To improve indoor air quality, some pitch soft alternative to traditional ductwork: cloth
Indoor air quality is a focal point of commercial projects, with developers of those spaces working to balance airflow with occupant comfort.
But the traditional method of circulating air throughout a metal structure can be fraught with problems, collecting dust and other pollutants and sometimes rattling as air funnels through it.
AHR 2016 featured several companies promoting an alternative solution to metal ductwork. Cloth ducts were on display at the event in Orlando, Florida, quietly pumping conditioned around the respective booths.
The material, according to representatives with some of those companies, is an enticing approach because it offers an array of benefits:
- Mixes conditioned air cleanly, eliminating hot and cold spots
- Eliminates VOCs
- Filters pollutants that might otherwise settle and collect in traditional ducts, only to be spit into the air later
- Prevents mold and mildew, since the cloth ducts are made of polyester
- Makes for easy maintenance. Duct sections are zippered together to be installed, moved and removed quickly.
- Material is machine washable
- Reduces noise
Architects also consider the cloth ducts, which come in a variety of colors, a design element. That’s particularly pivotal, considering that designers don’t always give extensive consideration to how air will be brought into a room and how the air distribution system will appear.
Using quarter-, half- and full-round cloth ducts, designers can incorporate the fabric ducts into a building where the fabric ducts blend in with the building or stands out.
“We can put it in different locations and move the air across the space,” said Ken Rummage of fabric duct-maker KE Fibertec. “That gives us freedom in the design and gives the architect and the interior designer an element of softness they can introduce into a hard space by using a fabric duct system.”
Topics: Architectural Firms, Building Owners and Managers, Ceilings, Civic and Cultural Centers, Construction Firms, Consulting - Green & Sustainable Strategies and Solutions, Convention Centers, Educational Buildings, Educational Buildings - Colleges and Universities, Energy Saving Products, Engineering Firms, Great Commercial Buildings, HVAC - Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Interiors, Office Buildings, Sustainable Communities, Technology, Urban Planning and Design, Ventilation
Search for your lost shaker of salt in Margaritaville's green retirement communities
Each home in the Latitude project was designed to provide a low-maintenance, energy-efficient lifestyle.
New product helps with rainwater management
Pavement filtration system works with concrete, asphalt and pavers to create permeable surface.
Sponsored by: Bio-Microbics
Haier advances take IAQ to higher level
Self-cleaning technology, automation remove contaminants, extend life of HVAC units
New solution uses fresh air to boost IAQ
FreshAire PTAC focuses on multifamily, lodging, commercial spaces
Smart thermostat makes comfort personal
Lux's Kono technology automatically adjusts for optimal comfort, savings
Smart building platforms becoming smarter
Ventacity Systems technology helps commercial users optimize efficiency, create healthy environment
Sensei teaches the art of easy serviceability
All unit components designed to be removed in less than 10 minutes
GLAS provides look at future of efficient thermostats
Aesthetics only part of appeal of Johnson Controls' newest product
Solution spotlights efficiency, serviceability
Rooftop unit helps lead Rheem's commercial line expansion
Climate Control systems offer efficiencies for residential, commercial applications
Solution design focuses on positive up-front, back-end financial impact
Wind-Free solution brings added comfort, efficiency to HVAC market
Samsung anticipates technology to be game-changer
Solution's infrared sensors detect body heat, activity to spur HVAC efficiency
Technology gives HVAC units 'mind of its own'
Demand, research drive ERV, HRV development
Improving efficiency, occupant comfort key as building envelopes tighten