Development of CO<sub>2</sub> Concentration Prediction Tool for Improving Office Indoor Air Quality Considering Economic Cost

Ventilation is becoming increasingly important to improve indoor air quality and prevent the spread of COVID-19. This study analyzed the indoor air quality of office spaces, where occupants remain for extended periods, among multi-use facilities with an increasing need for ventilation system applica...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yeo-Kyung Lee, Young Il Kim, Woo-Seok Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-04-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/9/3232
Description
Summary:Ventilation is becoming increasingly important to improve indoor air quality and prevent the spread of COVID-19. This study analyzed the indoor air quality of office spaces, where occupants remain for extended periods, among multi-use facilities with an increasing need for ventilation system application. A “tool for office space CO<sub>2</sub> prediction and indoor air quality improvement recommendation” was developed. The research method was divided into four steps. Step 1: Analysis of indoor air quality characteristics in office spaces was carried out with a questionnaire survey and indoor air quality experiment. Based on the CO<sub>2</sub> concentration, which was found to be a problem in the indoor air quality experiment in the office space, Step 2: CO<sub>2</sub> concentration prediction tool for office spaces, which requires inputs of regional and spatial factors and architectural and equipment elements, was developed. In Step 3: Development and verification of prediction tool considering economic feasibility, the cost of energy recovery ventilation systems based on the invoices of the energy recovery ventilation manufacturers was analyzed. In Step 4: Energy recovery ventilation proposal and indoor CO<sub>2</sub> forecast, Office Space B, which can accommodate up to 15 people, was derived as an example of the proposed tool. As a result of the prediction, the optimal air volume of the energy recovery ventilation was determined according to the “office CO<sub>2</sub> prediction and indoor air quality improvement recommendations”. This study introduced simple tools, which can be used by non-experts, that are capable of showing changes in indoor air quality, CO<sub>2</sub> concentration and cost according to activities.
ISSN:1996-1073