Multizone airflow and contaminant modeling: Performance of two common ventilation systems in Swedish apartment buildings
The goal of this work was to assess the performance of two common ventilation systems, an exhaust and an exhaust-supply system, in Swedish apartment buildings. Since correct air-exchange and interzonal airflows are important for removing contaminants and improving indoor air quality, these air flows were analyzed by systematic computer calculations when selected input parameters were varied around their default values. The research specifically involved establishing characteristics of a prototypical building, determining appropriate boundary conditions (climate and operation), developing necessary physical/mathematical models, and establishing a protocol for carrying out the parametric studies required to assess airflows in buildings of this type. The study results, though specific for the prototypical building, present useful generalities that allow substitutions to be made in working with comparable buildings. The exhaust ventilation system allows a pressure hierarchy that is beneficial for controlling interzonal airflows and exfiltration. This hierarchy, however, turns into a disadvantage when leakage levels are altered by closing ventilation slots, for example. The exhaust-supply ventilation system has the advantage of guaranteeing a minimum air-exchange rate under all conditions. A drawback of this system is that air flows from apartments on the lower levels to apartments on upper levels via the staircase. Because of this flow pattern, contaminants can be transported to upper-level apartments.
- Research Organization:
- Bellcore, San Ramon, CA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Swedish Council for Building Research
- OSTI ID:
- 20002368
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-990102--; ISSN 0001-2505
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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