Author: Ku, Chung-yee
Title: The indoor air quality and its relation to the building operation
Degree: M.Sc.
Year: 2000
Subject: Indoor air pollution
Air quality management
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Department: Department of Building Services Engineering
Pages: x, 101, [6] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm
Language: English
Abstract: The dissertation presents a study of the relationship between a building operation and indoor air quality. The aim of this dissertation is to find the optimum pattern and time for changing the air filter in the air handing unit of the building services component. The objective of the dissertation is to evaluate the impact on the people in relation to the operation of the building services in a theatre. The dissatisfaction level is taken to see how the condition of the air filter correlates to the dissatisfaction level of the building occupants. The technique can be extended to other building components and form a good building management tool. A theatre of 100 people capacity is studied. The quantitative data is taken from the Central Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) in the building management system and the qualitative data from the user questionnaire. Correlation between the objective measurements and the subjective results is analysed. The methodology used in the study to exchange and compare information on the performance of the buildings and services systems, helps to provide some of the mush needed feedback which can improve understanding and identify aspects of design and operation that are performing well or not so well. Using comparison of the data collected from the CCMS and the data from the questionnaires as part of a wider review of building performance, much information is provided on the effectiveness of the services installation, commissioning and management. It is an indication that a building and services that are well designed and managed are energy efficient and provide a good working environment for the building's occupants. In trying to reduce the building operation costs, the air filter performance is one of the areas of concern. It is common for facility to keep day-to-day records about the building performance and responses from the building’s occupants. The time for replacement of the air filter varies according to the physical size of the serviced room and the density of the occupant load. It does indicate a positive correlation between the air filter operating time and the energy consumption. In this dissertation, the occupants are asked to identify the symptoms and where they were when the symptoms appeared in the theatre. Such information is very useful in determining and comparing the data recorded in the central monitoring system. The severity and duration of the indoor air quality is directly related to the air filter operating time. When the filter is clogged, the air flow through the air filter into the theatre is less and the outdoor fresh air into the air handling system is reduced as well. Other conditions in the theatre are also collected in this research study. It is obvious that the dissatisfaction level with the indoor air quality reduces when the replacement of the air filter is made. The optimum pattern of changing the air filter is under the investigation. According to results in the study, the best time to replace the air filter is the time when the energy consumption and the air resistance to the air filter increase substantially. In practice, this can be monitored by the use of the computer monitoring system with which the modern building control system is commonly equipped. The major result and finding is that in operating the air handling unit in the building, the facility manager has to ensure the provision of a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for the building’s occupants. In addition to the equipment and services available in the building operating effectively, the meeting of the needs of the occupants has to be monitored and improvements found to minimise the energy required to operate the air handling unit. Further study can be done in the aspect of different capacities of the building and density of occupancy and usage. The reason for this is to see how the capacity of the building occupancy affects results. The changing time of the air filter may also depend on what type of air filter is used in the system. Other air filters can then be used to evaluate the difference in the required changing time. The reason for this is to identify whether the time depends on the type of the air filter used in the system.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: restricted access

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
b15207687.pdfFor All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only)3.01 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show full item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/67