Study-Fabric Ducts Increase HVAC Efficiency

Researchers from Iowa State University’s mechanical engineering department have used computer modeling to show that fabric forced-air ducts distribute air 24.5% more efficiently than conventional sheet-metal ducts. Using fluid dynamics simulations, the researchers determined that the fabric ducts diffuse conditioned air more widely in a shorter time, reducing loads on HVAC equipment and saving energy.

Fabric ducts are less expensive and less resource-intensive than metal ducts and can contribute to better indoor environmental quality due to ease of cleaning, but their efficiency at distributing air had not previously been studied. “Ductwork system efficiency tends take a secondary importance to mechanical equipment efficiencies in project specifications,” said Michael Olsen, Ph.D., in a press release.

“We have now provided engineers with the data that will make air distribution more efficient as well.” Simulations took place over 10 months in an 8' x 8' x 8' foot room, but the researchers also did large-scale analyses suggesting that large retail spaces and warehouses could expect similar efficiency gains by using fabric ducts.