Comparison of natural and hybrid ventilation strategies used in classrooms in terms of indoor environmental quality, comfort and energy savings

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown that ventilation in classrooms is often insufficient or inadequate, leading to health risks, discomfort and a decrease in student learning performances. The aim of this study was to compare the performances of four ventilation modes used in identical and adjacent classrooms at the University of La Rochelle in terms of indoor environmental quality, overall comfort perception by the occupants and energy consumption. The different ventilation strategies included the use of balanced mechanical ventilation and natural ventilation by manual or automated window opening. Parameters related to air quality as well as thermal, visual and acoustic comfort were measured, and questionnaires were filled out by the occupants during the courses. The monitoring approach was conducted during summer and winter 2010 in order to classify the tested strategies during both seasons with reference to the requirements of standards and French regulations. The results showed that the automated window opening system controlled by air temperature and lighting level was really efficient in summer. In winter, none of the ventilation modes was clearly more adaptable for classrooms than the other. Thus, a good use of natural ventilation, controlled by well chosen parameters can provide a satisfactory solution for the academic environment.

Method to Integrate Radiant Cooling with Hybrid Ventilation to Improve Energy Efficiency and Avoid Condensation in Hot, Humid Environments

“…Additionally, there is growing evidence that natural ventilation of classrooms is essential for providing comfortable indoor air quality, which is significantly related to the performance, including the learning and working abilities, of the occupants [15][16][17][18]. The investigation conducted by Dhalluin and Limam [16] related the impact of natural ventilation to the seasons and building location, which extends its potential considerably.…”

“…The investigation conducted by Dhalluin and Limam [16] related the impact of natural ventilation to the seasons and building location, which extends its potential considerably. Their results indicate that, under given conditions, an automated window opening system controlled by the air temperature and lighting level is more effective in summer than in winter.…”

“…Regarding classroom environments, this impact has been discussed in detail by [16][17][18]37]. Following that, a comparison based on the seasonal average daily cooling demand was conducted to determine the cases that included the best qualities of both RFWOPot and cooling demand.…”

“…Rhee and Kim [16] conducted a wide-ranging literature review on the issues related to radiant cooling and the challenges associated with its application. Among 540 selected papers, 68 were chosen for detailed analysis.…”

On the Procedure of Draught Rate Assessment in Indoor Spaces

“…2020, 10, 5036 2 of 20 related costs can be offset by better productivity [6] and overall comfort [7]. There is a need for studies on the assessment of ventilation strategies in terms of their efficiency while aiming to provide the comfort of the occupants [8][9][10]. According to ISO 7730:2005 [11], the thermal environment in an indoor space can be assessed in 3 categories.…”