Developing a method to characterize indoor environmental parameters in naturally ventilated classrooms

Mahyuddin, N. and Awbi, H. B. (2007) Developing a method to characterize indoor environmental parameters in naturally ventilated classrooms. In: Braganca, L., Pinheiro, M., Jalali, S., Mateus, R., Amoeda, R. and Guedes, M. C. (eds.) Portugal Sb07 - Sustainable Construction, Materials and Practices: Challenge of the Industry for the New Millennium, Pts 1 and 2. I O S Press, Amsterdam, pp. 411-417. ISBN 9781586037857

Abstract/Summary

Until recently, there has been little investigation concerning the poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in classrooms. Despite the evidence that the educational building systems in many of the UK institutions have significant defects that may degrade IAQ, systematic assessments of IAQ measurements has been rarely undertaken. When undertaking IAQ measurement, there is a difficult task of representing and characterizing the environment parameters. Although technologies exist to measure these parameters, direct measurements especially in a naturally ventilated spaces are often difficult. This paper presents a methodology for developing a method to characterize indoor environment flow parameters as well as the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Thus, CO2 concentration level can be influenced by the differences in the selection of sampling points and heights. However, because this research focuses on natural ventilation in classrooms, air exchange is provided mainly by air infiltration. It is hoped that the methodology developed and evaluated in this research can effectively simplify the process of estimating the parameters for a systematic assessment of IAQ measurements in a naturally ventilated classrooms.