The effect of a personalized ventilation system on perceived air quality and SBS symptoms

Abstract

Perceived air quality, SBS symptoms and performance were studied with 30 human subjects. Experiments were performed in an office set-up with six workplaces, each equipped with a Personalized Ventilation System (PVS). Each PVS allowed the amount of supply air and its direction to be controlled. Subjects participated in four experiments: (1) PVS supplying outdoor air at 20°C; (2) PVS supplying outdoor air at 23°C; (3) PVS supplying recirculated room air; and (4) mixing ventilation. Room temperature was kept constant at 23°C and relative humidity at 30%. Results showed that the best condition in regard to perceived air quality, perception of freshness and intensity of SBS symptoms was when PVS supplied outdoor air at 20°C. Perceived air quality in this case was significantly better (p<0.01) than with mixing ventilation. Supplying outdoor air by means of the PVS decreased complaints of headache, and improved the ability to think and to concentrate.