Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A plenum space is a part of a building that can facilitate air circulation for heating and air conditioning systems, by providing pathways for either heated/conditioned or return airflows, usually at greater than atmospheric pressure.
Plenum may refer to: Plenum chamber, a chamber intended to contain air, gas, or liquid at positive pressure; Plenism, or Horror vacui the concept that "nature abhors a vacuum" Plenum (meeting), a meeting of a deliberative assembly in which all members are present; contrast with quorum; Plenum space, enclosed spaces (in buildings) used for airflow
Plenum cable / ˈ p l ɛ n əm / is electrical cable that is laid in the plenum spaces of buildings. In the United States , plastics used in the construction of plenum cable are regulated under the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 90A: Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
UFAD systems use an underfloor supply plenum located between the structural concrete slab and a raised floor system to supply conditioned air to supply outlets (usually floor diffusers), located at or near floor level within the occupied space. Air returns from the room at ceiling level or the maximum allowable height above the occupied zone.
The term "plenum" was coined in the 1670s, derived from Latin adjective plenus ("filled, full"). The usage originates from classical theories of physics and the notion that "nature abhors a vacuum". These gave rise to the notion of 17th century 'plenum' as the opposite of vacuum, and all things "being either Plenum or Vacuum". [2]
Often refers to the space between a dropped ceiling and the structural ceiling, or a raised floor and the hard floor. Distinct from ductwork as a plenum is part of the structure itself. Cable and piping within a plenum must be properly rated for its fire and smoke indices. See also: plenum chamber psychrometric
The return plenum carries the air from several large return grills (vents) to a central air handler for re-heating. The supply plenum directs air from the central unit to the rooms which the system is designed to heat. Regardless of type, all air handlers consist of an air filter, blower, heat exchanger/element/coil, and various controls.
Air sealing can improve the energy efficiency of a building by minimizing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the building. This is especially pertinent in cold-climate buildings where space heating consumes the largest amount of energy. [9] A blower door test can be used to test the quality of the air sealing of the building envelope.