scholarly journals An Unobstructive Sensing Method for Indoor Air Quality Optimization and Metabolic Assessment within Vehicles

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (24) ◽  
pp. 7202
Author(s):  
Yue Deng ◽  
Mark Sprowls ◽  
S. Jimena Mora ◽  
Doina Kulick ◽  
Nongjian Tao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Air Exchange Rate ◽  
Air Exchange

This work investigates the use of an intelligent and unobstructive sensing technique for maintaining vehicle cabin’s indoor air quality while simultaneously assessing the driver metabolic rate. CO2 accumulation patterns are of great interest because CO2 can have negative cognitive effects at higher concentrations and also since CO2 accumulation rate can potentially be used to determine a person’s metabolic rate. The management of the vehicle’s ventilation system was controlled by periodically alternating the air recirculation mode within the cabin, which was actuated based on the CO2 levels inside the vehicle’s cabin. The CO2 accumulation periods were used to assess the driver’s metabolic rate, using a model that considered the vehicle’s air exchange rate. In the process of the method optimization, it was found that the vehicle’s air exchange rate (λ [h−1]) depends on the vehicle speeds, following the relationship: λ = 0.060 × (speed) − 0.88 when driving faster than 17 MPH. An accuracy level of 95% was found between the new method to assess the driver’s metabolic rate (1620 ± 140 kcal/day) and the reference method of indirect calorimetry (1550 ± 150 kcal/day) for a total of N = 16 metabolic assessments at various vehicle speeds. The new sensing method represents a novel approach for unobstructive assessment of driver metabolic rate while maintaining indoor air quality within the vehicle cabin.

scholarly journals First steps in the development of a possible measurement method to estimate the radon concentration as an indicator of the indoor air quality

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (suppl.) ◽  
pp. 52-58
Author(s):  
Franz Roessler ◽  
Jai Azzam ◽  
Volker Grimm ◽  
Hans Hingmann ◽  
Tina Orovwighose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Air Exchange Rate ◽  
Pollutant Concentrations ◽  
Air Exchange

The energy conservation regulation provides upper limits for the annual primary energy requirements for new buildings and old building renovation. The actions required could accompany a reduction of the air exchange rate and cause a degradation of the indoor air quality. In addition to climate and building specific aspects, the air exchange rate is essentially affected by the residents. Present methods for the estimation of the indoor air quality can only be effected under test conditions, whereby the influence of the residents cannot be considered and so an estimation under daily routine cannot be ensured. In the context of this contribution first steps of a method are presented, that allows an estimation of the progression of the air exchange rate under favourable conditions by using radon as an indicator. Therefore mathematical connections are established that could be affirmed practically in an experimental set-up. So this method could provide a tool that allows the estimation of the progression of the air exchange rate and in a later step the estimation of a correlating progression of air pollutant concentrations without limitations of using the dwelling.

scholarly journals The Effect of Ventilation Strategies on Indoor Air Quality and Energy Consumptions in Classrooms

Buildings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Stabile ◽  
Angelamaria Massimo ◽  
Laura Canale ◽  
Aldo Russi ◽  
Alexandro Andrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Air Exchange Rate ◽  
Co2 Concentrations ◽  
Naturally Ventilated Buildings ◽  
Energy Consumptions

Most of the school buildings in Italy are high energy-demanding buildings with no ad-hoc ventilation systems (i.e., naturally-ventilated buildings). Therefore, reducing the heat losses of schools represent the main aspect to be dealt with. Nonetheless, the indoor air quality of the building should be simultaneously considered. Indeed, to date, energy consumptions and air quality are considered as incompatible aspects especially in naturally-ventilated buildings. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the effect of different ventilation and airing strategies on both indoor air quality and energy consumptions in high energy-demanding naturally-ventilated classrooms. To this purpose, an Italian test-classroom, characterized in terms of air permeability and thermophysical parameters of the envelope, was investigated by means of experimental analyses and simulations through CO2 mass balance equation during the heating season. The air quality was assessed in terms of indoor CO2 concentrations whereas the energy consumptions were evaluated through the asset rating approach. Results clearly report that not adequate indoor CO2 concentrations are measured in the classroom for free-running ventilation scenarios even in low densely populated conditions (2.2 m2 person−1), whereas scheduled airing procedures can reduce the indoor CO2 levels at the cost of higher energy need for ventilation. In particular, when airing periods leading to the air exchange rate required by standards are adopted, the CO2 concentration can decrease to values lower than 1000 ppm, but the ventilation losses increase up to 36% of the overall energy need for space heating of the classroom. On the contrary, when the same air exchange rate is applied through mechanical ventilation systems equipped with heat recovery units, the ventilation energy loss contribution decreases to 5% and the overall energy saving results higher than 30%. Such energy-saving was found even higher for occupancy scenarios characterized by more densely populated conditions of the classroom typically occurring in Italian classrooms.

scholarly journals Air Exchange Rate in Air Quality Assurance – A Case Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18
Author(s):  
I. L. Cîrstolovean ◽  
M. Horneț ◽  
Ana Diana Ancas ◽  
M. Profire
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Heat Load ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Indoor Temperature ◽  
Air Exchange Rate ◽  
Air Exchange

Abstract The goals of this paper are to estimate some parameters – indoor temperature and ventilation rate - necessary to determine the heat load demand for ventilation in the amphitheatre named ‘A TALPOSI’-Faculty of Buildings Engineering- with a number of at the most 120 occupants. The study presented in this paper is made when in the amphitheatre it is necessary to assure a comfortable temperature by a permanent functioning of the heating system. The number of air exchanges necessary in the amphitheatre in the natural ventilation process, more exactly, to assure a minimum air exchanges, is imposed by the requirements for the assurance of physiologic comfort in the amphitheatre for the time interval when it is occupied by students. The inner air debit should cover the harmful emissions in the amphitheatre. By the help of these calculated (measured) parameters we have calculated the heat load for ventilation. In the end, with the data obtained from calculations and measurements we find ourselves in the situation of establishing the size of the heat exchanger corresponding to the room, to heat the fresh air taken from outside and send it inside the amphitheatre. The measurements are made with the TESTO apparatus of the faculty. The minimum requirements to assure the thermal comfort are: to achieve a minimum internal temperature θi (t) higher than (or equal to) the normal indoor temperature associated to this space and to assure the air quality, the air exchange rate. The authors want to highlight by this study the necessity and importance of the control on the number of air exchanges in rooms with a high number of occupants and overall, the control of the fresh air debits. The fact that the focus is more and more on heat loss cuts in rooms by tightening closing elements gives birth to the necessity of control of the ventilation system with effects on the consumption of mechanical energy.

Numerical and Experimental Modeling of Indoor Air Quality Inside a Conditioned Space with Mechanical Ventilation and DX-Air Conditioner

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (9A) ◽  
pp. 1257-1275
Author(s):  
Wisam M. Mareed ◽  
Hasanen M. Hussen
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Airflow Rate ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Lecture Room ◽  
Ventilation Performance

 Elevated CO2 rates in a building affect the health of the occupant. This paper deals with an experimental and numerical analysis conducted in a full-scale test room located in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Technology. The experiments and CFD were conducted for analyzing ventilation performance. It is a study on the effect of the discharge airflow rate of the ceiling type air-conditioner on ventilation performance in the lecture room with the mixing ventilation. Most obtained findings show that database and questionnaires analyzed prefer heights between 0.2 m to 1.2 m in the middle of an occupied zone and breathing zone height of between 0.75 m to 1.8 given in the literature surveyed. It is noticed the mismatch of internal conditions with thermal comfort, and indoor air quality recommended by [ASHRAE Standard 62, ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 55-2010]. CFD simulations have been carried to provide insights on the indoor air quality and comfort conditions throughout the classroom. Particle concentrations, thermal conditions, and modified ventilation system solutions are reported.

The impact of mechanical ventilation operation strategies on indoor CO2 concentration and air exchange rates in residential buildings

2020 ◽  
pp. 1420326X2096076
Author(s):  
Pedro F. Pereira ◽  
Nuno M. M. Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Exchange Rates ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Ventilation Strategy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mechanical Extraction ◽  
Air Exchange

In Portugal, residential buildings commonly have their ventilation strategy changed after commissioning. This occurs due to the building managers' willingness to reduce shared costs with the electricity needed for fan operation. However, this option is not technically supported, and the effects of such a strategy on indoor air quality-related to human pollutants are yet to be quantified. CO2 was monitored in 15 bedrooms and air exchange rates were calculated for each room. The air exchange rate values ranged from 0.18 to 0.53 h−1 when mechanical extraction ventilation was off, and from 0.45 to 0.90 h−1 when mechanical extraction ventilation was on, which represents an average increase of 119%. With the current intermittent ventilation strategy, all rooms remain above 1500 ppm for a given percentage of time, and 12 rooms presenting CO2 concentrations above 2000 ppm. Simulations of theoretical CO2 concentrations, for a non-interrupted mechanical ventilation strategy show that no rooms would accumulate CO2 concentrations above 2000 ppm, and only 25% would present CO2 concentrations above 1500 ppm. Pearson correlations between the monitored CO2 and human and spatial factors identified two relevant parameters. Those parameters correspond to ratios between CO2 generation and floor area ([Formula: see text]), and airflow with CO2 generation ([Formula: see text]). The proposed ratios could be used as ways to optimise ventilation costs and indoor air quality.

Computational Modeling of Particulate Pollutant Transport in a Ventilated Room in the Presence of Two Heated Breathing and Rotating Manikins

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Ali Keshavarz ◽  
Mazyar Salmanzadeh ◽  
Goodarz Ahmadi
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Computational Modeling ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Rotational Motion ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Thermal Plume ◽  
Displacement Ventilation ◽  
Simulation Results

Recently, attention has been given to indoor air quality due to its serious health concerns. Clearly the dispersion of pollutant is directly affected by the airflow patterns. The airflow in indoor environment is the results of a combination of several factors. In the present study, the effects of thermal plume and respiration on the indoor air quality in a ventilated cubicle were investigated using an unsteady computational modeling approach. The person-to-person contaminant transports in a ventilated room with mixing and displacement ventilation systems were studied. The effects of rotational motion of the heated manikins were also analyzed. Simulation results showed that in the cases which rotational motion was included, the human thermal plume and associated particle transport were significantly distorted. The distortion was more noticeable for the displacement ventilation system. Also it was found that the displacement ventilation system lowered the risk of person-to-person transmission in an office space in comparison with the mixing ventilation system. On the other hand the mixing system was shown to be more effective compared to the displacement ventilation in removing the particles and pollutant that entered the room through the inlet air diffuser.

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality Real-Time Monitoring in Airport Terminal Areas: An Opportunity for Sustainable Management of Micro-Climatic Parameters

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 3798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Zanni ◽  
Francesco Lalli ◽  
Eleonora Foschi ◽  
Alessandra Bonoli ◽  
Luca Mantecchini
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Electronic Monitoring ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Real Time Monitoring ◽  
Airport Terminal ◽  
Air Ventilation ◽  
Gaseous Contaminants

Indoor air quality (IAQ) management in public spaces is assuming a remarkable importance. Busy environments, like airport terminals, are currently regarded as possible hotspots and IAQ is a crucial element for passengers and staff protection, as well as a key aspect of airport passenger experience. A one-month monitoring period has been performed on IAQ in the airport of Bologna (Italy), as prototypal example of large regional airport. Four strategic areas within the airport have been equipped with electronic monitoring platforms, including different contaminants and two microclimatic sensors. Data suggest that daily variation in IAQ parameters typically follow the activity pattern of the different environments under study (i.e., passengers’ flows) for gaseous contaminants, where particulate matter counts oscillate in a definite range, with a significant role played by ventilation system. Gaseous contaminants show a correlation between indoor and outdoor concentrations, mainly due to airside activities. Micro-climatic comfort parameters have been tested to match with standards for commercial environments. As results appears in line with typical households IAQ values, the current air ventilation system appears to be adequate. Nevertheless, an integrated air management system, based on real-time monitoring, would lead to optimization and improvement in environmental and economical sustainability.

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