scholarly journals Fungal Contaminants in Energy Efficient Dwellings: Impact of Ventilation Type and Level of Urbanization

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 4936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Niculita-Hirzel ◽  
Shen Yang ◽  
Corinne Hager Jörin ◽  
Vincent Perret ◽  
Dusan Licina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Settled Dust ◽  
Building Characteristics ◽  
Fungal Contaminants ◽  
Fungal Particles

The presence of growing fungi in the indoor environment has been associated with the development of respiratory problems such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, as well as the worsening of respiratory pathologies. Their proliferation indoors could be a result of water leakage or inadequate ventilation. Although the factors promoting mould growth have been widely investigated in traditional dwellings, little work has been done in energy efficient dwellings. Here, the effectiveness of ventilation type, i.e., natural or mechanical, in influencing mould development was estimated in 44 recent and 105 retrofitted energy efficient dwellings. Fungi growing on surfaces were investigated in the dwellings situated in rural, peri-urban, and urban regions of Switzerland. The presence of these fungi was also investigated in bedroom settled dust. Information on building characteristics and owners’ lifestyle were collected. Significant associations were found with the level of urbanisation, the location of mouldy area in dwellings, and the diversity of fungal taxa. Dwellings in peri-urban zones showed the most frequent fungal contamination in the owners’ bedroom and the highest diversity of fungal genera among dwellings. While the urbanisation level or the ventilation type favoured no specific genus, we found marked disparities in the diversity of fungi growing on surfaces in naturally ventilated versus mechanically ventilated dwellings. Aspergillus, in particular, was a frequent surface contaminant in bedrooms with natural ventilation, but not in those mechanically ventilated. We observed a strong association between fungal growth on surfaces and the number of fungal particles counted in the settled dust of owners’ bedrooms. These results demonstrate the importance of ventilation systems in energy efficient dwellings in controlling fungal proliferation in living areas.

scholarly journals Investigation of Ventilation Behaviors in Mechanically Ventilated Residential Buildings in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 06048
Author(s):  
Yue Qi ◽  
Junjie Liu ◽  
Xilei Dai ◽  
Lei Zhao ◽  
Dayi Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Outdoor Air ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Ventilation Duration ◽  
Site Monitoring

Mechanical ventilation system provides a more reliable, controllable, and comfortable way of ventilation than natural ventilation through an opened window. However, the operation of mechanical ventilation system cost energy. This study investigated the usage of natural and mechanical ventilation in 46 apartments in ten cities across five different climate zones in China by on-site monitoring and questionnaire survey. On average, the daily natural and mechanical ventilation durations were 11 hours and 7.2 hours, respectively. Large differences existed among climate regions and seasons. From north to south, as the climate became warmer, the usage of natural ventilation increased. From seasonal perspectives, natural ventilation duration was the longest in summer and the shortest in winter. The trend of mechanical ventilation usage was opposite to that of natural ventilation. Generally, as the outdoor air temperature increased, the duration of natural ventilation increased and the duration of mechanical ventilation decreased. This study proposed an outline to use thermal comfort, health, and energy saving as three motivations to analyze ventilation behaviors. Based on the obtained results, suggestions were made for achieving healthy, thermally comfortable, and energy efficient ventilation in residential buildings.

Hygrothermal Microclimate of Reconstructed Residential Building

2014 ◽  
Vol 1041 ◽  
pp. 307-310
Author(s):  
Mária Budiaková
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Experimental Measurements ◽  
Air Humidity ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Almost All

The paper is oriented on the hygrothermal microclimate of residential interiors in reconstructed building. The questionnaire survey has showed significant increase in number of allergies, respiratory diseases and occurrence of fungi after reconstruction. In order to find causes, experimental measurements of hygrothermal microclimate were carried out. The long term high values of relative humidity were found out and the link with number of efficient natural ventilation was searched for. Ventilation once a day was usual, what was proved as insufficient. Dwellers were informed about right way and number of ventilation. Furthermore, measurements proved decrease of air humidity, but not sufficiently. It was proved that nobody was able to achieve recommended number of ventilation and almost all of them considered it annoying and unreal to sustain. The biggest problem was proved night 7 hour interval. Therefore allergic and respiratory problems were significant in the morning. In conclusions of paper is suggestion for solution of researched problem.

scholarly journals Natural Ventilation for Energy Efficient Office Buildings: A Comparative Analysis on Three Buildings In Kuala Lumpur

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Akmam Naamandadin ◽  
◽  
Norrazman Zaiha Zainol ◽  
Siti Nur Aishah Mohd Noor ◽  
Abdul Razak Sapian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Office Buildings ◽  
Kuala Lumpur

scholarly journals Respiratory health among office workers in Malaysia and endotoxin and (1,3)-β-glucan in office dust

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 1171-1177 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. L. Lim ◽  
Z. Hashim ◽  
L. T. L. Than ◽  
S. Md Said ◽  
J. H. Hashim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airway Inflammation ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Tropical Country ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Settled Dust ◽  
Relative Air Humidity ◽  
Testing And Measurement ◽  
Indoor Mould

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between endotoxin and (1,3)-β-glucan concentrations in office dust and respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation among 695 office workers in Malaysia.METHODS: Health data were collected using a questionnaire, sensitisation testing and measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Indoor temperature, relative air humidity (RH) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured in the offices and settled dust was vacuumed and analysed for endotoxin and (1,3)-β-glucan concentrations. Associations were analysed by two level multiple logistic regression.RESULTS: Overall, 9.6% of the workers had doctor-diagnosed asthma, 15.5% had wheeze, 18.4% had daytime attacks of breathlessness and 25.8% had elevated FeNO (≥25 ppb). The median levels in office dust were 11.3 EU/mg endotoxin and 62.9 ng/g (1,3)-β-glucan. After adjusting for personal and home environment factors, endotoxin concentration in dust was associated with wheeze (P = 0.02) and rhinoconjunctivitis (P = 0.007). The amount of surface dust (P = 0.04) and (1,3)-β-glucan concentration dust (P = 0.03) were associated with elevated FeNO.CONCLUSION: Endotoxin in office dust could be a risk factor for wheeze and rhinoconjunctivitis among office workers in mechanically ventilated offices in a tropical country. The amount of dust and (1,3)-β-glucan (a marker of indoor mould exposure) were associated with Th2 driven airway inflammation.

Dampness problems in Tianjin dwellings: A cross-sectional study of associations with building characteristics and lifestyles

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangrui Kong ◽  
Yuexia Sun ◽  
Louise B. Weschler ◽  
Jan Sundell
Keyword(s):  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wooden Frame ◽  
System A ◽  
New Finding ◽  
Building Characteristics ◽  
Highly Correlated

This study investigated the association of building characteristics and occupant behaviours with building dampness indicators. Data were from a cross-sectional study in urban Tianjin and rural Cangzhou, China, from 2013 to 2014. We studied two fundamental types of Chinese dwellings: bungalows typical of rural locales and apartments in low- and high-rise buildings typical of urban settings. Occupants of bungalows reported more dampness indicators than apartment dwellers. Risk factors for one or more dampness indicators included natural ventilation without fans, older dwellings and coal stove or Kang heating system (a brick bed installed in the bedroom for heating and sleeping). All these factors were typical of bungalows, which generally used older building technologies including non-insulated external walls, wooden frame windows, electric fans for cooling and no exhaust fan ventilation. Occupant behaviours that decreased the risk for dampness indicators included frequent window opening and daily cleaning, regardless of the type of dwelling. Indoor dampness was highly correlated with mouldy and humid odour, and paradoxically (although not a new finding) with the perception of air dryness.

scholarly journals Radon Investigation in 650 Energy Efficient Dwellings in Western Switzerland: Impact of Energy Renovation and Building Characteristics

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 777 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shen Yang ◽  
Joëlle Goyette Pernot ◽  
Corinne Hager Jörin ◽  
Hélène Niculita-Hirzel ◽  
Vincent Perret ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Radon Level ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Building Characteristics ◽  
Radon Measurements

As part of more stringent energy targets in Switzerland, we witness the appearance of new green-certified dwellings while many existing dwellings have undergone energy efficiency measures. These measures have led to reduced energy consumption, but rarely consider their impact on indoor air quality. Consequently, such energy renovation actions can lead to an accumulation of radon in dwellings located in radon-prone areas at doses that can affect human health. This study compared the radon levels over 650 energy-efficient dwellings in western Switzerland between green-certified (Minergie) and energy-renovated dwellings, and analyzed the building characteristics responsible of this accumulation. We found that the newly green-certified dwellings had significantly lower radon level than energy-renovated, which were green- and non-green-certified houses (geometric mean 52, 87, and 105 Bq/m3, respectively). The new dwellings with integrated mechanical ventilation exhibited lower radon concentrations. Thermal retrofitting of windows, roofs, exterior walls, and floors were associated with a higher radon level. Compared to radon measurements prior to energy renovation, we found a 20% increase in radon levels. The results highlight the need to consider indoor air quality when addressing energy savings to avoid compromising occupants’ health, and are useful for enhancing the ventilation design and energy renovation procedures in dwellings.

scholarly journals Impact of Nocturnal Natural Ventilation On the Energy Consumption of Buildings

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Felicia Uciu ◽  
Tiberiu Catalina ◽  
Andreea Vartires ◽  
Iolanda Colda
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Thermal Capacity ◽  
Climatic Parameters ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Efficient Measures

Abstract The analysis presented in this paper is dealing with the correct and energy efficient measures of cooling buildings through nocturnal natural ventilation. Using this solution is proved in this article to be efficient and can reduce substantially the cooling demand. In order to establish the factors influencing the process of passively cooling a building (the ventilation volume, exterior temperature, thermal capacity of the building, possible duration of the ventilation), we have chosen different buildings, which we have placed them in different temperature zones of Romania. The study is based on multiple simulations realized with a time step of one hour, with the following variations: the climatic parameters, the thermal characteristics of the building, the air flow during night time, the proposed interior temperature. Since the study consisted of numerous simulations, in order to treat the results we have used statistical methods that cover the practical and possible situations, and proved the efficiency of nocturnal ventilation.

scholarly journals DESEMPENHO TÉRMICO DE UMA EDIFICAÇÃO UNIFAMILIAR NATURALMENTE VENTILADA PARA O CLIMA DE TEÓFILO OTONI-MG

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Cordeiro de Oliveira ◽  
Nayara Rodrigues Marques Sakiyama ◽  
Layane Ventura de Miranda
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
Thermal Discomfort ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Efficient Construction ◽  
The City

RESUMO: Nos últimos anos, em virtude das preocupações com a eficiência energética das edificações, a adequação da arquitetura ao clima ganhou maior importância. Sendo que, uma das formas de tornar uma construção eficiente energeticamente, é através da utilização de estratégias de condicionamento passivo, destacando-se a ventilação natural para o clima quente e úmido. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho apresenta a simulação computacional de uma edificação unifamiliar, naturalmente ventilada, realizada por meio do plug-in Archsim, para a cidade de Teófilo Otoni – MG, utilizando-se, para tanto, os dados climáticos do TRY (Test Reference Year). As alternativas adotadas nas simulações consistiram em variar a disposição e a área de ventilação das aberturas, verificando a influência destes parâmetros no desempenho térmico da edificação. De acordo com os resultados obtidos na simulação pode-se dizer que a melhor orientação para as aberturas é na direção leste-sul com área de abertura para ventilação natural de 20% da área do piso. Para esta composição a porcentagem de horas de conforto para a edificação é de 57,5% e o desconforto térmico anual é de 42,5% das horas. A principal contribuição deste artigo consiste na análise da utilização da ventilação natural em edificações de pequeno porte e seu impacto no conforto térmico do usuário, apresentando ainda a importância da utilização de simulações computacionais como ferramenta de auxilio no projeto arquitetônico.
 
 ABSTRACT: Concerns related to energy efficiency in buildings in recent years, induced the increase of architectural adaptation to climate. The use of passive conditioning strategies, emphasizing natural ventilation for hot and humid climate is one way to have an energy-efficient construction. In this context, this paper presents a computer simulation of a single family building, naturally ventilated, held by the plug-in Archsim to the city of Teófilo Otoni - MG, using the climate data TRY (Test Reference Year). The alternative adopted in the simulations consisted in varying the layout and area of ventilation openings, checking the influence of these parameters on the thermal performance of the building. According to the results obtained in the simulation, the best orientation for the openings is in the south-east direction with opening area for natural ventilation of 20% of the floor area. For this composition the building comfort hours’ percentage is 57.5% and the annual thermal discomfort is 42.5% of the hours. The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of the use of natural ventilation in small buildings and its impact on the thermal comfort of the user, showing the importance of using computer simulations as an aid tool in architectural design.

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