Numerical Study of Indoor Air Quality in a University Professor’s Office

Guillermo Efren Ovando-Chacon (), Sandy Luz Ovando-Chacon (), Abelardo Rodríguez-León and Mario Díaz-González
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Guillermo Efren Ovando-Chacon: Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Calzada Miguel Ángel de Quevedo 2779, Veracruz, Ver 91860, Mexico
Sandy Luz Ovando-Chacon: Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Carretera Panamericana km 1080, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chis 29000, Mexico
Abelardo Rodríguez-León: Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Calzada Miguel Ángel de Quevedo 2779, Veracruz, Ver 91860, Mexico
Mario Díaz-González: Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Calzada Miguel Ángel de Quevedo 2779, Veracruz, Ver 91860, Mexico

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-19

Abstract: Indoor air conditioning is currently a topic of much interest, not only to save energy but also due to public health issues such as pandemics. This study focuses on the thermal comfort and air quality of a closed, air-conditioned space located in an extremely hot climate. Due to noise and weather conditions, the door and window of the space are kept closed at all times. The study uses computational fluid dynamics techniques and the finite element method. Average temperatures and CO 2 concentrations, as well as effectiveness for temperature and concentration distribution, are calculated for the analysis. Results indicate that supplying air away from hot walls improves air quality and thermal comfort. Furthermore, there is an optimal Reynolds number that depends on the number of people inside the space. Due to the above, it is possible to find an ideal configuration that simultaneously allows for efficient energy use, helps to avoid the adverse effects of CO 2 on daily activities such as working or studying, and supports people’s health and comfort.

Keywords: CO 2 levels; ventilation; indoor air quality; COVID-19; computational fluid dynamics analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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