Abstract
Residential buildings will become more energy efficient by minimizing air leakages and increasing
insulation. However, very airtight houses may have a negative impact on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) if not
properly ventilated. In order to achieve a further reduction in energy use, the focus must be on energy efficient ventilation and heat recovery. In order to predict the effect of alternative solutions for ventilation, it was decided to use ContamW; a simulation software program for estimating concentrations of pollutants and ventilation requirements based on e.g. pollutant source strengths, number of occupants, their presence, and their activities.
For this study, a model apartment has been designed. Relevant sources of contaminants like VOC, radon, formaldehyde and NH3 have been implemented and individual presence schedules are included. Performed simulations based on three ventilation strategies indicate that Demand controlled ventilation based on Indoor. Air quality parameters such as CO2 and humidity will provide the best IAQ at the lowest energy consumption.
insulation. However, very airtight houses may have a negative impact on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) if not
properly ventilated. In order to achieve a further reduction in energy use, the focus must be on energy efficient ventilation and heat recovery. In order to predict the effect of alternative solutions for ventilation, it was decided to use ContamW; a simulation software program for estimating concentrations of pollutants and ventilation requirements based on e.g. pollutant source strengths, number of occupants, their presence, and their activities.
For this study, a model apartment has been designed. Relevant sources of contaminants like VOC, radon, formaldehyde and NH3 have been implemented and individual presence schedules are included. Performed simulations based on three ventilation strategies indicate that Demand controlled ventilation based on Indoor. Air quality parameters such as CO2 and humidity will provide the best IAQ at the lowest energy consumption.