In a previous study, an optimal control method was proposed for typical office space in hot and humid regions where Thermally Activated Building Systems (TABS) are installed. This method was based on a combination of load prediction, model predictive control, sparse modeling. The cooling capacity and indoor thermal environment were evaluated using computational fluid dynamics analysis and coupled MATLAB/Simulink analysis.

Thermal environment affects occupants’ work performance and well-being. Office workers’ complaints regarding thermal environment are often related to either too warm room temperature or draught. Efficiency demands have increased the heat loads in offices, and increased cooling is needed to control the room air temperature. Draught problems occurs typically in these situations when the workstation is located in the downfall area of the inlet jet. 

Thermoelectric technology has developed as a substitute for existing refrigerants in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration(HVAC&R) system applications for building decarbonization. Hydraulic thermoelectric radiant cooling panel operated based on the Peltier effect is one of the best way to alternate conventional cooling panels using a chiller with refrigerators. However, there are limitations to apply to building energy simulation and performance evaluation because there are few guidelines and no standard model of a water-cooled thermoelectric radiant cooling panel.

The level of airtightness is increasing in newly built Australian apartments. An appropriate ventilation rate is needed to provide occupants with a healthy environment. In 2022, a significant proposed change in the Australian National Construction Code (NCC) would require building tested as achieving less than five air changes per hour at 50Pa to have a continuous flow exhaust.

Mitigating the risk of overheating and associated thermal discomfort inside school classrooms is a global concern due to its significant impacts on students’ academic performance, health and wellbeing. Thus, rising ambient temperatures resulting from climate change can be challenging, especially in low energy schools designed to optimise their heating season performance. According to recent studies, many low energy school buildings fail to meet comfort standards and experience overheating, resulting in low student productivity and the need for using air conditioning systems.

Building designs to be in line with energy efficient and carbon reduction goals, often focus on energy efficient techniques like high insulation, airtightness. However, these buildings are often subjected to overheating risks due to unforeseeable events like frequent heatwaves and power outages even in moderate climate zones like Belgium. Overheating risks in residential buildings have negative impact on the health of the building occupants (especially on the vulnerable occupants like elderly, infants and sick persons), causing sleep deprivation, heat stress and even mortality.

This study aims to develop and evaluate an advanced control method for acceptable indoor air quality (e.g., particulate matter and CO2) with low energy consumption in a residential space. A ventilation system, an air purifier, and a kitchen hood system are installed in the testbed to maintain a healthy IAQ. To accomplish the objective, we use a double deep Q-network (DDQN) which is one of the reinforcement learning. This study utilizes a co-simulation platform with EnergyPlus and Python.

Humidity-controlled mechanical exhaust ventilation (RH-MEV) has been widely used in France for over 35 years, demonstrating high durability and robustness. This exhaust-only ventilation strategy is widely used as an energy-saving measure, replacing constant mechanical exhaust ventilation (Constant-MEV) systems in residential buildings. It demonstrates energy savings due to the restricted airflows, but as a downside, the building's indoor air quality (IAQ) often deteriorates.

This paper shows the results of a survey conducted among 10 AIVC members countries about air quality in garages and current requirements and regulations in this regard. Large differences were found among countries, not only in terms of the scope of the regulations, but also in relation to the parameters that are considered.  

Residential ventilation systems target in an energy efficient manner an indoor atmosphere fulfilling people’s desired comfort requirements with regard to CO2, temperature, and RH. However, the reach of an indoor atmosphere is not limited to comfort only. Ensuring a healthy indoor atmosphere reducing the risk of acute and chronic diseases caused by the inhaled air is also of importance. A number of elements contribute to indoor air pollution, such as: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), infectious aerosols, and Particulate Matter (PM).