Carbon Dioxide and Ventilation Rates.
Abstract
In many buildings, the occupants themselves are a major contaminant source. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one common human-generated contaminant. ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 states that the CO2 level in the indoor air should not exceed 1000 parts per million (ppm). The most common method used to remove such contaminants from indoor air is to bring outdoor air into a building through an air-handling system by mechanical ventilation. However, fresh-air ventilation entails heating or cooling of the outside air to acceptable levels for indoor thermal comfort an energy-expensive process. A system designed to respond to CO2 levels by introducing fresh outdoor air into air-handling systems 'on-demand' may provide the optimal balance between energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ). This study investigated the relationship between ventilation rates and CO2 levels and their interaction in maintaining healthy IAQ, reviewed current gas-sensing technologies, and concluded that further research in the incorporation of gas-sensing technologies into Army Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems is warranted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA299145
Entities
People
- Darren B. Myers
- Glen A. Chamberlin
- Harmohindar Singh
- James M. Jones
- Peter Rojeski Jr.
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory