Abstract:
In recent years the drive to air condition performance halls with greater energy efficiency and comfort has brought supply air terminals closer to the ears of audience members. Introduction to North America of the European approach of air volume displacement has required development of silent air terminals that coordinate with audience seating and allow greater efficiency and comfort. Artec Consultants Inc. has worked with leading seating manufacturers to develop pedestal chair supports and other floor mounted devices that function as terminals for air supplied from underfloor plena. The Ford Centre in North York Ontario incorporates one such design, as will several additional facilities in North America and Europe that are presently under construction. Completed facilities have met the design noise levels. This paper will examine the recent development of these terminal devices and discuss the benefits and complications associated with their implementation.