Textile ducting is often associated with cooling and ventilation, but a correctly designed system can also provide effective heating. In many applications, the same duct system can be used throughout the year.

The important point is that warm and cool air behave differently.

A textile air distribution system therefore needs to be designed around the actual operating conditions of the building, rather than simply selecting a duct size and outlet pattern that works at one supply temperature.

Why heating and cooling behave differently

When cool supply air enters a warmer room, it naturally tends to fall. Warm supply air behaves in the opposite way and tends to rise.

This becomes particularly important in buildings with high ceilings, where warm air can remain at high level rather than reaching the occupied zone below.

For a heating system to work effectively, the air distribution system must provide sufficient momentum to overcome this natural buoyancy and deliver warm air to where it is needed.

Supply air temperature matters

One of the most important design considerations is the temperature difference between the supply air and the room.

A small temperature difference generally makes air distribution easier. As the difference increases, the buoyancy effect becomes stronger.

The required air velocity, discharge direction and outlet design therefore need to be considered alongside the heating and cooling temperatures expected from the HVAC system.

Mounting height and building geometry

The height at which the textile duct is installed has a major influence on the design.

In a relatively low space, supplying warm air into the occupied zone may be straightforward. In a warehouse, sports hall or industrial building with a much higher ceiling, the air may need considerably more momentum to reach floor level.

The shape of the room and the location of walls, machinery, shelving and other obstructions can also affect the way air moves through the space.

Choosing the right air distribution method

KE Fibertec textile ducting can distribute air using permeable material, laser cut orifices and nozzles.

For cooling, a system may use high levels of induction to mix supply air gently with the room air before it reaches occupants.

For heating, more directional air jets via nozzles may be required to project warm air towards the occupied zone.

Where a system operates in both heating and cooling modes, the outlet arrangement needs to provide acceptable performance under both sets of conditions.

Avoiding stratification

Stratification occurs when warm air accumulates at high level while cooler air remains closer to the floor.

In high-ceiling buildings, this can result in unnecessary energy use because the heating system may continue operating even though a significant amount of heat is effectively trapped above the occupied zone.

A well-designed air distribution system can help reduce this effect by encouraging mixing and directing conditioned air into the parts of the building where it is actually required.

Designing for year-round operation

Where an HVAC system provides both heating and cooling, it is important to consider both operating conditions from the outset.

A textile duct design should take account of factors such as heating and cooling supply temperatures, required airflow, room temperature, mounting height, building dimensions, occupancy, internal obstructions and required air velocities within the occupied zone.

Considering these factors together allows the air distribution system to be designed for the building rather than for a single operating condition.

Textile ducting as part of the overall HVAC design

Air temperature, airflow, heating and cooling capacity and air distribution all interact. Providing sufficient heating or cooling capacity at the air handling unit does not automatically mean the required conditions will be achieved throughout the room.

The conditioned air still needs to reach the right place.

At KE Fibertec, each textile air distribution system is designed around the specific application and operating conditions. By considering both heating and cooling requirements during the design process, we can develop a system that provides effective and comfortable air distribution throughout the year.

Need help with a heating and cooling application?

If you are considering textile ducting for a project operating in both heating and cooling modes, our technical team can help assess the airflow, temperatures and building conditions and recommend an appropriate air distribution design.

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