Download: EDR_DesignBriefs_demandcontrolledventilation.pdf
(0.3 MB PDF file)

Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) is a control strategy that varies the amount of ventilation outside air delivered to a space based on input from a single carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor or group of sensors, which is representative of the quantity of occupants within the space. This strategy provides an accurate and appropriate amount of outside air to the space based on actual occupant density, as opposed to a constant outside air amount based on the design occupancy of the space.

Concerns about rising energy costs and a growing interest in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating Systems™ are making DCV an increasingly popular control strategy in new building construction and existing building retrofits. When properly applied, DCV lowers utility bills by reducing the amount of outside air that must be heated, cooled or dehumidified. When applied incorrectly, it can create negative building pressures, undesirable infiltration, and poor indoor air quality.

This design brief provides an overview of ventilation requirements for various codes and standards, an introduction into the design and application of DCV, a discussion on commissioning, energy modeling issues, and estimated energy savings from implementing DCV strategies. Additionally, this brief also provides information on various CO2 sensor types.

Download: EDR_DesignBriefs_demandcontrolledventilation.pdf
(0.3 MB PDF file)

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