Optimization of ventilation system in the open office space

Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Opole 7-9 Dmowskiego St., 45-365 Opole, Poland

^* Corresponding author: d.suszanowicz@uni.opole.pl

Abstract

The paper presents the results of study into the air parameters in open space offices. As office workers spend about 1/3 of the day in such spaces, it is important to provide them with the right climate comfort, and that is determined, most importantly, by: the temperature and humidity of the air, quality of the air, and the concentration of CO₂. Two objects of study were selected - both of them open space facilities, each with a different intensity of use. In the course of study, measurements were taken on the basis of which the distributions of temperature, humidity, and concentrations of CO₂ in the entire volume of the space were determined. Also the empirical coefficients of CO₂ emission by the office workers were marked out, dependent on the volume of the working area and the number of people using it. The coefficients were developed at optimal working parameters of fans in the ventilation system; the criterion for optimization being heat loss in the office caused by discharge of the used heated air into the atmosphere. The results of the study have also shown that the use of personal ventilation (PV) with an installed recuperator for heat recovery from the used air discharged from the room significantly improves the energy efficiency of an open space office building.