Abstract
This study uses long-term field measurements to quantify the indoor humidity generation rates of low-income households vulnerable to condensation and related problems. We found that the mean internal moisture excess of low-income households in Korea was 4.69 g/m3 higher than those of prior studies. Indoor water vapor generation rates of various activities considering the life style of low-income households were also quantified. The moisture generation rates of the shower and bath were 125.3 g/event and 51.1 g/event, respectively, and showed a similar or lower value compared to the existing results. The moisture generation rate of cooking showed the largest difference due to the residential characteristics of low-income households, such as cooking less frequently due to meal delivery services from the welfare center and the lower number of residents per household. Even though the moisture generation rates of low-income households for certain activities showed lower values compared to the results of prior studies, the indoor conditions were very humid due to the lower ventilation rates and studio-type open floor plan.
Highlights
Humidity is an important parameter to occupants’ thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) [1]
Condensation problems are still reported even though building envelopes are designed to satisfy the criteria of the Temperature Difference Ratio (TDR)
The final goal of this study is to provide a solution to the indoor condensation problem of low-income households in Korea, where condensation occurs more frequently than in the general population
Summary
Humidity is an important parameter to occupants’ thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) [1]. High humidity can lead to condensation problems, and condensed water may damage the building structure and finishing materials [2–7]. Surface condensation occurs when the air humidity ratio near the surface is greater than or equal to the saturated humidity ratio of the surface temperature [12–14]. The surface temperature or insulation level of the building envelope and generation of indoor water vapor are related to surface condensation in buildings [15]. The concept of the Temperature Difference Ratio (TDR) is widely adapted to regulate the total thermal resistance of the building envelope [16–24]. Condensation problems are still reported even though building envelopes are designed to satisfy the criteria of the TDR. Damage due to condensation and mold account for 16% of disputes in Korean multi-family residential buildings [25]
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