Factors influencing radon concentration during energy retrofitting in domestic buildings: A computational evaluation

被引:20
作者
McGrath, James A. [1 ,2 ]
Aghamolaei, Reihaneh [3 ,4 ]
O'Donnell, James [3 ,4 ]
Byrne, Miriam A. [1 ,2 ]
机构
[1] Natl Univ Ireland Galway, Sch Phys, Univ Rd, Galway H91 CF50, Co Galway, Ireland
[2] Natl Univ Ireland Galway, Ryan Inst, Ctr Climate & Air Pollut Studies, Galway, Co Galway, Ireland
[3] Univ Coll Dublin, Sch Mech & Mat Engn, Dublin 4, Ireland
[4] Univ Coll Dublin, UCD Energy Inst, Dublin 4, Ireland
关键词
Building retrofit; Computational simulations; Natural ventilation; Energy efficiency; Airtightness; INDOOR AIR-QUALITY; THERMAL COMFORT; VENTILATION; DWELLINGS; IMPACT; EFFICIENCY; EXPOSURE; CONSTRUCTION; ENVIRONMENT; STRATEGIES;
D O I
10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107712
中图分类号
TU [建筑科学];
学科分类号
0813 ;
摘要
The findings of recent research signalled increased radon levels following energy retrofitting of dwellings but to date, there have been limited quantitative data to support this observation. A modelling framework was developed that incorporates a dynamic radon entry rate, capturing changes in pressure differentials, to investigate changes in radon concentration following different energy-efficient retrofit measures in naturallyventilated dwellings. Simulations examined a range of input criteria: dwelling type, air permeabilities, radon flow exponents, pre and post thermal retrofit characteristics, outdoor weather locations and corresponding wind profiles, as well as different ventilation guidelines. A total of 3,780 simulations were carried out. The air permeability of the building had the greatest impact on radon concentration with increases of up to 107%. Nonlinear increases were observed arising from the impacts on pressure differentials due to changes in air permeability. The application of representative weather profiles associated with different locations (e.g. coastal, inland) resulted in differences of up to 37%. To a lesser extent, increased indoor temperature due to thermally retrofitting the building fabric, without changes in air permeability, resulted in radon levels increasing by 7%. Additionally, it was shown that the radon flow exponent was not a significant influence on radon concentrations following a retrofit. The addition of ventilation measures means that it is possible to achieve increased airtightness without impacting on the radon concentration. Overall, the simulations provide quantitative information that explains increased airtightness and elevated radon levels, highlighting the potential for radon concentrations to either increase or decrease following an energy retrofit.
引用
收藏
页数:9
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