-
In this literature review, we examined three air distribution systems (mixing, displacement and localised), to determine their effects on environmental satisfaction in office settings. Studies measuring environmental satisfaction were sparse, and we only found eleven such studies. Therefore, we also examined literature on the physical indoor air quality (IAQ) and
- 上一篇：数控系统在平面磨床上应用英文文献和中文翻译
- 下一篇：组合夹具系统的设计英文文献和中文翻译
thermal conditions produced by these systems.34052
Studies of physical conditions suggested that:
• all three systems were capable of producing adequate IAQ and thermal conditions
• displacement and localised systems could improve IAQ in the occupied zone, as compared to
mixing systems, but risked creating local thermal discomfort from draught and vertical
temperature difference
The eleven environmental satisfaction studies we reviewed all focused on localised air
distribution systems. Most of these studies included methodological limitations that undermine
the reliability of their findings. This withstanding, these studies suggested that:
• localised systems were positively evaluated by occupants
• localised systems could improve environmental satisfaction, in comparison to mixing systems
Two complicating factors affect the relationship between air distribution systems and
environmental satisfaction, as is shown in Figure 1. Firstly, numerous extraneous factors have
been argued to affect a system’s performance and the physical conditions it creates. Therefore, it
is likely that the ‘best’ air distribution system will vary, depending on the particular context in which it is used.
Secondly, localised systems offer personal control to occupants.
Environmental satisfaction could be improved simply by having this option for control,irrespective of whether it is used.
Alternatively, occupants could use their controls to change the physical conditions, and thus influence satisfaction. The studies we reviewed did not allow the effects of the physical environment and personal control to be adequately separated.
The complexity of these relationships suggests that simply comparing air distribution systems might not lead us to meaningful conclusions. An improvement in occupant satisfaction, for example, might simply reflect the suitability of one system over another for a given context, rather than the superiority of that system in general. It would be more beneficial to focus research on the relationships between physical conditions and environmental satisfaction. Once these relationships are more clearly understood, they can be used to design air distribution systems capable of achieving the appropriate indoor environments, and thus able to satisfy occupants.
1.0 Introduction
Chen, Moser and Suter (1992) noted that “because up to 90% of a typical person’s time is spent indoors and a large fraction of that time is spent in a residential or commercial environment (Moschandreas & Morse 1979), the quality of the indoor air is an important component influencing our overall level of health and comfort” (p.203). The indoor environment experienced by occupants affects their satisfaction, and complaints about air quality and thermal comfort are prevalent in office buildings (e.g. Brill, Margulis, Konar, & BOSTI, 1984; Fanger &Christensen, 1986; Hedge, Michael, & Parmelee, 1993; O'Neill, 1992; Sundstrom, 1987).
One factor that can affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal conditions in offices is the air distribution system used. The type of air distribution system, its operating conditions, and the location and type of supply outlets and return inlets can all affect airflow patterns and the extent to which supply air mixes with room air. These airflow characteristics can, in turn, influence temperature distributions, contaminant removal, and the age of air in the occupied zone, and can therefore affect occupant responses to the office environment (ASHRAE, 2001; Bauman & Arens, 1996; Bauman et al., 1991; Chen et al., 1992; Haghighat, Jiang, & Wang, 1991; Yuan, Chen, & Glicksman, 1998).