental and numerical modeling of contaminant dispersion in a full-scale environmental chamber with different room air distribution systems. For the experimental modeling, an area source with uniform emissions of a hypothetical contaminant (SF6) from the entire floor surface is designed and constructed. Two different types of ventilation are studied: displacement and mixing ventilation. A computer model for predicting the contaminant dispersion in indoor spaces was validated with experimental data. The validated model is used to study the effects of airflow and the area-source location on contaminant dispersion. Results show that the global airflow pattern has a strong impact on the distribution of the contaminants. In general, the personal exposure could be estimated by analyzing the relative source positions in the airflow pattern. Accordingly, the location of an exhaust diffuser may not greatly affect the airflow pattern, but can significantly affect the exposure level in the room. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: When designing ventilation in addition to bringing fresh air to occupants, it is important to consider the removal of contaminants released in the off-gassing of building materials. Typical indoor off-gassing examples are emissions of volatile organic compounds from building enclosure surfaces such as flooring and painted walls. In this study, we conducted experimental and numerical modeling of different area sources in a mock-up office setup, with displacement or mixing ventilation. Displacement ventilation was as successful as mixing ventilation in removing the contaminant source from the floor area. Actually, the most important consideration in the removal of these contaminants is the relative position of the area source to the main airflow pattern and the occupied zone.