Ventilation Solutions in Renovated Apartment Buildings in Cold Climate Conditions

Teet-Andrus Koiv,Alo Mikola,Raimo Simson

doi:10.4236/eng.2015.73011

Abstract

Different solutions of renovating the ventilation in apartment buildings have been researched. The analysis shows that the use of heat recovery in cold climate regions is essential. Central as well as apartment- and room-based solutions with heat recovery have been studied. Balanced ventilation is suitable for small (2 - 3-storey) apartment buildings with a suitable room solution for apartments. In larger apartment buildings, the system with the exhaust air heat pump could be used. This is particularly suitable for apartment buildings with mechanical exhaust ventilation. In small apartments, it is most suitable to use room-based air handling units (AHUs) with the recuperative heat exchanger, plus exhaust ventilators in the WC, bathroom and kitchen. The economic indicators of this system are best for two-room apartments. Apartment-based AHUs are suitable for large apartments if there is no opposition from the residents, which is caused by ventilation tubes (ducts) in the apartment. The comparison of the reduced energy cost in case of different AHUs has been presented for small apartment buildings.

Highlights

Member states of the European Union are required to implement energy efficiency measures for buildings according to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive [1]
Apartment-based air handling units (AHUs) would be both technically and economically perfect, provided that they are accepted by the residents
In smaller 2 - 3-storey buildings, very good air quality and economic characteristics can be achieved with the central balanced ventilation system

Summary

Introduction

Member states of the European Union are required to implement energy efficiency measures for buildings according to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive [1]. With the new building codes, EU member states intend to reduce the total energy consumption in buildings by making them well-insulated and tighter. Due to the tighter and well-insulated constructions, the ventilation loads constitute a growing part of the heating de-. (2015) Ventilation Solutions in Renovated Apartment Buildings in Cold Climate Conditions. Mand, between 30% - 60% for new and retrofitted buildings [2]. As the ventilation heating demand plays an important role in the building’s total heating demand, the exhaust air heat recovery is inevitable. The main purpose of the study is to compare the different ventilation solutions of apartment buildings and assess their energy consumption

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Conclusion