PIV experiment and evaluation of air flow performance of swirl diffuser mounted on the floor

Abstract

In order to obtain satisfactory effect of air conditioning and ventilation, the floor–supply displacement ventilation has widely applied in many civil buildings. Swirl diffusers mounted on the floor are widely used to provide fresh air into the occupied zone in the floor–supply displacement ventilation system. This paper studied the air distribution performance of swirl diffuser by 2D-PIV (particle image velocimetry). The experiment was implemented in a full-scale room to achieve reliable data of swirl diffusers. Flow visualizations have been carried out to determine the shape of the swirl jet. The whole velocity field was measured by 2D-PIV system, which is very useful to analyze air distribution above the swirl diffuser. With the aid of the flow visualizations and PIV test technology, the macro and micro structure of the air flow above the swirl diffuser is specified in more detail. Moreover, the centerline velocity decay coefficient (K value) and entrainment ratio were obtained. The research work of this paper provides detailed experimental data of air flow above the swirl diffuser, which provide the reference for selection of air terminal devices and a basis for follow-up numerical simulation study.