OnlyFAN: Office Desks as Diffuser of Air Flow and Comfort Induced by Ceiling Fan
Can office desk layouts diffuse the air flow induced by ceiling fan effectively and expand the comfort zone around the desks to achieve collective thermal comfort?
W. Wei (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Atze C. Boerstra – Mentor (TU Delft - Environmental & Climate Design)
Alessandra Luna Navarro – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Building Design & Technology)
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Abstract
Ceiling fans offer a low-energy solution for improving thermal comfort in offices, yet their ability to provide collective comfort, serving multiple occupants, remains underexplored, especially when airflow is diffused by desk layouts.
This thesis examines whether office desks can diffuse ceiling fan-induced airflow and expand the comfort zone. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining CFD simulations, lab-based airspeed measurements, and human-subject experiments to assess airflow distribution and perceived comfort across multiple desk configurations and fan speeds.
Results show that desks redirect downward airflow horizontally, increasing airspeed at seated height (0.85m). While higher air speeds lowered thermal sensation votes, comfort levels did not increase. At 28°C and 49.2% RH, participants preferred an average airspeed of 0.49 m/s without group control. With group-selected fan speeds, preferences varied between 0.49–0.78 m/s, indicating diverse comfort needs.