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Sick building syndrome--know your ventilation rates.
Health Estate Journal : Journal of the Institute of Hospital Engineering
|April 8, 1993
Summary
Sick building syndrome may stem from low outdoor air intake and indoor pollution. A new control system using flow sensors can ensure a constant, verifiable fresh air supply, improving indoor air quality.
Area of Science:
- Building science
- Environmental engineering
- Occupational health
Background:
- Sick building syndrome (SBS) is linked to various factors, including inadequate outdoor air supply and indoor pollution from building materials and ventilation systems.
- Effective control of fresh air flow is crucial for maintaining healthy indoor environments, but conventional methods are often insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of outdoor air intake volume and indoor pollution in sick building syndrome.
- To propose and evaluate a novel control system for ensuring a constant and verifiable fresh air supply.
Main Methods:
- Review of research linking SBS to ventilation parameters.
- Conceptual design of a control system utilizing direct air flow rate measurement.
- Integration of modulated minimum outdoor air intake dampers.
Main Results:
- Low outdoor air intake and indoor pollution are probable contributors to SBS.
- Conventional flow control methods are unreliable under varying wind conditions.
- A direct measurement-based control system can maintain a constant fresh air volume.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a control system with direct air flow measurement and modulated dampers is essential for consistent fresh air delivery.
- Such systems can enhance indoor air quality and mitigate sick building syndrome.
- Flow sensors offer potential for comprehensive air system monitoring and control.