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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Doesn't
the air blowing directly at people cause drafts?
Not
at all! The personal air is under control of the occupant , and he/she can
adjust it for the most comfort. Speeds
are less than those in airplanes or automobiles (maximum 200 to 250 FPM [1.1 to
1.4 m/s], or 2.5
to 3 MPH, which is normal walking speed or less).
What
happens to the dirt on the floor?
Access
floor in offices is generally covered with carpet file, which prevents dust and
dirt from entering the floor cavity. With proper filtration, little or no dirt
will get into the floor plenum. If and when cleaning is necessary, it is
accomplished far more easily and effectively by opening some of the access
panels than attempting to clean extensive distribution ductwork. Tests in Japan
have shown that air distributed via the floor produces particle counts of only
one fifth the magnitude of overhead systems!
What
makes ARGON patentable?
There
are other systems that provide for personal air control. For example, Johnson
Controls has developed the PEM (Personal Environment Module). In Germany,
Schmidt Reutter designed and installed several large buildings in Cologne and
Duisburg with personal air outlets. These and other personal air systems
require, or simply ignore the need for, a separate system for the building at
large. The ARGON patents primarily cover the ability of the system to maintain
control of the space while providing individual control for the occupant.
How
does the first cost of ARGON compare to other systems?
When
properly designed the ARGON system requires little or no distribution ductwork.
Also, the system's greater cooling effectiveness requires 20% less capacity.
These savings offset the cost of the fan air terminals and personal outlets. Our
best estimates indicate an overall first cost competitive with other systems.
What
about the cost of the access floor?
The
access floor costs approximately $5.00 to $7.00 per square foot [$45 to $63 per
square meter] installed. This
cost is offset by eliminating the need to level or screed poured or precast
concrete. The floor system is leveled far more precisely with adjustable
pedestals and laser sighting methods. The floor cavity provides an ideal space
for distribution of electrical power, communications and computer wiring, and
plumbing, including sprinkler water distribution (heads are simply punched
through to the floor below). Initial installation labor is reduced because no
overhead work is required. Later changes can be made easily without tearing into
the building. When combined with the ARGON system (and its elimination of
distribution ductwork), the slab to slab height, building cubage and, therefore,
overall building cost is reduced (Building Design & Construction, November
1996).
What
about operating costs?
Operating
costs are substantially reduced because of higher operating temperatures and
reduced outside air requirements.
Without distribution ductwork, there is also less friction, reducing the
required fan horsepower. In addition, since the air is drawn across the concrete
slab, the building mass can be used as a "flywheel," reducing the
required system size and demand charges. Overall there should be a reduction in
cost and energy consumption of at least 20%. Last and not least, economizer
cycles can supply more "free cooling" because of the higher working
temperature.
What
about fresh air? Because supply air is directed to the occupant, ventilation efficiency is far greater and requires 50% less outside air than conventional ceiling distribution systems. The method of supplying fresh air is no different than any other air conditioning system. Air must be brought into the building, filtered and conditioned before it is introduced into the occupied area. |
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