Development of indoor air purification biofilter equipment to solve the energy efficiency dilemma of buildings
As part of the project, an innovative biofilter device will be developed to solve the dilemma of building energy efficiency-indoor air quality-thermal comfort. It occurs in spaces with high human density, such as schools, conference rooms, offices, etc., where CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the primary indoor pollutants. A mechanical ventilation system, which consumes energy, must be used to ensure the required indoor air quality. On the other hand, ensuring indoor air quality and thermal comfort contradicts energy efficiency. This dilemma is especially aggravated when increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. This harms indoor air exchange, reducing indoor air quality and significantly reducing the productivity of people in the room (a 15% reduction in school productivity is equivalent to 1 school year). Exceeded CO2 levels (above 1000 ppm) and VOC levels have acute effects on human health, incl. eye and respiratory system irritation, headache, nausea, movement coordination disorder, visual perception disorder, and allergic reaction. VOCs cause chronic health problems such as the liver, kidney, circulatory and central nervous systems. Some of them, such as formaldehyde, can cause cancer. This dilemma has been widely discussed in the international scientific literature, and various solutions have been sought, but there is no definitive solution. This project aims to create a prototype of a biofilter device that will reduce the concentration of CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air, using the principle of biomimicry – the ability of plants to absorb and release CO2. The prototype will consist of CO2 absorption and green wall modules. The operation of the equipment will be designed by adapting the use of artificial wood to the use of room air purification.
PROJECT FUNDED BY:
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
PROJECT DURATION:
Phase 1: 29 January 2018 – 28 October 2018
PROJECT BUDGET:
Phase 1: 27,777.78 EUR
SCIENTIFIC LEADER OF THE PROJECT:
Andra Blumberga
PUBLISHED:
29.01.2018.
