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 Air
Quality:
The primary purpose of ventilation is to provide clean air to
building occupants. This is needed to support metabolism and to dilute and
remove pollutants emitted in a space. We spend as much as 90% of our time
inside buildings therefore adequate provision for ventilation is essential
for good health.
Energy:
Unnecessary air change can be costly. Over 40% of the primary energy use
in industrialised countries is consumed in buildings of which up to 50% is
dissipated through ventilation and general air change.
Cooling:
Ventilation
is frequently used for cooling a space. This works if the diurnal mean air
temperature is less than the desired comfort temperature and if serious
effort is taken to restrict indoor heat gains (primarily by eliminating
solar gain and controlling the use of electrical appliances).
Air Infiltration:
Air infiltration is the uncontrolled flow of
air resulting from unintentional gaps and cracks in the building envelope.
This provides unreliable ventilation and can result in substantial energy
loss. Air quality and energy efficiency demands airtight construction
combined with an intentional ventilation strategy.
Information:
The purpose of this Web Site is to develop a complete picture of
ventilation, covering its role, its air quality
and
energy impact, calculation methods
and measuring techniques. In addition to providing a tutorial,
future plans include linking to suppliers who can provide algorithms, test
equipment and control systems.
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