Minimum outdoor air supply for radon in high rise residential buildings - Natural ventilation v air-conditioning unit

Ka Se Lam, Hon Wan Edwin Chan, D. W.T. Chan, W. Y. Fung, K. C. Law, C. T. Tai

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Natural ventilation, as a medium for air exchange between the indoor and outdoor environment, is known for its functions of providing outdoor 'fresh' air and removing indoor air pollutants. In this study, the minimum outdoor air ventilation rate required to maintain radon concentration at an acceptable level was determined. Radon and air change per hour (ac/h) were measured simultaneously and systematically in a concrete high rise residential building (denoted as SP). The radon level and radon emanation rate of SP were about 435 Bq/m3and 72.48 Bq/m2/h respectively. Modelling results showed that, for the action level of 200 Bq/m3(according to WHO) and 150 Bq/m3(HKEPD), the outdoor air supply in SP should exceed 0.61 ac/h and 0.88 ac/h respectively. The average background infiltration in SP was 0.36 ac/h and a window-type airconditioner can deliver 0.74 ac/h. In situ measurements showed that background infiltration in SP was inadequate to suppress indoor radon below 200 Bq/m3but a well vented air-conditioner was sufficient to achieve that level.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)427-436
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Ventilation
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2007

Keywords

  • Air change per hour (ac/h)
  • Concrete
  • High rise building
  • Minimum outdoor air supply
  • Radon
  • Residential

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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