Modeling the influence of building and HVAC system parameters on radon levels in a large building
- Florida Solar Energy Center, Cocoa, FL (United States)
Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) operation can play a crucial role in controlling indoor radon concentrations. Both the introduction of fresh air and the pressurization of an indoor space have been considered as means of reducing indoor radon concentration levels. Using an in-house computer model, this paper examines the impact of configurational and operational parameters of a building and HVAC system on indoor radon concentrations in a large building. To achieve this, a three-phase approach was followed. First, testing and diagnostics of the building were carried out to obtain airflow, pressure differential, and leakage data. Second, using the data from the first phase and from additional experiments involving controlled pressurization and depressurization tests of the building, the model was calibrated to characterize the cracks in the slab. Last, the model was used to parametrically examine the various factors that influence radon concentration in a reference building. The influence of several parameters, including return leak, outdoor air to exhaust air ratio (OA/EA), building tightness, ventilation rates, variable-air-volume (VAV) box operation, plenum-to-plenum leaks, and forced vs. suction outdoor air, was examined. Based on the results of the parametric analysis, inferences are drawn about the influence of the parameters on indoor radon concentration, and the efficacy of radon mitigation strategies is examined. Results indicate that building ventilation rate and the OA/EA ratio are significant parameters that affect indoor radon concentration.
- OSTI ID:
- 433769
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960606--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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