Presenter: Lindsay Rasmussen
Co-Presenters: Katie Bushman, Parisa Motahari-asl
Mentor: Alison Kwok
Poster: 27
Major: ArchitectureÂ
This case study measures the carbon dioxide levels in the Architectural Design Studios of Pacific Hall, focusing on room 223. The current number of occupants in this room exceeds the original design intent; nevertheless, the original variable-air-volume ventilation system continues to be used. This case study investigates whether a larger occupancy number raises the carbon dioxide levels past the ventilation system’s capacity to function at ASHRAE Standards. For a contextual comparison a control room in a newly renovated building was also studied. The principal hypothesis for this case study is that the amount of CO2 in Room 223 of Pacific Hall exceeds the maximum levels as defined by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010. Three CO2 monitors were placed directly at the primary vent, at desk level, and outside at the air-intake system. CO2 levels were recorded at the same time for 30 minutes in 30-second increments. This experiment was repeated twice per room, once with high-occupancy and once with low-occupancy. Our results show that CO2 levels did not exceed maximum levels in either room. Instead of being an air quality issue, we found there to be a thermal comfort issue in Pacific Hall. However, due to the state of the building and its prior use as a chemical lab, we still believe there to be an air quality issue that we could not account for in this experiment. Carbon dioxide is measured as an indicator of building air quality; however, the results of our experiment lead us to question whether or not CO2 is an accurate representative of overall indoor air quality. This experiment serves as a strong foundation for further research into indoor air quality.