Modeling Impacts of Dynamic Ventilation Strategies on Indoor Air Quality and Energy

Abstract

In this study, a simulation platform (IAQ-E) is established for integrated study of indoor air quality and energy consumption for ventilation optimization. The platform consists of a natural ventilation module, a mechanical ventilation module, an IAQ model, and an energy model. A residential building in Beijing is simulated, and the IAQ and energy consumption results of various natural ventilation scenarios are compared with mechanical ventilation scenarios. Natural ventilation scenarios consist of having windows 25, 50, 75, and 100% open 2 and 3 times a day for different lengths of time. The mechanical ventilation modes include once in an optimal condition and once in a conventional condition. Results demonstrate that the window opened 25% is the most effective means for the rapid elimination of indoor concentrations of formaldehyde in natural ventilation condition and that using heat recovery mechanical ventilation with filters is more energy efficient during heating season in North China.