Energy Saving Potential of a ventilated Seat Cushion

Local exhaust ventilation method called Ventilated Seat Cushion (VSC) has been developed and proven to be efficient method for minimizing the spread of body released contaminants in the breathing zone of occupants. In this study, the VSC was assessed for its potential to save energy in mechanically ventilated buildings.

The energy saving potential of the VSC was assessed by means of dynamic computer simulations. IDA ICE energy simulation program was used to calculate the energy use of a call-centre, which was air-conditioned with fourteen chairs each equipped with a VSC, variable air volume (VAV) room mechanical ventilation and radiant ceiling.

The estimated annual energy use for the call-centre using the VSCs combined with VAV and radiant ceiling was compared to the annual energy use when the VSCs were not in operation. The obtained results show that combining the VSC with background VAV ventilation and radiant ceiling panels for cooling reduced the annual energy use by 7% compared to a system with only VAV ventilation.