Including IAQ computation features in models for thermal simulation of residential buildings

Through this paper we describe the introduction of a comprehensive routine, able to take into account air changes needed for IAQ purposes, in a computer simulation code based on the explicit form of the finite difference method and devoted to the evaluation of the thermal behaviour of multizone buildings. Main characteristic of the routine is the capability of selecting and comparing different international technical standards, like those provided by the ASHRAE, the E.U. guidelines and so on. An application is then described aiming at analysing the influence of different standards on building energy demands, thermal comfort and indoor air quality conditions.