The technical expertise of ASHRAE is concentrated in its Technical Committees (TCs), which consist of individuals recognized for their proficiency in specific fields of interest. TC 9.11 Clean Spaces focuses on air conditioning systems for cleanrooms and spaces, including process, product, and facility air conditioning, as well as related process ventilation for research and development, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and clean medical areas. This encompasses electronic, microelectronic, pharmaceutical, and aerospace facilities, along with operating rooms.
TC 9.11’s focus on clean rooms intersects with several technical areas supported by ASHRAE. These include fundamental issues such as load calculations, system sizing, and modeling; systems issues such as air filtration, airside systems, and hydronics; and application issues, including controls. The sensitivity of these spaces to airborne contaminants emphasizes the importance of filtration and precise air system sizing. Given that air volumes in these facilities are typically much higher than in comparably sized commercial spaces, owners must optimize their designs comprehensively. Consequently, TC 9.11’s research efforts concentrate on developing tools to aid engineers in design optimization. Currently, the primary focus of TC 9.11’s research plan is on developing modeling tools to assist design professionals in validating their assumptions and advancing the state-of-the-art in clean space design.
