Ventilation for control of indoor air quality: A case study

• Published in: Environment international 1982, Vol.8 (1), p.487-496
• Main Authors: Janssen, J.E., Hill, T.J., Woods, J.E., Maldonado, E.A.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0160-4120; 1873-6750
• DOI: 10.1016/0160-4120(82)90067-8

Dilution of indoor air contaminants with less contaminated outdoor air is the most common strategy for control of indoor air quality. Unfortunately this strategy frequently imposes a substantial energy burden. If the contaminants are associated with occupants and their activities, a ventilation control system based on the carbon dioxide level in the controlled space is shown to relieve this energy burden. A test was carried out in the Fridley, MN, Junior High School Music Department to obtain air quality, energy, and subjective response data on an Automatic Variable Ventilation System. A control system with both CO 2 and temperature inputs was devised to control the use of outdoor air. Infiltration measurements lead to a quantitative measure of ventil3tion efficiency. This in turn led to recommendations for air circulation patterns in rooms. The measured ventilation efficiency enabled energy and CO 2 models to fit measured data. Energy savings of approximately 20% were found for this application. Subjective response of the occupants also was measured. A special questionnaire, subjected to statistical analysis, showed that the subjects felt warmer with increased CO 2 in the room air.