U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

New and Underutilized Technology: Thermal Displacement Ventilation

The following information outlines key deployment considerations for thermal displacement ventilation within the Federal sector. This information spans:

• Benefits
• Application
• Key Factors for Deployment
• Ranking Criteria
• Resources

Benefits

Thermal displacement ventilation provides slightly cooled air into the space at relatively low velocity, either through a raised floor system or wall diffusers near floor level. These are combined with a 100% outside air system and can provide heating.

Application

Thermal displacement ventilation is applicable for hospital, office, school, and auditorium applications.

Key Factors for Deployment

Thermal displacement ventilation performance is highly dependent on climate, building type, occupancy characteristics, and system design. It has been effectively used in school applications.

Ranking Criteria

Federal energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and probability of success are ranked 0-5 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 5 representing the highest ranking. The weighted score is ranked 0-100 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 100 representing the highest ranking.

Resources

The following resources are available:

• Thermal Displacement Ventilation in Schools: Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) overview of the case for thermal displacement ventilation in California schools.

• Emerging Energy-Saving Technologies and Practices for the Buildings Sector as of 2004: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy report on energy-efficient technologies for the buildings sector.

• Initial Evaluation of Displacement Ventilation and Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems for U.S. Commercial Buildings: National Institute of Standards and Technology review of displacement ventilation and dedicated outdoor air systems.

• Cooling Airflow Design Tool for Displacement Ventilation: Center for the Built Environment overview of displacement ventilation technology and application.