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Modeling and continuous monitoring of indoor air pollutants for identification of sources and sinks

Journal Article · · Environment International
 [1]
  1. Chalmers Univ. of Technology, Goeteborg (Sweden). Dept. of Building Services Engineering

By comparing a calculated exhaust air concentration to a measured exhaust air concentration in a ventilated building, it is possible to determine whether the pollutant studied originates from the outdoor air or originates from a source indoors. This method was applied to measurements carried out in apartments, office buildings, and a school in order to cover different ventilation systems. Various gaseous pollutants were studied successfully in these buildings. The measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) show that the method is applicable also in situations when the air is not well mixed. The measurements of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) indicate that the sources are found both indoors and outdoors as regards the buildings in question. The investigations of nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO{sub 2}), and ozone (O{sub 3}) show that these pollutants originate from the outdoor air, where large variations in concentration could be seen. Sinks were observed indoors for NO, NO{sub 2}, and O{sub 3}.

OSTI ID:
684508
Journal Information:
Environment International, Journal Name: Environment International Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 25; ISSN 0160-4120; ISSN ENVIDV
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English