VentilationPer

VentilationPer is a concept and product family describing a per-occupant, per-room ventilation approach designed to optimize indoor air quality while minimizing energy use. It combines sensors, intelligent control, and modular ventilation units to adjust fresh-air delivery to each space based on occupancy, air quality, and environmental conditions.

Operation and design: The system relies on sensors measuring CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature, and occupancy. Data are processed by a control unit and distributed to decentralized ventilation modules that modulate supply and exhaust flows via variable-speed fans and modulating dampers. Many implementations integrate energy recovery devices to reclaim heat or coolness, reducing energy penalties. Control algorithms range from rule-based to predictive models that anticipate occupancy patterns and outdoor conditions.

Components and performance metrics: The core components include sensors, actuators, a ventilation manifold, and a building management interface. Key metrics include air changes per hour per room, outdoor air fraction, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) index, energy use per area, and occupant comfort indicators such as draft risk.

Applications and benefits: In offices, schools, hospitals, and homes, VentilationPer aims to maintain IAQ while reducing energy consumption by limiting ventilation when spaces are unoccupied or have good air quality, and ramping up when needed.

Limitations and challenges: Requires reliable sensors and maintenance, potential privacy considerations for occupancy sensing, and higher upfront costs. Interoperability with existing HVAC systems can influence performance.

Development and standards: Related to smart building initiatives and occupancy-based ventilation research. Relevant standards include ASHRAE 62.1 for ventilation and IAQ, and energy codes encouraging demand-controlled ventilation. See also: energy recovery ventilation, occupancy-based control, building management systems.