A Method to Optimize Dormitory Environments Based on Personnel Behavior Regulation

Abstract

With the development of the economy, the indoor environment of college dormitories has received significant attention. This study focused on the problems of high population densities and poor indoor environments in Chinese dormitories. CO2 and formaldehyde concentrations were measured using field tests and satisfaction was investigated using a questionnaire. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the indoor environment of student dormitories. The results demonstrated that poor indoor air quality was a common occurrence in student dormitories. The students proposed several improvement measures, including increasing the number of window openings and using mechanical ventilation. This study conducted real-time monitoring of indoor and outdoor CO2 concentrations at night when students were asleep. The results demonstrated that when the windows were closed, indoor CO2 concentrations could exceed 3000 ppm, while when the windows were fully open, the indoor CO2 concentration was about 500 ppm. Formaldehyde concentrations in the dormitory were measured after the windows had been closed for more than 12 h. Additionally, the air exchange rates—calculated based on the tracer gas method—ranged from 0.034 to 0.395, with the smallest value observed when the windows were completely closed and the largest value observed when the windows were completely open. Based on the above conclusions, a window-opening mode was proposed that considers the Chinese students’ routine. This pattern could satisfy the indoor thermal comfort needs in winter as well as improve indoor air quality.