Computer Simulations of Airflow and Radon Transport in Four Large Buildings.
Computer Simulations of Airflow and Radon Transport in
Four Large Buildings.
(2571 K)
Fang, J. B.; Persily, A. K.
NISTIR 5611; 46 p. April 1995.
Sponsor:
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB95-220422
Keywords:
air flow; building technology; contaminant dispersal;
indoor air quality; mechanical ventilation; modeling;
multi-family residential; multi-zone; office buildings;
radon; ventilation
Abstract:
Computer simulations of airflow and radon transport in
four large buildings were performed using the multi-zone
airflow and pollutant transport model CONTAM88. These
buildings include a twelve-story multi-family
residential building, a five-story
mechanically-ventilated office building with an atrium,
a seven-story mechanically-ventilated office building
with an underground parking garage, and a one-story
mechanically-ventilated school building. Interzone
airflow rates and radon concentrations are predicted in
these buildings as a function of wind speed and
direction, indoor-outdoor temperature difference, and
ventilation system operation. Ventilation system
factors that are studied include the operation of
exhaust fans in the apartment building and variations in
the percent outdoor air intake in the office buildings.
Simulations in the office buildings are also made with
the ventilation systems off and with variations in the
balance of the supply and return airflow rates.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899