%0 Journal Article
%K Contam
%K EnergyPlus
%K Air tightness
%K Multi-family buildings
%K Compartmentalization
%K Indoor contaminant concentrations
%K Ventilation system performance
%A Iain S Walker
%A Brennan Less
%A Cara Lozinsky
%A David M Lorenzetti
%A Nuria Casquero-Modrego
%A Michael D Sohn
%B International Journal of Ventilation.
%D 2024
%G eng
%R 10.1080/14733315.2024.2333669
%T Compartmentalization and Ventilation System Impacts on Air and Contaminant Transport for Multifamily Buildings
%8 03/2024
%X <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>