Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Improving Air Quality Perception

Energy-efficient ventilation strategies relating to good indoor air quality (IAQ) are a major task for building performance according to the requirements set by the energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD) in 2010. Applying demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) in buildings, using sensors for IAQ control that enables variable airflow rates adapted to the actual indoor load conditions is one possibility to fulfill the requirements of adequate IAQ while reducing the energy consumption at the same time. CO2 concentrations above outdoors are generally used as an indicator for occupancy generated indoor air pollution and corresponding ventilation rates. The objective of this study is focused on a micromachined metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor module developed for IAQ control, based on volatile organic compound (VOC) detection. The sensor output was correlated with measured CO2 concentrations and quantified VOCs in 15 field scenarios. Energy demand and IAQ, applying the sensor module for DCV in an office, were compared to natural and time-scheduled ventilation in the office. The study accentuates the need for DCV and proves the functionality of the sensor module for IAQ control at adequate comfort levels. Compared to time-scheduled ventilation, 15% heating energy and 70% power consumption were saved with DCV.