Air movement and energy flows in an air-conditioned and partitioned industrial environment.

This study concerns an investigation into air movement
and associated energy flows within the environment of a
synthetic fibre producing factory. A multiplicity of airconditioning
and ventilation systems were operated within
the factory to provide a suitable atmosphere for the yarn,
and also to allow some degree of comfort in hot production
areas. Potential for improved operation of these systems
was anticipated.
Initial experiments showed certain anomalies and
problems relating to air conditions and air movement; and an
important facet of the production areas was identified as
the regular partitioning created by the machine layout.
A review of previous studies of building air flows
indicated a lack of information relating to industrial and
partitioned areas. Mathematical relationships for air flows
were studied and the interactions of similar, closely spaced
partitions were considered.
A series of model scale tests using simple layouts
supported a theory of interaction. The effect was
substantial for wall type partitions and a considerable
overestimation could result from the simple additive
approach to determination of total resistance.At the factory a computer based monitoring scheme was
designed and installed in order to establish environmental
conditions and energy flows. The concept of "total thermal
efficiency" was developed as a means of evaluating the
performance of some of the air-conditioning systems. Considerable
variations were evident between seasons and between
systems; improvements being possible and recommended.
Air flows were also investigated using Nitrous Oxide as
a tracer gas. The effect of the internal partitioning
combined with the high degree of ventilation and
air-conditioning was to "compartmentalize" the spaces between
the machines in the production areas, semi-isolating each
from its neighbours. Thus, the results of the simplified
model scale work could not be applied directly. However the
isolation of the spaces offers potential for better systems
operation by reducing air-conditioning requirements.