14 research outputs found
Investigating measurements of fine particle (PM2.5) emissions from the cooking of meals and mitigating exposure using a cooker hood
There is growing awareness that indoor exposure to particulate matter with diameter †2.5ÎŒm (PM2.5) is associated with an increased risk of adverse health effects. Cooking is a key indoor source of PM2.5 and an activity conducted daily in most homes. Population scale models can predict occupant exposures to PM2.5, but these predictions are sensitive to the emission rates used. Reported emission rates are highly variable, and are typically for the cooking of single ingredients and not full meals. Accordingly, there is a need to assess PM2.5 emissions from the cooking of complete meals. Mean PM2.5 emission rates and source strengths were measured for four complete meals. Temporal PM2.5 concentrations and particle size distributions were recorded using an optical particle counter (OPC), and gravimetric sampling was used to determine calibration factors. Mean emission rates and source strengths varied between 0.54â3.7 mg/min and 15â68 mg, respectively, with 95% confidence. Using a cooker hood (apparent capture efficiency >90%) and frying in non-stick pans were found to significantly reduce emissions. OPC calibration factors varied between 1.5â5.0 showing that a single value cannot be used for all meals and that gravimetric sampling is necessary when measuring PM2.5 concentrations in kitchens
Design and performance predictions of plus energy neighbourhoods â Case studies of demonstration projects in four different European climates
The article presents the design of four plus energy neighbourhood demonstration projects located in different climate zones in Europe. The demo projects are a part of the Horizon 2020 project âsyn.ikiaâ, which aims to enable the development of sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods in different climates and contexts. In this article, we describe the active and passive building strategies and analyse the robustness of the designs with respect to different scenarios of climate change, user behaviour, and energy flexibility. Analyses were performed based on the primary energy balance, including space heating and cooling, ventilation, domestic hot water, and lighting.
The performance predictions indicate that all demonstration projects may attain the plus energy balance according to the syn.ikia definition. This was achieved with high performing envelopes, efficient HVAC systems, and onsite renewable energy systems to cover the energy demand. The analysis shows that there is a significant potential for increased self-consumption of photovoltaic energy by adjusting the heating schedules and including electric vehicle charging. Testing of the designs with respect to varying climates and user-behaviours showed that there could be an increased risk of overheating, and that some of the designs may not achieve the positive energy balance in case of âworst caseâ user behaviour scenarios.publishedVersio
A multidisciplinary perspective on COVID-19 exit strategies
Lockdowns and associated measures imposed in response to the COVID-19 crisis inflict severe
damage to society. Across the globe, scientists and policymakers study ways to lift measures
while maintaining control of virus spread in circumstances that continuously change due to the
evolution of new variants and increasing vaccination coverage. In this process, it has become
clear that finding and analysing exit strategies, which are a key aspect of pandemic mitigation in
all consecutive waves of infection, is not solely a matter of epidemiological modeling but has
many different dimensions that need to be balanced and therefore requires input from many
different disciplines. Here, we document an attempt to investigate exit strategies from a
multidisciplinary perspective through the Science versus Corona project in the Netherlands. In
this project, scientists and laypeople were challenged to submit (components of) exit strategies.
A selection of these were implemented in a formal model, and we have evaluated the scenarios
from a multidisciplinary perspective, utilizing expertise in epidemiology, economics,
psychology, law, mathematics, and history. We argue for the integration of multidisciplinary
perspectives on COVID-19 and more generally in pandemic mitigation, highlight open
challenges, and present an agenda for further research into exit strategies and their assessmen
Ventilation challenges in a changing world
More than ever in the past, climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality are at the
center of many countriesÂŽ policies and research programmes. The building sector plays a
crucial role in achieving these goals, considering the carbon emissions attributed to buildingsâ
construction and operation, and its potential for better energy performance. At the same time
the COVID-19 crisis has emphasized the need to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and
ventilation in our buildings to reduce the risks of airborne virus transmission. All these
challenges require a transformation of the existing building stock that at the same time
achieves better IAQ and lowers environmental impact.
In 2022 the Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre organizes its first international conference
since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. Therefore the conference organizers want to pay
specific attention to the role of ventilation and infiltration in building decarbonization, and
improvement of indoor air quality including epidemic preparedness. How can design,
construction and renovation practices, innovative and digital technologies help in todayâs
challenges?
This is the context defining the core theme of the joint 42nd AIVC, 10th TightVent and 8th
venticool Conference: âVentilation Challenges in a Changing Worldâ.
Withi
Design and performance predictions of plus energy neighbourhoods â Case studies of demonstration projects in four different European climates
The article presents the design of four plus energy neighbourhood demonstration projects located in different climate zones in Europe. The demo projects are a part of the Horizon 2020 project âsyn.ikiaâ, which aims to enable the development of sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods in different climates and contexts. In this article, we describe the active and passive building strategies and analyse the robustness of the designs with respect to different scenarios of climate change, user behaviour, and energy flexibility. Analyses were performed based on the primary energy balance, including space heating and cooling, ventilation, domestic hot water, and lighting.
The performance predictions indicate that all demonstration projects may attain the plus energy balance according to the syn.ikia definition. This was achieved with high performing envelopes, efficient HVAC systems, and onsite renewable energy systems to cover the energy demand. The analysis shows that there is a significant potential for increased self-consumption of photovoltaic energy by adjusting the heating schedules and including electric vehicle charging. Testing of the designs with respect to varying climates and user-behaviours showed that there could be an increased risk of overheating, and that some of the designs may not achieve the positive energy balance in case of âworst caseâ user behaviour scenarios
AIVC Technical Note 70 - 40 years to build tight and ventilate right:From infiltration to smart ventilation
A multidisciplinary perspective on COVID-19 exit strategies
Lockdowns and associated measures imposed in response to the COVID-19 crisis inflict severe
damage to society. Across the globe, scientists and policymakers study ways to lift measures
while maintaining control of virus spread in circumstances that continuously change due to the
evolution of new variants and increasing vaccination coverage. In this process, it has become
clear that finding and analysing exit strategies, which are a key aspect of pandemic mitigation in
all consecutive waves of infection, is not solely a matter of epidemiological modeling but has
many different dimensions that need to be balanced and therefore requires input from many
different disciplines. Here, we document an attempt to investigate exit strategies from a
multidisciplinary perspective through the Science versus Corona project in the Netherlands. In
this project, scientists and laypeople were challenged to submit (components of) exit strategies.
A selection of these were implemented in a formal model, and we have evaluated the scenarios
from a multidisciplinary perspective, utilizing expertise in epidemiology, economics,
psychology, law, mathematics, and history. We argue for the integration of multidisciplinary
perspectives on COVID-19 and more generally in pandemic mitigation, highlight open
challenges, and present an agenda for further research into exit strategies and their assessmen