Multi-Zonal Analysis of Indoor Air Quality in a Higher Educational Building in the UK

Abstract

This study focuses on the indoor air quality (IAQ) in a higher educational building, the London College in the UK. In this regard, indoor CO2 levels, as well as three contaminants with detrimental effects on human health: NO2, PM2.5, and SARS-CoV-2, are investigated. Various IAQ enhancement strategies are analyzed, including increased ventilation, background ventilation, improved airflow through opened doors, and the use of HEPA air cleaners. Results revealed that background ventilation and open doors during occupied periods reduced CO2 concentrations to around 1000 ppm. However, the effectiveness of background ventilation was influenced by outdoor conditions, such as wind speed and direction. The most effective method for reducing PM2.5 levels was installing an air cleaner alongside a commercial kitchen hood, resulting in a 15% greater reduction compared to background ventilation. To control the SARS-CoV-2 level, combining background ventilation or opening the doors with a 16,000 m3/h ventilation rate or using an air cleaner with baseline ventilation resulted in a basic reproductive number below 1. Overall, the research highlights the importance of background ventilation and open doors in enclosed spaces without operable windows for natural airflow. Additionally, the effectiveness of air purifiers in reducing particle and biological contaminant concentrations is demonstrated, providing valuable insights for improving IAQ in educational buildings.