Why do occupants still feel uncomfortable even when the HVAC system is correctly designed?

In many office, hotel, and commercial projects, HVAC systems are designed strictly according to calculated capacity and airflow. However, once the system is put into operation, occupants often still report issues such as:

• Some areas being too cold while others are too hot

• Direct airflow causing discomfort

• Working spaces failing to achieve the expected level of thermal comfort

The root cause of these problems often does not lie in equipment capacity, but in how air is distributed within the space.

Calculation ≠ Real Experience

Traditional calculation methods can ensure:

• Total airflow rate

• Overall cooling and heating load of the space

However, they cannot accurately reflect:

• Actual airflow paths inside the room

• The presence of dead zones or short-circuiting airflow

• Real operating conditions in the occupied zone

CFD – Making the Invisible Visible

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation makes it possible to:

• Visualize temperature distribution and air velocity throughout the entire space

• Directly evaluate thermal comfort conditions within the occupied zone

• Identify potential issues early, before construction

CFD does not replace standards; instead, it provides clear evidence that the HVAC design truly meets thermal comfort requirements under real operating conditions.

👉 Learn more about SAO’s CFD-based Thermal Comfort Simulation service.