Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

At present, air quality has a direct and wide impact on society. The role of indoor contaminants and viruses in the context of human health and user comfort has become more relevant since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 to protect the health and well-being of the public. This problem has constantly been growing since the 1980s and grew exponentially during the current COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, the focus of this Topic is on factors impacting indoor air quality (IAQ). Papers involving the monitoring, analysis, modelling, regulations, and technology used to overcome indoor air quality challenges and improve the understanding of IAQ are invited for publication in this issue. The submitted papers will be published in Atmosphere, Architecture, Buildings, Sustainability, and IJERPH.

Poor indoor air quality is an influencing factor of sick building syndrome (SBS), reduces the productivity of office workers, impacts sleep quality and public health and impairs learning, among other unintended consequences for indoor environments. Viruses have put fuel on the fire. Phenomena related to the transmission of viruses in the indoor environment are key to understanding the mechanisms of reducing the probability of infection. This topic aims to provide the readers with a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art reviews, recent developments that enhance the understanding of the IAQ impacts, and up-to-date case studies focusing on understanding the factors influencing the levels of air contaminants and viruses, applying novel monitoring technologies and modelling techniques.

This topic invites authors to submit papers that capitalise on science, technology, and public perception associated with indoor air quality, contaminants, and viruses. The editorial team encourages prospective authors to provide a detailed description of their methodology and procedures. Published papers may include, but are not limited to, data collection, modelling, literature reviews, and technology development.

The editorial team of this topic on the “Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume” invites you to submit papers across the broader spectrum of science, engineering, public health, and learning (e.g., standards development, emission rates, IAQ and ventilation measurement and modelling, contaminant control, viruses, IAQ control, risk, life-cycle assessment, data analysis, databases, technology, and online learning). Interdisciplinary and international collaborations are encouraged for this topic.

Prof. Dr. Ashok Kumar
Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel
Dr. M. Amirul I. Khan
Prof. Dr. Michał Piasecki
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Atmosphere atmosphere	2.5	4.6	2010	15.8 Days	CHF 2400
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	17.2 Days	CHF 2600
Architecture architecture	-	-	2021	33.6 Days	CHF 1000
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	7.3	2004	24.3 Days	CHF 2500
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	20 Days	CHF 2400

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Atmosphere Buildings Architecture IJERPH Sustainability

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31 pages, 22385 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation

by Omar Mohamed Abdelaziz, Xu Cui and Xiaozheng Sun

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2785; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092785 - 4 Sep 2024

Viewed by 664

Abstract

In rapidly urbanizing regions, enhancing passenger comfort in subway systems through sustainable methods is a critical challenge. This study introduces an innovative exploration of the impact of subway entrance geometry on natural ventilation and its subsequent effects on the thermal environment within Cairo’s [...] Read more.

In rapidly urbanizing regions, enhancing passenger comfort in subway systems through sustainable methods is a critical challenge. This study introduces an innovative exploration of the impact of subway entrance geometry on natural ventilation and its subsequent effects on the thermal environment within Cairo’s subway system. The primary objective is to identify optimal entrance configurations that maximize natural airflow, thereby improving passenger comfort and reducing energy consumption. Focusing on the newly constructed segments of the Cairo subway, the research employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with a questionnaire survey to evaluate interactions between various entrance designs and urban wind flow patterns. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of how different geometrical configurations influence the capture and distribution of prevailing winds. The results indicate that specific entrance geometries can significantly enhance ventilation efficiency by optimizing wind capture and distribution. The most effective designs demonstrated substantial improvements in air quality and thermal comfort, providing practical insights for subway systems in similar hot arid climates. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed analysis of architectural elements to leverage natural environmental conditions for improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort in public transit systems. The significance of this study is its contribution to the field of sustainable urban transport, offering a valuable framework for urban planners and engineers. By demonstrating how thoughtful design can lead to energy savings and enhanced passenger experiences, this research advances the discourse on sustainable urban infrastructure. This work not only enhances theoretical understanding but also provides actionable recommendations for creating more sustainable and comfortable public transit infrastructures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume)

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17 pages, 6020 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Indoor Air Quality with a Displacement Ventilation System Comprising a 4-Way Fan Coil Unit and Multiple Air Purifiers

by Su-Hoon Park, Ik-Hyun An, Yong-Ho Lee, Sang-Hyun Cho, Chang-Hoon Lee, Sang-Bum Seo, Hyun-Woo Lee and Se-Jin Yook

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051740 - 20 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

In indoor spaces without mechanical ventilation systems, a common approach involves using a ceiling-mounted 4-way fan coil unit (4WFCU) to regulate indoor temperature and placing floor-level air purifiers (APs) to remove indoor pollutants. This study introduces a differentiated displacement ventilation system (DVS) that [...] Read more.

In indoor spaces without mechanical ventilation systems, a common approach involves using a ceiling-mounted 4-way fan coil unit (4WFCU) to regulate indoor temperature and placing floor-level air purifiers (APs) to remove indoor pollutants. This study introduces a differentiated displacement ventilation system (DVS) that connects multiple APs to the 4WFCU using ductwork. The age of air was compared between the case where the newly designed DVS was implemented and the reference case where 4WFCU and APs operated independently. When there were no obstacles in the office central area, the reference system exhibited a lower age of air. Conversely, when obstacles such as desks and partitions were present in the central area, the proposed DVS was found to improve indoor air quality. The DVS resulted in minimal interference among pathlines of the air discharged from multiple floor-level APs and their efficient suction through the ceiling-mounted 4WFCU and diffusers, significantly reducing stagnant air zones, while pathlines of the air discharged from the 4WFCU and APs interfered significantly when they operated independently, leading to larger stagnant areas in the air distribution. Therefore, modifying office spaces with ceiling-mounted 4WFCUs using the proposed DVS is anticipated to substantially enhance indoor air quality through a straightforward installation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume)

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19 pages, 3077 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Environment Assessment of Scottish Homes with Different Building Fabrics

by Alejandro Moreno-Rangel, Tim Sharpe, Gráinne McGill and Filbert Musau

Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061518 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2478

Abstract

The ongoing climate change and policies around it are changing how we design and build homes to meet national carbon emission targets. Some countries such as Scotland are adopting higher-energy-efficient buildings as minimum requirements in the building regulations. While net zero homes might [...] Read more.

The ongoing climate change and policies around it are changing how we design and build homes to meet national carbon emission targets. Some countries such as Scotland are adopting higher-energy-efficient buildings as minimum requirements in the building regulations. While net zero homes might be more energy-efficient and emit fewer operational carbon emissions, we have yet to fully understand the influence on the indoor environment, particularly on indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort. This study compares the IAQ of three homes in Scotland with equal internal layouts and designs but different building fabrics. The homes represent the minimum Scottish building regulations (2015), the Passivhaus standard and the Scottish ‘Gold Standard’. Temperature, relative humidity, PM_2.5 and total volatile organic compounds (tVOC) were measured at five-minute intervals for seven months and compared to occupants’ subjective responses to the IAQ. All three homes had temperatures above the recommended thresholds for overheating. Measured hygrothermal conditions were within the ideal range 66.4% of the time in the Passivhaus, 56.4% in the Gold Standard home and 62.7% in the control home. Measured IAQ was better in homes with higher energy efficiency, particularly tVOC. For instance, indoor PM_2.5 in the Passivhaus were 78.0% of the time below the threshold, while in the standard home the figure was 51.5%, with a weak correlation with outdoor PM_2.5 (Passivhaus: B r_s = 0.167, K r_s = 0.306 and L r_s = 0.163 (p < 0.001); Gold: B r_s = −0.157, K r_s = 0.322 and L r_s = 0.340 (p < 0.001); Control: B r_s = −0.111, K r_s = 0.235 and L r_s = 0.235 (p < 0.001)). TVOCs in the Passivhaus were 81.3%, while in the control home they were 55.0%. While the results cannot be generalised, due to the small sample, this study has significant policy implications, particularly in Scotland, exhibiting the importance of IAQ in current building legislation and sustainable assessment methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume)

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27 pages, 1437 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Assessing Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation to Limit Aerosol Dispersion—Literature Review

by Nadine Hobeika, Clara García-Sánchez and Philomena M. Bluyssen

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030742 - 11 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4100

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, which researchers have been warning about for years. During the pandemic, researchers studied several indicators using different approaches to assess IAQ and diverse ventilation systems in indoor spaces. To provide [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, which researchers have been warning about for years. During the pandemic, researchers studied several indicators using different approaches to assess IAQ and diverse ventilation systems in indoor spaces. To provide an overview of these indicators and approaches in the case of airborne transmission through aerosols, we conducted a literature review, which covered studies both from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched online databases for six concepts: aerosol dispersion, ventilation, air quality, schools or offices, indicators, and assessment approaches. The indicators found in the literature can be divided into three categories: dose-, building-, and occupant-related indicators. These indicators can be measured in real physical spaces, in a controlled laboratory, or modeled and analyzed using numerical approaches. Rather than organizing this paper according to these approaches, the assessment methods used are grouped according to the following themes they cover: aerosol dispersion, ventilation, infection risk, design parameters, and human behavior. The first finding of the review is that dose-related indicators are the predominant indicators used in the selected studies, whereas building- and occupant-related indicators are only used in specific studies. Moreover, for a better understanding of airborne transmission, there is a need for a more holistic definition of IAQ indicators. The second finding is that although different design assessment tools and setups are presented in the literature, an optimization tool for a room’s design parameters seems to be missing. Finally, to efficiently limit aerosol dispersion in indoor spaces, better coordination between different fields is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume)

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14 pages, 1681 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Air Change Rate in a Single Room Using Multiple Carbon Dioxide Breathing Models in China: Verification by Field Measurement

by Hao Zhuang, Zhijun Zou, Li Wang, Zhenyang Zhao, Xuan Ge, Jiao Cai and Wei Liu

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020459 - 7 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2018

Abstract

It is difficult to accurately measure the air exchange rate (AER) in residential and office buildings during occupation via on-site field measurement. The tracer gas method was widely applied to estimate the AER in these buildings, and human metabolic carbon dioxide (CO₂ [...] Read more.

It is difficult to accurately measure the air exchange rate (AER) in residential and office buildings during occupation via on-site field measurement. The tracer gas method was widely applied to estimate the AER in these buildings, and human metabolic carbon dioxide (CO₂) was often used as a tracer gas in different models. This study introduced three models (the ASHRAE model, the ASHRAE China-specific modified model, and the BMR model), which were proposed to estimate the AER based on exhaled CO₂. We verified these models by comparing the exhaled CO₂-based AER with AER from field measurements using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as a tracer gas. We also analyzed the potential factors that could affect the uniformity of the indoor tracer gas distribution. Our results indicate that the ASHRAE China-specific modified model has the best performance with an average deviation of −6.67% and a maximum deviation of −14.6% with multiple measurement points, a stable personnel activity, and proper Parameter settings in a single room in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume)

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