Paper: The History of Air Diffusion Performance Index (ADPI) and the Results of Research Project RP 1546 Expansion and Updating of the Adpi Method (2017 ASHRAE Annual Conference)

4 The History of Air Diffusion Performance Index (ADPI) and the Results of Research Project RP 1546 Expansion and Updating of the Adpi Method

David John, P.E., Stan Weaver & Co.

The effective draft temperature was experimentally developed in 1949 in Sweden. This is the current equation used to calculate ADPI for cooling. In 1972 Nevins and Miller presented an ASHRAE paper which determined that boundaries for ADPI to obtain a 70% occupant comfort level. After 33 years, this method needed many updates as buildings and air distribution systems changed. The ASHRAE RP 1546 updated and confirmed the ADPI predicted comfort levels using Standard 55. It produced the effective draft temperature equation for heating. Furthermore, it developed ADPI values that can predict thermal mixing in heating.

See more of: Updates in the Air Distribution Systems Design Procedure: Expansion of Air Diffusion Performance Index (ADPI) Method