Computer Simulations of Airflow and Radon Transport in Four Large Buildings

摘要

Computer simulations of airflow and radon transport in four large buildings areperformed using the multi-zone airflow and pollutant transport model CONTAM88. These buildings include a twelve-story multi-family residential building, a five-story mechanically ventilated office building with an atrium, a seven-story mechanically ventilated office building with an underground parking garage, and a one-story mechanically ventilated school building. Interzone airflow rates and radon concentrations are predicted in these buildings as a function of wind speed and direction, indoor-outdoor temperature difference, and ventilation system operation. Ventilation system factors that are studied include the operation of exhaust fans in the apartment building and variations in the percent outdoor air intake in the office buildings. Simulations in the office buildings are also made with the ventilation systems off and with variations in the balance of the supply and return airflow rates.