Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) and Indoor Air Pollution

Onyinye A. Ezeifeka, YEVGEN NAZARENKO, University of Cincinnati

     Abstract Number: 608
     Working Group: Reducing Aerosol Exposure with Control Technologies and Interventions

Abstract
Indoor air quality has a significant impact on health, well-being, productivity, and learning. There are different technical solutions to ensure adequate indoor air quality while maximizing the energy efficiency of buildings. The most effective solution in regions where indoor air must be heated or cooled is the energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). ERVs minimize energy consumption in buildings while maintaining adequate indoor air quality. ERVs were estimated to provide energy savings on heating ~40% and cooling ~8%, with a payback period of only 2 years. However, very little is known about the effects of ERVs on the removal, circulation, and transformations of indoor air contaminants, including their physical and chemical transformations, and practically no research has been performed to specifically assess the impact of ERVs on nanoaerosols (ultrafine airborne particles) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air associated with adverse health effects. A problem of fresh air contamination from the outflow of indoor air inside an ERV has been identified. Therefore, it is imperative to fill the knowledge gap in our understanding of ERVs’ impact on nanoaerosols, and how they are related to gaseous air contaminants, including VOCs. We assessed aerosol deposition, dynamics, and generation inside ERVs, the chemical signatures of the particles, including aerosol generation arising due to wear and tear, and cross-contamination and carry-over between air streams and resuspension from surfaces inside ERVs. The findings will help manufacturers design a new generation of ERV systems that provide better indoor air quality.