Feasibility of a Passive Ventilation System with a Thermal Damper - Simulations and measurement results of an experimental house in a mild region of Japan -

Abstract

In order to retain good indoor air quality through the year in detached houses with passive ventilation systems, the authors investigated a mechanical control air-supply method. Firstly, indoor environments in houses with passive ventilation systems with thermal dampers, were examined using a simulation program (Fresh). Secondly, a passive ventilation system with a thermal damper, an under-floorheating system with a heat pump and were installed in an airtight house at Maebashi in Japan and measurements on its ventilation characteristics and indoor air quality were made. The simulation results showed that if the thermal damper is well tuned, this mechanically controlled air-supply opening keeps ventilation rates adequate through the year especially in airtight houses. The measurement results showed that the ventilation rates were kept above the required level through the year and the TVOC concentration decreases from 3000 to 200 μg/m3 in 5 months after the construction.