Ventilation Solutions in Renovated Apartment Buildings in Cold Climate Conditions

Abstract

Different solutions of renovating the ventilation in apartment buildings have been researched. The analysis shows that the use of heat recovery in cold climate regions is essential. Central as well as apartment- and room-based solutions with heat recovery have been studied. Balanced ventilation is suitable for small (2 - 3-storey) apartment buildings with a suitable room solution for apartments. In larger apartment buildings, the system with the exhaust air heat pump could be used. This is particularly suitable for apartment buildings with mechanical exhaust ventilation. In small apartments, it is most suitable to use room-based air handling units (AHUs) with the recuperative heat exchanger, plus exhaust ventilators in the WC, bathroom and kitchen. The economic indicators of this system are best for two-room apartments. Apartment-based AHUs are suitable for large apartments if there is no opposition from the residents, which is caused by ventilation tubes (ducts) in the apartment. The comparison of the reduced energy cost in case of different AHUs has been presented for small apartment buildings.