Impact of Thermal Heat Loads on Air Distribution Patterns in Open-Plan Offices with Active Chilled Beams (ACBS)

The amount of heat load in open-plan offices has a significant impact on room air distribution, which in return can also influence occupants’ productivity. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of different thermal heat loads on air velocities, colliding effects, and room air circulation patterns. The full-scale laboratory experiments were conducted in a 4.2 m * 4 m * 2.8 m (L × W × H) thermal isolated room. The heat sources of 300 W and 600 W were placed in the occupied region to observe changes in air velocity at 1.1m fixed heights. The average air velocities were increased up to 30% by doubling up the heat loads. The smoke tests and CFD results through vertical and horizontal profiles showed that colliding effect is minimized with an increase of heat loads, but large air circulation patterns (vortexes) are formed in locations of the colliding of jets, near the heat sources and the floor.