A Long-Term Modelling Study of Ventilation and VOC Distribution in Multi-family Residential Buildings in the Severe Cold Region of China

In this paper, a long-term numerical study which examines the unique airflow pattern and the corresponding VOC distribution within a typical apartment building in the severe cold region of China is described. A VOC model was developed to simulate the time-dependent emission rates with adsorption and desorption. This model was then integrated with COMIS, a multi-zone airflow model. The target VOC for study was benzene. The results show various downward tendencies for benzene concentrations in all the dwellings. In addition, it was found that the season when emission occurs must be taken into consideration. Lastly, a mechanical ventilation strategy was proposed which can guarantee the stability of air-exchange rates and isolate VOC emission sources in each apartment by preventing contaminants from being transported to upper-levels of a building through the stairwell.