Special Issue of the Solar Energy Program devoted to Natural Ventilation in Urban Areas

摘要

The impact of air conditioners usage on electricity demand is a serious problem for almost all countries. Peak electricity loads oblige utilities to build additional plants in order to satisfy the demand, thus increasing the average cost of electricity. Despite the energy problems, indoor environmental quality of urban buildings is seriously affected by the concentration of harmful pollutants in the indoor environment. Indoor air quality, especially, in developing countries is an extremely serious problem. While in developed countries IAQ problems arise from low ventilation rates and the emission of building products and materials, the inhabitants of less developed countries face problems related to pollutants generated by human activities, in particular by combustion processes because of the use of ovens and braziers with imperfect kitchen and stove designs.