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

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.