Tuloilman

Tuloilman is the Finnish term for supply air, the portion of air delivered to occupied spaces as part of a ventilation system. The noun tuloilma means supply air; tuloilman is the genitive form used when describing the supply air of a system or component. It is central to Finnish building services engineering and is used to distinguish the air brought into spaces from other air streams in the system.

In practice, tuloilman is produced by an air handling unit or ventilation plant and is conditioned for temperature, humidity, and cleanliness before distribution. It is carried through ducts and released into rooms via diffusers or grilles, where it mixes with room air to support indoor air quality and comfort.

The design and control of tuloilman involve determining appropriate flow rates and conditioning requirements. The supply air may be tempered by heating or cooling coils, humidified or dehumidified as needed, and may be mixed with outside air or return air depending on the climate and building program. The delivered flow is typically specified in cubic meters per hour (m3/h) or liters per second (L/s) and is controlled to meet occupancy and energy efficiency goals. Filtration is commonly used to remove dust and particles before entry to occupied spaces.

Standards and guidelines govern tuloilman performance, including outdoor air rates, filtration, and system efficiency. Examples include international and regional frameworks such as ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and EN 16798, as well as local building codes. In operation, tuloilman works alongside exhaust air and, in some systems, with recirculated air to form a complete HVAC solution for indoor environments.

Related topics include ventilation, air handling units, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency in buildings.