@article{36214,
  keywords = {Contam, EnergyPlus, Air tightness, Multi-family buildings, Compartmentalization, Indoor contaminant concentrations, Ventilation system performance},
  author = {Iain S Walker and Brennan Less and Cara Lozinsky and David M Lorenzetti and Nuria Casquero-Modrego and Michael D Sohn},
  title = {Compartmentalization and Ventilation System Impacts on Air and Contaminant Transport for Multifamily Buildings},
  abstract = {<p>Provision of acceptable indoor air quality in multifamily buildings (MFBs) depends on the interior air<br />flows that impact dilution of contaminants, cross-contamination between units and building energy use.<br />The airtightness of interior partitions and design of ventilation systems in MFBs determine the flows<br />across building partitions. These flows change the total ventilation rate for the building and individual<br />units, and impact the mixing of air and contaminants between apartment units or with common spaces.<br />This study examines the changes in air flow and contaminant transport in MFBs using combined<br />CONTAM/EnergyPlus models. Key parameters were systematically varied, including climate, apartment<br />airtightness, and mechanical ventilation system type. Simulations were performed for mid-rise buildings<br />with and without an enclosed common corridor, and a 20-story high-rise building. Contaminants<br />simulated in the analysis were PM2.5, formaldehyde, water vapor, and CO2. Key results of this work are<br />that current airtightness requirements in ASHRAE 62.2 sufficiently limit transport of key contaminants,<br />independent of the type of ventilation system across all three building typologies, and significantly<br />reduce energy use in colder climates. The results of this work are intended to assist codes and<br />standards bodies in setting appropriate airtightness limits and ventilation system design guidelines for<br />MFBs.</p>},
  year = {2024},
  journal = {International Journal of Ventilation.},
  month = {03/2024},
  doi = {10.1080/14733315.2024.2333669},
  language = {eng},
}