The air distribution system, with supply at the floor and exhaust at the ceiling, works differently from a conventional ceiling supply and exhaust. A typical supply system mixes the entire room volume, maintaining air quality by diluting pollutants. By contrast, the floor supply system does not rely on global mixing. Instead, each person receives air from a floor grille, with air quality achieved due to the proximity of the supply to the occupant.
Pollutants rise on air currents to the ceiling exhaust.
A significant proportion of convective heat gains from lights, equipment, and people are exhausted before they become a load on the ventilation system. Comfort temperatures are maintained in the occupied zone only, while temperatures near the ceiling are typically several degrees higher. The pressurized floor plenum is very flexible. When cubicle or desk arrangements change, the tile with the supply grille can be moved. If cooling loads increase in a particular area, more floor grilles can be added there.