Partial Restriction. Restriction lift date: 2026-12-31
Energy efficient achievement of indoor air quality and thermal comfort using mechanical ventilation heat recovery and solar-energy pre-heating
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Date
2025
Authors
Tohidi Moghadam, Talie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
This research explores the viability of integrating solar air heating technologies with a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system for pre-heating ventilation air to achieve energy efficiency and maintain Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort in an institutional building. Key research gaps addressed include balancing IAQ with ventilation energy efficiency, IAQ control in high-occupancy educational buildings, the lack of experimental-based research on energy-efficient ventilation strategies, and the potential of solar thermal technologies in reducing heating loads.
A critical systematic literature review was conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ventilation practices, IAQ, and energy efficiency. An experimental field study in a university lecture theatre considered mixed-mode ventilation strategies and their impact on IAQ and energy use. A subsequent experimental study in a smaller classroom investigated seasonal performance of Transpired Solar Collectors (TSCs) integrated with an MVHR system for pre-heating ventilation air. Experimental results validated “EnergyPlus” simulations for ventilation control strategies and “RETScreen” analysis for TSC solar air heating applications.
Field measurements confirmed that low ventilation rates correlate with high CO₂ levels, while increased ventilation enhances IAQ but results in higher energy consumption, emphasizing the need for optimised ventilation control strategies. The integration of TSCs with an MVHR system improved ventilation preheating efficiency, reducing overall heating energy demand by approximately 20% while maintaining IAQ and thermal comfort across different seasons. The feasibility analysis further revealed that TSC solar air heating can reduce an entire building annual heating energy consumption by more than 30% and in the particular building, it reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from natural gas and electricity usage by 10.5 tonnes CO₂, with a simple payback period of 8.1 years and an internal rate of return of 15.2%, proving its economic viability.
This research delivers several key contributions to the field of sustainable building design and ventilation. It presents the first systematic review addressing the intersection of COVID-19-driven ventilation requirements and associated energy challenges. The work also identifies limitations in current field-based IAQ assessment practices and offers Ireland’s first experimental evaluation and performance quantification of an integrated TSC and MVHR system. Additionally, it introduces the first techno-economic feasibility study of solar-assisted ventilation in the Irish context. These original contributions support progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project further aligns with University College Cork’s sustainability agenda, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support the transition toward net-zero energy buildings.
Description
Partial Restriction
Keywords
Building energy efficiency , Indoor air quality (IAQ) , Thermal comfort , Solar air heating , Transpired solar collectors , Mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) , Building retrofit , Decarbonisation , Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) , Ventilation
Citation
Tohidi Moghadam, T. 2025. Energy efficient achievement of indoor air quality and thermal comfort using mechanical ventilation heat recovery and solar-energy pre-heating. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.