Cold Air Distribution for Passive House Innovation -
Sustainable Cooling Solution

Discover how the Cold Air Distribution Project is setting new standards in sustainable HVAC solutions for Passive Houses and Net Zero Ready buildings.

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Cold Air Distribution
OverviewResearch ObjectivePhase 1 - IncubationIn-depth PresentationPhase 2- ImplementationCMHCConnect

Project Overview

Welcome to our Cold Air Distribution (CAD) Project, where innovation meets sustainability in the realm of Passive House technology. Our pioneering approach combines cutting-edge HVAC systems with the principles of energy efficiency and affordability. Explore how our research aims to transform housing solutions, enhancing comfort while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Why This Project

Background: With the rising standards for energy performance, affordable housing providers face the challenge of high costs. The Cold Air Distribution (CAD) Project is an innovative solution to overcome this by optimizing all-electric domestic hot water and HVAC systems.

The Need

Developers struggle with commercially available systems that don’t cater to the low Passive House heating and cooling loads in multi-family buildings. CAD uses super-chilled supply air to address this gap.

Research Objective

To prove the viability of deploying Cold Air Distribution, traditionally used in commercial and industrial sectors, to residential buildings. With a delivery target of just 5°C, this introduces 3 key challenges—occupant comfort, condensation, and mould growth.

Phase 1 - Incubation

  • Conducted at the University of Toronto lab to explore CAD's practical application.
  • Mock suite tests verified the delivery of super-chilled air without mold or condensation risk.
  • Key Findings: Effective, sustainable, and economically viable. CAD can reduce capital and energy costs.

Key Challenge 1: Comfort

Our research reveals that with smart diffuser placement—8” below the ceiling—and controlled airspeed, we ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature stratification, measuring it against the internationally recognized ISO 7730 as our benchmark.

Key Challenge 2: Condensation

Air Leakage Concerns: Thermal images identified significant air leakage issues.
The solution? Ensuring thorough sealing to effectively prevent moisture buildup proved essential.

Diffuser Discovery: With various diffusers put to the test, only those made from proprietary materials successfully prevented condensation accumulation.

Paint Potential: Anti-condensation paint shows promise.
Our tests revealed: One Coat: Moist to touch. No Coat: Condensation ensues. Three Coats: Dry to the touch

Key Takeaways for Condensation:

Sealing is Critical: Mitigating air leakage is vital for preventing condensation.

Material Matters: Using food-grade insulation diffusers is a reliable choice.Consistent Coating: Maintaining the integrity of anti-condensation paint is crucial for effectiveness.

Key Challenge 3: Mould

Proper sealing is essential to prevent air leakage, which could lead to mould. Diffusers with perpendicular airflow reduce mould risk by maintaining stable surface temperatures.

Watch Andrew's Comprehensive Presentation of Phase 1 of CAD

Phase 1 - Incubation

  • Conducted at the University of Toronto lab to explore CAD's practical application.
  • Mock suite tests verified the delivery of super-chilled air without mold or condensation risk.
  • Key Findings: Effective, sustainable, and economically viable. CAD can reduce capital and energy costs.

Key Challenge 1: Comfort

Our research reveals that with smart diffuser placement—8” below the ceiling—and controlled airspeed, we ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature stratification, measuring it against the internationally recognized ISO 7730 as our benchmark.

Key Challenge 2: Condensation

Air Leakage Concerns: Thermal images identified significant air leakage issues.
The solution? Ensuring thorough sealing to effectively prevent moisture buildup proved essential.

Diffuser Discovery: With various diffusers put to the test, only those made from proprietary materials successfully prevented condensation accumulation.

Paint Potential: Anti-condensation paint shows promise.
Our tests revealed: One Coat: Moist to touch. No Coat: Condensation ensues. Three Coats: Dry to the touch

Key Takeaways for Condensation:

Sealing is Critical: Mitigating air leakage is vital for preventing condensation.

Material Matters: Using food-grade insulation diffusers is a reliable choice.Consistent Coating: Maintaining the integrity of anti-condensation paint is crucial for effectiveness.

Key Challenge 3: Mould

Proper sealing is essential to prevent air leakage, which could lead to mould. Diffusers with perpendicular airflow reduce mould risk by maintaining stable surface temperatures.

Watch Andrew's Comprehensive Presentation of Phase 1 of CAD

Phase 1 - Incubation

  • Conducted at the University of Toronto lab to explore CAD's practical application.
  • Mock suite tests verified the delivery of super-chilled air without mold or condensation risk.
  • Key Findings: Effective, sustainable, and economically viable. CAD can reduce capital and energy costs.

Phase 1 - Incubation

Slideshow gallery section title goes here

Conducted at the University of Toronto lab to explore CAD's practical application.
‍
Mock suite tests verified the delivery of super-chilled air without mold or condensation risk.
‍
Key Findings: Effective, sustainable, and economically viable. CAD can reduce capital and energy costs.
‍

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Key Challenge 1: Comfort

Our research reveals that with smart diffuser placement—8” below the ceiling—and controlled airspeed, we ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature stratification, measuring it against the internationally recognized ISO 7730 as our benchmark.

Key Challenge 2: Condensation

Air Leakage Concerns: Thermal images identified significant air leakage issues.
The solution? Ensuring thorough sealing to effectively prevent moisture buildup proved essential.

Diffuser Discovery: With various diffusers put to the test, only those made from proprietary materials successfully prevented condensation accumulation.

Paint Potential: Anti-condensation paint shows promise.
Our tests revealed: One Coat: Moist to touch. No Coat: Condensation ensues. Three Coats: Dry to the touch

Key Takeaways for Condensation:

Sealing is Critical: Mitigating air leakage is vital for preventing condensation.

Material Matters: Using food-grade insulation diffusers is a reliable choice.Consistent Coating: Maintaining the integrity of anti-condensation paint is crucial for effectiveness.

Key Challenge 3: Mould

Proper sealing is essential to prevent air leakage, which could lead to mould. Diffusers with perpendicular airflow reduce mould risk by maintaining stable surface temperatures.

Research Objective

To prove the viability of deploying Cold Air Distribution, traditionally used in commercial and industrial sectors, to residential buildings. With a delivery target of just 5°C, this introduces 3 key challenges—occupant comfort, condensation, and mould growth.

Phase 1 - Incubation

  • Conducted at the University of Toronto lab to explore CAD's practical application.
  • Mock suite tests verified the delivery of super-chilled air without mold or condensation risk.
  • Key Findings: Effective, sustainable, and economically viable. CAD can reduce capital and energy costs.

Key Challenge 1: Comfort

Our research reveals that with smart diffuser placement—8” below the ceiling—and controlled airspeed, we ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature stratification, measuring it against the internationally recognized ISO 7730 as our benchmark.

Key Challenge 2: Condensation

Air Leakage Concerns: Thermal images identified significant air leakage issues.
The solution? Ensuring thorough sealing to effectively prevent moisture buildup proved essential.

Diffuser Discovery: With various diffusers put to the test, only those made from proprietary materials successfully prevented condensation accumulation.

Paint Potential: Anti-condensation paint shows promise.
Our tests revealed: One Coat: Moist to touch. No Coat: Condensation ensues. Three Coats: Dry to the touch

Key Takeaways for Condensation:

Sealing is Critical: Mitigating air leakage is vital for preventing condensation.

Material Matters: Using food-grade insulation diffusers is a reliable choice.Consistent Coating: Maintaining the integrity of anti-condensation paint is crucial for effectiveness.

Key Challenge 3: Mould

Proper sealing is essential to prevent air leakage, which could lead to mould. Diffusers with perpendicular airflow reduce mould risk by maintaining stable surface temperatures.

Watch Andrew's Comprehensive Presentation of Phase 1 of CAD

Phase 1 - Incubation

  • Conducted at the University of Toronto lab to explore CAD's practical application.
  • Mock suite tests verified the delivery of super-chilled air without mold or condensation risk.
  • Key Findings: Effective, sustainable, and economically viable. CAD can reduce capital and energy costs.

Key Challenge 1: Comfort

Our research reveals that with smart diffuser placement—8” below the ceiling—and controlled airspeed, we ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature stratification, measuring it against the internationally recognized ISO 7730 as our benchmark.

Key Challenge 2: Condensation

Air Leakage Concerns: Thermal images identified significant air leakage issues.
The solution? Ensuring thorough sealing to effectively prevent moisture buildup proved essential.

Diffuser Discovery: With various diffusers put to the test, only those made from proprietary materials successfully prevented condensation accumulation.

Paint Potential: Anti-condensation paint shows promise.
Our tests revealed: One Coat: Moist to touch. No Coat: Condensation ensues. Three Coats: Dry to the touch

Key Takeaways for Condensation:

Sealing is Critical: Mitigating air leakage is vital for preventing condensation.

Material Matters: Using food-grade insulation diffusers is a reliable choice.Consistent Coating: Maintaining the integrity of anti-condensation paint is crucial for effectiveness.

Key Challenge 3: Mould

Proper sealing is essential to prevent air leakage, which could lead to mould. Diffusers with perpendicular airflow reduce mould risk by maintaining stable surface temperatures.

Watch Andrew's Comprehensive Presentation of Phase 1 of CAD

Phase 1 - Incubation

  • Conducted at the University of Toronto lab to explore CAD's practical application.
  • Mock suite tests verified the delivery of super-chilled air without mold or condensation risk.
  • Key Findings: Effective, sustainable, and economically viable. CAD can reduce capital and energy costs.

Key Challenge 1: Comfort

Our research reveals that with smart diffuser placement—8” below the ceiling—and controlled airspeed, we ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature stratification, measuring it against the internationally recognized ISO 7730 as our benchmark.

Key Challenge 2: Condensation

Air Leakage Concerns: Thermal images identified significant air leakage issues.
The solution? Ensuring thorough sealing to effectively prevent moisture buildup proved essential.

Diffuser Discovery: With various diffusers put to the test, only those made from proprietary materials successfully prevented condensation accumulation.

Paint Potential: Anti-condensation paint shows promise.
Our tests revealed: One Coat: Moist to touch. No Coat: Condensation ensues. Three Coats: Dry to the touch

Key Takeaways for Condensation:

Sealing is Critical: Mitigating air leakage is vital for preventing condensation.

Material Matters: Using food-grade insulation diffusers is a reliable choice.Consistent Coating: Maintaining the integrity of anti-condensation paint is crucial for effectiveness.

Key Challenge 3: Mould

Proper sealing is essential to prevent air leakage, which could lead to mould. Diffusers with perpendicular airflow reduce mould risk by maintaining stable surface temperatures.

Watch Andrew's Comprehensive Presentation of Phase 1 of CAD

Phase 2 - Implementation

Phase 2 of the Housing Supply Challenge is about taking Cold Air Distribution (CAD) from research into real-world projects. Our goal is to de-risk innovation by ensuring CAD systems perform reliably under diverse conditions across Canada.

Key Challenge 1: Comfort

Our research reveals that with smart diffuser placement—8” below the ceiling—and controlled airspeed, we ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature stratification, measuring it against the internationally recognized ISO 7730 as our benchmark.

Key Challenge 2: Condensation

Air Leakage Concerns: Thermal images identified significant air leakage issues.
The solution? Ensuring thorough sealing to effectively prevent moisture buildup proved essential.

Diffuser Discovery: With various diffusers put to the test, only those made from proprietary materials successfully prevented condensation accumulation.

Paint Potential: Anti-condensation paint shows promise.
Our tests revealed: One Coat: Moist to touch. No Coat: Condensation ensues. Three Coats: Dry to the touch

Key Takeaways for Condensation:

Sealing is Critical: Mitigating air leakage is vital for preventing condensation.

Material Matters: Using food-grade insulation diffusers is a reliable choice.Consistent Coating: Maintaining the integrity of anti-condensation paint is crucial for effectiveness.

Key Challenge 3: Mould

Proper sealing is essential to prevent air leakage, which could lead to mould. Diffusers with perpendicular airflow reduce mould risk by maintaining stable surface temperatures.

Section 1: Ensuring CAD performance and reliability in real projects.

Phase 2 takes CAD from concept to application, with a focus on:

  • Implementing CAD systems in projects across Canada
  • Rigorously testing materials and assemblies
  • Identifying solutions that ensure airtightness, durability, and condensation control

This work helps validate CAD as a dependable strategy for high-performance buildings.

Section 2: The Ductwork Story

Solving condensation, airtightness, and durability challenges.
‍
Our Phase 2 work dug deep into ductwork design, because delivering cold air efficiently depends on more than just theory. We tested, fabricated, and refined solutions to tackle real-world risks:

  • Preventing condensation with insulated duct systems
  • Ensuring airtightness through tape, sealing, and fabrication methods
  • Addressing material choices, cut ends, and custom diffuser design
  • Balancing durability with ease of installation

These lessons helped shape ductwork strategies that can reliably deliver CAD performance in the field.

Section 3: Ductwork Performance


Why heat transfer and airtightness matter.
After airtightness testing, we turned to ductwork performance — looking at how heat gain impacts CAD systems in practice. Our testing revealed critical factors for scaling CAD confidently:

  • Heat transfer directly affects comfort and energy efficiency
  • Systematic testing uncovered the link between airtightness and heat gain
  • Precise measurements showed why duct length and sensor placement are critical
  • Lab findings were translated into real-world installations to reduce project risks

These insights guide better design, installation, and performance for CAD, setting the stage for the next phase: cooling coil evaluation.

Section 4: Cooling Coil Performance


Stay tuned...

Acknowledgment of CMHC Support

We are proud to acknowledge the invaluable support of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Through their funding initiative, the Housing Supply Challenge, we've secured the resources necessary to advance our Cold Air Distribution Project. This initiative is designed to tackle barriers in housing development by encouraging innovative solutions like ours. CMHC's commitment empowers us to explore cutting-edge research and implement sustainable cooling systems, paving the way for a future of energy-efficient and affordable housing solutions. Thank you, CMHC, for making this pioneering work possible.

Want to learn more about how to apply these CAD principles in your next project?

Send us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

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