Experimental investigation on airflow pattern for active chilled beam system

•Present a comprehensive airflow pattern and turbulence intensity distribution for Active Chilled Beams (ACB) system.•Evaluate the influences of pressure drop and supply air temperature on the airflow pattern.•Propose a criterion for air detachment from the ceiling.•Develop a method to judge the valid space for self-similarity of air jet.•Compare two mathematical models on self-similarity.