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About the project

Building installations account for around 35% of total energy consumption, with an estimated 20% lost due to inefficient operation. In schools, poor indoor environmental quality, particularly exposure to particulate matter, can negatively affect the health, well-being, and performance of students and staff. To address these challenges, the ECoS-IAQ project applied advanced sensing, data analytics, continuous monitoring, fault detection and diagnostics, and predictive maintenance to improve the performance of HVAC systems in schools.

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Wim Zeiler | Project leader

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Key Innovations and Findings

The project introduced a new perspective on indoor air quality by focusing on ventilation effectiveness rather than simply increasing airflow rates. CFD simulations provided valuable insights into airflow patterns and demonstrated the benefits of demand-controlled, multi-zone ventilation strategies for achieving a more even distribution of fresh air in classrooms. The research also advanced AHU design, assessed the performance of low-cost sensors, and explored improved filtration solutions.

Impact

The ECoS-IAQ project successfully delivered new knowledge, tools, and design approaches for healthier and more energy-efficient school buildings. Its findings support better ventilation performance, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced comfort and well-being for students and staff.