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Predicting psychrometric conditions in biocontaminant microenvironments with a microclimate heat and moisture transfer model - description and field comparison

Cunningham, M. J., Roos, C., Gu, L. and Spolek, G.
2004
Indoor Air, 14(4): 235


Cunningham, M. J., Roos, C., Gu, L. and Spolek, G., (2004), "Predicting psychrometric conditions in biocontaminant microenvironments with a microclimate heat and moisture transfer model - description and field comparison", Indoor Air, 14(4): 235.
Abstract:
A numerical model is described that is designed to model psychrometric conditions in biocontaminant microenvironments, such as in bedding and the base of carpets for dust-mites, and on the surface of linings for molds. The model is very general and can include room air, other room components, other zones including the outdoors, other rooms and any subfloor space. Mechanical plant can be modeled. Good agreement between modeled and field results are reported for the complex case of an occupied bed and for the microclimate in the base of a carpet, before and after its timber floor above a crawl space was retrofitted with insulation.

Practical Implications

Biocontaminants such as dust-mites and molds can pose serious health problems. Understanding microclimates in biocontaminant microhabitats, when coupled with biologic models, will make it possible to predict how the life cycles of these biocontaminants are affected as these conditions change. In turn, this will suggest which interventions that modify indoor climate and microclimate are likely to control these biocontaminants. Furthermore such interventions might include indoor humidity control, changing building insulation and ventilation levels, covering mattresses, use of electric blankets, use of carpet heating, etc. Such models will provide a fast way for screening for interventions that are likely to be effective in the control of biocontaminants


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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Cunningham, M. J.
BPANZ, Moonshine Road, Judgeford, Private Rag 50908, Porirua, New Zealand. Department of Building Physics at Chalmers University of Technology, G6teborg, Sweden
  1. A field study of the moisture performance of roofs of occupied newly constructed timber framed houses
  2. A prarmeteric study of wall moisture contents using a revised variable indoor relative humidity version of the "MOIST" transient heat and moisture transfer model
  3. Effective penetration depth and effective resistance in moisture transfer
  4. Inferring ventilation and moisture release rates from field psychrometric data only using system identification techniques
  5. Modelling of Moisture Transfer in Structures-III. A Comparison between the Numerical Model SMAHT and Field Data
  6. The building volume with hygroscopic materials--an analytical study of a classical building physics problem
  7. Using hygroscopic damping of relative humidity and vapour pressure fluctuations to measure room ventilation rates  
Roos, C.
  1. A prarmeteric study of wall moisture contents using a revised variable indoor relative humidity version of the "MOIST" transient heat and moisture transfer model  
Gu, L.
  1. Combined heat and moisture transfer in buildings and structures
  2. Simulation of combined heat moisture and contaminant transport in building science problems  
Spolek, G.
     



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