\nThe concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air is a suitable indicator of air exhaustion in indoor spaces and correlates very well with the number of people present in these enclosed areas. Therefore, there is an opportunity for ventilation based on continuous measurement of carbon dioxide concentration in the air.
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What is air made of?
\nThe composition of the Earth’s atmosphere expressed in percentages is approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.4% water vapor, 0.04% carbon dioxide. The rest consists of noble gases and other components. CO2 is therefore a natural gaseous component of the Earth’s atmosphere. Its concentration in nature is around 0.04% or 400 ppm (Parts Per Million).
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\nHigher concentrations of CO2 in the outdoor environment occur:
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around busy traffic arteries
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around industrial zones
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around incinerators
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etc…
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People and carbon dioxide
\nThrough the process of breathing, inhaled oxygen is converted into carbon dioxide. The exhaled air of an adult person contains on average around 45 to 50 thousand ppm CO2 (approximately 100 times higher concentration than in outdoor air). Without adequate ventilation, the concentration of CO2 logically increases in enclosed spaces.
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\nThe value of carbon dioxide concentration in the air can therefore be considered an important indicator of air quality in enclosed spaces.
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\nAlthough carbon dioxide is invisible and odorless, its elevated level is evident. It leads to fatigue and a decrease in concentration ability, headaches… Especially in spaces with a larger number of people, such as schools, offices, theaters, healthcare facilities, the negative impact of increased CO2 concentration in the air is very noticeable.
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\nThe recommended concentration of CO2 in the air should be maintained at or around the value of 1,000 ppm.
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So how to ventilate?
\nCurrent technologies allow for easy and continuous measurement of CO2 concentration. Based on the obtained values, ventilation systems can be controlled to ensure good air quality and reduce energy consumption for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of indoor spaces.
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\nVentilation systems can therefore utilize measured CO2 concentration values for continuous control of their performance, thus maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Such systems are particularly useful for spaces with a variable number of people. The ventilation performance is then continuously adjusted based on the number of people present in the ventilated space.
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\nBased on the measurement of CO2 concentration in the air, modern ventilation systems can ensure optimal air quality in ventilated spaces regardless of the number of people present.
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