Demand-Controlled Ventilation - Requirements and Control Strategies

Most standards for air handling systems prescribe a minimum air flow rate per person per hour based on full occupancy of the ventilated space. The number of occupants may fluctuate widely, however, and demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) responds to the actual demand for air renewal. There are now sensors capable of detecting this demand, and these are a prerequisite for DCV and good air quality. Key features of DCV are the incorporation of thermal tolerance bands (heating/cooling, humidification/dehumidification), and special control strategies to reduce or even disable the air flow rate. The benefits are a reduction in running costs and automatic maintenance of indoor comfort whatever the operating conditions.