Underfloor air distribution solutions for open office applications.

The use of raised access flooring systems for office environments has become much more frequent in recent years. Power and data cables housed in the floor cavity can easily be accessed and modified to accommodate changes in the occupancy and use of the space. This cavity can also be used as a supply air plenum, which allows introduction of conditioned air through the floor. Unfortunately, most load calculation procedures and programs in use today are based upon overhead systems and do not afford the designer the tools necessary to properly assess the performance and economics of underfloor air distribution systems. This paper discusses opportunities for improving space ventilation and reducing installation and operating costs that an? inherent to underfloor air distribution systems. In addition, procedural differences in the determination of equipment requirements and operational efficiencies are identified and adjustments are suggested that allow application of load data obtained by existing methods to underfloor systems.