The aim of this study is to assess the performance of the mechanical ventilation system and air quality in an office building. The perfluorocarbon tracer (PFT) technique was used to measure air flow in an air handling unit and to estimate flow rates supplied to the office. In order to validate the PFT technique as a viable means of measuring air flow in the mechanical ventilation system, the PFT measurements were compared with measurements made using a pitot-static tube. Air exchange range, ventilation effectiveness and age of air were examined.
Thermal comfort and air quality were studied in three multi-family buildings located in urban environments. Measurements of air velocities close to the supply devices are presented along with measurements of CO, TVOC, NO and N02. In addition, particle measurements were carried out to check the filter efficiency in one of the buildings (Sl) which is specially designed for people with allergy problems. The total air change rate for this building is higher than for normal residential buildings and three different types of air filter are installed in the ventilation system.
This paper describes the development of a simplified tool which should be used at the early design stage for predicting air ventilation rates in a building. The method is based on the assumption that the air flow rate may be calculated as a function of two independent parameters. The first, called effective pressure difference, takes into account the local weather data, surrounding terrain, and building typology. The second is the overall building permeability, and accounts for permeable components (geometry and permeability), including vents.
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