Presenter: Kelli Kimura
Co-presenters: Yang Lv, Hanzhao Huang
Mentors: Thomas Collins and Alison Kwok, Architecture
Poster: 36
Major: Architecture
The focus of this study was to better understand the effectiveness of natural ventilation in dormitories. We questioned if natural ventilation through two dorm room windows provided adequate ventilation. Mechanical ventilation systems and the combination of different “leak factors” that were potentially bringing in and taking out air were sealed since the focus was solely on the performance of natural ventilation. We predicted that the windows of a dorm room would be sufficient in naturally ventilating a room to exceed ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2013, which would mean achieving a ventilation rate greater than 5 cfm/person. CO2 was used as a proxy for ventilation rate per person. Indoor and outdoor CO2 levels were measured so that a CO2 differential could be found. Comparing the CO2 differential to a corresponding ventilation rate per person value allowed us to see if the standard was met. Another part of the study involved mapping bubbles to understand a dorm room’s air movement. Unexpectedly, it was found that not only does naturally ventilating a room greatly exceed the standard, but the standard was also met when no windows were open and all known mechanical systems and air leak factors were blocked. The unpleasant environment in rooms when the latter condition was tested certainly did not meet our subjective comfort standards, which led to questions about whether the ASHRAE 62.1-2013 standard needs reevaluation.