Among significant occupational health problems are building-related health complaints and symptoms. A potential cause has been identified as the elevated concentrations of various types of indoor contaminants, which are frequently associated with inadequate ventilation. This research aimed to model and evaluate the performance of several ventilation methods on volatile organic compound (VOC) removal in indoor environments. The time history of the contaminant concentrations in a model office have been simulated using a newly developed computer model.

The study forms part of a research project performed by LEPTAB and ATMO Poitou-Charente within PRIMEQUAL program which targets the relation between the indoor and local outdoor pollution. According to many studies, outdoor pollution has a major influence on indoor air quality, airflow being the main factor linking the outdoor environment directly to the climate indoors. A precise regulation of the air flow entering the room is enabled by the mechanical ventilation system and this makes possible the control of the indoor air pollution concentration.

An innovative and potentially energy efficient approach to ventilating and cooling buildings is represented by hybrid ventilation. Discusses the application of hybrid ventilation strategies to building design in the USA.

Discusses how important it is to understand how the exhaust fan, stack discharge and replacement air contribute to a successful kitchen exhaust system.

Interest in natural ventilation is growing in the USA. Potential benefits include lower energy costs, improved indoor environmental quality and greater occupant satisfaction. Describes the challenges presented by the implementation of natural ventilation strategies.

States that 80% or more of infiltration is due to the many imperfections designed into the building envelopes. Discusses the problem and the role of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999.

The environment inside museums such as the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, USA is of utmost importance since permanent damage can be caused to artifacts in the environment is not correctly maintained and controlled. The article describes a longitudinal environmental survey carried out to assess the performance of the facility's HVAC systems and controls. A series of hypotheses was developed and tested to explain deterioration of a number of mammal mounts in the museum's exhibition halls.

The use of two simplified models was demonstrated in this study, the box and momentum methods, in order to simulate complex diffusers in room airflow modelling by CFD. Additional flow information is needed by the two methods, which is not available from product catalogues of diffuser manufacturers - the information required includes the distribution of discharge air velocity, box size and flow direction. A test method was developed on how to obtain the additional information with minimal effort under ASHRAE standard 70-1991.

To validate the emergency operation modes of a 7 km long underground railway tunnel ventilation system, a full-scale experimental investigation has been performed. The results of the test showed that the tunnel ventilation system can successfully provide the critical air velocity necessary for a fire sized 13.6 MW. Alternatively, the large reservoir for smoke under the tunnel ceiling may give more time for escape and ought to be considered when planning for the emergency procedure. The system is now operating commercially.

Describes the application of the HERS BESTEST system to a building energy simulation computer program. There was good agreement between the simulation computer program predictions and those of the reference programs. Different simulation inputs can be the cause of major differences between program predictions. The authors recommended that the HERS BESTEST manual be modified to include detailed information about the house models used to generate the results with the reference software tools.