How ventilation influences energy consumption and indoor air quality.

Until recently, natural ventilation was adequate for the indoor air environment of buildings. Today, with added insulation and tighter building envelope standards, indoor air quality is more dependent on mechanical means. The conventional and new control strategies for indoor environments are reviewed, and the point is made that good indoor air quality is attainable with cost effective means if the proper constraints are maintained. To improve control strategies, several suggestions are made:< 1. Control algorithms should be developed for interactions among air quality,thermal, lighting, spatial and acoustic indoor environmental factors. 2. Standard methods for evaluating components and systems are needed.3. Commercialization of appopriate sensors, controllers and controlled devices should be accelerated.