A theoretical method to quickly identify multiple constant contaminant sources indoors by limited number of ideal sensors

This study presents a theoretical method that can quickly and accurately identify the locations and strengths of multiple constant contaminant sources indoors by using a single or a limited number of ideal sensors. The method was numerically demonstrated and validated by case studies of sixteen scenarios of contaminant releases in a three-dimensional office. The effects of the number and positions of sensors used, total sampling time, and sampling intervals on the performance of identification were thoroughly studied. This study can help to develop methods for identifying multiple sources by using real sensors as well as optimizing the layout of sensors.