The displacement concept can be combined with raised access flooring to provide additional benefits. The raised floor can be used as an air supply plenum, practically eliminating horizontal distribution ductwork. Modular wiring systems, for power and tel/data can be used in the raised floor.
When fully implemented, this system greatly adds to building flexibility. Modifications are simple and inexpensive. Reconfiguration of building spaces can be done at a fraction of the cost compared to conventional systems.
Raised floor displacement systems can be combined with natural ventilation schemes to take advantage of the thermal storage effects of concrete floors slabs. Cool nighttime air can be brought into the building to drop slab temperatures to the range of 60F. The cooled slabs will absorb room heat throughout the day, reducing building cooling loads, and saving energy.
Study on Displacement Ventilation with Raised Floor - .pdf format - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
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