Sekoitusilmanvälitys

Sekoitusilmanvälitys, meaning "mixed air ventilation" in Finnish, refers to a ventilation strategy where both fresh outside air and recirculated indoor air are mixed before being supplied to a space. This approach is commonly employed in building ventilation systems, particularly in commercial and public spaces, to optimize thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

The core principle of sekoitusilmanvälitys involves combining a portion of fresh outdoor air with a larger portion of air that has been previously circulated within the building. This mixture is then conditioned (heated or cooled) as needed and distributed to occupied zones. The proportion of fresh to recirculated air is typically regulated by a control system based on factors such as occupancy levels, indoor air quality requirements, and outdoor air conditions.

One of the primary benefits of sekoitusilmanvälitys is its potential for energy savings. By recirculating a significant amount of indoor air, the system reduces the amount of outdoor air that needs to be heated or cooled, thereby lowering the energy load on the HVAC system. This can lead to reduced operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

However, sekoitusilmanvälitys also has considerations. The effectiveness of this strategy is dependent on maintaining adequate outdoor air intake to ensure sufficient fresh air supply for occupant health and to dilute indoor pollutants. If the recirculated air is not properly filtered or if there are significant sources of indoor pollution, the mixed air might not meet air quality standards. Therefore, proper design, operation, and maintenance of the ventilation system are crucial to balance energy efficiency with acceptable indoor air quality.