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Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings
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Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2023) | Viewed by 16010

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shengwei Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Interests: indoor air quality; thermal comfort; occupancy health; building ventilation; indoor airborne infection; CFD
Dr. Tatsuya Hayashi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Architecture, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
Interests: building energy simulation; workplace productivity; wellness office; thermal comfort; evaluation of real estate value
Dr. Jiying Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Thermal Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
Interests: building energy conservation; CFD; ground source heat pump; radiant floor heating/cooling system; urban thermal environment; building energy use; indoor air quality; ventilation; HVAC; outdoor thermal environment; air pollution; thermal comfort
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Tong Lin

E-Mail
Guest Editor
A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Interests: continuum mechanics; convective heat and mass transport; tubomachinery; building ventilation; indoor aerosol transmission

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than ourdoor concentrations. Numerious studies have demonstated the importance of indoor air quality to human health, and addressed the importance of ventilation to indoor air quality. As an outcome, national and international standards have been developed to design ventilation to achieve acceptable indoor air quality. The present standards are based on the assumption of perfect air mixing; as a result, ventilation requirement is generally simplified to be the requirement for the amount of outdoor air, i.e. ventilation rate. However, in practice, a number of factors, such as ventilation design (the number and distribution of air inlets and outlets), occupancy condition, and indoor spatial configuration, can make a great difference to ventilation impact on indoor air quality. Sometimes, local ventilation rate may be much smaller than the ventilation rate designed for the whole room, resulting in high local concentrations of air pollutants. The advanced methods and technologies to detect and locate indoor air quality issues at a dynamic mode, then quantify and satisfy the requierement for additional ventilation, are a great charllenge in the field.

We also lack of knowledge to define the ventilation requirement to prevent aerosol transmission of respiratory diseases. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 viruses, especially the most prevalent Delta variant which is extremetly fast-spreading and highly transmissible, presents a new and great challenge in indoor air quality. There is an urgent need for the revolutionary knowledge and technologies to develop the effective ventilation strategies against the spread of respiratory infectious diseases.

Ventilation efficiency is highly related to energy consumption in a building. A feasible ventilation strategy for a building must balance the requirements for air quality and energy-use. Moreover, during the pandamic, the requirement on social distance and the resulted reduction in indoor occupancy make ventilation efficiency more critic to a sustainable building.

At this point, we would like to invite all authors whose research concerns ventilation and indoor air quality in sustainable buildings. The main schope of this special issue is to highlight the ventilation impacts on indoor air quality in sustainable buildings, and the advanced ventilation technologies, including but not limited to:

  • Original ventilation method, technology, and unit;
  • Quantification of ventilation requirement for aerosol infection control
  • New sensoring methodologies and tehcnologies to identify indoor air quality problem
  • Ventilation design for suistanable building regarding indoor air quailtiy
  • Case study of ventilation impact on indoor air quality

Dr. Shengwei Zhu
Dr. Tatsuya Hayashi
Dr. Jiying Liu
Dr. Tong Lin
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 4629 KiB  
Article
Performance Optimization of Natural Ventilation in Classrooms to Minimize the Probability of Viral Infection and Reduce Draught Risk
by Mohammed K. Fageha and Alaa Alaidroos
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14966; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214966 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2254
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed analysis to optimize natural ventilation performance in educational buildings to minimize the probability of viral infection (POI) and avoid draught discomfort. A whole building energy simulation tool has been coupled with the Wells–Riley equation to predict the probability [...] Read more.
This paper presents a detailed analysis to optimize natural ventilation performance in educational buildings to minimize the probability of viral infection (POI) and avoid draught discomfort. A whole building energy simulation tool has been coupled with the Wells–Riley equation to predict the probability of infection and Fanger’s draught equation to estimate the draught risk for classroom environments. Several parameters have been investigated, including window opening fraction (WOF), volume-to-student ratio, number of source patients, and exposure time. The analysis confirmed a dual effect of space volume on the POI where the POI can be increased or decreased simultaneously when the space volume is increased. Therefore, the WOF/(Volume/Student) ratio is introduced, and an optimization analysis is performed to determine the optimum ratio that delivers the lowest POI. The results showed that a WOF/(Volume/Student) ratio between 0.1 and 0.17 is recommended to guarantee low values of POI for a standard Volume/Student ratio of 6 m3. Even though high ventilation rates are required to prevent viral infection, it will certainly increase the draught risk. Therefore, optimal ventilation rates are required to maintain low POI and minimum draught risk, which can be achieved by optimum design of windows and implementing control systems for window operations to minimize turbulence effects and reduce the possibility of draught discomfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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13 pages, 1340 KiB  
Article
Impact of Exposure to Indoor Air Chemicals on Health and the Progression of Building-Related Symptoms: A Case Report
by Hiroko Nakaoka, Norimichi Suzuki, Akifumi Eguchi, Daisuke Matsuzawa and Chisato Mori
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14421; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114421 - 3 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
The aetiology of building-related symptoms (BRSs) is not well supported by sufficient scientific evidence, and it remains unclear whether BRSs are mediated by psychosocial and personal factors or a genuine physical susceptibility to low-dose chemical exposure. In April 2014, a 40-year-old man consulted [...] Read more.
The aetiology of building-related symptoms (BRSs) is not well supported by sufficient scientific evidence, and it remains unclear whether BRSs are mediated by psychosocial and personal factors or a genuine physical susceptibility to low-dose chemical exposure. In April 2014, a 40-year-old man consulted the Environmental Medical Clinic at Chiba University complaining of recurring BRSs. Indoor air samples were collected from the patient’s house at 11 time points and subjected to chemical analyses. The patient simultaneously completed a questionnaire about his symptoms at the time of the measurements. Statistical examination of the indoor environmental factors and patient survey revealed that the patient’s symptoms were highly correlated with the indoor air quality. Additionally, ventilation may have mitigated his BRSs, whereas aerial odour did not trigger symptoms. These findings suggest that exposure to specific airborne chemicals in an indoor environment can cause BRSs, and ventilation may be one of the treatment options to mitigate symptoms. Additional investigations on the adverse impacts of airborne environmental chemicals on human health are necessary to develop effective treatments and establish preventive measures for BRSs, and further improvement of ventilation systems is required to ensure clean indoor air. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2975 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Thermal Comfort and Air Quality of Room Conditions by Impinging Jet Ventilation Integrated with Ductless Personalized Ventilation
by Bin Yang, Pengju Liu, Yihang Liu, Dacheng Jin and Faming Wang
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12526; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912526 - 1 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2241
Abstract
Advanced ventilation methods are responsible for creating an appropriate temperature environment with satisfactory inhaled air quality. The ductless personalized ventilation system integrated with impinging jet ventilation shows the good ventilation performance. In order to investigate the effect of using such an integrated system [...] Read more.
Advanced ventilation methods are responsible for creating an appropriate temperature environment with satisfactory inhaled air quality. The ductless personalized ventilation system integrated with impinging jet ventilation shows the good ventilation performance. In order to investigate the effect of using such an integrated system on thermal comfort and air quality improvement. Twenty subjects participated in a chamber test at 25 °C, 27 °C, and 29 °C, respectively, with operating DPV devices at three modes (no flow, pre-set flow, and user control flow). Votes on thermal comfort, thermal sensation, thermal acceptability, and perceived air quality were collected from the them. The results showed that overall thermal sensation votes with DPV running at the user control flow mode were close to neutral (0.1, 0.4, and 0.5, respectively, at 25 °C, 27 °C, and 29 °C). Thermal comfort and perceived air quality were improved at all three temperatures studied in the user control DPV flow mode, with 90% of occupants reporting that the thermal environments were acceptable. An integrated system of this type could raise the acceptable HVAC temperature setpoint to 29 °C, resulting in an average energy savings of 34% over the neutral condition at 25 °C. Hence, occupants are advised to use the DPV’s user-control mode. Lastly, it is concluded that the integrated system could greatly improve thermal comfort, perceived air quality, and save HVAC energy, despite some issues with dry eyes at 29 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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19 pages, 7312 KiB  
Article
Air Quality and Thermal Environment of Primary School Classrooms with Sustainable Structures in Northern Shaanxi, China: A Numerical Study
by Kun Lan and Yang Chen
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912039 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1525
Abstract
In northern Shaanxi, China, the air quality and thermal insulation properties of primary school classrooms should be given more attention due to the relatively low temperatures in the winter, which are significant to the learning processes of students in classrooms. Some sustainable building [...] Read more.
In northern Shaanxi, China, the air quality and thermal insulation properties of primary school classrooms should be given more attention due to the relatively low temperatures in the winter, which are significant to the learning processes of students in classrooms. Some sustainable building measures have been designed and constructed to improve the air quality and thermal comfort of classrooms in this region; however, is still unclear how these measures influence air quality and temperature. This study investigated the indoor air quality and thermal environment of a typical primary school classroom in Yulin city, Shaanxi Province, China. The classroom was characterized by sustainable structures, including double-sided corridors and an underground ventilation pipe, for better thermal insulation. By conducting on-site monitoring in the classroom and performing various numerical simulations based on finite element software, the variations in the indoor air quality (carbon dioxide, water vapor concentration) and temperature over time, and under different conditions, were investigated. Moreover, influences (i.e., of corridors, ventilation pipes, window areas, classroom areas, and the number of students) on the air quality and temperature were analyzed. It was proven that double-sided corridors, underground ventilation pipes, and windows with heights/widths equaling 1 could provide energy-efficient and livable building structures for primary school classrooms in the northern Shaanxi region of China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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17 pages, 2657 KiB  
Article
Subjective and Objective Evaluation of Shading on Thermal, Visual, and Acoustic Properties of Indoor Environments
by Qing Yang and Nianping Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811776 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1861
Abstract
Through objective measurement, subjective measurement, and prioritization methods, this study evaluates the impacts of different shading facilities on the indoor environment of multi-story residential buildings, such as dormitories. The objective measurements mainly include the operative temperature, daylight factor, and sound pressure level. The [...] Read more.
Through objective measurement, subjective measurement, and prioritization methods, this study evaluates the impacts of different shading facilities on the indoor environment of multi-story residential buildings, such as dormitories. The objective measurements mainly include the operative temperature, daylight factor, and sound pressure level. The subjective measurement is obtained from occupant votes regarding their satisfaction with the thermal uniformity, natural lighting, external noise, and the overall indoor environment. The results show that the subjective evaluations were significantly more reliable than the objective measurements for predicting indoor environmental satisfaction. The prioritization method of the ordered logistic regression was then used to evaluate the impact of perceived indoor environmental quality on overall satisfaction. The results show that the impact of the perceived indoor environmental quality on overall satisfaction varied with the shading facilities. In addition, the occupants commented on the function of items affecting their application preferences and provided recommendations for improving balconies and sunshades to provide occupants with better indoor environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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14 pages, 5856 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Plastic Barriers on Aerosol Infection Risk during Airport Security Checks
by Shengwei Zhu, Tong Lin, John D. Spengler, Jose Guillermo Cedeño Laurent and Jelena Srebric
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11281; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811281 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1852
Abstract
Plastic barriers physically separate queuing passengers in airport security check areas as a measure against aerosol transmission. However, this may create “canyons” that interfere with the existing ventilation design: potentially inhibiting airflow, concentrating exhaled viruses, and exacerbating aerosol transmission risk. Accordingly, this study [...] Read more.
Plastic barriers physically separate queuing passengers in airport security check areas as a measure against aerosol transmission. However, this may create “canyons” that interfere with the existing ventilation design: potentially inhibiting airflow, concentrating exhaled viruses, and exacerbating aerosol transmission risk. Accordingly, this study investigated the transmission implications of installing plastic barriers in a security check area with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Two air distribution schemes were modeled: one with linear air supply diffusers aligned vertically to (Case 1) and another with diffusers parallel with (Case 2) the orientation of partitions. The drift-flux model was used to calculate the spread of viral bioaerosols with 5 µm in diameter; then the Wells–Riley equation was applied to assess aerosol transmission risk for SARS-CoV-2. According to simulation results, in Case 1, installing plastic barriers resulted in relatively small changes in volume with a high infection risk of 1% or greater in the breathing zone within the first 25 min. However, in Case 2, using plastic barriers resulted in the continuous increase in this volume within the first 25 min while this volume was near zero if without plastic barriers. In conclusion, installing plastic barriers needs careful consideration because they do not reduce the risk of airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission and might even exacerbate it without localized ventilation and air cleaning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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18 pages, 7646 KiB  
Article
SARS-CoV-2 Dynamics in the Mucus Layer of the Human Upper Respiratory Tract Based on Host–Cell Dynamics
by Hanyu Li, Kazuki Kuga and Kazuhide Ito
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3896; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073896 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2854
Abstract
A thorough understanding of the inhalation dynamics of infectious aerosols indoors and infection dynamics within the host by inhaled viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) plays an important role in the assessment and control of infection risks indoors. Here, [...] Read more.
A thorough understanding of the inhalation dynamics of infectious aerosols indoors and infection dynamics within the host by inhaled viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) plays an important role in the assessment and control of infection risks indoors. Here, by combining computational fluid–particle dynamics (CFPD) and host–cell dynamics (HCD), SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in the mucus layer of the human upper airway were studied. To reproduce the diffusive and convective transport of the virus in the nasal cavity–nasopharynx by mucociliary motion, a three-dimensional (3D)-shell model with a mucus layer was developed. The initial virus concentrations for HCD calculation were estimated based on the deposition distribution of droplets with representative sizes analyzed by CFPD. To develop a new HCD model, the target-cell-limited model was integrated with the convection–diffusion equation. Additionally, the sensitivity of the infection rate β to the infection dynamics was systematically investigated. The results showed that the time series of SARS-CoV-2 concentration in the mucus layer strongly depended on diffusion, convection, and β. Although the SARS-CoV-2 dynamics obtained here have not been verified by corresponding clinical data, they can preliminarily reveal its transmission mode in the upper airway, which will contribute to the prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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