A unique multiple tracer experimental system has been developed and utilized within commercial buildings to monitor ventilation rates, air exchange efficiency, ages of air (at multiple indoor locations), flow rates of supply and outside air, and percent outside air in supply airstreams. The multiple tracer technique also makes it possible to determine the fractions of air at a monitoring point that entered the building through a particular air handler and by infiltration.
Introductory talk on the indoor air quality problem. Compares risk of radon pollution in houses to the risks of smoking tobacco, and gives a definition of levels of concern. Mentions filtering of indoor air by means of an air-to-air heat exchanger, the interaction between ventilation and sources, e.g. unvented combustion heaters and carbon dioxide emissions; measurements of nitrogen dioxide are compared, and formaldehyde concentrations in 28 different commercial buildings.
Commercial buildings require mechanical ventilating systems, the specifications for which are included in the building codes. These codes specify the amount of outdoor air to be supplied per person for designed occupancy conditions. Many buildings such as retail establishments operate much of the time at occupancy loads well below the design. Thus, they are generally over ventilated and waste energy when operated according to the codes. A control system based on measurement of the carbon dioxide generated by the occupants was tested in a small bank in Pasco, Washington.
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