In present standards perceived air quality and ventilation requirements are considered independent of the thermal environment. To improve the design and operation of HVAC systems, it would be important to establish a model which predicts the impact of temperature and humidity on perceived air quality and on required ventilation. Based on such a model, the required ventilation may in future ventilation standards be specified as a function of indoor temperature and humidity. The model could also be a most useful tool for optimizing comfort and energy consumption in buildings.

The objectives of this project are to study experimentally how temperature and humidity influence emission and perception of contaminants from typical materials occurring in non-industrial buildings, and to model the impact of temperature and humidity on perceived air quality and ventilation requirements in spaces contaminated by typical materials. It will also validate the temperature/humidity model in real buildings.