Experimental Validation of CO2-Based Occupancy Detection for Demand-Controlled Ventilation

Abstract

On-line ventilation control based on carbon dioxide (CO₂) measurement and the dynamic CO ₂ balance in indoor spaces has been validated using a dynamic algo rithm for two existing buildings. Occupancy profiles esti mated using the dynamic algorithm were compared with the true occupancy profiles and the occupancy profiles estimated using a steady-state algorithm based on the steady-state CO₂ balance. The dynamic algorithm esti mates the changes of occupancy without significant de lay. The steady-state algorithm is comparable only at a high air change rate and shows a considerable delay when the number of air changes per hour in a space is small. This phenomenon was investigated using com puter simulation.