Saving energy and optimizing air quality using carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2})

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998 · Energy Engineering

OSTI ID:624264

Schell, M ^[1]

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1. Engelhard Sensor Technologies, Goleta, CA (United States)

Demand control ventilation (DCV) using carbon dioxide offers a unique opportunity for building designers and owners to resolve an age-old paradox: how to reduce energy costs while optimizing air quality. Recent innovations in gas sensor designs have considerably improved the long-term performance and cost of carbon dioxide sensing, making it one of the fastest growing segments of the HVAC control industry. It is not enough to measure CO{sub 2} and then react to it in some way. A recent interpretation to ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 ``Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality`` has clarified that CO{sub 2} is appropriate for modulating ventilation based on occupancy, provided certain installation and control factors are considered. The control strategy is key. As this article discusses, control strategies may vary based on the use of space, occupant density, and occupancy patterns. This article discusses the approach that should be taken with CO{sub 2} control to ensure conformity to ASHRAE 62-1989. CO{sub 2} control is best applied to spaces with variable or intermittent occupancy. These applications can include classrooms, meeting rooms, theaters, waiting rooms, and even office spaces. In spaces without variable occupancy, CO{sub 2} control can ensure that the space is ventilated at the appropriate level for its occupancy, rather than being ventilated at an arbitrary ventilation rate determined sometime when the building was designed.

• OSTI ID: 624264
• Journal Information: Energy Engineering, Journal Name: Energy Engineering Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 95; ISSN EENGDO; ISSN 0199-8595
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIR QUALITY
BUILDINGS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
SPACE HVAC SYSTEMS
VENTILATION SYSTEMS