Comparison of gaseous contaminant diffusion under stratum ventilation and under displacement ventilation

The gaseous contaminant diffusion under stratum ventilation is investigated by numerical method which is validated by experiments carried out. The concentration of gaseous contaminants along the supply air jet is found to be lower than the other parts of the room. Compared with displacement ventilation, the formaldehyde concentration in breathing zone is lower when a contaminant source locates close to the occupant. The concentration is at the same level when the contaminant source locates up-steam to the occupant. The concentration in the occupied zone (<1.9 m from the floor) is also lower when the contaminant source locates on the floor. At supply air temperature optimized for displacement ventilation, the toluene concentration in breathing zone for stratum ventilation is higher than that for displacement ventilation when the area source locates on the four surrounding walls of the room.