Abstract
Based on the T-method, a new scheme for predicting air flow rate distribution in a bathroom exhaust system is developed. Introduction of individual duct route enables us to disintegrate a complicated multi-fan ductwork into a set of simultaneous single-fan subsystems. The scheme is validated via the analysis of a well-posed test problem, showing physical consistency. In order to demonstrate the utility and capability of our method, the bathroom ventilation system in a 20-story residential building is selected as an example. Under the typical design condition, the air flow rate of each exhaust fan at the balancing point is successfully predicted, and such information can lead to an engineering estimation for the overall system performance. While some deficiencies in ventilation are found at bathrooms at lower floors with 6mmAq-rated exhaust fans, they disappear over the whole building by using fans of enhanced static pressures, 7 and 8mmAq. Finally the present scheme seems to be useful for practical design of multi-branched, multi-fan ventilation systems.
