Indoor Air Exchange Rate Research Articles

Optimizing energy efficiency in HSCW buildings in China through temperature-controlled PCM Trombe wall system

This study investigates the use of PCM-TWS (phase change material Trombe wall) as a solution for improving energy efficiency in HSCW region buildings in China. The study found that the optimal parameters for PCM-TWS include a phase change temperature of 20–30° Celsius, a latent heat of 175–225 kJ/kg, and an air gap and indoor air exchange rate of 0.12 m³/s. The results indicate that the use of PCM-TWS can significantly reduce heat load and improve thermal comfort, with a 71.53% reduction in heat load during the heating season. The payback period for the PCM TWS investment ranges from 6.56 to 11.18 years, the investment in PCM TWS appears to be attractive and economically valuable. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge on the use of PCM TWS for improving energy efficiency in HSCW buildings in China.

Maintenance of the required indoor air exchange rate by using compact regenerative heat exchangers

Introduction. Ventilation systems of civil buildings experience problems of air exchange interruption and high heat losses. A solution to this problem is the use of compact decentralized ventilation units with the function of heat recovery from exhaust air. They are called stationary switching regenerative heat exchangers (SSRHEs). SSRHEs ensure high energy saving at low air flow rates. However, the required air exchange rate can be substantial even for one person. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine values of the energy efficiency coefficient of SSRHEs for the range of characteristic air flow rates.
 
 Materials and methods. The analysis of regulations and research papers, focused on determining the indoor air exchange required for one person was conducted. The air exchange rate is mainly determined through the recommended level of carbon dioxide concentration in a room. The energy efficiency coefficient of SSRHEs is determined by means of mathematical modeling of the heat exchange process in a single channel of a regenerative nozzle.
 
 Results. Values of the energy efficiency coefficient of SSRHEs are provided for a wide range of air flow rates. Efficiency reduction, accompanied by an increase in the rate of the air flow through the SSRHE, as well as a decrease in the nozzle length and an increase in the diameter of a single channel are shown. Recommendations are provided on the design of a regenerative nozzle that ensures extensive thermal energy savings at high air flow rates through the SSRHEs.
 
 Conclusions. Taking into account a wide range of values of the amount of air required per person, SSRHE capacity control is recommended. Research results can be used to modernize existing devices and develop new configurations of nozzles for such SSRHEs. The authors have found that experimental studies of the proposed configurations are needed to evaluate the level of noise generated by SSRHEs and the optimal nozzle design mitigating the risk of clogging.

Database examination, multivariate analysis, and machine learning: Predictions of vapor intrusion attenuation factors

Traditional soil vapor intrusion (VI) models usually rely on preset conceptual scenarios, simplifying the influences of limiting environmental covariates in determining indoor attenuation factors relative to subsurface sources. This study proposed a technical framework and applied it to predict VI attenuation factors based on site-specific parameters recorded in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)’s and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)’s VI databases, which can overcome the limitations of traditional VI models. We examined the databases with multivariate analysis of variance to identify effective covariates, which were then employed to develop VI models with three machine learning algorithms. The results of multivariate analysis show that the effective covariates include soil texture, source depth, foundation type, lateral separation, surface cover, and land use. Based on these covariates, the predicted attenuation factors by these new models are generally within one order of magnitude of the observations recorded in the databases. Then the developed models were employed to generate the generic indoor attenuation factors to subsurface vapor (i.e., the 95th percentile of selected dataset), the values of which are different between the USEPA’s and CalEPA’s databases by one order of magnitude, although comparable to recommendations by the USEPA and literature, respectively. Such a difference may reflect the significant regional disparity in factors such as building structures or operational conditions (e.g., indoor air exchange rates), which necessitates generating generic VI attenuation factors on a state-specific basis. This study provides an alternative for VI risk screens on a site-specific basis, especially in states with a good collection of datasets. Although the proposed technical framework is used for the VI databases, it can be equally applied to other environmental science problems.

Subjective indoor air quality and thermal comfort among adults in relation to inspected and measured indoor environment factors in single-family houses in Sweden-the BETSI study

Totally 1160 adults living in single-family houses in Sweden participated in a questionnaire survey on subjective indoor air quality (SIAQ). Inspectors investigated the dwellings and performed home measurements (mean indoor temperature 21.4 °C, mean indoor air humidity 34.2%, mean indoor air exchange rate 0.36 ac/h and mean moisture load indoor 1.7 g/m3). Totally 15.5% perceived draught, 28.0% perceived too high room temperature, 42.4% unstable room temperature, 36.8% too low room temperature, 19.6% stuffy air, 19.8% dry air and 29.9% dust or dirt.Measured room temperature was related to perception of room temperature. Higher relative air humidity was related to perceived unstable room temperature (OR = 1.70) and too low room temperature (OR = 1.96). Higher absolute air humidity was related to too high room temperature (OR = 1.21), unstable room temperature (OR = 1.34) and too low room temperature (OR = 1.35). Higher measured relative humidity, absolute air humidity and moisture load were all associated with stuffy air and unpleasant odor (OR = 1.45–1.97). Higher air exchange rate was related to less perceived unstable room temperature (OR = 0.93). Higher U value was related to draught (OR = 1.17), too low room temperature (OR = 1.09), unpleasant odor (OR = 1.12) and dust and dirt (OR = 1.07). New concrete slab foundation was related to less stuffy air (OR = 0.39) (vs. basement). Damp foundation was associated with more stuffy air (OR = 1.44) and unpleasant odor (OR = 1.61). Window pane condensation was related to stuffy air (OR = 1.88). Moldy odor reported by inspector was related to stuffy air (OR = 1.73). Observed mold in the attic was associated with more stuffy air and unpleasant odor.In conclusion, complaints of room temperature can indicate poor thermal environment. Higher air exchange rate can create a more stable thermal sensation. Excess indoor humidity, lower degree of thermal insulation, presence of window pane condensation and indoor dampness/mold can impair SIAQ. Higher ventilation and concrete slab foundation with underlying thermal insulation can improve SIAQ.

Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis for Abreu & Johnson numerical vapor intrusion model

This study conducted one-at-a-time (OAT) sensitivity and uncertainty analysis for a numerical vapor intrusion model for nine input parameters, including soil porosity, soil moisture, soil air permeability, aerobic biodegradation rate, building depressurization, crack width, floor thickness, building volume, and indoor air exchange rate. Simulations were performed for three soil types (clay, silt, and sand), two source depths (3 and 8m), and two source concentrations (1 and 400g/m3). Model sensitivity and uncertainty for shallow and high-concentration vapor sources (3m and 400g/m3) are much smaller than for deep and low-concentration sources (8m and 1g/m3). For high-concentration sources, soil air permeability, indoor air exchange rate, and building depressurization (for high permeable soil like sand) are key contributors to model output uncertainty. For low-concentration sources, soil porosity, soil moisture, aerobic biodegradation rate and soil gas permeability are key contributors to model output uncertainty. Another important finding is that impacts of aerobic biodegradation on vapor intrusion potential of petroleum hydrocarbons are negligible when vapor source concentration is high, because of insufficient oxygen supply that limits aerobic biodegradation activities.

Estimation of Generic Subslab Attenuation Factors for Vapor Intrusion Investigations

AbstractGeneric indoor air:subslab soil gas attenuation factors (SSAFs) are important for rapid screening of potential vapor intrusion risks in buildings that overlie soil and groundwater contaminated with volatile chemicals. Insufficiently conservative SSAFs can allow high‐risk sites to be prematurely excluded from further investigation. Excessively conservative SSAFs can lead to costly, time‐consuming, and often inconclusive actions at an inordinate number of low‐risk sites. This paper reviews two of the most commonly used approaches to develop SSAFs: (1) comparison of paired, indoor air and subslab soil gas data in empirical databases and (2) comparison of estimated subslab vapor entry rates and indoor air exchange rates (IAERs). Potential error associated with databases includes interference from indoor and outdoor sources, reliance on data from basements, and seasonal variability. Heterogeneity in subsurface vapor plumes combined with uncertainty regarding vapor entry points calls into question the representativeness of limited subslab data and diminishes the technical defensibility of SSAFs extracted from databases. The use of reasonably conservative vapor entry rates and IAERs offers a more technically defensible approach for the development of generic SSAF values for screening. Consideration of seasonal variability in building leakage rates, air exchange rates, and interpolated vapor entry rates allows for the development of generic SSAFs at both local and regional scales. Limitations include applicability of the default IAERs and vapor entry rates to site‐specific vapor intrusion investigations and uncertainty regarding applicability of generic SSAFs to assess potential short‐term (e.g., intraday) variability of impacts to indoor air.

Impact of operating wood-burning fireplace ovens on indoor air quality

The use of combustion heat sources like wood-burning fireplaces has regained popularity in the past years due to increasing energy costs. While the outdoor emissions from wood ovens are strictly regulated in Germany, the indoor release of combustion products is rarely considered. Seven wood burning fireplaces were tested in private homes between November 2012 and March 2013. The indoor air quality was monitored before, during and after operation. The following parameters were measured: ultra-fine particles (5.6–560nm), fine particles (0.3–20μm), PM2.5, NOx, CO, CO2, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Most ovens were significant sources of particulate matter. In some cases, an increase of benzene and BaP concentrations was observed in the indoor air.The results illustrate that wood-burning fireplaces are potential sources of indoor air contaminants, especially ultra-fine particles. Under the aspect of lowering indoor air exchange rates and increasing the use of fuels with a net zero-carbon footprint, indoor combustion sources are an important topic for the future. With regards to consumer safety, product development and inspection should consider indoor air quality in addition to the present fire protection requirements.

Airborne Concentrations of Benzene Associated with the Historical Use of Some Formulations of Liquid Wrench

The current study characterizes potential inhalation exposures to benzene associated with the historical use of some formulations of Liquid Wrench under specific test conditions. This product is a multiuse penetrant and lubricant commonly used in a variety of consumer and industrial settings. The study entailed the remanufacturing of several product formulations to have similar physical and chemical properties to most nonaerosol Liquid Wrench formulations between 1960 and 1978. The airborne concentrations of benzene and other constituents during the simulated application of these products were measured under a range of conditions. Nearly 200 breathing zone and area bystander air samples were collected during 11 different product use scenarios. Depending on the tests performed, average airborne concentrations of benzene ranged from approximately 0.2–9.9 mg/m3 (0.08–3.8 ppm) for the 15-min personal samples; 0.1–8 mg/m3 (0.04–3 ppm) for the 1-hr personal samples; and 0.1–5.1 mg/m3 (0.04–2 ppm) for the 1-hr area samples. The 1-hr personal samples encompassed two 15-min product applications and two 15-min periods of standing within 5 to 10 feet of the work area. The measured airborne concentrations of benzene varied significantly based on the benzene content of the formulation tested (1%, 3%, 14%, or 30% v/v benzene) and the indoor air exchange rate but did not vary much with the base formulation of the product or the two quantities of Liquid Wrench used. The airborne concentrations of five other volatile chemicals (ethylbenzene, toluene, total xylenes, cyclohexane, and hexane) were also measured, and the results were consistent with the volatility and concentrations of these chemicals in the product tested. A linear regression analysis of air concentration compared with the chemical mole fraction in the solution and air exchange rate provided a relatively good fit to the data. The results of this study should be useful for evaluating potential inhalation exposures to benzene and other volatile chemicals that occurred during the past use of some formulations of Liquid Wrench and perhaps for some similar products containing these chemicals.

Prediction of indoor concentration of 0.5–4μm particles of outdoor origin in an uninhabited apartment

Indoor and outdoor particle size distributions, indoor–outdoor pressure difference, indoor air-exchange rate, and meteorological conditions were measured at an uninhabited apartment located in a busy street in Copenhagen during 1-month long fall, winter and spring campaigns. Particle penetration was estimated from concentration rebound measurements following HEPA filtering of the indoor air by fitting a simple deterministic model. The model included measured air exchange rates and published surface deposition loss rates. This model was then used to predict indoor particle concentration. The model predicted well the indoor concentration of coarse (1.2–4 μm) particles of outdoor origin for the fall and spring campaign. The model performed less well for the fine (0.5–1.2 μm) particle concentration and the winter campaign. The association between the ratio measured/predicted indoor concentration and factors not included in the deterministic model was analysed statistically and the result was used to determine a correction factor to the model prediction. The correction factor was found to depend on wind velocity, outdoor relative humidity, and air exchange rate. Including the correction factor reduced the ratio of the 95 percentile to the 5 percentile by an average of 26% for the fine particles and 12% for the coarse particles. The ratio measured/predicted concentration using the correction factor was found to be the highest during periods where it was most likely that occupants were present in other apartments. The results suggest that factors such as particle chemical composition, within building transport patterns, and occupant behaviour in other apartments should be identified and quantified in future studies, and that these factors need to be included in predictive models.

Indoor air pollutants from unvented kerosene heater emissions in mobile homes: studies on particles, semivolatile organics, carbon monoxide, and mutagenicity

The study was conducted to assess human exposure to air pollutants resulting from the use of kerosene heaters in mobile homes. It has been estimated that 15-17 million unvented kerosene heaters have been sold in the United States, and 33% of these heaters have been sold to mobile home residents. The emissions from kerosene heaters can result in high pollutants levels in mobile homes that have a small air volume and low ventilation rate. Eight totally electric mobile homes with no smokers living in the homes were monitored for indoor air particles < 10 micrometer (PM10), semivolatile organics, carbon monoxide (CO), and mutagenicity of semivolatile and particle-phase organics in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 without S9 using a microsuspension reverse-mutation assay. Each home was monitored for an average of 6.5 h/day, 3 days/week, for 4 weeks (2 weeks with the heater on and 2 weeks with the heater off) during the heating season of 1989. Indoor air exchange rate, temperature, and humidity were measured. Chemical analyses, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and nitro PAH, also were performed on the indoor air samples from a selected home with the kerosene heater on and off. Increases in CO and organic concentrations resulting from themore » use of kerosene heaters were found in most homes monitored. Chemical analysis data also suggested the presence of evaporated, unburned kerosene fuel present in semivolatile organics collected in the XAD samples. In comparison with the U.S. national ambient air standards, four out of the eight heaters investigated in the study emitted pollutants that exceeded the ambient air standards some days. These data suggested that emissions from unvented kerosene heaters can significantly impact indoor air quality in mobile homes and that these emissions contain carcinogenic compounds and can be potentially carcinogenic in humans.« less

Indoor Radon Measurements in the Shenzhen Region of the People's Republic of China

Indoor radon investigation has been conducted in the Shenzhen region, a coastal, subtropical city. Dual-filter, scintillation flask and activated carbon detectors were employed to study the regional distribution of 222Rn and its daughters in indoor air. By the end of 1986, measurements were made in 222 dwellings, including 147 high-rise buildings, 19 multi-family apartments, 50 detached houses and 6 basements. The average 222Rn concentrations in high-rise buildings, multi-family apartments, detached houses, basements and outdoors are 31.3, 15.5, 17.8, 108, and 13.7 Bq.m-3, respectively. The average alpha potential energy concentrations of 222Rn daughters in the above dwellings and outdoors are 1.58, 0.81, 1.02, 3.99 and 0.88 mWL, respectively. The equilibrium factors and indoor air exchange rates were also measured and are reported. Finally, the annual effective dose equivalents to the local residents have been estimated.