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Computer Simulations of Airflow and Radon Transport in Four Large Buildings.

Published

Author(s)

Jin B. Fang, Andrew K. Persily

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.
Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 5611
Report Number
5611

Keywords

air flow, building technology, contaminant dispersal, indoor air quality, mechanical ventilation, modeling, multi-family residential, multi-zone, office buildings, radon, ventilation

Citation

Fang, J. and Persily, A. (1995), Computer Simulations of Airflow and Radon Transport in Four Large Buildings., NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.5611 (Accessed April 25, 2024)
Created April 1, 1995, Updated November 10, 2018