In the framework of a project of the International Energy Agency (IEA) , IEA-Annex XVIII - Demand Controlled Ventilating (DCV) Systems, which started in fall 1987, a review of the state of the art of already existing DCV systems and devices has been undertaken by all participating countries. This paper is concerned with air quality sensors which may be suitable to control air quality on demand. The dominant contaminants are not only variing in different kinds of buildings (dwellings, schools, stores etc.) but also from room to room due to different ways of utilizing the spaces.
Traditionally air has been supplied from the ceiling to the occupants below opposing the buoyancy effects due to heat convected from people, lights and machines. There has also been concern that if air supply outlets are installed at low level near people the chances of draughts and noise are high. The development of swirl air diffusers in Sweden and Germany overcomes these problems and allows a wider consideration of air distribution systems when designing buildings. This also offers flexibility in planning the distribution of electrical systems and piped services.
In displacement ventilation systems, air flow rates, temperature and the design of the air supply device strongly influence the parameters which decide the thermal comfort. This paper reviews experiments and theoretical models which show the connection between t.hese parameters. It is indicated that the Archimedes number of the supply air is the parameter which decides the air velocity in the area close to the floor. (The Archimedes number is the ratio between buoyancy and inertia forces).