Condensation Control to Cope with Occupancy Activity and Effectively Mitigate Condensation in Unheated Spaces by Real-Time Sensor Control Strategy

Abstract

The occurrence of condensation and its prevention strategies are already known phenomena in physical buildings. However, the condensation problem still exists in newly constructed buildings. In the typical Korean residential unit, the balcony space is the most problematic area for condensation. This paper provides a solution for preventing condensation by considering a change from the fixed parameters of buildings to an IoT (Internet of Things) implemented real-time sensor control solution. To provide this solution, field measurements are acquired for a building diagnosis, an EnergyPlus simulation and site experiment to investigate the new parameters. The field measurements reveal that occupancy activity increases the possibility of condensation, and the control strategy involves the application of insulation, the use of ventilation, and controlling the opening of the balcony door. The insulation thickness and ventilation rate parameters are reviewed by the simulation; however, the uncertainty related to the moisture generation rate by occupants makes it difficult to ascertain the building’s physical parameters. Door and intermittent ventilation is controlled by the real-time sensor IoT experiment to block the moisture transfer and remove the moisture generation. This experiment has been confirmed to shorten the remaining time of condensation. Instead of providing a fixed parameter values for solution, applying sensor-controlled strategy is effective for uncertain cases involves with moisture generation. This study provides a control solution for condensation in vulnerable spaces and simultaneously provides a new design approach that adopts IoT applications to control the indoor conditions.