Secondary Author(s)
Cummings, James
Report Number
FSEC-RR-139-06
URL
http://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSEC-RR-139-06.pdf
Keywords
Ducts; Buildings; Unbalanced return air; Commercial buildings; Air flow balance; Building pressure fields; Energy efficiency
Abstract
Research in 88 central Florida commercial buildings during the last decade has found that 26% of the air distribution systems had substantially unbalanced return air. Unbalanced return air occurs when there is a restriction to air flow between the supply discharge and the return air, creating positive and negative pressure fields throughout the building. Severe consequences in commercial buildings can occur as a result of unbalanced air flows. This paper examines unbalanced return air and its consequences in three commercial buildings, and explains why balancing air flow in buildings is a critical part of maintaining a healthy and energy efficient building.
Date Published
1-1-2006
Identifiers
510
Subjects
Air flow; Commercial buildings; Energy conservation; Building fittings
Local Subjects
Buildings - Ducts
Type
Text; Document
Collection
FSEC Energy Research Center® Collection
STARS Citation
Florida Solar Energy Center and Withers, Jr., Charles, "Unbalanced Return Air in Commercial Buildings" (2006). FSEC Energy Research Center®. 510.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fsec/510
Included in
Rights Statement
Notes
Reference Publication: Charles R. Withers, Jr. and James B. Cummings. "Unbalanced Return Air in Commercial Buildings". ASHRAE Transactions Vol 112, Part 1, January 2006.